EAP:United Healthcare Optum Therapists in Maryland

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and provide virtual counseling services to those residing in FL, MD, MI, and VA. I received my Masters from the University of Michigan and have been practicing for 15 years. I specialize in women-specific counseling, addressing the unique challenges that women face, including issues related to self-esteem, confidence, fertility, pregnancy and postpartum concerns, anxiety, grief, stress and life transitions. I also specialize in working with women and families with a connection to adoption.

Listening to others' stories and supporting them in finding positive paths through challenges has always felt like a natural calling. Even as a child, friends would often reach out, and my mom would joke, "Is the doctor in?" Later on, this passion led to volunteering with kids in creative programs and working in hospice care, where deeper connections were formed. These experiences led to a rewarding role at an outpatient community clinic, where people from all walks of life could share their unique journeys and struggles. My work with clients have included helping those navigate stress, anxiety, mood disorders, and life transitions. The ideal clients are those who are open to exploring interventions and truly wish to understand themselves more deeply. Therapy is not about achieving perfection but rather finding new perspectives on who we are and how we engage with the world around us. Healing and personal growth rarely follow a straight path, and it's the patience and willingness to try that often make the difference in finding the right way forward.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas. I received my Masters from LeTourneau University and have been practicing for 3 years. I work with adult clients living with self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, and anger. The goal is to provide a safe space for clients to openly talk, gain self-awareness, and identify ways to overcome their challenges.

Now I am taking on new clients!!! Also, I am available on Saturdays!!! I, Kumi Pledger, LCPC work with all ages: children, adolescents, couples, LGBTQ Clients, families and adults for various issues including, hearing from traumatic experiences, relationship challenges such as dealing with narcissistic abuse, struggling to manage anxiety, having no motivations, supporting new and expectant mothers, eating disorders, adjustment to new places/new jobs, grief and loss. I use personal insight and professional experience to provide clients with a safe place to be heard, find themselves again, free of fears, reduce anxieties, have a stress-free life, find happiness and joy in their lives, eliminate unwanted behaviors, grow, improve and conquer insomnia

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.

Hi there! I’m Deborah Stern, LCPC. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space for clients to explore what’s really going on—whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship stress or feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns. My vibe is calm and accepting, so you can feel safe being fully yourself. I draw from psychodynamic, somatic, and relational therapies to help you build insight, heal from the inside out, and connect more deeply to who you really are. I'm available for virtual sessions and have some availability in person in the Pikesville, MD area.

Greetings, my name is John Luke. I am a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in helping people to effectively manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns using cognitive behavioral techniques. I have worked with a range of populations, nearly all ages, and also have experience with addiction treatment and life-coaching. I work with people to develop insight into the source of their problems, how their core beliefs about the world might be hindering their progress, and focus on their natural strengths to overcome those barriers with practical skills that generate sustainable change. Some of my other specialties include short-term, solution-focused therapy; cognitive behavioral therapy techniques; psychodynamic approaches; and marital counseling. Some of the problems I am particularly keen on solving with my clients include issues with self-image and confidence; dating and relationships; boundary-setting and assertive communication; as well as general anxiety management; and learning to identify and productively resolve emotional unrest. I am also very experienced in cognitive restructuring, which is just a fancy way of saying helping to change the way a person thinks about the world and their place in it. I also enjoy aiding people in goal setting and identification, meaning-making, and navigating family conflicts. If you feel any of this could be helpful or useful to you, please do not hesitate to reach out! (Note: I do work with couples, but only on a cash-pay basis. Also, I only work with ages 18+)

Welcome to my page! My name is Kate Hunt and I'm a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland with ten years of experience in working with adults and children. I completed my undergraduate degree in Social Work from McDaniel, my master's in social work from UMB, and am a board approved supervisor with experience in leadership positions including field intern supervising with UMB. My experience includes mood disorders, perinatal mood disorders, relationship issues, substance abuse, anxiety and adjustment concerns. I've worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, substance use programs, and therapy clinics. I believe a client centered approach allows a genuine experience for both client and clinician. My goal is to help my clients reach a point of internal growth through self-discovery and encouragement. My therapy orientation is both psychodynamic and CBT based. Together, we can work to confront defense mechanisms and cognitive distortions that are contributing to your present concerns. Lastly, in my personal life, I'm a former athlete (but trying to be current!), dog-lover, avid reader, and parent.

Hello and Welcome! I am Tammy Jones, a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Maryland. I have been in the helping profession for many years and thoroughly enjoy working with and helping others. I aspire to ensure that clients feel safe in the therapeutic environment and that they are comfortable talking with me about their personal selves. I will meet the client where they are in their journey and strive towards providing them with the tools to navigate through their depression, anxiety, and grief and loss, so they may improve their individual functioning. Therapy can stimulate personal development in areas that you wish to grow. I am willing and ready to listen when you are ready to begin your journey.

Hi! My name is De’Ja Geter-Jackson, and I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical (LCSW-C) based in Baltimore, MD. I am passionate about supporting young adults as they navigate daily challenges, overcome barriers, and discover practical solutions to the problems they face. My goal is to help you tap into your inner strength and build the confidence and skills needed to thrive in everyday life.

