Aetna Therapists in Maryland

Accessing therapy covered by Aetna insurance can simplify and reduce the cost of therapy, helping you find therapist that fits your budget. With 29 verified therapists in Maryland accepting Aetna, you can choose from therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy to address concerns like anxiety, depression, or major life changes. Each Grow Therapy-verified provider listed below is open to new clients and has upcoming availability, making it easier to connect with a therapist who meets your needs within the scope of your Aetna plan.

Availability updated: 4/14/2026

Authentic
Intelligent
Warm
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Solution oriented
Direct
Challenging
Humorous

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Health/Medical Issues
Life Transitions
+10
I provide therapy from a whole-person approach. In our initial sessions we will work on establishing goals for treatment and getting to know you, along with your needs and how you may best benefit from therapy. I like to take therapy outdoors as often as possible and while I do not have a traditional office, like to meet clients in the community, at parks, hiking trails, etc.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Intelligent
Direct
Empowering
Humorous
Solution oriented
Holistic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
+13
Dr. Fanta Conde is a licensed psychotherapist with a profound understanding and attention to individualism and multiculturalism. She is an alumna of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. In 2016, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. Fanta is passionate about her work in psychotherapy and her role in supporting clients to find peace, clarity, and happiness in all aspects of their lives. She has extensive experience in working with clients who present with various mental health disorders, relational concerns, and life transitions. Her approach to psychotherapeutic treatment is innovative and customized to the client’s individual needs. Dr. Conde brings a unique approach to individual, family, couple, and group therapy. Her extensive experience working in outpatient, residential, and in-home settings enables her to offer a multi-disciplinary, and creative approach to therapy.
VirtualAvailable
Intelligent
Open-minded
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Spirituality
Substance Misuse
+6
I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate their mental health journeys. I offer virtual therapy sessions, making it convenient for you to receive support from the comfort of your own space. Fluent in both English and Swahili. My journey to becoming a provider has been both personal and deeply meaningful. I have always been drawn to the idea of walking alongside others in their process of healing, growth, and transformation. For me, therapy is not just a profession—it's a calling. The ability to witness another person's story unfold, to hold space for their pain.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
+8
My name is Lyn Walker. I have been in the counseling profession for over 20 years. I have worked with people of all ages and backgrounds. I prioritize building a strong and trusting bond with my clients, so they are comfortable with sharing their most intimate and sensitive life stories and experiences with me. In our sessions there is no TMI. I build a non-judgmental and safe space for my clients. I value assisting me clients in feeling better and obtaining the goals they set to accomplish.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
+8
Hi! Hola (hablamos español)--I'm Jose. I've spent over 10 years working with people navigating some of the hardest parts of life--anxiety, depression, trauma, family stress, and everything in between. I've worked across schools, community programs, residential treatment, and inpatient care, which means I've sat with people at many stages of struggle, not just the polished version. Outside of work, I'm a mountain biker, a soccer player, a music lover (English and Spanish--anything with a good beat), and a proudly colorblind person who spent three years of college convinced his favorite shoes were brown. They were green. We all have blind spots. That's kind of the whole point. Therapy works best when it feels like a real conversation--not a performance. I'm not here to have all the answers or hand you a list of things to fix. I'm here to think alongside you, challenge you when it's useful, and create space for the kind of honesty that's hard to find anywhere else. I believe people are more than the title they carry--parent, partner, professional, caregiver. You're a whole person navigating a complicated life, and that's what we work with here.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Intelligent
Direct
Warm
Empowering
Humorous
Open-minded
Challenging
Holistic
Open-Minded

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
+9
Hi, my name is Miguel. I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, came of age in New York City, and served in the US Army for several years. I am a clinician and educator, and credentialed as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (Maryland), Licensed Professional Counselor (Virginia), and a National Certified Counselor with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NCC). In addition, I have a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Direct
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Intelligent
Empowering
Warm
Humorous
Challenging
Holistic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Family Conflict
Men's Issues
+7
Today you are one step closer to a new you, feeling empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As an Assistant Professor, Researcher, and Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy and a solution-focused therapist, I aim to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Humorous
Direct
Open-Minded
Challenging
Holistic

