My career began with a strong community focus, including service at the first free health clinic dedicated to supporting the HIV-impacted community and early work in community mental health. In my 28 years of clinical experience I have maintained a child and family-centered approach while broadening my expertise across a wide range of settings, including inpatient residential care, hospital social work, nephrology, crisis and trauma counseling for children and adults, military social work, and academia. My practice includes supporting individuals through transitions, grief, depression, chronic pain, and complex social service needs. I hold postgraduate training in social welfare and psychology, which has enriched my skills and informed my integrative, client-centered approach aimed at fostering resilience and healing.
Welcome! Take a breath — you're in the right place. My name is Chelsea ; I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, insight, and practical support. Reaching out for support isn’t always easy, but it’s a powerful first step. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, navigating a life transition, or simply craving a space to feel seen and heard, I’m here to walk alongside you. This is a space where you don’t have to have it all figured out — just come as you are. Whether you’re facing a life change, dealing with stress, or just need someone to talk to, you’re always welcome here. Together, we’ll explore how these experiences affect your well-being and what might be holding you back from the life you’re longing for. I bring warmth and clarity to sessions, working collaboratively with you using evidence-based techniques to support your goals. Together, we’ll process challenges, build skills, manage symptoms, foster self-growth, establish healthy boundaries, and create a safe, supportive space for your journey.
Starting therapy is a brave step, and you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to support you. This space is for you — to feel heard, supported, and empowered. If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you.
Hello, and welcome to In Practice. I'm Dr. Natasha Charles-McQueen, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. I work with adults, including first responders, healthcare professionals, men, and older adults, who are navigating medical trauma, traumatic loss, grief, chronic stress, major life transitions, and relationship challenges. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, stuck, disconnected, or simply finding it difficult to move forward, therapy can provide a supportive space to better understand your experiences, develop practical coping strategies, and reconnect with your strengths.
I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP). My education in psychology, combined with my clinical experience, allows me to provide evidence-based care tailored to each client's unique needs.
My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based care that recognizes the connection among the mind, body, emotions, and behaviors. I believe therapy should be a place where you feel heard, respected, and supported while also being encouraged to grow in ways that align with your values and goals.
Outside of my practice, I enjoy designing guided journals, playing the drum, creating art, and writing poetry. I believe creativity encourages reflection, healing, and personal growth, and those values influence the way I approach therapy and my work. PLEASE NOTE: In Practice is not a crisis or emergency agency. In an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. In a crisis, call 9-8-8 or mobile crisis in your area. Please save these numbers and check the box to show your agreement. My goal is to ensure you receives the level of care that best supports your needs, safety, and treatment goals. Thank you.
I’m a Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical. I am coming to you with 7 years of experience in the field. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and truly heard. Therapy with me is real, down-to-earth, and focused on what matters most to you. I offer affirming, culturally responsive care because your story, your background, and your experiences deserve to be fully seen and respected.
Welcome! I'm an LCSW-C practicing virtually throughout Maryland, with almost 40 years of experience in mental health settings.
I work with adults across the lifespan, from young adulthood through middle age and into the later chapters of life. I’m particularly interested in the challenges, transitions, and opportunities that come with each stage—and in helping people navigate the changes that are simply part of being human.
Depending on where you are in life, that might include changing relationships and family roles, career transitions, caregiving, retirement or choosing to work beyond traditional retirement age, grief and loss, chronic illness or pain, living alone, or questions about identity, purpose, meaning, aging, mortality, and what comes next.
I also enjoy working with busy professionals managing demanding careers and frequent work travel, as well as parents trying to support young adult or adult children who are struggling with mental health concerns, ADHD, autism, independence, identity, relationships, or finding their way in adulthood.
Many of my clients aren't in crisis—they're simply at an important crossroads. I bring a warm, thoughtful, down-to-earth approach to helping people slow down, sort through what's happening, and decide how they want to move forward.
My services are virtual only. Appointments are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and evenings.
With 26 years of experience in the mental health field, my background spans a wide array of treatment settings and diverse populations. My journey began in wilderness programming for adolescents, witnessing how nature and challenge foster powerful change. I then transitioned to residential programs for at-risk youth—including those with severe behavioral challenges and adolescent sexual offenders—and provided substance use treatment for youth and adults in detention facilities. Since 2016, I have focused heavily on the intersection of mental health and addiction, treating them as deeply interconnected.
