Christian Therapists in Maryland

Dr. Jennifer Shepard Payne has over two decades of experience providing culturally appropriate care to those in emotional pain. She specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, and depression, using an evidence-based intervention (acceptance and commitment therapy). She aims to empower and strengthen those struggling against structural inequities. Since childhood, she has had a deep concern for people in pain, and she was particularly drawn to helping those oppressed and suffering from pain due to their race, gender, or socio-economic status. She has devoted her life's work to this cause – to hold out a hand and attempt to lift someone up who is depressed, traumatized, or stressed. She spent many years becoming educated for that cause.

Hi! I am a Licensed Individual Clinical Social Worker in DC (LICSW). I received my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 1985 and my Master's degree in Social Work in 1999. I earned my LICSW in 2002. This past December, I earned my Clinical license in Maryland (LCSW-C). I like talking with people--but more importantly, listening to people. To me, therapy is a block of time. It is an opportunity for people to talk to someone who is not a parent, brother, sister, spouse or even best friend. My goal is to listen to you and to help you consider options in your life.

My name is Dr. Olushola Bakare, and I'm a board-certified Psychotherapist. I attended St Joseph College. I'm happy to help you today with any of your concerns. I enjoy empowering people and digging out their strengths. I don't ask fish to fly, neither do I ask birds to swim. I respect everyone's strengths and help my client recognize them. I love to highlight my client's strengths. I offer a safe, warm, therapeutic, judgment-free space for Adults (18+) and Older Adults (65+). I am sorry, but I do not accept clients who pay in cash. Also, every late cancellation or no-show accrues a late charge fee. It is my ethical duty to officially terminate our therapeutic relationship when it is reasonably clear that the client is no longer beneficent, services are no longer required, counseling no longer serves the client's needs and interests, or Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT limits do not allow the provision of further counseling services. It is the policy of Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT, that our professional relationship will be terminated after a one-month consistent lapse of meeting with a client. Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT, will attempt to notify you of this change in status as soon as possible after one month. My ethical duty is identifying, being available, and caring for current clients. It could feel awkward for our relationship to end, yet it is not meant to be discourteous in any way. I do not complete disability forms (Social Security, work excuse, FMLA, Court papers/legal papers, emotional support letters, etc). NO COUPLE THERAPY OR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, PLEASE!

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor. I have enjoyed being a licensed counselor for many years (since 2006) after attending University of Maryland- College Park (Bachelor of Science) and Loyola University Maryland for my Counseling Psychology Master's Degree and licensing. I often use Rogerian Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy techniques when working with clients. I currently work with people that are dealing with stressful work conditions (nurses, teachers, correctional officers, police, and software engineers) or people experiencing major life adjustments (marriage, career, disability, fertility concerns, new baby, retirement, and complicated grief). I have experience in working with people that are struggling with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, and ADHD.

-Currently accepting insurance -Accepting new clients Dr. Erica is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience treating a wide range of conditions. If you are an individual who desires insight, feedback, coping tools, or deeper work to develop your Self, take this time to focus on you. My background comes with a broad range of experience working in settings and with populations such as individual, group, acute hospital, older adult services, residential, education, veterans affairs, and in research.

My name is Dawn Sheree Paramore, a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health with a Doctorate in Prevention Science, which aligns with my passion for helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in working with individuals navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, and significant life transitions. My approach is rooted in compassion, evidence-based practices, and a deep understanding of the impact of adversity on mental and emotional well-being. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed techniques to help clients recognize and reframe unhelpful thoughts, manage overwhelming emotions, and develop practical coping skills. Through Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), I support individuals in safely processing difficult experiences, building resilience, and regaining a sense of control and safety in their lives. I also incorporate psychoeducation into my work, believing that when clients understand what they’re experiencing and why, they're empowered to take active steps toward recovery. Whether someone is dealing with the effects of childhood trauma, struggling with feelings of worthlessness, or facing significant life changes like loss, career shifts, or relationship challenges, I walk alongside them with empathy and professional insight. I meet people where they are, offering a safe space to explore their story and rewrite it with strength and purpose. My mission is to help people move from surviving to thriving by providing therapeutic support that is both affirming and transformative. Healing is possible, and I’m here to guide that journey with care, skill, and a belief in every person’s ability to rise.

