Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Columbia, MD

Hello,

My name is Kirsten T. Jackson and I am the owner of Grace Carries Wellness Collaborative and Consulting. My practice’s identity is centered in the belief that individuals have the power to create the change they want to see in their lives through understanding, grace and self awareness. I believe that when these three self regarding behaviors are consistently practiced individuals can better acknowledge and honor their “core self”.

I am dual board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner. After several years of clinical practice, I earned my doctoral degree in 2021. My experience spans both behavioral and family health settings, including hospital-based behavioral health units, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient care.

I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic disorder, and PTSD. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practice and emphasizes holistic, collaborative care.

Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, goals, and values through a shared decision-making process.

I am committed to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment and to addressing disparities in mental health care. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here to support you with compassion, expertise, and care.

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.

Clients who seek counseling may feel overwhelmed, stressed out, frustrated and anxious. My warm, compassionate demeanor coupled with a straightforward approach creates a supportive environment in which clients learn skills and receive guidance to become more engaged in their lives.

I also understand that the workplace can be rewarding, but also challenging, impacting a person’s happiness. Client’s leave therapy with coping strategies, helpful problem-solving abilities, and hope for the future.