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
+3
Is there a voice inside you that is saying "Life has more for me than this ?" I know this voice and the feelings of anxiety and depression that often results from our struggling alone. Change is not only possible, it is inevitable when we clear out the clutter in our hearts and minds. The journey from surviving to thriving is less intimidating when there is someone to walk with you. My life experiences have brought me to this exciting place in my life - helping people to rediscover their inner gifts and become who they know they can be. I love helping people move forward in the Change process. Engaging fear, looking within, trying new skills, learning new ways to build self-esteem - this is the real currency of life. Depression and anxiety will lift and become manageable. Couples can do conflict well and become friends again. You can make deep and lasting change in your life and pursue the career aspirations you dream of. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". Take your step today ! If you would like to read about my past employment and education, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecollinslcpc/
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent
Warm
Open-minded
Challenging
Solution oriented
Holistic
Humorous
Open-Minded

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Spirituality
** COUPLES THERAPY ONLY** I am Natalie Edwards, a multi-state licensed psychotherapist and relationship expert with over 15 years in the mental health field. I am experienced in working with couples who are looking for support, clarity and problem solving skills in a safe, non-judgmental space. Please rest assure that you have come to the right place for guidance. It's great that you recognize the benefits of processing your emotions and concerns with a therapist who can help guide you in working through the challenges. The idea of you considering therapy tells me that you are looking for change to take place because something you are or aren't doing is no longer working. This is where change happens...this is a very solution-driven space. The sessions are actively engaging, honest, direct, and transformative. We don't get to just talk about it here; we do something about it. Through challenging exercises, role-plays, dissecting, and insightful discussions; we see change. Your expectations and openness to learn new skills is significant to the process of the positive change you can be proud of.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Empowering
Direct
Intelligent
Challenging
Holistic

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
Hello, I am Melisha Harris a licensed clinical social worker. As a therapist, I create a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your story, heal, and grow. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, or simply seeking greater clarity and peace, I’m here to support you. Counseling can help you rediscover your strengths and build the life you deeply deserve. If you’re ready to take that next step, I’ll walk with you to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore, heal and improve your quality of life.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm
Open-minded
Empowering
Intelligent
Challenging
Holistic
Humorous

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+8
I’m Jessica Oyefusi, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, who is passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and create meaningful change. I love spending time outdoors, going on adventures, exploring creative hobbies, and discovering new places in the city. I also enjoy slowing down with a good mystery book or watching documentaries on health and wellness. These personal joys keep me grounded and inspire the warmth, curiosity, and authenticity I bring to my work with clients.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Direct
Intelligent
Holistic
Humorous

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+8
Welcome to New Hope For This Season Counseling LLC! My name is June Faith Dickerson and I am the founder and owner of New Hope For This Season Counseling LLC. This counseling practice was created to provide hope, encouragement, and emotional wellness while meeting the needs of clients with a heart full of compassion and empathy. I began my career in the Maryland area in 2019 working with individuals and families in crisis. I always had a heart to help people and spent many years volunteering at schools and youth detention centers which birthed into my passion to begin my counseling educational journey. To receive the credentialing, I obtained my bachelors in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology and my master's in Clinical Mental Health.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Direct
Open-minded

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
I hold a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Psychology and a Master's in clinical social work. I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Florida, Maryland, Nevada, Virginia and South Carolina with 37 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I have authored two books (Bad Therapy Good Therapy: And How to Tell the Difference; and Grow Up, America!); five booklets; and thousands of articles, as well as a self-help column, "Life's a Beach," published in Gannett newspapers since 2005. My primary goal is to help you help yourself. I will guide and coach you, not tell you what to do. We'll reason and think our way to what makes sense together.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Humorous
Open-minded
Empowering
Direct
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Holistic
Open-Minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
Hello, my name is Shondelle Johnson-Pugh. I am licensed as an LCSWC in the state of Maryland. Although I have worked with individuals and families for over 22 years. Most recently, I have been blessed with the opportunity to provide therapeutic services for the last five years. My background consists of providing services to those seeking support in the areas of maternal mental health, depression, relationship issues, improvement in self-esteem, and defining coping skills. Services are provided via telehealth services only during selective evening hours. During scheduled sessions, clients can expect honest and supportive feedback on areas addressed in sessions. If you are looking for someone to bring energy and a sense of humor during sessions when needed, look no further. Together, we can find healthy solutions to the concerns that keep you up at night or keep you in a cycle of questioning what you should do next in your life. It is my hope that I can help plant a seed of hope in each person's life that comes to treatment, and eventually, that seed will grow into a strong fruit!
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Direct
Humorous
Open-minded
Warm
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Challenging
Holistic
Open-Minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Addiction
Anxiety
+4
Shannon Lovett, a compassionate and highly skilled Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience in treating adults, college students, and adolescents. Each person is unique and special in their own way. Therapy should be tailored to meet each individual's specific role within their environment and cultural experiences, physical and emotional well-being. Many clients are challenged with depression, anxiety, or relationship issues related to dating, friendships, or family. I have experience working with issues ranging from psychosis, trauma, conduct-related problems, family conflict, grief, men's issues, mood disorders, self-esteem, self-harming and PTSD. Shannon is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families in their journey toward healing and growth.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Warm
Intelligent
Direct
Empowering
Humorous
Challenging
Holistic

