Business Details
9 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Mental Health Services in Maryland
Families First Counseling & Psychiatry was founded in 2017 by experienced mental health professionals with over 40 years of collective experience. Our team specializes in treating mental illness, behavioral health issues, and emotional concerns through evidence-based practices including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and trauma-informed care. We provide psychiatric medication management services and coordinate care with external providers while maintaining a commitment to professional growth through ongoing training and supervision.Our community-based services include in-home therapy, trauma certification programs for clinicians, and specialized treatment options like medical cannabis assessments and ketamine therapy. We operate four Maryland locations, offering accessible care to children, adolescents, and adults across Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Baltimore City, and Howard County.
Services
Psychiatric Medication Management
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Trauma Training
Internship Program
Community-Based Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of combined experience in mental health treatment
- Our clinicians receive specialized trauma certification training
- We offer evidence-based Dialectical Behavior Therapy programs
- We provide community-based therapy in homes and schools
- Our leadership team includes board-certified clinical supervisors
Services
Psychiatric Medication Management
Our psychiatric services include comprehensive diagnostic assessments and medication management for clients of all ages. These services are available to individuals receiving therapy from other providers. Our experienced psychiatrists develop personalized treatment plans that may include medication as part of a holistic approach to mental health care, with regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Our specialized DBT program addresses self-harm behaviors through individual therapy and group skills training. This evidence-based approach helps clients manage emotional regulation, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop coping strategies. The program combines weekly individual sessions with structured group meetings focusing on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness techniques.
Trauma Training Program
We offer STARR-certified trauma training for clinicians and educators through five specialized courses. These programs cover trauma-informed care, resilience-focused approaches, and sensory-based interventions. Participants gain practical skills for working with trauma survivors while earning continuing education credits and eligibility for certification through completing all program components.
Community-Based Therapy
Our community-based therapy services bring mental health care directly to clients through home, school, and community settings. This approach increases accessibility for individuals facing transportation barriers or requiring contextual therapy environments. Our licensed therapists provide individualized treatment plans while collaborating with families and other support systems to enhance treatment outcomes.
Internship Program
We provide structured internship opportunities for mental health professionals in training. Our program offers hands-on clinical experience with supervision from licensed professionals, exposure to diverse client populations, and specialized training in evidence-based practices. Interns participate in weekly supervision sessions and receive mentorship to develop their clinical skills and professional identity.
People
Todd Christiansen
Chief Executive Officer, Medical Director
Dr. Christiansen founded Families First in 2017 after completing his psychiatry residency at the University of Wisconsin. He holds medical licenses in multiple states and specializes in comprehensive psychiatric care for diverse populations.
Tobi Dickstein
Chief Financial Officer
With over 25 years in finance, Tobi oversees financial operations ensuring accessibility of mental health services. She previously worked at Marriott International and holds a University of Maryland accounting degree.
Chandra A. Chester
Vice President & Marketing Director
A licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma treatment, Chandra has advanced certifications in trauma and mind-body medicine. She leads marketing efforts and developed our internship program with her expertise in organizational development.
Felesha Johnson
Director of Operations
With 15 years in Fortune 100 leadership roles and mental health counseling experience, Felesha integrates business efficiency with clinical excellence. She holds dual licenses as a clinical professional counselor and trauma practitioner.
Janine McCall
Clinical Director
Dr. McCall brings over a decade of mental health leadership experience with specialized trauma certifications. She develops clinical programs and supervises multidisciplinary teams while maintaining her clinical practice.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide psychiatric medication management, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, trauma-informed care, and community-based therapy services for children, adolescents, and adults.
Do you accept new patients?
Yes, we accept new patients through our secure online referral form based on your Maryland county of residence.
Are prescription refills available?
Controlled substance refills require monthly appointments, while other medications need evaluation every three months with your prescriber.
Do you offer trauma training for professionals?
We provide STARR-certified trauma training programs for clinicians and educators with five specialized courses available.
Are there employment opportunities available?
We're actively hiring licensed off-site therapists and psychiatric nurse practitioners across Maryland locations.
Where are your clinic locations?
We operate in Greenbelt, Baltimore City, Olney, and Columbia, Maryland with multiple office locations.
