Blue Cross Blue Shield Therapists in Maryland

With experience as a secondary school teacher, mentor, and basketball coach, I have had the privilege of guiding individuals not only in academics and sports but also in navigating life’s challenges. Over the course of more than 10 years in social work and 4 years as a mental health therapist, I have gained extensive knowledge in the helping and healing process, which forms the core of my work. I am a dedicated and compassionate individual who embraces multiple roles in both my personal and professional life. As a husband and father, I am committed to providing love, support, and guidance to my family. Professionally, my journey reflects a deep passion for encouraging growth and positive transformations in other's lives. My empathetic nature enables me to connect with people on a personal level, fostering trust and openness which are essential elements in building a successful therapeutic relationship. While all of us are complex individuals, I see each person as holding unique potential and strengths—like a personal "password" waiting to be unlocked. I am driven by the belief that everyone can become the best version of themselves, and I am here to help them discover and activate that potential. My approach is one of support, encouragement, and understanding as I walk alongside others on their journey to growth and healing.

I am a licensed therapist with extensive experience providing clinical therapy services for the past 31 years. I have a dedicated interest in helping clients deal with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and other issues that oftentimes impact our ability to lead more fulfilling lives. Over the course of my career I've been able to help a wide range of clients make meaningful changes and develop greater insight into what are some of the underlying dynamics and issues behind their challenges. I look forward to assisting you with achieving your goals and becoming more self-actualized on your unique life journey!

Today you are one step closer to a new you, feeling empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As an Assistant Professor, Researcher, and Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy and a solution-focused therapist, I aim to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

I am Dr. Steven F. Murphy, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and heal from difficult experiences. In my practice, I primarily use Integrative Developmental Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support meaningful and lasting change. Together, we will explore what has brought you to therapy and identify the most effective path forward. My approach focuses on helping you recognize and reshape unhelpful thought patterns, behaviors, and long-standing life dynamics that may be limiting your growth. As you develop healthier perspectives and coping strategies, you will strengthen your emotional and social foundation. This process empowers you to build resilience, gain clarity, and move beyond obstacles with greater confidence and purpose. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where you feel understood, equipped, and capable of creating the positive changes you deserve.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when anxiety is constant, depression feels heavy, or life has shifted in ways you didn’t expect. If you’ve made it here, I want you to know I’m already rooting for you. My name is Mileyni Rivera, and I work primarily with young adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and the impact of trauma. I believe therapy should feel supportive, collaborative, and human, a space where you can drop the mask and talk honestly about what’s been weighing on you. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a foundation to help you understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors connect, while integrating trauma-informed approaches based on your needs, goals, and pace. I’m down-to-earth, curious, and genuinely invested in helping you reconnect with your strengths. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, gain clarity, and build practical tools you can use in daily life. Therapy with me isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about creating space to heal, understand yourself, and move forward in a way that feels right for you.

In my practice, I take a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to help you uncover what’s holding you back and take actionable steps toward positive change. I believe in being straightforward and compassionate—helping you identify the thoughts and behaviors that may be holding you back, and empowering you to make lasting, positive changes. In our work together, you’ll receive honest feedback and support as we explore solutions that are tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking relief from difficult emotions, learning how to manage ADHD symptoms, coping with life’s pressures, or navigating transitions, I’m here to help you develop strategies that work for you. My goal is to give you the tools to build resilience, regain control, and move toward a more fulfilling life.

I’m a licensed professional counselor who works with adults navigating identity, relationships, ambition, and the internal pressure to “have it together.” Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, high-capacity individuals who appear stable and successful on the outside but feel conflicted, stuck, or emotionally isolated underneath. My role is to create a space where complexity is welcomed and nothing has to be simplified to be understood. My background in mental health allows me to approach therapy with both clinical rigor and relational depth. I pay attention to patterns — in attachment, communication, shame, avoidance, over-functioning, and self-criticism — and help you understand how those patterns developed and why they made sense at the time. From there, we work toward updating them so they align with who you are now, not who you had to be in order to survive earlier chapters of your life. I tend to be direct, engaged, and structured. I don’t believe in vague therapy that drifts without direction. At the same time, I don’t rush the process. Insight without application doesn’t create change, and action without understanding doesn’t create stability. We work toward both.

Michelle Milligan, LCSW, LCSW-C, LISW, LISW-C, and LIMHP, for the past 25 years, is a dedicated and experienced Licensed Social Worker in multiple states with a strong background in providing therapeutic services across various disciplines. Her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach make her a valuable asset in medical, clinical, and psychiatric social work settings." I specialize in treating Racial Trauma in the workplace, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, Social and General Anxiety and Mood Disorders (depression and bipolar), Anxiety (Social Phobia and PTSD), Transitional Stressors (divorce, grief, occupational and family changes), couples and family counseling, behavioral problems with adolescents, ADD and AD/HD, and problems with anger and impulsivity.