Today, I specialize in treating all types of addiction, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and certain personality disorders. My passion lies in helping adolescents (ages 14–18) and adults navigate their struggles with honesty, support, and practical solutions. Taking an eclectic approach, I incorporate Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness into my practice. I also integrate creative modalities like sand tray and art therapy, knowing healing doesn’t always happen through words alone. Over my career, I have run numerous therapy groups and worked with a broad range of individuals, including LGBTQ+ and deaf clients.
Academically, I earned my bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology from Frostburg State University (2000) and my Master of Social Work from Salisbury University (2011), obtaining my LGSW in 2011 and my LCSW-C in 2014.
At my core, I believe a fulfilling life requires balancing and nurturing the body, mind, and soul. My therapeutic approach is straightforward, genuine, and transparent: I don’t sugarcoat things, and what you see is what you get. I entered this field with a singular, clear purpose—to help people—and that remains my exact intention every day.
Hello! My name is Douglas (Doug) Starliper and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) licensed to practice psychotherapy in both Maryland and Virginia! Before becoming a licensed therapist, I spent a career as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division where I deployed four times. The struggles many Veterans are facing today are what galvanized my interest and desire to begin my 2nd career as a therapist. I utilized my GI bill to complete my undergraduate degree at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD and my graduate degree at University of Maryland Baltimore. I recently completed the supervised portion of my career and am currently fully licensed to practice independently as a LCSW-C.
I am a seasoned therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals dealing with addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). My work focuses on helping clients develop practical coping strategies, build resilience, and achieve meaningful personal growth.
In addition to clinical mental health support, I specialize in career development and helping individuals facing challenges related to re-entering the workforce. My background in Correctional and Mental Health Services has given me a broad and adaptable skill set to meet a variety of client needs. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC). I provide ethical, results-driven care to people ready to move toward a brighter, more stable future.
Hello.
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Florida and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. I am the owner of Breaking BHAD Counseling, LLC, a U.S. Army veteran, and a graduate of Webster University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
I specialize in working with high-functioning adults who are ready to take responsibility for their growth. Many of my clients are professionals, leaders, veterans, and driven individuals who seem successful on the outside but feel internally misaligned, overwhelmed, or stagnant.
My work is structured, direct, and focused on moving forward. I don’t offer endless processing — I help clients gain clarity, confront patterns, and move intentionally toward the life they want.
My name is Juanita Fontenot, and I believe in a person-centered approach to everything, as we are humans first. I also think the resiliency of the human spirit is often unnoticed but should be celebrated. We all have value, and once you believe this, the impact is life-changing. I want to work with you! You who have doubted your value because of what others have said, you who want to make a change, but feel stuck because it's just too much, you who are willing to do the work to make the change you wish to see. And you, you who need someone in your corner.
I'm a therapist who specializes in helping trauma survivors, stressed out parents, and women navigating midlife. Life can be so overwhelming when you are healing and still have to keep going. I'm here to help share your burden. My work integrates psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Relational Therapy to help you connect with your inner world and build a more kind and compassionate relationship with yourself. I offer a warm, compassionate space where all of you is welcome, no matter how messy.
Offers in-person in Sykesville, MD - Accepting clients in MDAvailable
My name is Terrence Proctor I am Licensed Clinical Social worker who specializes in working with people who live with mental disorders. I use a trauma focused approach to help people with cope with everyday life. I work with client's to help them build on their strength of resiliency, self-regulation and fostering a positive self-image of themselves. I believe we are all healing from something, and as we heal we learn to really appreciate who we are and what we bring to the world.
VirtualOffers in-person in Baltimore, MD - Accepting clients in MDAvailable
Hello, great to meet you!
Are you ready to feel better?
I’m honest and straightforward, practical and fun; I will encourage and support you in discovery of your personal strengths and abilities. I believe that you can reach your potential and live a meaningful life.
It takes courage and strength to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.
My therapy style is warm and interactive, enthusiastic, fun and humorous when appropriate. I am honest and straightforward, respectful, sensitive, and compassionate. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical, mindfulness, psychodynamic and trauma informed therapy. We will work together to develop a treatment plan that will focus on your unique needs and specific circumstances.
