Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Kensington, MD

Hello, and welcome. My name is Debby Falusi, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years of experience in mental health care. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults across a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatry, telepsychiatry, substance use treatment programs, correctional facilities, and skilled nursing facilities.

I believe that mental health care should be compassionate, collaborative, and individualized. My approach focuses on creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to participate in their treatment decisions. I work closely with each client to understand their unique experiences, challenges, strengths, and goals.

My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders. I provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive psychotherapy while utilizing evidence-based practices to help clients achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in their mental well-being.

I understand that seeking help can be difficult, and I strive to make the process as comfortable as possible. Whether you are experiencing new mental health concerns or managing a long-standing condition, I am committed to supporting you on your journey toward healing, resilience, and improved quality of life.

I look forward to partnering with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and helps you move toward your personal goals.

Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma/PTSD, Mood Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Stress Management, and Medication Management.

Please visit www.tendermindandsoulhealthcare.com for more information.

If you're carrying anxiety that won't quiet down, grief that feels impossible to move through, or a weight that makes everyday life feel harder than it should, you're in the right place. I work with adults and people across all stages of life who are ready to feel more like themselves again. My approach is grounded in warmth and a deep belief that you are the expert on your own life. There's no judgment here, only a supportive space where you can say what you've been holding back.

Life can feel overwhelming — and sometimes the weight of anxiety, depression, or past trauma can make it hard to see a way forward. I'm here to help you make sense of what you're carrying and find a path toward feeling more like yourself again.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 7 years of experience supporting adults through some of life's most difficult moments. Over the past 3.5 years as an independently licensed therapist, I've had the privilege of walking alongside clients navigating anxiety, depression, and the lasting effects of trauma. My approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based practices — evidence-backed tools that I tailor to fit you, not the other way around.

I believe therapy works best when you feel truly seen and safe. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, and I'm committed to creating a space where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment.

I’m a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with more than 16 years of experience in healthcare and a deep passion for providing compassionate, individualized mental health care.

I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported. My approach is patient-centered and collaborative, with treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, goals, and circumstances.

Through Telehealth, I provide evaluation and treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns, including ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, anger concerns, intermittent explosive disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, binge-eating disorders, body dysmorphia, PTSD, unresolved trauma, family conflicts, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. I proudly provide an LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive space for all patients.

I also believe mental health care works best when providers work together. When appropriate, I collaborate with therapists, primary care providers, and other healthcare professionals to help create comprehensive, practical, and effective treatment plans.

My goal is simple: to meet you where you are and support you in getting to where you want to be. Your story matters, your goals matter, and you deserve care that meets you with compassion—not judgment.

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.

Introduction

I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate their mental health journeys. I offer virtual therapy sessions, making it convenient for you to receive support from the comfort of your own space. Fluent in both English and Swahili.

Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision, and my goal is to provide a space where you feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported. For the past 15 years, I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, disordered eating, substance use, identity and cultural concerns, and moments of feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves.

My approach is integrative and tailored to each person’s unique needs. I draw from psychodynamic, attachment-based, cognitive behavioral (CBT), humanistic, and mindfulness-based approaches, balancing insight-oriented exploration with practical tools that support meaningful, lasting change. I believe our symptoms often serve a purpose, and together we’ll approach them with curiosity and compassion to better understand what they’re communicating rather than simply trying to eliminate them.

Having lived and worked internationally, I bring a culturally responsive perspective to therapy and understand how culture, identity, family, and life experiences shape the way we relate to ourselves and others. Whether you’re working through a specific challenge or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I’ll meet you with warmth, authenticity, and collaboration.

I earned my master’s degree in Counseling and Development from George Mason University in 2011 and have been practicing psychotherapy ever since. I provide therapy in English, Arabic, and French.

I'm a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner with over 10+ of experience in the mental health field, and 3 years as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I founded Isimi Health & Wellness to provide thoughtful, evidence-based psychiatric care rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and a deep respect for the mind-body connection. My clinical background spans across PHP/IOP settings, Outpatient psychiatry, TMS, and telepsychiatry. I’ve worked with diverse populations experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, and life transitions. Whether you're seeking support for mood instability, clarity around your medication options, or a space to reset and realign, I’m honored to walk alongside you on your wellness journey.

Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or the heavy impact of trauma or PTSD? As a board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) licensed in MD, VA, and D.C., I bring over 20 years of nursing experience to your care. I specialize in providing individualized-centered care and a holistic approach, combining expert medication management with various psychotherapies to address your mind, body, and spirit. My extensive experience includes working with teens, adults, and the military population and their families, focusing on conditions like depression, anxiety, anger management, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and general mood disorders. I am passionate about guiding you toward complete inner healing and a happier life. I accept Aetna, CareFirst, and UnitedHealthcare through Headway. Click my website link now to verify benefits and schedule your first step

Finding psychiatric care where you feel truly heard—rather than rushed through an appointment—can be challenging. As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I provide thorough psychiatric evaluations and personalized medication management for adults navigating ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, depression, and major life transitions.

My clinical background spans high-acuity critical care and outpatient psychiatry, giving me a grounded, whole-person perspective on mental wellness. I look closely at how physical health, sleep, daily routines, and brain chemistry interact so we can address the root causes of what is holding you back. If you are looking for clarity, diagnostic precision, and a supportive medical provider to guide your care, I welcome the opportunity to partner with you.