Over the last 20 years I have worked as a clinical social worker to help a variety of clients ranging from adolescence to adults dealing with a variety of both serious psychiatric symptoms as well as clients attempting to resolve what I consider life adjustment issues. I find using an eclectic approach enables me to utilize a variety of tools. My goal is to have a client/s return to their highest level of functioning through utilization of self-management skills and insight.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Certified serving the state of Maryland. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University in New York City, with a specialization in advanced clinical social work practice, and my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. My goal is to serve children, youth and adults who are striving to become the best version of themselves.

Duarte Aguiar is licensed in the state of Maryland as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). He is a graduate of Loyola University with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and has over 8 years’ experience providing therapy in Maryland to a diverse client-base in a variety of clinical settings including school-based (adolescent and adult), substance abuse/recovery clinic, marriage and family, individual, groups, and psychoeducation. Duarte specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Approach, and Pastoral Counseling to treat various diagnoses. Duarte’s philosophy of care as a spiritually oriented therapist consists of a holistic perspective of the person(s) present in therapy. Inspired and informed by the person-centered approach, Duarte believes in the value of being present in a non-judgmental, therapeutic relationship while helping to challenge the client(s) to live up to THEIR own expectations. Duarte comes from the Catholic tradition and is ready, willing, and able to incorporate spirituality in sessions insofar as the client is desiring to do so. With that said, Duarte believes in bringing the client’s own beliefs, aspirations, and values to the forefront and using those unique aspects of the client’s virtues to guide the development of a trusting and open therapeutic atmosphere. Duarte is committed to providing a safe space where the client can feel heard, accepted, encouraged and even challenged.

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.

If you can read this, you made the first step. Congratulations. Seeking therapy is hard. Most people delay and tell themselves that whatever they are experiencing must be the way life is. Chances are if you have reached the point to begin exploring therapy, counseling can help make your life better. While therapy is often hard, it can be an enjoyable and uplifting experience as well. I believe that you cannot laugh without a combination of insight and relief. You can expect some humor in most sessions. I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 20 years. In that time I have worked with men, women, teens, and families on a wide variety of issues. Sometimes that work simply involved helping them through a particular incident or life change that overwhelmed them. Other times our work together centered around longstanding issues of depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. In addition to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, I also offer a fourth-wave therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). I have found this technique to be highly effective in helping people with trauma and or anxiety. Our minds and bodies are connected. Anyone who has experienced a tight neck and shoulders or an upset stomach when they were stressed knows this. EFT uses acupressure (done by the client) and cognitive interventions to provide fast and effective relief. With over 20 years of clinical experience, I am ready to help you through the challenges you are facing. In addition to counseling, I also provide vocational testing, coaching, and consulting. I provide both Christian and secular counseling depending on the needs of my clients. For clients with high level confidentiality concerns due to corporate or clearance issues, there are ways we can do EFT without you ever speaking out loud about events.

Are you tired of just surviving through life? Do you miss the joy of fulfillment or the freedom of fully embracing all that life has for you? Do you miss being able to just be you? I am here for you and with you. My name is Michael Whiteside, and I am a compassionate, communal, and comedic Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping others regain control of their life and living life to the fullest. Together, we will partner in helping you have a life worth living by understanding how the pain of the past is interrupting the present and jeopardizing the future. Pain looks different for everyone. Whether anxiety, depression, racial trauma, life transitions, or racial identity challenges, our work begins when you show up. There is not any other requirement for therapy with me, except that you give yourself permission to be fully engaged in our work. Life has so much more for you. Give yourself back that freedom and let's get started.

I am an independent licensed clinical/certified Social Worker. I first started my career in Child Welfare in various states/levels of government as an investigator and elevated to a supervisory role. I also hail from the US Department of Veterans Affairs in a Management role. However, it is my pleasure to now serve as Therapist and in my private practice. My main specialty areas include, but are not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Trauma/PTSD, Intimate Partner Violence, Grief and Loss, Narcissism, Codependency, Geriatric, etc.

With over 25 years of experience working with adult, seniors and children. I have worked in a variety of settings with clients from diverse background and experiences. My approach is strength base allowing my clients to build on their strengths. I believe everyone has some strengths. Together we will use training and experience in different modalities to make lasting changes.