Hi I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I received my Master's Degree in 2010 from Loyola University and have been seeing clients since then . I especially enjoy helping adults deal with stressful transitions and challenges in life. My goal is to help clients gain insight and understanding about their challenges so that we together can find helpful solutions.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) and holder of a Masters Degree. I have been practicing for approximately 10 years. I have experience with adults who have struggled with Depression, Trauma, Anxiety, Adjusting to new circumstances, and other mood and relationship disorders. I am a people-person and really enjoy the helping profession. My personality affords me to successfully interact with many individuals who seek assistance in overcoming their life challenges.
Whether you are struggling with life’s daily stressors, setting boundaries with family members or friends, struggling in your marriage or relationship, transitioning to a new career, or just need someone to vent to about it all - I am here to help and listen. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you have the added support of a dedicated therapist in your corner! My goal is to create an environment where you feel relaxed to let your mind run free. There are no right or wrong thoughts or feelings - no pressure to filter those thoughts! I would love the opportunity to be that therapist supporting and encouraging you to live your best life.
Hello, my name is Brendette, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience supporting individuals on their path to healing and growth. My work is grounded in empathy, compassion, and inclusiveness, and I believe every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.
My approach is both goal-oriented and person-centered. I often work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, and I use evidence-based techniques to help them find healthier ways to cope and move forward. Together, we focus on building on your strengths while developing tools that will support long-term change.
Hello, I'm Emily! I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist and I have 10 years experience in the therapy field. I enjoy working with individuals coping with a range of challenges, including substance use, anxiety and related disorders and trauma. I have a wide range of experience with various mental health challenges as well as working with those of multiple different backgrounds.
My name is Leslie Dalencour, I have been a therapist for over 20 years. With over two decades in mental health and nearly a decade in private practice, I bring a holistic, integrative approach to well-being through sound healing and holistic and somatic therapies. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a long-standing practitioner in the field, I specialize in blending traditional psychotherapy with body-centered modalities to support lasting resilience and inner balance.
I am a bilingual, independent clinical social worker with a background in public health and more than 18 years of experience in both physical and mental health care. Over the past seven years, my focus has been on providing mental health therapy to individuals seeking meaningful change and personal growth.
In my practice, I work collaboratively with clients to deepen their self-awareness, explore the emotional and relational aspects of their experiences, and identify patterns in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that influence daily life. My goal is to empower clients to build effective coping skills, navigate life’s challenges with confidence, and enhance their overall well-being.
I am fluent in Amharic and offer therapy in both English and Amharic to best support the needs of my clients.
Hello,
My name is Tierra Evans. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor and Mental Health Clinician. I have been a licensed Social Worker for nine years and counting. I am a Texas native and have traveled extensively. I received my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strengths-based therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other therapeutic modalities. My passion is to nurture and cultivate positive energy and high vibrations throughout my life journey.
Services are provided within a short-term, goal-oriented framework. Treatment typically consists of 6–8 sessions. Progress is formally reviewed around session six, at which point the client and therapist mutually determine whether to conclude services, extend treatment for an additional time-limited phase, or pursue other appropriate options.
My name is Stacey Gray and I have been in the field of Social Work for over 20 plus years. My experience includes community outpatient mental health, school-based support and residential treatment centers working with individuals across the life span who are dealing with various mental health concerns that inhibit them from living their lives to the fullest potential. My client population is primarily is working with adolescents and adults who are seeking help with depression, mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD and family and relationship stressors. Throughout my career in private practice I have experience working with many modalities and have come to believe that there is no one size fits all approach to therapy. My primary focus during the treatment process is to ensure that the client feels that there is hope for change. Regardless of what you have experienced or are currently experiencing there is an opportunity for healing.
Hi, I’m Katrina, a Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical (LCSW-C). I work with adults and young adults who may be navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationships, self-esteem, or simply trying to figure out what comes next. My approach is warm, honest, and collaborative. I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can be yourself, feel heard, and work toward meaningful change without feeling judged or talked down to.
You may feel desperate, alone, and misunderstood. You feel like you are floating in the bottom of a lake and cannot see the light above you. Everyday, you feel like you are just going through the motions. If this describes you, then I may be the therapist for you. In my nearly twenty years of experience, I have helped people like you reach their potential and achieve the recovery that they needed. There is no set system or quick fix as others may promise, but I will walk down the road with you. My primary focus is on helping you deal with ambiguity. Often our thoughts and subsequently what we teach ourselves becomes rigid and fairly black and white. Using a pragmatic and authentic approach to therapy I try and help you be okay with things that are beyond your control and work with you to establish yourself as the protagonist in your own story. This is primarily accomplished through conversation and allowing you the client to guide the therapy in the direction it needs to go.
