Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Silver Spring, MD

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to make that first step feel a little easier. I approach my work with warmth, compassion, and genuine curiosity about each person’s story. I support clients in gently unpacking the thoughts and experiences that may be contributing to anxiety and depression, while offering empathy and practical tools along the way. You don’t have to navigate this alone—we’ll work through it together.

About Me

I'm not your typical psychotherapist, and everyone I've had the honor to work with on their life's journey can attest to this. Born, raised and forged in the "Steel City" and sharpened in the "City of Brotherly Love", the term "Alchemist" more accurately describes who I am. I specialize in alchemizing pain into purpose and trauma into triumph. If you're ready to transform your life, I'm your guy!

I am a great listener and all about understanding and fulfilling your goals.

I’m Ine Saka, PMHNP-BC, FNP, and founder of Empathy Wellness Center, currently serving Maryland and Virginia. As a board-certified psychiatric and family nurse practitioner, I provide compassionate, holistic, evidence-based care for children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma, integrating traditional psychiatry with wellness-focused approaches to support mind, body, and spirit.

I am Dr. Christie Simon-Waterman, a dually certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic care across the lifespan. My clinical background spans primary care, mental health, and community-based health, allowing me to care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

I earned my nursing education at Coppin State University and completed my doctoral training with a strong focus on health equity, leadership, and integrated care delivery.

In my practice, I specialize in:

• Anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions, and mood disorders
• Integrated mental health treatment
• Substance use–related concerns and recovery support
• Care for underserved and marginalized populations

My approach is empathetic, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens best when clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Together, we develop personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication management when appropriate, lifestyle interventions, and ongoing support tailored to your goals.

Above all, I am committed to creating a safe, supportive responsive space where clients can build resilience, restore balance, and move forward with confidence and clarity.

Great to meet you! My name is Stella, and I provide both medication management and individual therapy using CBT to support people navigating anxiety, ADHD, depression, OCD, PTSD, anger, and stress. I work with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, and my goal is to help you feel more balanced, in control, and supported.

I’ve spent the last 16 years working in an inpatient psychiatric setting, which has given me a deep understanding of how mental health challenges can impact daily life. I’ve worked with people at all stages of their journey, and I bring that experience into a space that feels warm, open-minded, and solution-oriented.

I know reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to meet you where you are and support you every step of the way.

My therapeutic approach is eclectic and person-centered. I view therapy as a partnership and a journey, where we work collaboratively to build goals and develop a treatment plan that reflects each client’s unique needs, strengths, and hopes for growth