I received my Master of Social Work from Simmons in 1996 and reside in Massachusetts. My entire career has been community and relationship based. I have worked in therapeutic schools, with elders at risk, the early head start program. I am a licensed social worker in Massachusetts and Maryland. The past 15 years I spent working with families and clients in the community who were managing chronic mental illness while trying to maintain as much independence as possible. I am a family member, a professional, a community member who values the creation of a trusting, confidential, and professionally bound client /social worker relationship.

My name is Amy, and I am a wife and mother of two boys. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and have pursued additional training in Addictions Counseling. With over 20 years of experience, I have provided therapy to both adolescents and adults across a variety of settings, including schools and community-based programs. Throughout my career, I have owned a group practice and served on the leadership team of an outpatient clinic. In addition to my clinical work, I am an executive coach who enjoys supporting business owners and professionals in leadership roles as they navigate career transitions and challenges.

My main area of specialty is Trauma-Focused CBT. Lets use what you love! Moves, TV, Poetry, Music, Gardening, Pottery. We'll talk through your struggles, process your grief and your pain each week, but we'll also use your interest and passions to help us work through your pain. We'll always move at your pace and prioritize your comfort. You're not coming here because you're damaged or broken, you've showed up to this point because of a strength so let's lean in together. It might be uncomfortable at times and it can be difficult to be challenged, but if you've come this far you believe in the process to some degree. Reach out, let's see if we fit.

Hi! I’m Jeshonda, a licensed clinical social worker. My private practice is Atonement Counseling LLC. I have over 6 years of experience working with adult clients. I help clients who battle with depression, anxiety, stress, have low self-esteem, and been through traumas. The goal is to help clients obtain joy, heal, and become the best version of themselves. You deserve to have peace of mind and determine your purpose in life. So don’t hesitate to reach out because I look forward to working with you!

I am a licensed therapist who works with adults navigating anxiety, overthinking, burnout, and life transitions, as well as the feeling of being overwhelmed even when life appears “put together” on the outside. Many of my clients are used to pushing through and showing up for others, while quietly dealing with stress, self-doubt, people-pleasing, and difficulty setting boundaries. In our work together, I provide a supportive and collaborative space where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin to make sense of what you’re experiencing. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and person-centered therapy to help you build practical coping skills while also exploring deeper patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm. My goal is to help you feel more calm, clear, and confident as you navigate daily life, relationships, and internal pressure.

Hello, I’m Kumi Pledger, LCPC, and I am currently accepting new clients. I am also available on Sundays to better accommodate busy schedules. I provide a warm and supportive space for adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, self-doubt, or major life transitions. Many of my clients appear strong and capable on the outside while privately feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from themselves. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and gently direct. Using Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, I help clients understand the patterns beneath their struggles, develop practical coping skills, strengthen boundaries, and rebuild trust in themselves. With a multicultural background and diverse life experiences, I am especially mindful of how culture, family expectations, identity, and caregiving responsibilities can affect emotional well-being. My goal is to help you feel genuinely understood as you create a life that feels more peaceful, confident, and authentic.

Hi! I'm Kathleen --a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Maryland. I received my Masters's degree from the University of Baltimore, and have been practicing for over 10 years. I help adults struggling with the fallout from trauma learn how to decrease symptoms of anxiety. Through our work together, we'll help you develop a tailored plan to decrease your anxiety and improve your quality of life.

I’m Dr. Adrienne B. Ellis, Psy.D., LCPC, LPC, founder of NTouch Mental Health Services, LLC. I am a compassionate, client-centered therapist dedicated to helping adults (18 and older) navigate life’s challenges with confidence, clarity, and resilience. I proudly serve individuals from diverse backgrounds, including people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community, in an affirming, culturally responsive, and supportive environment. My approach blends evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a collaborative style that empowers clients to better understand themselves, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful change. For clients who desire it, I also offer a faith-informed perspective that honors spiritual values alongside clinical care. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where every client feels seen, respected, and supported while working toward emotional healing and personal growth.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who works with individuals and couples navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional overwhelm. I serve clients who are feeling stuck, struggling with anxiety or depression, or seeking to strengthen their relationships and sense of purpose. I also support those who value a faith-based approach and want to incorporate their Christian beliefs into the healing process. My goal is to help clients gain clarity, build healthier patterns, and experience meaningful change. Whether improving communication in relationships or developing a stronger sense of identity and direction, I strive to create a supportive space where clients can grow, heal, and move forward with confidence and purpose.

