UnitedHealthcare/Optum Therapists in Maryland

Getting here is half the battle. Whatever compelled you to consider therapy….. WELCOME! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I have 20 years of experience in the field of mental health. I’ve served as a mental health provider in multiple settings including residential treatment for chronic and persistent mental illness, inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment, alternative and therapeutic day school settings, and forensic treatment. For the last 8 years, I’ve served as a mental health clinician in the primary care setting, providing collaborative and wholistic care for wide range of patient concerns. We are the product of all of our collective experiences - the good, the bad, and the ugly. All of our experiences, especially during developmental years, shapes how we see ourselves, how we view the world around us, and our place in it. My practice is rooted in social work principles and aspects of positive psychology to guide treatment of the entire individual. I offer a person-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to assist individuals in realizing their own greatness, overcome perceived obstacles, and live a more adaptive life. If you are new to therapy, simply put, therapy is two people, in the same room, working together to sort something out. It’s a partnership, a collaboration. Making the decision to enter therapy is a big deal. You are entering into a relationship with a complete stranger, with hopes that this person will help you navigate through whatever challenges you are facing. Here’s the reality. I’m not the best fit for every client. It is important to know that YOU are the one that makes the decision to move forward with a particular therapist or not. If it doesn’t feel right, shop around until you find the right therapist, for you. Take an opportunity to ask questions about the process, including what approaches they take in helping people, their therapy style, what will be expected (homework/assignments between sessions), cadence and length of therapy sessions, cost of therapy, and how long therapy is expected to last (6 months, 1 year, longer?).

Hi, I’m Ashlee Hendrix, LCSW-C, and I’ve been helping clients navigate life’s challenges for over 7 years. I use a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and psychoeducation to make sure we’re tackling the heart of what’s going on in a way that feels approachable. I work with clients on everything from life transitions and parenting to managing anxiety, depression, and navigating women’s issues. My style is energetic, empathetic, and compassionate—I believe therapy doesn’t always have to feel heavy to get to the hard stuff. You can expect a supportive, empathetic, and relatable experience, where we work together to find the best solutions for you.

Hi, my name is Bridgit Sims, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Maryland. I have experience providing trauma-informed and neuro-affirming therapy to teens, adults, families and couples. I can help you address a wide range of mental health concerns including mood management, trauma, emotion regulation, communication, relationships, self-esteem, neurodivergence and more. I look forward to working with you!

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.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience working with a wide range of individuals. I have several years of experience working with the refugee community, including completing psychological evaluations for asylum seekers. I also have several years of experience working with young professionals and college students in a private practice setting. I have 6 years of experience working in the DC Public School system at an elementary school, and am very comfortable working with young children, adolescents, and individuals who are neurodivergent, based on this experience. I areas of expertise are trauma recovery, anxiety disorders, managing difficult life transitions, grief & loss, and working with children/adolescents.

Hi! I have worked as a mental health therapist for approximately 20 years in varied settings, including community health programs, inpatient eating disorder treatment, college student counseling centers, and group practice. As a yoga instructor and therapist specializing in trauma, I help survivors rebuild a sense of trust and safety in the body by incorporating somatic exercises, breathwork, and relational skills. Through this holistic approach, clients are able to tolerate sensory and emotional experiences to cultivate a compassionate relationship with their bodies. In addition to the breathwork and somatic techniques, I incorporate modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). My practice honors an integrative approach that cultivates gentleness, acceptance, and compassion toward ourselves and others.

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!

I’m Latisha Gee Torres, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, mindfulness teacher, and wellness coach with over 20 years of experience. I help Black women and adult children of emotionally unavailable or addicted caregivers heal from relational trauma, break free from people-pleasing and perfectionism, and reconnect with their authentic selves. My approach blends therapy, coaching, and mindfulness in a compassionate, culturally attuned space where your full story is honored and your healing is prioritized.

I have been a practicing clinician for over 14 years and have worked with individuals from a diverse range of disorders including severe anxiety, severe depression (and other mood disorders such as bipolar disorder) , addiction, trauma, chronic health issues, and psychosis. I have received my Master's degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore and have my clinical social work license.

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.

Hi, I’m Nancy Paz Welsh, a bilingual (English & Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland and Virginia. As a proud second-generation American of Salvadorian descent, I am deeply committed to advocating for mental health awareness and normalizing therapy as an essential aspect of overall well-being. I’m passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and evidence-based support. I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, understood, and valued. My goal is to help you uncover your strengths, build coping strategies, and develop self-awareness, empowering you to make meaningful, lasting changes in your life. I work with individuals facing a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. My focus is on building a trusting, collaborative relationship where we can explore your concerns at your pace and develop practical tools for growth. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I’m here to meet you where you are—without judgment. My style is warm, empathetic, and practical, balancing support with gentle challenging to help you grow in a way that feels right for you. Whether you’re struggling with overwhelming emotions or seeking greater balance in your life, I’m here to guide you with insight and compassion. If you’re ready to explore new perspectives and make meaningful changes, I’d be honored to support you in taking that first step!