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
+10
I am Dr. George Stallings. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 18 years of experience, proudly serving clients in Maryland and Virginia. I hold a Master’s degree from Towson University, PhD Capella University, and specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, and life transitions. My goal is to help clients gain clarity, build resilience, and move toward becoming their most authentic and empowered selves.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Solution oriented
Direct
Intelligent
Authentic
Open-minded
Empowering
Challenging
Holistic

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
+7
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.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
+7
I am a licensed therapist who works with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can better understand their emotions, patterns, and relationships, while developing practical tools for meaningful change. I bring warmth, curiosity, and humor into my work, and value genuine connection, both in and out of the therapy room. In my personal life, I enjoy engaging with others and having fun, and I believe that healing can happen alongside authenticity, laughter, and real human connection.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Intelligent
Direct
Empowering
Challenging
Open-minded
Humorous
Warm
Solution oriented
Holistic
Open-Minded

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
+9
I am here for you. My name is Dr. Jay Rhodes, and I am a board-certified, Licensed Clinical Marriage (LPC) and Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) in Maryland, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Oklahoma and Texas., and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. I have a passion for helping individuals find healing, growth, and transformation in their lives. I have extensive education, experience, and expertise in various fields of counseling, ministry, and human relations. I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures in various settings such as military bases, combat zones, hospitals, schools, embassies, consulates, to nonprofit homeless ministries. I have helped individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents, and groups deal with a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, traumatic stress, and relationships. I have helped others, I can help you.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Humorous
Solution oriented
Empowering
Direct
Intelligent
Challenging
Holistic

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Military/Veterans
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. I am also a left leg above the knee amputee, so I know what it feels like to lose something. I use a non-authoritative approach, which allows you to take more of a lead in our sessions. Doing things this way leads you to working out solutions without realizing it. Sometimes it just depends on the work you put into your sessions. I am empathetic, compassionate and I listen without judgement in a safe environment. I will guide and assist you through the process of finding your happiness.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Direct
Empowering
Humorous

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
+9
Hi! My name is Elizibeth and I am a licensed social worker of 9 years. I am passionate about empowering children, families, and adults with a strengths-based and holistic approach. Specializing in trauma, ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and autism, I meet clients where they are, using evidence-based modalities like ACT, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducation. I am dedicated to fostering resilience and growth through a person-in-environment lens. Let's work together to build a brighter path forward.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Direct
Warm
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Intelligent
Humorous
Challenging

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
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.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Empowering
Direct
Intelligent
Holistic
Humorous
Challenging

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Military/Veterans
+10
Hello I am a Psychotherapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Florida and Maryland. I have been practicing in the Mental Health Field for 25 years. I offer couples, individual, marital and family counseling. I most commonly treat the following conditions: military and veteran related stress, service connected or millitary retirement transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, PTSD, emotional abuse, narcisstic abuse recovery, betrayal trauma and stress associated with relationship issues and infidelity, couples, pre-marital and family issues. I specialize in working with the Military and Veteran population and their families for over 24 years. I am a trained and certified as a Star Behavioral Health Provider for Military and Veterans.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Empowering
Direct
Intelligent
Humorous
Challenging