First I want to acknowledge your effort to get help for your issues. You may be struggling with relationships, depression from a loss, anxiety about your future, memories of a terrible incident in the past, or an abusive childhood. Whatever it is that is getting in the way of your current life and your goals for the future, when you have the courage to work through these seemingly impossible challenges, you will find hope and your life will get better. I'm here to walk with you on this creative journey, your path to healing and wholeness. As an expressive arts therapist with degrees in Pastoral Counseling and Early Childhood/Special Education, I bring my experience working with children and families, counseling those with mental health challenges who combat racism and poverty, and accompanying people struggling with recovery or a trauma history. In addition to verbal therapy, I use the expressive arts and psychodrama techniques to dig more deeply into troublesome issues with an underlying strengths-based approach.

I'm Cierra Harper, a National Board Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor with over 7 years in mental health and 12 years in healthcare. After earning my Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Counseling in Texas, I moved to the DMV area. I work with adults and adolescents, helping them tackle anxiety, depression, family issues, domestic violence, pregnancy concerns, women's health, oppositional behavior, ADHD, and more. I am dedicated to mindfulness, grounding techniques, and creating self-care routines that foster a balanced, healthier life. My approach considers the whole person, aiming to heal every part. Together, we'll start a journey of self-discovery, providing you with the tools to navigate life's challenges and embrace a brighter future.

Hi there, I'm Myra, Life takes turns we don't expect, and sometimes we’re able to get through them. Other times we become stuck. Allow me to partner with you to help you navigate through challenging times and move forward. I will accomplish this by offering you a safe space to process, identify, and explore your goals, your hopes, and your dreams, as well as problem-solving issues and concerns that are holding you back. My professional background includes over 20 years as a Clinical Social Worker, working as a therapist and Clinical State Director, Clinical Director, and Clinical Supervisor for therapists/clinicians. My experiences include working with clients of all ages through individual, couple, and family therapy utilizing a solution-focused, strength-based, and person-centered approach. My style of therapy is highly individualized, designed to empower you and enhance your diverse life experiences. I value the therapeutic relationship and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of your growth and development. I am here to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.

I have been practicing therapy for over twenty years. I received my Master's degree in Social Work from Florida International University and my PsyD. in Grief Counselling from Breyer State Theology University. I have experience with individuals, couples, and families. Some of my primary areas of expertise are family and relationship conflict, intimacy related issues and difficulty with various life changes and transitions. I specialize in assisting those who may be going through a rough patch in life or have experienced the death of a loved one. It is important to have a strong therapeutic relationship with your therapist and to feel that they are a good match for you. I want you to feel that therapy is a safe and non-judgmental place to share your thoughts, and feelings. I believe that counseling should primarily be solution-focused to help you achieve your goals and begin to see improvement as soon as possible.

Hello, thanks for visiting my page. I am Dr. Banigo, and I love to collaborate with patients and render needed assistance. I am a skilled clinician, and I provide clinical supervision to clinicians focused on sharpening their clinical skills. I am an adjunct professor. I encourage patients to actively participate in their care with me and other treatment providers such as primary care physicians, psychiatrists, and others. I do not complete disability forms (Social Security, work excuse, FMLA, Court papers/legal papers, emotional support letters, etc).

My name is Monica Miller. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, Massachusetts, and Maryland. I have over 20 years of experience counseling children, parents, couples, and individuals. I received my Master's in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. As a transpersonal counselor, I view my clients' health through three lenses: Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual. While we may not discuss these in each of your sessions, they are always a part of your experience. I have experience working on personal growth, especially in the later stages of adolescence (ages 18-25). My familiarity with working with depression and anxiety allows me to help others in all stages of life.

Hi! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virgina) area. I am a compassionate and dedicated therapist committed to helping you navigate life's challenges and achieve your personal goals. My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and collaboration, providing you with a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Recognizing that culture plays a significant role in shaping beliefs, behaviors, and coping mechanisms, I am dedicated to providing interventions that are culturally responsive as well. I deeply value diversity and understand that each individual's cultural background informs their worldview and healing journey. By integrating cultural perspectives into our work together, I aim to honor your unique identity and experiences, ensuring that our interventions resonate with your cultural context. Together, we will work towards fostering positive change, building resilience, and enhancing your overall well-being. My goal is to empower you to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, equipped with the tools and insights needed to thrive.

