Vernon Alders, LCSW-C

Vernon Alders, LCSW-C

Kyla Duhart LCSW, Cedar Ridge Counseling

Coming Soon

Hello, I’m Vernon. As a Clinical Social Worker licensed in Maryland and Virginia, I bring over 10 years of professional practice experience to our sessions. My journey in mental health has been driven by a deep commitment to treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I understand that each person’s path is unique, and I am dedicated to customizing services and treatment to meet your specific needs. My expertise spans a variety of areas including, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, career development, confidence, and depression. Additionally, I specialize in working with individuals dealing with addiction, anger management, ADHD, bipolar disorder, adolescent and teen mental/behavioral health, family relationships, grief/bereavement, OCD, phobias, and stress. Whether you prefer in-person or the convenience of virtual Video Telehealth sessions, I am here to support you.

I recognize that finding a qualified therapist you feel comfortable with can be challenging. My goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where you can feel heard and understood. Together, we will work on strategies and solutions that empower you to overcome obstacles and achieve your personal goals.

Taking the first step towards therapy can be daunting, but it’s also a courageous move towards a better life. I am here to help you embark on this journey and support you every step of the way. Let’s work together to improve your life and well-being.

Lindsy Barnabae, LCSW-C

Lindsy Barnabae, LCSW-C

Kyla Duhart LCSW, Cedar Ridge Counseling

Coming Soon

Hi all! My name is Lindsy (she/her) and my passion lies in working with children, adolescents, and teens to build resiliency and learning to empower themselves. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Salisbury University and have been practicing in the field of social worker for over 7 years. I have a background in mental health through child welfare, therapy, and school based social work. I am dedicated to finding the right combination to work with you, your child and your family. I specialize in working with youth dealing with anxiety, depression, anger issues, LGBTQ+ issues, and grief. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based that integrates aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution focused therapy, and mindfulness to help young people understand their emotions and work to develop healthy coping habits.

My goal is to create a safe non-judgemental space where anyone who enters feels seen, heard and welcomed. This is your time and your space to get out emotions, learn coping skills, or just feel seen and supported. I’m just happy to be along for the ride!!

Tahna E. Purnell, LCPC

Tahna E. Purnell, LCPC

Kyla Duhart LCSW, Cedar Ridge Counseling
Tahna E. Purnell, LCPC, is a licensed psychotherapist and hypnotherapist in the state of Maryland. Her approach is person-centered and holistic, integrating evidence-based counseling with mind-body practices that honor the whole person. Tahna works with adults navigating trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, chronic illness, anxiety, and issues related to self-worth and assertiveness. She values cultural humility, intuition, and rest as essential components of healing, and she respectfully incorporates indigenous and spiritual practices when aligned with a client’s beliefs. Tahna provides a calm, supportive space where clients can slow down, reconnect with themselves, and move toward meaningful and sustainable change.
Patricia Messina,LCSW-C

Patricia Messina,LCSW-C

Kyla Duhart LCSW, Cedar Ridge Counseling

Coming Soon

Healing begins when you allow yourself to stop suffering. As Helen Keller stated, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it”. Your journey begins when you identify the emotions causing you to feel your life is out of control. Emotional healing is a personal journey that varies for each individual, taking responsibility for one’s healing journey is crucial. However, making a conscious decision to heal will foster well-being and happiness. As you gain strength and courage to overcome the challenges and obstacles you face throughout your life. It is then you will experience inner peace with a healing mind

Patricia Messina is a dedicated and compassionate psychotherapist specializing in trauma, addiction, marriage and family therapy and grief counseling. With a Master of Science degree from the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Slippery Rock University, Patricia possesses a strong academic foundation and a profound understanding of mental health.

Her professional journey began as an addictions counselor, where she spent 12 years honing her skills in helping individuals navigate the complexities of addiction. Fueled by her passion for supporting others, Patricia established her private practice in Stuart, Florida where she offered a safe and nurturing environment for her clients facing emotional distress and personal challenges
Patricia is committed to lifelong learning and has pursued advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gottman Couples counseling, and gambling addiction. Currently she is expanding her expertise through studies in psychodrama, further enhancing her ability to facilitate healing and growth.

In addition to her clinical work, Patricia has collaborated with the court system, addressing issues such as parental alienation, anger management and DUI-related cases. Her experience in these areas underscores her ability to work effectively with individuals recommended by the court, providing essential therapeutic support.

Recently relocated to Frederick, Maryland, Patricia is eager to continue her mission of helping those suffering from emotional pain, grief and family conflict. She is particularly passionate about assisting individuals who have experienced trauma, whether in childhood, throughout their lives, or from recent traumatic events. Through her genuine empathy and expert guidance, Patricia empowers her clients to heal and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Patricia states, ” As you gain strength and courage to overcome the challenges and obstacles you face in and throughout your life. It is then your mind will begin healing allowing you to experience inner peace and happiness”.

Christina Roberts, LCSW-C

Christina Roberts, LCSW-C

Kyla Duhart LCSW, Cedar Ridge Counseling
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore, Maryland. I have many years of experience providing individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy. I believe in the eclectic therapeutic approach as each client’s situation and goals are unique. I believe in addressing my client’s needs from a strength-based perspective. I value the importance of developing trust in the client/therapist relationship by providing empathy, support and encouragement.

My areas of expertise include alcohol and substance use treatment, dual diagnosis, trauma, depression, anxiety, mood and personality disorders, anger management, stress management, relational and family conflict.

Luke Otterbein, LCSW-C

Luke Otterbein, LCSW-C

Kyla Duhart LCSW, Cedar Ridge Counseling
Luke Otterbein is a licensed clinical social worker who has been practicing since 2021. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMBC and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, where he specialized in behavioral health.

Luke began his career at Sheppard Pratt, providing inpatient psychiatric care for young adults experiencing acute mental health crises. There, he collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to deliver compassionate care and ensure safe, supportive discharge planning. He later transitioned to outpatient therapy in a primary care setting, where he supported individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions.

Luke takes a person-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, drawing on evidence-based practices including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Interpersonal Therapy {IPT). His work is grounded in helping clients build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and cultivate a deeper sense of agency and fulfillment.

He works with clients ages 16 and up from diverse backgrounds and is committed to creating a safe, affirming space for growth and healing. If you’re considering therapy and think Luke might be a good fit, he offers a brief consultation call to answer questions and help you take the next step.