

Find Aetna-covered therapy in Frederick with Headway's network of 2,423 licensed providers. Sessions start at $0-40 copay, available in-person or virtually within two weeks. Get matched with the right provider and start your mental health journey today.
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 am a Licensed Counselor with 8 years experience in Crisis services and 5 years experience in Community Mental Health services. I believe that therapy should always be about what is important to you. My role is to help you on your journey of self-discovery and ultimately self-acceptance.
Whether you are struggling with the far-reaching impact of past trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other ongoing health issue or simply wanting to invest in a bit of self-exploration and growth, I am so glad that you have begun your search for the best facilitator in that journey. I believe in meeting people where they are and allowing you to set your own pace for healing. I look forward to assisting on your healing journey in any way that I can.
I operate on the belief that you possess the inherent capacity for growth and healing; my role is simply to provide the guidance and support necessary to facilitate that journey. My goal is to offer a safe, peaceful space where you feel truly heard and accepted as you navigate life’s ups and downs
I am licensed clinical professional counselor with over 30 years experience in Human Services. I am CEO of Metanoia Mental Health LLC a former graduate of Loyola university with master's degrees in pastoral counseling as well as mental health. My specialty is internal family systems as a Level 3 certified internal family systems therapists and an assistant trainer for the institute.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker–Certified (LCSW-C) with extensive experience working in inpatient, group, individual, and couples therapy settings. My background has given me a deep understanding of how people heal both in crisis and in everyday life. In addition to my clinical training, I’m also a certified yoga instructor, which informs my appreciation for the mind-body connection. As a mother, I bring empathy, real-world perspective, and a grounded approach to the challenges my clients face. Together, these experiences shape the holistic, compassionate, and active way I show up in the therapy room.
I have a multiracial and multicultural background. We all have an untold story to tell, and I am ready to hear it. I am a firm believer in happiness and the beauty of life. I fully embrace the principle that each one of us has the right to a happy, beautiful, and meaningful life. I am dedicated to helping you and your family find happiness and live your best life.
I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive experience providing mental health care across inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, ACT teams, and substance use treatment settings. Since beginning my mental health career, I have been dedicated to supporting individuals through complex emotional and psychiatric challenges with compassion, respect, and a trauma-informed approach.
I specialize in treating adults experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma-related concerns, ADHD, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, emotional regulation difficulties, and substance use concerns. I have experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating life transitions, chronic mental health challenges, and recovery journeys.
My approach is collaborative and individualized. I believe effective treatment begins with understanding each person’s story, strengths, and goals. I combine evidence-based medication management with supportive therapeutic techniques to help clients gain insight, build resilience, and improve overall well-being.
My goal is to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, empowered, and supported as they work toward healing and meaningful change.
My name is Dr. Michael Nwandu. Dedicated, highly motivated psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have a wide range of medication management experience across the lifespan, including ADHD, eating disorders, substance use disorders, OCD, mood disorders, and personality disorders. I believe successful medication management is based on open communication between you and me. Strong focus on listening to you, addressing your concerns, and answering all your questions.
With multiple years of experience in mental health, when medication is indicated, I believe it is best to start low and go slow. I work closely with therapists as I focus on medication management to treat children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of mental health disorders.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of nursing experience and extensive work in inpatient psychiatry. I hold a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health and care for individuals across the lifespan.
I treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and women’s mental health concerns, including postpartum depression.



Headway makes it easy to get affordable in-network mental health care with Aetna — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to booking your first session.
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