Hello, my name is Monique Allen. I am a Pennsylvania Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Health from Alvernia University in 2007. I then received my Master of Arts in Community Counseling from Alvernia University in 2013. I became a National Certified Counselor in 2016. I am direct and solution focused. I work collaboratively with my clients to address their needs. My goal is to help clients discover their true potential and authenticity, by providing a supportive, nonjudgmental, empowering space that displays my passion for my profession as well as help clients to believe in themselves and reach their goals.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I love the outdoors and most anything to do with water. I have 25+ years of experience helping people as a clinical social worker. My practice has been primarily geared toward adults, but I also have extensive experience with youth ages 12-17. In recent years, my clientele has gravitated to men's issues.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist in Virginia and Maryland. I maintain my National Certified Counselor certification and possess a Clinical Dependency Counselor-Intern License in Texas. I have achieved an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, an MS in Psychology, and an MS in Organizational Psychology. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups. I employ cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, client-centered therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and various modalities as part of my humanistic approach. I additionally focus on methods of Gestalt, Gottman, Existentialism, mindfulness, and family systems while carefully considering cultural concerns, sexuality, and practices. I have experience working with court-mandated clients with various criminal offenses, anxiety, depression, trauma-related diagnoses, and other life experiences.

Hi, I’m Darlene Alexia Gardner, LCSW-C, LICSW, and founder of Destined for Healing. I’m a licensed therapist with nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals and couples through life transitions, emotional pain, trauma recovery, and relational struggles. My work is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in clinical best practices. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, identity concerns, faith-related pain, childhood trauma, and emotionally unavailable relationships. While I welcome clients of all backgrounds, I also offer Christian-integrated therapy for those who wish to include their faith. I specialize in trauma informed, faith-sensitive therapy that honors your story and makes space for healing at your pace. Together, we'll explore how early family dynamics, spiritual wounds, or unhealed relational patterns may be shaping your present struggles and help you break free from cycles of silence, performance, or self-neglect. I believe healing is sacred work and I see therapy as a safe and collaborative space to process grief, anxiety, complex family ties, and major life transitions without shame. If you're looking for a therapist who honors both your clinical needs and your spiritual journey, I invite you to connect. Let's build something rooted in truth, safety and restoration.

Chinelo Okpalobi is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Let's celebrate this first win of many, deciding to embark on your therapy journey. I'm here to be your teammate, but most importantly, your accountability partner. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. There isn't a manual on how to start; once you feel ready, I'm here to guide you through conversation. I’m here to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can be yourself and learn more about yourself.

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.

At some point in life, most of us feel stuck — in tough transitions, relationship or family stress, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, or just the overwhelm of trying to hold everything together. When you're in it, it can feel lonely and hard to see a way forward. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. I see therapy as a space where you can exhale. A place to sort through what’s weighing on you, understand yourself more deeply, and reconnect with the strengths you already have — even if they don’t feel accessible right now. I’m here as a supportive sounding board and a steady, honest voice, helping you move toward becoming a more confident, grounded, and self-trusting version of yourself. Hi, I’m Paula, a Licensed Psychotherapist providing services in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas, and Delaware. I earned two Master’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania: an M.Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling and an M.S.Ed. in Counseling and Mental Health Services. With nearly a decade of experience, one thing I know for sure is this: the “self” is incredibly powerful. When we better understand who we are, why we respond the way we do, and what we truly need, real and lasting change becomes possible. It’s an honor to walk alongside people in their healing and self-discovery, and I’d love to support you on your journey.

I have been a practicing Clinician for the past 20+ years. I have worked with a broad range of individuals from ages 8 yrs. old through adulthood and into old age. My two plus decades in the field have been dedicated to assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of mental and emotional challenges, building a strong foundation of competence and professional reputation. I have cultivated a deeper understanding of human behavior and resilience which enhances my ability to help clients navigate their own complexities.

I’m a therapist within the field of Mental Health with over 10 years of experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, stress management, adhd, depression/mood disorders, and simply navigating through life. My preferred therapy approach is providing a safe and warm-welcoming environment. It is important for clients to be challenged as many of us are resistant to change. I utilize an eclectic approach with clients based on their needs.