I am the wife of a Retired Combat Veteran and a mother to four beautiful children. I understand the complexities of being separated from your spouse for extended periods and feeling alone in the relationship and raising the children. Even the most well-prepared and successful person can find themselves wondering how things became so complicated, messy, or challenging, and feel at a loss when it comes to what to do to put the pieces back together. People have been shaped and molded by their past experiences, both good and bad. Often, people feel drawn to focus on the bad experiences, leading to pain and struggles of many kinds.
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.
VirtualOffers in-person in Salisbury, MD - Accepting clients in MDAvailable
I am a compassionate and dedicated trauma-focused therapist specializing in helping individuals heal from the emotional and psychological effects of trauma, or helping couples work through their trauma together to strengthen their relationships. Helping navigating life's challenges, including depression, anxiety, and the stressors that can often feel overwhelming. I strive to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to process and recover from difficult experiences.
I’m a licensed clinical social worker with 10 years of experience supporting adults and adolescents from diverse backgrounds. I hold a BA in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and a Master’s in Social Work from Howard University.
I work with clients navigating anxiety, stress, family and relationship challenges, and major life transitions such as college, new parenthood, or career changes. My goal is to help people strengthen self-awareness, improve communication, and create more balance in their relationships and daily lives.
My approach is grounded in authenticity, compassion, and collaboration.
My own healing journey—shaped by faith, adoption, and the power of community—inspires me to walk alongside others through both expected and unexpected changes. I believe in the freedom that comes from doing the work: acknowledging pain, releasing what no longer serves us, and reclaiming joy.
Dr. Kidd Colt, Ed.D; LCPC , LMHC is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Maryland and Florida. He provides psychotherapy to individuals. Dr. Colt earned his (Ed.,D) degree in counseling psychology from Argosy University. He earned his masters degree in counseling psychology (MA) from Towson University. Dr. Colt worked for over 22 years of service in the Sarasota community and specialized in treating clients with mood disorders; ADD/ADHD, stress mgmt, life changes, grief and chronic mental illnesses. Dr. Colt has flexible office hours and looks forward to meeting with you.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, my passion for counseling and extensive experience has continuously developed while supporting young adults, families and children. It is my hope to assist individuals in acknowledging their experience with mental health, accepting their issue as their own and identifying the life they desire to transition into.
The primary focus of my service is to help individuals cultivate healthy self-acceptance and recognize that their experiences with mental health do not define their identity. I specialize in supporting individuals who face challenges related to stress, depression, and anxiety.
I offer a warm, welcoming approach to therapy, paired with a strong commitment to excellent client care to ensure every interaction leaves a lasting, positive impression.
Hey there, I'm Paris a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in MD and a National Board Certified Counselor. I have over 8 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with children, adolescents, and adults fostering an environment where you can tackle anxiety, depression, family issues, self-esteem, life transitions and more. I am all about encouraging mindfulness, creating self-care routines, and setting realistic boundaries for a healthier/happier life. I approach therapy through a holistic lens meaning I am seeing you as a whole not just how you present certain parts. Together we can start this journey of self-discovery and growth to navigate this wonderful and messy thing we call life.
I have over 20 years of experience. My MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) and a Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH). I provide online therapy thru live video conferencing to clinically appropriate residents of Maryland, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, and District of Columbia.
Hello, my name is Monique Allen. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, in multiple states. 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.
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.
I have been a Mind, Body and Spirit counselor for 14 years. As a Pastoral Counselor I will help you examine not just your mental and physical well-being but also your spiritual well-being. I will to listen to you and assist you in examining your life, provide you with insight that will help you to determine what is the right course for you.
Hi
I am Asia, but not like the continent. Think Aseeyah!
Welcome to The Fabulous Life Wellness Collective
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Maryland. I received my Master's in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland, and my MBA from UMGC. I have been practicing for 6 years and have been in the mental health field for over 14 years.
I am also a Goodwill Career Coach and Navigator.
I help those in transition figure out how to live their best and fabulous lives. I would love the opportunity to do the same for you.
As part of The Fabulous Life Wellness Collective, I also love hosting workshops and events.