Hello, I'm Nazli Fouladi. I'm a clinical psychologist who is genuinely committed to helping you navigate life's challenges through mental well-being and emotional balance. I have a profound passion for delving into the complexities of the human mind and assisting others in their journey towards healing, personal growth, and living their best life. My approach is built on empathy, trust, and a strong belief in each person's capacity for positive change, all within a non-directive therapeutic space. I value a holistic approach to mental health including the mind, body and spirit. In addition to my doctoral studies in clinical psychology, I also have a postgraduate background in lifespan developmental psychology. That’s why I’m particularly aware of the difficulties that may come up during the intricate stages and events of life. For example, going off to college, marriage, parenthood, work-life balance caring for older loved ones, generational events/trauma etc. My academic journey includes a Doctoral and Masters training in clinical psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology which I earned in the year 2009. Before that, I received a Master’s degree in lifespan Developmental Psychology from Johns Hopkins University. I also have a graduate background in the Fine Arts and Biology. I have been a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Maryland since 2013 and finished my doctoral internship at George Mason Counseling and Psychological Services. Prior to that, I received two years of supervised practicum training at two clinical private practice facilities where I provided assessment, testing and psychotherapy for individuals from various age groups and ethnicities. For example, I have worked with individuals suffering from trauma/ crisis management, depression, general/specific anxiety, Traumatic Brain Injury, various neurological disorders, schizophrenia, phobia, eating, bipolar, body dysmorphic and personality disorders. Besides English, I am also fluent in Farsi.

Hello and welcome! I’m a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. Much of my career has been spent in healthcare in crisis response, giving me deep understanding of the unique, emotional toll faced by healthcare professional professionals, first responders, and others working in high stress environments, I specialize in supporting individuals who are coping with trauma and PTSD, and I also work with women navigating infertility, prenatal and postpartum challenges. These experiences can be incredibly isolating, and my goal is to offer a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where healing and connection can begin. My therapeutic approach is grounded in trauma informed care as well as evidence -based practices. I am certified in EMDR (Eye movement desensitization, and reprocessing). IFS, (Internal family systems), and CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy, I understand the impact of chronic stress, grief, and unresolved trauma on both mental and physical health. Whether you’re coping with burnout, navigating complex personal emotions or working through traumatic experiences, my goal is to provide a safe and collaborative space for healing and growth. I offer in person as well as telehealth appointments to accommodate your schedule and comfort level.

I hold a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am an experienced Clinical Mental Health Therapist dedicated to helping adults overcome a variety of minor and difficult issues related to mental health needs. I help adults discover a new way of life to promote healing, wellness, happiness and stability. I am also a Maryland Board Approved Supervisor instructing post-graduate students toward complete therapy licensure.

MALES-ONLY THERAPIST*** Jason has experience working with Males with a variety of presenting concerns, such as substance use, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, and trauma. Jason earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University in 2020. He gives a lot of feedback--not-like what you see in the movies. He’s a dog-person and mixes-up how he takes his coffee--but it's usually an Americano.

Making yourself a priority is the first step and I am grateful you are considering working with me. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. I have more than 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including: in-patient, outpatient, and correctional settings. I have experience assisting adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, psychosis, suicidal ideation, anger management, and substance use disorders. I am skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and have a certification in Posttraumatic Growth (PTG). Over my career, I have developed additional knowledge, training, and experience with Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Hostage Negotiations, and Crisis De-escalation. My experience working in corrections and during private practice have given many opportunities to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. In addition, I have also gained insight and skills to work with first responders and their families. I recognize that every person brings their own experiences, strengths, and challenges to the therapeutic process. I will provide a welcoming, supportive and judgement free space, so you can be yourself. My goal is to work collaboratively with you to understand your unique needs and find strategies that feel meaningful and helpful.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Texas. I received my Masters from the Howard University and have been practicing for 5 years. I help people realize the underlying reasons to their stressful factors and lay out a personalized plan towards the goals they would like achieve. Therapy itself can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I am fully engaged with you through your journey.

Are you feeling a little “off” lately? Down, anxious or unsure what comes next in life, especially after the last year or so? Or it could be you just don’t feel like yourself and you’re not sure why. You are not alone. To have problems means that you are human; but there is hope. I provide a warm, accepting space for people to explore what matters to them and what’s getting in their way. I help clients learn to feel more comfortable with their emotions, to experiment with different ways of relating to their thoughts and feelings, to cultivate resilience, and to develop the self-trust and self-compassion that will support them along their paths. Therapy provides you with a place to work on and work out your concerns, to be heard and reflect, and to take some space for yourself. Together, we will explore the underlying reasons for your troubles, what it might mean for you to “feel better” and begin to live a more productive, meaningful and engaged life. I use an integrative approach consisting of cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based interventions.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or worried about your child, you don't have to navigate it alone. I'm a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland who works with children, teens, and young adults, supporting concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. I believe healing happens best when clients feel safe and supported just as they are.