Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Waldorf, MD

I am a Maryland Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, dedicated to supporting individuals through life's challenges with compassion and expertise. As a proud veteran of the Iraq War (2005-2006), I bring a unique understanding and empathy to those who have served, along with a commitment to serving all communities.

I hold a Master of Social Work Degree with a primary concentration in Clinical Practice and a specialization in Health—Child, Adolescent, and Family Health (CAFH)—from the University of Maryland School of Social Work.

My practice welcomes adults from 18 to 65+ years old. I am especially dedicated to serving veterans, service members, LGBTQ+ individuals, new mothers, and older adults. Whether you're navigating mental health concerns, life transitions, or seeking personal growth, I provide a safe, non-judgmental space tailored to your unique needs.

Together, we can work toward resilience, healing, and a more fulfilling life. Reach out today to start your journey to well-being.

You should know that I take your concerns seriously, and I will meet you with compassion, respect, and zero judgment. I understand that reaching out for mental health support can feel intimidating, especially if you have faced stigma, felt dismissed in the past, or worried about what a diagnosis might mean. My goal is to help you feel safe and at ease from the very first conversation.

As a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience in psychiatric and mental health care, I work with individuals across the lifespan. I commonly support people navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress-related concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral health challenges. I approach each person as a whole, not a label, and I take the time to understand your symptoms in the context of your life, your stressors, your strengths, and your goals.

In our work together, you can expect a collaborative, patient-centered approach. I believe treatment works best when you feel heard and involved, so we will discuss what you are experiencing, what has helped or not helped in the past, and what you want to be different moving forward. If medication is part of your care, I prioritize thoughtful, evidence-based decisions, clear education about options, and ongoing adjustments based on your response and preferences. I also value practical strategies and supportive guidance that you can apply between sessions.

Most importantly, I am passionate about each person I serve because I know you are important, and I recognize the courage it takes to seek help. My role is to offer steady, professional support and a trusting relationship as you work toward clarity, stability, and lasting wellness.

When navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, or trauma, it is easy to assume that something is fundamentally wrong with you. If you are struggling with low self-concept, anger, or substance usage, you might view these obstacles as personal failures. My goal is to completely shift that narrative. Together, we will look at what is going on with you, rather than what is wrong with you.

Since 1993, I have spent over 30 years helping individuals recognize their innate strengths and leverage them to overcome life’s hardest hurdles. Throughout my career, I have developed deep clinical expertise, obtaining specific, formal certifications across multiple states to ensure you receive highly credentialed and adaptive care.

Taking that first step to reach out for support can feel intimidating. Because of this, our introductory session is designed to be a safe, collaborative space. We will explore what is currently going well, examine the challenges you are experiencing, and align on your expectations for therapy. My primary objective is to establish an empowering professional relationship built entirely on your strengths.

I worked in various inpatient mental health facilities, assisted individuals with learning disabilities, helped others with chronic illnesses, taught people ways to manage life traumas, and guided people who suffered with grief.

Collaboration and shared decision-making are essential.

I work alongside clients to explore their goals, provide education, and develop treatment plans that align with their values and preferences. Pay close attention not just to what clients say, but how they say it—affect, behavior, and underlying themes.

I believe psychiatric care should feel like a real conversation, not a clinical interrogation. I believe in science, and I’m curious about what’s happening beneath the symptoms how brain chemistry, genetics, trauma, sleep, and physical health may be affecting the way you feel and function.

I’m solution focused. I want to understand what’s keeping you stuck, explain what I think is going on, and work with you on a wayI need initial intake documents to be completed so that we can spend more time during the visit. forward and treat the symptoms! I’ll be transparent about our progress, and I hope you’ll be honest with me, too. You can expect me to listen without judgment, challenge you when it’s helpful, and celebrate your wins alongside you.

I do require initial intake documents to be completed so we can spend more time in the visit.