Carroll Counseling of Maryland

Carroll Counseling Center of Maryland provides compassionate, coordinated mental health and psychiatric care for children, adolescents and adults. Our integrated team offers individual therapy and medication management. We specialize in support for ADHD, learning differences, trauma and other mental health concerns. <br><br>With multiple offices in Mt. Airy, Columbia, Severna Park and Towson, our licensed psychologists, nurse practitioners, and therapists collaborate to help create a safe, supportive space where you can explore emotions, strengthen coping skills, and work toward personal growth and improved well-being.

Therapy for adults, teens and children.

Our team of mental health professionals is here to help you and your loved ones manage emotional, mental and behavioral health challenges.<br><br>We tailor care to fit your unique needs – and help make sure you feel safe, accepted and supported along the way.

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Careers

Helps individuals explore personal challenges and life transitions, process emotions, set goals, and build coping skills and resilience.

Individual therapy

Uses structured exercises and strategies to help individuals better understand and manage unhelpful thoughts and emotions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Helps family members improve communication, resolve conflicts and build stronger bonds.

Family therapy

Teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation and stress management techniques to help individuals manage intense emotions.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Helps partners examine their relationship and work to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen trust and connection.

Couples therapy

Helps individuals achieve personal growth and positive change by exploring how past experiences influence the way they think, feel and relate to others.

Psychodynamic therapy

Helps individuals acknowledge and accept difficult emotions while taking meaningful steps to support well-being and quality of life.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Helps children express and process emotions and experiences through play and creativity to support emotional growth and well-being.

Play therapy

Helps individuals gradually face and manage anxiety through a step-by-step, confidence-building process.

Exposure therapy

Help individuals explore their self-identity, process emotions and nurture well-being through art, music and movement.

Expressive therapies

Provide diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions that benefit from or require medical intervention and medication management.

Psychiatric care and medication management

Uses guided, structured techniques to help individuals process and cope with traumatic memories.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts to manage emotions and improve well-being.

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)

Alisha is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). She adopts a holistic approach to inspire hope and foster transformative changes in her clients’ lives.

Specializing in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, and ADHD, Alisha offers comprehensive care spanning all age groups, from adolescents to older adults. She integrates evidence-based practices with personalized care to promote optimal behavioral wellness. Alisha creates a nurturing environment for healing and personal growth, aiming to empower clients with the motivation and resources needed to achieve their goals.

Dr. Ornberg received her PhD from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, now Palo Alto University, in California and is licensed in Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  She did her post-doctoral year at the Kennedy Krieger Institute/Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Center for Learning and Its Disorders and the Department of Developmental Pediatrics.  Prior to her graduate work, Dr. Ornberg worked as a registered nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit in California. Dr. Ornberg has extensive experience working with children, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and primary school-aged children.  She was affiliated with the Montgomery County Infants and Toddlers Program for about twelve years.  In the past, she also worked at the Lab School of Washington and in her own private practice.

Dr. Ornberg enjoys performing psychological and psychoeducational assessments across the age spectrum.  In terms of therapy, she works with children, ranging from elementary-aged to college and will accept new patients up to the age of twenty-five.

She lists her primary areas of interest as achievement testing, ADHD/ADD testing, child development and developmental delays, educational testing, learning disabilities (testing), parenting issues, autism and pervasive developmental disorders, psychological testing, and school issues.  She also provides treatment in the following areas: self-mutilation/self-harm, self-esteem/self-concept issues, test anxiety, panic disorder, oppositional defiant disorders, interpersonal problems, impulse control problems, grief/loss counseling, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, family conflict/problems, and general problems/daily life.

Dr. Pardo completed his PsyD in Clinical Psychology at Loyola University Maryland, completing practicum experiences at the Loyola Clinical Centers, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, and Baltimore City Public Schools. He completed his doctoral internship at Andrus Children Centers in Yonkers, NY. In addition to extensive training with children and families, Dr. Pardo has been working with adults since earning his doctoral degree.