More can be found on TheFabulousLIfeWellness.com
Hi there, I'm Dawit.
A Licensed psychotherapist with a master’s degree in clinical social work and Master Addiction Counselor with a total of 16 years of experience with adult population challenged with Substance dependence and any addiction.
Every day-to-day life pulls us in many directions, and sometimes when we feel overwhelmed lose focus. You may have tried to deal with your problems, and your way may not be enough and you may not be able to deal with them on your own. Let's work together to develop a more effective plan so you can achieve your life goals.
Are you struggling with your life directions due to addiction? Is it hard for you to be positively selfish and focus on your own problems as a priority?
Whether you're dealing with any substance addiction or negative behavioral dependence, I'm here to help. Understanding that your way was not working and Seeking therapy is the first crucial step to make the change. You're making the right choice now. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back. Let's work together!
Hello, my name is Ronak Makadia, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist (Psy.D.) with additional training in social work (MSW). As a second-generation, Asian American I quickly learned the stigma and shame attached to attending therapy, especially within the Asian American community. As a cis-gender woman of color, I value and will provide culturally competent services.
Please note that I only accept adults and older adults who are high-functioning but need support to overcome barriers. Due to the nature of my private practice, I am unable to accept clients who are seeking treatment for trauma, substance use or severe mental illness.
I work alongside patients to overcome any barriers they may be facing. I will always encourage you to create, learn, and consistently use healthy coping mechanisms. To avoid staying stuck, I collaborate with you in developing solutions to aid you in moving forward in your life. We all get stuck sometimes and I am here to help. Therapy does not have to be a painful experience and I will be here to guide you toward improvement in a welcoming, affirmative environment.
I support the movement to destigmatize therapy and make mental health care accessible for all. I will continue to support this mission and provide quality counseling. Talk to me about scheduling a first appointment if you are interested in working together.
I look forward to working with you!
Hi, my name is Candace, but you can call me Candy,
You have taken the first and often hardest step in bettering your life by seeking help! Beginning therapy can be scary and people often feel vulnerable when doing this. One of my attributes is to try and make this journey as comfortable as possible for you.
I have worked in the mental health field for more than 28 years and have been licensed for 8 years. My vast experience has allowed me to gain knowledge in the many stressors that people may face during their life. . I have been honored by each person that I’ve worked with as they have allowed me a windows view of their life and the issues each of them had. My thought on counseling is that the person seeking therapy and the therapist are a team and work together as a team to identify goals, find solutions and overcome the issues at hand.
I have a desire to use my empathetic and compassionate nature along with my experience to help people find and utilize services, coping skills and solutions that will assist them in gaining a better quality of life. I do this by providing a confidential safe and judgment free place for those seeking therapy to discuss their situations and needs. I use a strengths-based approach along with solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapy. I am good at thinking outside the box to help people in identifying and reaching their goals.
I'm a licensed clinical social worker with experience working with adolescents, families, and the elderly in both Maryland and the District of Columbia. I have worked in various private practices over the years and I teach social work practice and research at the college level. I am interested in human behavior and assisting people with finding their path to a happy, healthy, productive life.
I serve as a practical assistant and thought partner for individuals seeking to process their thoughts, organize daily habits, and explore personal development strategies to increase personal growth. I enjoy using solution focused methods to help brainstorm coping strategies, learn psychological frameworks, and map out goals for personal growth. I work to help decrease stress that can be overwhelming and deal with challenges to help navigate overall well-being.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland, as well as a Certified Anger Management Specialist-II (CAMS-II) and a Prepare-Enrich Facilitator (Relationship Mentor). I’m passionate about helping others navigate life’s challenges with clarity and hope by offering support to individuals and couples by teaching essential skills such as CBT, assertive communication, conflict resolution, and calming techniques to effectively manage stress and anxiety.
I am joining Grow Therapy coming from Mainspring Recovery, where I had been serving as the Clinical Supervisor. I have 17 years of experience in behavioral health, with a concentrated focus on mental health and substance abuse. My extensive experience in dealing with and treating substance abuse has placed me at the frontlines of mental health care.
My career has been marked by clinical leadership positions, including roles as a Team Lead providing clinical supervision to behavioral health practitioners and as a highly sought-after mental health consultant and advisor. My leadership and expertise have been instrumental in improving the quality of care in various settings.
