Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Gaithersburg, MD

Malcolm is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with dual board certification in Family Practice. I am a native New Yorker with over 20 years of healthcare experience. Growing up in New York City, I’m comfortable working with diverse populations. I’ve served clients from various religious, socioeconomic, cultural and sexual orientation backgrounds.

Hello, its pleasure to meet you. Sometimes we need someone to talk to or with about things that may bother us. Often times, we think we can resolve problems on our own but over time, we realize we need a professional to help us. I am the perfect stranger, we can meet in a safe environment and our conversations will remain confidential.

I am a licensed professional counselor and I have worked in this field for over 20 years. I received my Masters at Howard University in Washington, DC. , in counseling and have also received additional training at Catholic University. I am a nationally certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors.

I use several therapies to help my clients depending on what their needs are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Person-Centered therapy and Eclectic Therapy.

I provide structured, evidence-based psychiatric care for adolescents and adults with anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, and complex mental health conditions. I specialize in treating individuals who have had limited response to prior treatment and require a more personalized, clinically guided approach. I also have extensive experience supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in both community and residential settings.

Welcome

Hello, and thank you for considering me as your therapist. My name is Tarianda Ruston, and I have more than 25 years of experience working in the helping profession. I am a licensed clinical social worker in both Maryland and the District of Columbia, with a diverse background that has allowed me to support individuals and families through many of life's challenges.

Throughout my career, I have worked in child welfare, foster care and adoption, inpatient mental health, custody cases, special education, and school mental health. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face across different stages of life. My passion is helping individuals discover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and build the tools needed for lifelong emotional wellness.

I believe therapy is a partnership built on trust, respect, and authenticity. My role is not to tell you what to do or make decisions for you. Instead, I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly. Through thoughtful questions, compassionate reflection, and evidence-based strategies, I will help you gain insight, clarify your values, and make choices that align with the life you want to create.

I believe that each person is the expert of their own life. At times, however, navigating challenges, life transitions, relationships, or emotional struggles can feel overwhelming, and having a supportive, objective person to talk to can make a meaningful difference.

My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Together, I am committed to helping you build insight, resilience, and confidence while working toward your personal goals.

I am an experienced therapist, licensed in Maryland, Ohio, Missouri, and Kansas. I will be your partner and tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I have a master’s degree from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. I have been described as supportive, direct, caring, and compassionate, with a good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you maximize them.