Dr. Pardo currently provides individual therapy for teens and adults from a cognitive behavioral and interpersonal framework. His approach incorporates a variety of evidence-based interventions within the context of a warm and supportive therapeutic environment. Dr. Pardo has been working with adults through teletherapy since 2019 and is comfortable guiding clients through their therapeutic journey in a virtual care environment. His areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship problems, adjustment related stress, and the emotional effects of chronic illness.

Dr. Lasslett completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of North Texas, with practicum experiences in a community outpatient clinic, private practice, a federal women’s prison, and the Maryland VA Health Care System in Baltimore. She completed her doctoral internship at the Federal Medical Center in Devens, Massachusetts, a federal men’s prison.

Dr. Lasslett has experience with individual therapy and assessment for adolescents and adults. She works from a psychodynamic framework, and incorporates psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy techniques into her practice. Her areas of specialty include personality disorders, interpersonal problems, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic, behavioral problems, life transitions, grief and loss, stress and coping, self-esteem, self-harm, trauma, and severe mental illness.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner committed to providing quality, compassionate, and evidence-based mental health care to adults. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University, where I focused on developing a comprehensive understanding of psychiatric care across diverse populations.

Growing up in a community where mental health was rarely discussed and often left untreated, I developed a deep commitment to de-stigmatizing mental illness, educating patients, and delivering thoughtful, individualized care. I work with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, attention difficulties, sleep disturbances, emotional dysregulation, and many more.

I strive to create a therapeutic environment grounded in respect, kindness, and clinical excellence. My approach blends evidence-based guidelines with clinical experience, observation, and intuition. I believe in treating patients as I would want my own family to be treated—with empathy, dignity, and unwavering support. I often say, “Sometimes I inspire my patients, but most of the time they inspire me and teach me.”

Jessica (she/her) completed her Bachelors of Music Therapy and Masters of Social Work in clinical/community counseling with a certificate in substance use counseling from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. She practiced for many years in NC in settings such as inpatient hospitals, community outreach teams, mobile crisis teams, vocational training programs, and care coordination. She returned to her home state of MD and began practicing in an outpatient setting combining medical and behavioral health along with LGBTQIA and HIV specialty care. She believes in working on not only the mental health of an individual but also physical, social, creative, and spiritual aspects as well.

Jessica is trained in CBT, CBTp, DBT, IDDT, MI, ACT, EMDR, and the creative/arts therapies with an emphasis on music therapy. She has experience in treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, life adjustments, grief and loss, trauma, pregnancy and post partum, parenting/relational/work stress including parenting of special needs children, LGBTQIA, and group therapy. She is trained in Gender affirming assessment for surgery.

I believe in a person-centered approach to helping others. No one knows you as well as you. My role is to collaborate, encourage, and offer a perspective and possible tools to help you design a life that better meets the results you sought therapy to help accomplish.

I have ten years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and groups in achieving their goals through the practice of various modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, solution-based Therapies, and Experiential and Mindfulness practices.

At this time, my work is primarily focused on helping individuals and couples who are facing challenges with depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship issues, as well as other concerns and stressors that come with everyday living.

Kim Machado has a background in classical music, particularly opera, and has performed in many spaces such Carnegie Hall, Ely Cathedral, and the Kennedy center. Ms. Machado’s love of music and the arts have contributed to her creativity in her therapeutic work. She uses a compassionate, existential, and psychodynamic approach to treating Eating Disorders and Trauma Disorders. Member of The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation and EMDR trained, Ms. Machado utilizes EMDR therapy to help patients process their trauma and dislodge old negative believes. Depending on the severity of Eating Disorder behaviors, Ms. Machado may require Eating Disorder patients to work with a registered dietitian. This ensures the patient has accountability nutritionally and has someone that can provide food education and guidance into intuitive eating.

Ms. Machado is familiar with and utilizes Psychodrama, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Attachment Focused-EMDR, and Focal Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Anorexia when appropriate. In her spare time, Ms. Machado enjoys writing, traveling, and learning languages. She speaks Italian and is currently learning Norwegian and Korean.