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+)

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.

Board Certified Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker ( LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, CCTP, C-DBT). I am Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT). I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) who provides client - centered psychotherapy. I am licensed in Maryland , Washington DC and North Carolina, and have 20+ years extensive experience serving in various behavioral and mental health settings. I offer a safe, warm, therapeutic, judgement- free space for Adults (18+) and Older Adults (65+). Each client will be met where she/he is, with acceptance and empathy. Life happens and we encounter challenges at one point or another. Negative thoughts and beliefs often control how we think, feel and relate. Over time, our negative emotions and pervasive thought patterns may become overwhelming and repressed. We will reflect upon any challenges you may have; including past and present. And as a team, we will get to a root cause, identify your trigger(s) and work collaboratively to develop insight, awareness, coping skills and tools to build your resilience, so you can arrive at answers within yourself. In essence, I'll support and empower you through your journey.

I have provided counseling & therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in various settings including schools, group homes, residential treatment facilities, in-office, in-home and virtually. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from The College of Wooster in 2001. In 2003, after working for 2 years at a non-profit in Washington, DC, I joined the staff of HB Woodlawn Secondary Program, in Arlington, VA, as a counseling assistant and college counselor for students in 6th – 12th grade. In 2006, I moved to Philadelphia, PA, and earned my M.A. in Counseling Psychology & School Counseling from Rosemont College in 2009. During my two practicum experiences, I worked primarily with children and adolescents with a variety of behavioral and mental health issues. I was a guidance counselor at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, where I provided counseling for students struggling with depression, anxiety, and school or family issues. I was also a therapist at St. Francis St. Joseph Homes for Children, where I provided group, family and individual counseling for homeless or displaced boys who often needed support for trauma and grief. Since 2009, I have provided therapy in both a Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) in Portsmouth, VA, and as an independent counselor providing in-office and in-home services in San Antonio, TX and Gambrills, MD. At the RTF, I was a co-leader of the Young Women’s Center, which specialized in intensive care for girls aged 12-18 who required treatment for mood disorders, depression, trauma, anxiety & PTSD. Independently, I've worked virtually with children, adults, blended families, as well as military families & veterans.

Welcome! Congratulations on taking the courageous first step of seeking out a therapist. It is an act of bravery and courage to explore what is impacting you or your child. Contacting a therapist can feel intimidating and overwhelming, but I hope you will take a minute (and maybe a few deep breaths) to see how I can help. I specialize in treating children, teens, and young adults. I have been working in the mental health field for over 7 years, including over 4 years in a residential treatment setting treating children struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, and PTSD, as well as other diagnoses. I utilize TF-CBT, mindfulness, and other modalities in my practice. Thank you for considering me to be a part of your journey!

Welcome. Wherever you are on your healing journey, I am glad you are here! I am a Holistic psychotherapist, reiki master practitioner, acupuncture detoxification specialist and yoga teacher located in Baltimore, Maryland. With 10+ years of clinical counseling experience, I specialize in the treatment of mood disorders and addiction (substances/sexual/food/behavioral) by utilizing a holistic healing framework focused on mind/body/spirit connection. Holistic Psychotherapy is rooted in the knowledge that you do not need to be fixed. Rather, the conditioned ways that you think, feel, and respond to the world may be getting in the way of your wholeness. Individual counseling sessions will help uncover issues limiting you from achieving true health and fulfillment. In that sense, the therapeutic process is not so much adding on or creating a new persona, it is about removing the layers of what is false and blocking you from living the life you want.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) whose motto is " Encouraged to heal; Empowered to change". I work with individuals that have become stagnant due to trauma, depression/anxiety, grief/loss, or have come to "phase of life changes" that they need assistance with navigating. I help clients to tap into their resilience, redeem their power and identify new goals to create a new narrative.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I was born and raised in New York City, the child of preachers. I knew by my teens that I was queer and had a deep interest in all things connected to eastern philosophy and yoga. As a young adult I developed fibromyalgia and quickly learned I could not rely on the standard medical model for healing. That I had to get my life and body back into harmony in order to heal. Now with over 20 years of experience working with individuals living with depression, anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain, I know that healing is our birthright. And that true healing does not happen solely on one level of our being. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), a Mindfulness Based Psychedelic Therapist (MBPT) and a certified Yoga Therapist. The combination of these modalities brings about transformational healing through a process of deep exploration and self-awareness to clear away the mud from the lenses through which we see ourselves, our lives, and the world around us.

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.

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.