I hold both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Central Missouri. Additionally, I possess numerous certificates and training in mental health, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia, Maryland, DC and Missouri.
I work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, etc. Learning distress tolerance skills is a way to improve the quality of life and allows for a person to be empowered. I specialize in CBT, DBT, PCT, and various other therapeutic modalities.
It is my goal to create a safe place for my clients to express their thoughts and feelings, while assisting in pushing forward.
FMLA/Disability Forms:
Completion of FMLA, disability, and other administrative paperwork is available for established clients for an additional fee. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be supported by clinical documentation. Completion of paperwork does not guarantee approval of leave, benefits, or accommodations, as all decisions are made by the requesting organization.
I am a Marine Corps Veteran, Army wife, a mother, and a former educator. I want to make it clear that I may not be the right therapist for everyone, and neither do I strive to be. I focus on finding solutions that work for you. I am not a "how do you feel about that" therapist. I am a reality therapist who can provide long-term help for various mental health issues. I am a faith-based therapist who believes in God, but ultimately, my passion lies in helping people, regardless of their beliefs. I am dedicated to helping others reach their full potential, regardless of their beliefs. I am a former school therapist, and for the last 6 years, I've been working with adults (basically, after my cohort of students graduated, about 60% wanted to keep me as a therapist, and I started working with both teens and adults). I am the therapist who will be invested in your change; I will not always agree with you, I will challenge you, I will always be honest with you, and I will always have your best interest at heart. Your change is my priority!
I believe therapy should feel like a safe and supportive space where you can be yourself without judgement. As a therapist, I bring warmth, compassion, and careful listening to every session, helping you feel truly heard and understood. My style is both thoughtful and practical-I draw on years of experience and a variety of therapeutic approaches to meet you where you are and guide you toward where you'd like to be. I was raised in Florida then Maryland and have always felt a deep connection to people and nature. Just as time outdoors can bring calm and perspective, I strive to create that same sense of grounding and clarity in our work together. Outside of my practice, family life continues to shape my appreciation for relationships, growth and the challenges that come with change. Clients often describe me as a good listener who helps them discover new ways to cope, grow and move forward with confidence. My goal is simple-to help you feel supported, understood and empowered to create the changes you seek.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, and I believe one of the most important parts of therapy is feeling safe enough to be yourself. My goal is to create a space where you feel accepted, understood, and never judged. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or neurodivergence, I'll meet you with compassion, curiosity, and genuine respect.
Being autistic gives me a unique perspective on what it can feel like to move through a world that isn't always designed for different ways of thinking and experiencing life. Combined with my professional training, this helps me provide affirming, practical, and empathetic care for neurodivergent and neurotypical clients alike.
As an LCSW-C with eight years of experience and a master's degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore, I provide compassionate therapy services tailored to your unique needs. Utilizing evidence-based techniques like CBT, I collaborate with you to address challenges, develop coping skills, and foster personal growth. My eclectic approach draws from various therapeutic modalities to support your mental health journey effectively. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or other concerns, I'm here to help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals in a supportive and empowering environment.
Hi there. Thank you for visiting my profile. My name is Sylvia Bikos, I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical (LCSW-C). I received my Masters from university of Maryland School of Social Work. I worked at the inpatient and emergency department in the Psychiatric department where I worked with adults and children. I later transitioned to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) where I work with adult employees.
I’m Gail Spinnato, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes therapy should be a place where you feel supported, understood, and comfortable being yourself. I bring warmth, compassion, empathy, and a genuine curiosity about the people I work with. I strive to create a nonjudgmental space where you can talk openly about the things that may feel difficult, uncomfortable, or even hard to put into words.
My approach is strengths-based and person-centered. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you—not to tell you how you should feel or what you should do. We’ll work collaboratively to identify what matters most to you, build on the strengths you already have, and move toward the changes you want to make. I move at your pace and believe therapy is most effective when we take things one step at a time.
Over the course of my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with people across the lifespan and from many different backgrounds and life circumstances. I’ve always been drawn to working with people who may feel unseen, misunderstood, or underrepresented. I especially value creating a space where people can feel accepted for who they are and supported through whatever season of life they are experiencing.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, navigating motherhood or fertility concerns, facing a major life transition, or feeling controlled by OCD or trauma, you don't have to have everything figured out before you begin therapy.
You can simply start where you are. We’ll take it from there, together.