Dr. Arge is a Maryland Licensed Psychologist who has been practicing for more than 25 years providing psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology from Rutgers University, she obtained a Doctor of Psychology degree from The Institute of Graduate Clinical Psychology at Widener University.  Her internship experiences at Crozer-Chester Medical Center Children’s Services Unit, Swarthmore College Counseling Center, and at the Center for Psychological Services in Ardmore, PA in addition to her practicum experiences laid the groundwork for her subsequent treatment with patients of all ages with a variety of mental health issues. Dr. Arge also has a broad background helping people of different ethnicities, cultural and spiritual identifications.

Dr. Arge’s therapeutic approach is based in psychodynamic training at Widener University as well as cognitive behavioral techniques. Specifically, she helps people develop the skills and strategies they need to manage their symptoms, such as self-esteem , emotional regulation, self-soothing, and distress tolerance in the context of a safe and confidential therapeutic relationship.

Therapy with Dr. Arge also includes building an understanding of how one’s history has laid the foundation for current strengths and struggles. Throughout her career she has treated people with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, grief, trauma, and stress associated with chronic medical conditions, work, parenting, and relationship issues. Her work with children and adolescents also involves the building of skill sets and combines individual therapy with involvement of the family in the therapeutic process. Dr. Arge is a member of the American Psychological Association.

Mary Anne Smith is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who treats individuals with a range of mental health conditions, including mood disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment disorders, and PTSD.

In this role, she performs comprehensive assessments, offering patients an opportunity to discuss current symptoms and concerns about their mental health. Mary Anne provides teens, adults, seniors, and their families education about disease processes. She aims to educate and work with her clients in the development of collaborative treatment plans that address individual needs and goals.

Mary Anne completed her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Dallas Baptist University, a Master’s degree at Southern Mississippi University, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She completed a Postmasters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification at University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Michael Cardaci is a full-time private practitioner with 30+ years of mental health experience. He is a dedicated, client-focused psychotherapist with experience serving diverse client populations across the age spectrum whose concerns include a broad range of concerns and psychiatric disorders. Clients regard him as a down-to-earth therapist. He enjoys working in a professional setting with invested clinicians where he can apply his knowledge and skills in a practical and proactive manner.

Michael focuses on individual psychotherapy with conjoint therapy sessions as needed for adult clients and individual and family therapy for children and adolescents. He will see children, adolescents, adults, and seniors (4 ½ to 60+ years-old) whose challenges include, though are not limited to, Attention-Deficit Disorder/Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Behavioral Problems, Emotional Regulation Issues, Grief & Loss, Interpersonal Conflicts & Interactions, Life Transitions, Mood Disorders (Bipolar & Depressive Disorders), Parent-Child & Sibling Relationships, Quality of Life Concerns, Stress Management, and Trauma Recovery.

Michael has been trained in a broad range of clinical approaches and takes an eclectic client-focus approach to treatment. In this clinic, he and his clients tend to draw the following approaches — Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Ericksonian Metaphor-Narrative, Eye Movement Integration (EMI), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (MB-CBT), Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), Process-Oriented & Problem-Focused Therapy, Psychophysiological Regulation Modalities, Social-Cognitive Therapy, and Social Learning Approaches. In his Primer to Psychotherapy, Michael begins by helping clients develop an understanding and apply several concepts including Locus of Control, Perception-Emotion, and Radical Acceptance.

Michael served for several years on the board of his professional association, Licensed Clinical Professionals of Maryland, as the Legislative Chairperson and the President. Clinically, Michael is interested in advanced training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye-Movement Integration (EMI-EMDR), Metaphor-Narrative, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT), Mind-Body-Spirit Integration, Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), and Psychophysiological Treatment Approaches (Bio-/Neuro-feedback & Psychophysiological Regulation Techniques). He also enjoys creative pursuits (e.g., aqua-scaping, fine art, web design, writing, etc.,), reading (sci-fi to neuro-biology and trauma and recovery) and is versed in technology including building computers, software, and video games.