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.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and certified Health Coach. Over the last 15+ years, I've helped women struggling with life changes, anxiety, depression or chronic illness overcome barriers to living a joyful life. My style is collaborative, using a variety of evidence-based techniques customized to what is most helpful and productive for each individual. I enjoy incorporating Christian values and practices where there is alignment in beliefs.

Kiti Jackson is a Licensed Therapist (LCPC) in Maryland. Kiti has a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Psychology and a Master of Arts in Human Services and Counseling. Led by her desire to help others, she also earned a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and EMDR therapist, she specializes in helping clients with trauma. Kiti has extensive experience working with adolescents and adults. Kiti is an islander from Oahu, Hawaii, who has an affection for the outdoors. She enjoys spending time with her four children and husband. Her years as a military spouse taught her to be flexible because things can change in the blink of an eye. She enjoys long walks with her husband and their three Akitas. You will often find Kiti binge-watching Monk, biking, traveling, and exploring various foods.

Hi there, I'm Laurie! Do you wish providers would look at you through a whole person lens instead of discussing health and mental health separately? Do you want a provider for your child who is playful and skilled at engaging children? Are you an adult who likes a more personal, connected approach to therapy? Do you have a teen who has had difficulty connecting to other providers? Well look no further! I enjoy using storytelling, videos, and conversation to help clients of all ages improve self-esteem, self-worth and gain a better understanding of sense of self. A licensed clinical social worker and board-certified supervisor with over 25 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults, I spent much of that time working for the world-renowned Kennedy Krieger Institute, a Johns Hopkins affiliate, where I was also in leadership. I have post-graduate certificates in Treating Children & Adolescents, Leadership, Fitness Nutrition, and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health providers. More personally, I love hiking, watching Marvel movies, lifting weights, and crowd surfing at concerts. I believe we should never stop playing like children!

I have over 15 years of experience helping to improve the lives of my clients through compassionate, client-focused care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship issues, stress management, grief, and chronic illness, among other mental health and substance use issues. I utilize various evidence-based techniques, including, but not limited to, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, to empower my clients on their journey.

When I was in grad school I was asked this question: why do you want to do therapy? My answer was immediate: "I want to alleviate suffering!" A more experienced clinician shared a perplexing truth with me: sometimes you can't, you can just sit with the person through it. Over the years I have been honored to hold space for my clients to share their stories of courage and pain. I started to see what she meant, and revised my motto: I want to alleviate suffering and when I can’t I want to create a soft place to land. So, "Why therapy?” For all those who have forgotten their strength and just need a soft place to land. Using a blended approach of top therapy models, I partner with Clients to create lasting change and find freedom in ways that feel authentic to each person. Together we will learn new concepts, practice practical skills, and transform self-limiting patterns. Life can be hard. I want to help. Let’s talk!

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.

My name is Fadea, I have been in the field of Social work for over 20 years and a therapist for over 5 years. I enjoy the work that I do and look forward to helping my clients meet their goals. I prefer women clients only. My dream client would be open to change and communication to improve skills in coping with life's challenges. My client would be consistent with treatment and motivated to make changes to improve herself, family relations, and community as a whole. My ideal client would be ready to build a trusting relationship and be honest about her needs and expectations. If you need an appointment on a day my schedule may not allow, please contact me to make arrangements to accommodate your needs. Take care and be well.

My name is Willard and I am a licensed counselor in several states. My practice primarily focuses on helping others 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 help others to be okay with things that are beyond their control and work with them to establish themselves as the protagonist in their own story. This is primarily accomplished through conversation and allowing you the client to guide the therapy in the direction it needs to go.

am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a proud graduate of Howard University, where I received a strong foundation in culturally competent, evidence-based social work practice. With over 15 years of professional experience in the mental health field, I am deeply committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, and client-centered therapy services to adults who are navigating the complex challenges of life. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds who are experiencing a wide range of emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration. I believe that healing is a personal journey, and I tailor each intervention to meet the unique needs, strengths, and goals of the individuals I serve. Drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities—including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based practices, strengths-based approaches, and trauma-informed care—I help clients reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. My ultimate goal is to support individuals in achieving emotional well-being, building resilience, and improving their overall quality of life. I am passionate about empowering people to reclaim their narratives and thrive, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside them on their path to healing and personal growth.

I'm a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Certified (LCSW-C) with over 10 years of experience. I specialize in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, trauma, anxiety, and mindfulness, using a combination of IFS, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to empower clients with the tools and strategies they need to take control of their mental health and achieve lasting positive change.

My name is Nikki Smith. I’m a licensed clinical professional counselor licensed in the state of Maryland and in Georgia. I have been practicing for over 14 years. I work with individuals, groups and families to identify treatment goals and collaboratively execute those goals, using a range of modalities such as CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Person Centered, etc. I am very eclectic in my therapeutic approach and treatment is tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. I’m so eager to start this journey of self-love and bring a little “easy” to your life.

My interest in mental health started at home, within myself and immediate family. From these experiences, I became passionate about the overall mental wellbeing of everyone around me, and I pursued mental and behavioral health education and training in Baltimore. I have worked in the field for over eight years, and I use personal and professional experience to help others reach their highest potential.

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!

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.