Expert Therapy & Psychiatric Care in Maryland
Immediate Availability for Therapy &
Medication Management Appointments
At The Family Center, we help individuals and families find solutions that bring connection, calm, and peace.
Comprehensive care for all ages, individuals, and families. We collaborate with community providers and schools to ensure coordinated care.
Our office is in Ellicott City, and we proudly serve individuals and families in Howard County and surrounding areas in MD.
About Us
Helping Individuals and Families Navigate Life’s Challenges
Life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect. At times, emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, or major life transitions can leave you feeling uncertain about how to move forward. Reaching out for support can feel like a difficult step, especially when you’re not sure where to begin.
At The Family Center, we provide compassionate, individualized mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, our experienced clinicians offer thoughtful, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs. With both in-person and telehealth appointments available, accessing high-quality care can fit more easily into your life. Our team is committed to helping individuals and families gain greater clarity, strengthen resilience, and experience lasting emotional well-being.
Our Services
Adult Therapy
Family Therapy
Psychiatry & Medication Management
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Sport Counseling
Testing and Assessment
Take the First Step Toward Better Wellbeing
We support you and your family at every stage of life. For over 40 years, families in Ellicott City have trusted The Family Center for support and mental health care. Call today for your appointment.
Our Approach to Care
40+ Years of Services
For over 40 years, The Family Center has been a trusted community resource for compassionate, comprehensive mental health care.
Community Support
We collaborate with schools and community partners, and help families navigate the IEP and 504 process to ensure children get the support they need.
Leading Providers
Our experienced clinicians deliver personalized care for a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and psychological concerns across all ages.
Flexible Scheduling Options
We offer in-person and virtual appointments, and our caring staff is here to help with everything from finding the right provider to scheduling and medication refills.
Speciality Care
We offer integrated therapy and medication management under one roof, including specialized therapy for athletes and preschoolers, plus pharmacogenetic testing and neuropsychological assessments — all for coordinated, comprehensive care.
Clinician Experience
Support for anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships, parenting, and life's unexpected challenges — whenever you're ready to take the first step.
Our Team
Meet The Family Center Staff
Gail K Walter
Ph.D.
Owner of The Family Center State-licensed Psychologist
Nicky Lankerani
D.O.
Dually board-certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Adult Psychiatry
Christopher Williams
LCSW-C
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Krystin Wessner
Psy.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Brittney D. Stafford
M.A., C.A.S., NCSP
Registered Psychology Associate and Nationally Certified School Psychologist
Donya Bassami
M.S., LGPC
Licensed Graduate
Professional Counselor
Patient Success Stories
Helped Us With ADHD Management
As a family we have been coming to the family center now for over 15 years – they have helped us with ADHD management and truly they are awesome! We are thankful to have access to such a great group of Specialists.
Elaine Y.
I Always Feel Welcome
I always feel welcome and important while I am there. I never feel judged and can be completely honest with what is going on in my life.
Josh P.
We Love The Convenience
We had lost all hope for our son doing well in school…neurofeedback has made a world of a difference and we love the convenience of doing cognitive training at home! He has finally made the honor roll!
Louise M.
Happy and Relieved That I Reached Out For Help
I found support in things I never thought anyone else could relate to in the grief support group. I’m happy and relieved that I reached out for help. Now I know I have people in the community who I can trust and look to for help when I need it.
Anonymous
Contact Us Today
Give our office a call or submit a message using the form. We will be in touch shortly to discuss your options.