My name is Nada Wilson, I am a wife and mother of two children. I am originally from Egypt and speak fluent Arabic and English.

I have experience working with Co-occurring Disorders, Depression, Personality Disorders, Bipolar, Anxiety, Substance Use Disorders and Family Relationships. I hold a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lancaster Bible College. I like to develop a supportive, trusting and caring relationship with my clients to instill hope. I use Integral and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches that assist in drawing client’s own strengths and resources. Clients will find it is possible to overcome the issues they are facing as they move along their life’s journey toward a greater sense of self, resiliency, integrity and resourcefulness. I have a strong passion and unique skill set for helping people heal from their stressors. I enjoy working with people guiding them on how to make positive lasting changes in their lives.

When I’m not seeing psychotherapy clients, I’m cooking, crafting and traveling the world.

Olukemi Roseline Omogoke is a Talented Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Refresh Mental Health. She came in with more than 6 years professional experience in the field of behavioral health care.

Kemi, as she loves to be called, has a Master degree in the Nursing Sciences. In the past six years, Kemi have cared and treated a multicultural population with diverse background across life span in different settings. Her inpatient experiences include medical, mental, and Hospice service. As a community Nurse Practitioner; Kemi serves the minority and the underprivileged population in DC, restoring their health and providing counseling to get them on the road to stability.

As an outpatient Psychiatric NP, Kemi treats the whole patient, addressing not just their illness, but also bringing them to their highest potential, irrespective of their diagnosis. Kemi strives to help all patients irrespective of the condition they are in and makes every effort to earn her patients’ confidence and trust.  She joins Refresh as a Psychiatric NP providing nonjudgmental and careful empathy and a deep understanding of the stigma associated with mental illness.

My name is Samuel and I have deep respect and admiration for any person willing to seek improvement in a therapeutic environment. I was born in Ethiopia, raised in Maryland. I have worked as a counselor/therapist since 2004 and have had great success working with people to improve their quality of life.

My approach to therapy is to treat each person as a unique individual with potential to improve emotional health. Often times, emotional injuries such as abandonment, betrayal, injustice and rejection can cause long term damage, preventing us from experiencing peace of mind or joy. Similar to physical injuries, emotional injuries can heal if treated with the proper amount of care and nurture. Therapy is a tool to learn how to heal emotional injuries, and trauma, in order to have the strength to strive towards our ultimate potential. Depression, anxiety, anger and many other symptoms are often the byproduct of unresolved emotional injuries. Also, therapy is able to increase self-awareness in order to form better relationships with loved ones and stop a cycle of despair and self-destructive behavior. I wish you the best in your journey towards wellbeing.”

Stephanie is a Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland. She received her MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where she studied Clinical Behavioral Health with a concentration in Child and Family studies. Stephanie worked in the foster care system for two years before returning to school for her master’s degree.
 
Stephanie uses a strengths-based approach that incorporates tools from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy, Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Stephanie is a certified Provider in The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS), which is the first evidence based social skills training for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other social challenges who would like to learn the art of making and keeping friends.

I have been a therapist for the past several years, who has a passion for helping people improve their mental health. I  graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work.

I have experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  I have also worked with children as young as 8 years old, teenagers, adults and senior citizens.

An extensive range of experiences and graduate training in the social, clinical, educational and athletic arenas has led me to a highly qualified professional career in providing services, especially in clinical settings.  It’s a pleasure to work with patients to assist them in creating forward momentum for themselves so they can improve their mental fitness and realize their goals.

Therapy for adults, teens and children.

What we offer

Individual therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Family therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Couples therapy

Psychodynamic therapy

Meet the team

Alisha Shim

Beverly Ornberg

Daniel Pardo

Heather Lasslett

Jartu Nylander

Jessica Kirschensteiner

Jon Judge

Kim Machado

Lisa Arge

Mary Anne Smith

Michael Cardaci

Nada Wilson

Olukeim Omogoke

Samuel Woldemichael

Stephanie Felde

Ted Michener

Thaddeus Miksinski

About us

Contact

Carroll Counseling of Maryland