Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Alejandra Ivey, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides inclusive, compassionate mental health care through telehealth at Bluegrass Mental Health in Columbia, Maryland.
She earned both her Master’s and Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the Medical University of South Carolina, where she received advanced training in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment.
Dr. Ivey has experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including work at Sheppard Pratt, treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and complex psychiatric conditions. She specializes in providing care across the lifespan, supporting children, adolescents, and adults in developing meaningful progress in their mental health journey.
Originally from Wyoming, Dr. Ivey comes from a diverse cultural background, is a proud LGBTQ+ ally, and is a U.S. military veteran. She brings warmth, respect, and cultural sensitivity to every session, valuing each patient’s identity, lived experience, and personal goals. Her holistic approach focuses on collaboration, education, and individualized treatment planning to achieve lasting stability and well-being.
Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys sewing, crafts, reading, spending time outdoors, and caring for her pets. Dr. Ivey sees patients exclusively via telehealth and accepts most major insurance plans.
Helen Metkowski, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides care for children, adolescents, and adults at Bluegrass Mental Health in Columbia, Maryland. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from York College of Pennsylvania and her master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing from Drexel University.
Helen has eight years of clinical experience working in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency psychiatric settings, including roles at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Bayview, and Sheppard Pratt. She is trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety-related conditions. Her approach is collaborative and patient-centered, ensuring that individuals are active participants in their treatment planning and decision-making.
Helen values open communication and believes that care is most effective when patients feel supported, understood, and truly involved in the process. Her goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized treatment that helps each person move toward stability, confidence, and well-being.
Helen is experienced in telehealth and accepts most major insurance plans. She is currently welcoming new patients.
“Helen Metkowski has been an excellent mental health provider (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner) for me and I would recommend her to anyone. She is kind and patient. I have never felt judged by her. She has only ever treated me with compassion and understanding. Her professionalism is outstanding, as she is always present and attentive during sessions, personally responds quickly to messages, and goes above and beyond (considering input from my PCP, and working with me as well as my pharmacy) to ensure that my prescriptions are a good fit and available when I need them - despite nationwide shortages and circumstances out of her control. Meetings are virtual which is incredibly convenient and scheduling sessions is as easy as sending a text message to Inga (who is also incredibly professional with her quick and helpful replies). …. For what it’s worth, no one asked me to write this review or has offered any kind of incentive for doing so. I just feel incredibly lucky to have found a great provider and think Helen and Inga deserve to know how grateful l am for their exceptional service.”
Dr. Nkiru Smith, DNP FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, is a dually board-certified family nurse practitioner and a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I have been a nurse for the past two decades. I have worked in different healthcare settings, including critical care units, medical-surgical units, MAT, and outpatient, residential, and psychiatric mental facilities. As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I aim to ease suffering and pain. Each patient requires an individualized treatment approach. I provide warm, friendly, competent, and compassionate care in the office or telehealth.
I provide initial assessment and diagnosis for patients six years and above with ADD/ADHD, PTSD, mood disorders, and many other psychiatric conditions. Being a certified Family Nurse Practitioner allows me to provide holistic care that includes considering their medical condition. My treatment approach varies and includes lifestyle changes, medication, and supportive therapy.
Maria Flick is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner in Family Practice and Psychiatric/Mental Health. She has been in the medical field for more than 24 years, starting in the military as an Air Evacuation Medic, then transitioning to work as a civilian in a trauma center. Ms. Flick desired to pursue her educational goals, as well as gaining experience as a front-line health care worker, and graduated with honors as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University in 2014. She has worked in the specialty areas of hematology and oncology as well as working with a large population of active-duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. More recently, she returned to Liberty University to earn a Post- Masters Certificate in Psychiatric-Mental Health, graduating with honors in 2021. Ms. Flick approaches patient care with compassion and a passion to improve the lives of those entrusted to her care, using a lifetime of experience and a wealth of healthcare knowledge.
Veronica is a board-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience in family medicine, military/veteran health, and psychiatric medication management, including substance use disorder. Veronica is an empathetic and understanding provider with an aptitude for developing treatment plans for patients with chronic medical and psychiatric conditions. She is an effective mental health worker with remarkable skills, including being an assertive listener and communicator. Her work with Active-Duty Military members/family and Veteran’s with mental health needs led her to pursue a second certification as a Psychiatric NP. She earned her post-graduate certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from Liberty University, her MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner, and her BSN from Walden University. She is a University of New Hampshire doctoral student and will graduate in 2023.
“I have a very difficult time trusting, opening up, and sharing details about my military history. Dr. VERONICA KWEGYIR-AFFUL is very approachable. listens, asks questions, and consoles when conversation is difficult. I highly recommend Dr. VERONICA KWEGYIR-AFFUL. ”
Dr. Veronica Kwegyir-Afful, NP
Psychiatrist
8825 Standford Blvd Ste 390
Columbia, MD 21045
5.0(16)
Takashi Matsuki, MD
Psychiatrist 22.9 mi
10440 Little Patuxent Pkwy Ste 300
Columbia, MD 21044
Oko Akrong, PMHNP-BC, RN, MSN, is passionate about caring for patients. As a veteran, he knows first hand the effects of mental illness and how it negatively affects qualifications of life. His focus is to provide relief and help patients live their best lives. He is licensed in D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia servicing the whole DMV area.
Oko Akrong received his PMHNP from Regis College. He works with adolescents and adults struggling with depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and more.
During treatment, Oko uses a client-centered solution-focused approach to provide the best possible care. He believes good communication and active listening leads to the best solution, and he uses these skills to help patients move forward in life. He believes hold heartedly that the relationship he has with his patients is one of a navigator whose job it is to use his skills, knowledge and education to create a clear cut path to the patients happiness.
Olga Wymore, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping patients achieve sustainable weight loss and improved overall wellness. She understands that successful weight management involves more than diet and exercise—it also requires addressing the emotional, behavioral, and mental health factors that influence eating habits, motivation, and lifestyle change.
Olga provides personalized evaluations while supporting patients in developing healthier habits, building confidence, and creating realistic, lasting lifestyle changes. Her approach is compassionate, holistic, and focused on empowering patients to reach their goals.
Outside of work, Olga enjoys weight training several days a week, hiking with her dogs, biking, and horseback riding. She also enjoys exploring healthy foods and believes that staying active and maintaining balanced nutrition are key to long-term health and weight management success.
Victoria Lind is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a passion for helping patients feel empowered, supported, and seen on their wellness journey. With a warm, collaborative approach, she integrates mental health care into obesity medicine, addressing the emotional and behavioral factors that influence long-term health outcomes.
Victoria brings over a decade of nursing and behavioral health experience, specializing in treating anxiety, depression, and emotional eating patterns often associated with weight challenges. She is committed to creating a judgment-free space where every patient feels heard and motivated to reach their goals, mind, body, and spirit.
Madison Kutzera, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant. Originally from Maryland, she earned her undergraduate degree in Public Health Science from the University of Maryland and went on to receive her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, Virginia.
Madison has experience working with patients managing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorders. She is committed to an evidence-based, patient-centered approach, carefully tailoring medication regimens to align with each patient’s unique concerns and diagnoses.
In addition to medication management, Madison integrates a variety of psychotherapy techniques into her practice. She regularly utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies to help patients reframe negative thinking patterns, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve emotional regulation. She also employs elements of supportive therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and psychoeducation to empower patients in their treatment. Her approach reflects a holistic understanding of mental health that goes beyond symptoms to focus on overall well-being.
Madison works with both adolescent and adult patients and is currently pursuing her Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Psychiatry to further expand her clinical expertise.
Outside of work, Madison enjoys reading, painting, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. She has been a dedicated member of the Innovative Psychiatry team for over three years and is proud to continue serving the Howard County community.
Anandraj (Andy) Mattai, MD, is a psychiatrist and founder of Innovative Psychiatry, LLC, in Columbia, Maryland. With an exceptional bedside manner and years of experience in his field, Dr. Mattai provides top-tier psychiatric care using the latest testing methods and treatment strategies.
Dr. Mattai excelled in school and graduated summa cum laude from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, before attending the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa. He then completed his psychiatric residency at Creighton University and the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, both in Omaha, Nebraska.
After completing his residency training, Dr. Mattai pursued a clinical fellowship at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland, where he served as an investigator on several studies. He has also since held various positions in the pharmaceutical industry. He is currently a drug development consultant.
Dr. Mattai specializes in treating a range of conditions, including OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. He strives to offer his patients cutting-edge treatment options and testing methods, including GeneSight® pharmacogenomic testing, the Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.®) testing, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression and OCD.
Dr. Mattai warmly welcomes new and returning patients to Innovative Psychiatry, LLC, for individualized, integrative mental health care.
Kimberly Lim graduated with honorable mention for her double undergraduate degrees in Biology at the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines and later in Nursing. Soon after, she pursued her masters degree in nursing at Bowie State university where she focused on family practice. Kimberly is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with several years of nursing experience behind her. She has worked in the field of psychiatry in both inpatient and outpatient settings dealing with patients suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Kimberly sees patients ranging from young adults to the geriatric population. She currently provides consulting work at Holy Cross Hospital in Germantown and has been with Innovative Psychiatry since 2017.
I am focused on helping patients take a more holistic approach to optimize their behavioral health and wellness. I am an advanced practice registered nurse, who applies conventional and integrative methods to the treatment of mental health and wellness. With over 10 years of health care experience, I have witnessed the power within my patients to find balance when they are given the tools to succeed.