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Child or Adolescent
Family Therapy
+4
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In my 15+ years of experience I’ve worked with adolescents, adults, couples and families to identify challenges and use their strengths and values to overcome them. I have experience working with clients who are having mental health or emotional challenges that affect work, school, home, and community relationships and success. I also have experience with athletes being a former professional athlete myself. My goal is always to partner with clients to identify the problem, manage emotions related to the problem and develop and implement strategies to decrease or eliminate the problem.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Open-minded
Warm
Empowering
Holistic
Intelligent
Challenging
Direct
Humorous

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
+1
Background: I am a compassionate therapist who deeply values the trust and connection built in our work together. My practice is rooted in creating a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and truly cared for. I believe healing happens through meaningful conversations, gentle guidance, and the reassurance that you're never alone in whatever you're facing. My experience spans a range of therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing SE, Cognitive Behaioral therapy (CBT), Solution Focuse (SF) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal psychotherapy, exposure thrapy. Art therapy with children and Mindfulness therapy. ] allowing me to tailor sessions to each individual’s needs. I strive to create a space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their personal growth. Somatic Experiencing SE, Cognitive Behaioral therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal psychotherapy, exposure thrapy. Art therapy, and Mindfulness therapy. My PhD is in International Psychology and enjoy working with people from all different backgrounds.
VirtualAvailable
Intelligent
Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm
Empowering
Open-minded
Direct
Holistic
Humorous

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anger Management
Depression
+6
I’m a therapist who offers a thoughtful, practical space to help you understand patterns, navigate emotions, and move forward. I work collaboratively, blending evidence-based tools with a warm, human approach tailored to your needs. My style is calm, direct, and supportive, helping you make sense of what’s happening and what to do next. I offer a steady, nonjudgmental space to explore challenges and build healthier ways of relating to yourself and others. Provides measurement-informed care and therapeutic alliance.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent
Warm
Solution oriented
Direct
Holistic
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Humorous
Challenging
Open-Minded

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Family Conflict
Spirituality
+9
Dr. Simone Blanchard is the Executive Director and Lead Therapist of Inner Light Consulting and Therapeutic Services in the metro Washington DC area. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and holds her LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) in Maryland and Washington, DC. She is also a Trauma Specialist whose training includes working with children impacted by childhood sexual abuse. Dr. Blanchard is a sought-after speaker by both lay and professional audiences. To the general community, she speaks about parenting skills, relationship healing and building, childhood development, and natural healing modalities. To professional audiences, her presentations include mental health diagnoses, interventions, treatment, and prognoses; relationship healing and building; suicide prevention; mind-body connection; and global trauma. Dr. Blanchard earned her graduate degree with high honors in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. She was inducted into the Psi Chi International Honors Society in Psychology and the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Honor Society. She is an International Psychology with a special concentration in global trauma. She has studied with master practitioners in spirituality, human development, and restitution.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Solution oriented
Empowering
Open-minded
Authentic
Intelligent
Direct
Challenging
Holistic

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
You Deserve to Feel Better. I'm Here to Help. Experienced, compassionate therapy for life’s most difficult moments. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship and family struggles, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, I am here to support you with care and expertise. I create a space where you can feel safe, heard, and empowered to grow. Offering virtual therapy, I meet you where you are emotionally. Services: Individual Therapy, Couples Counseling, Teen & Family Therapy, Trauma-Informed and Culturally Sensitive Care This is your invitation to breathe. To begin again. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. You’ve been strong for so long. But strength doesn’t mean going it alone. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected, therapy can offer a space to slow down and feel supported, without pressure or judgment.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Direct
Humorous
Holistic
Solution oriented
Challenging
Open-Minded

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Anxiety
Depression
+7
My name is Circe Dunwoody. I am a license psychotherapist. In my psychotherapy practice I help couples and individuals to overcome life difficulties by using cognitive behavior therapy. Many couples and individuals feel overwhelmed by the desire to balance the high demands from work and family life. They report feelings of emptiness and loss of drive. Some report feeling of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Others contemplate divorce as a solution to decrease the pressure they are internalizing. You can contact me for help if you are experiencing some of the feelings I have mentioned above, and you are ready to make changes in your life. l work with couples and individuals in a safe and confidential platform environment. In life we all need support and understanding from others. Sometimes the best solution is to seek professional help. Having emotional support is extremely helpful. Relying on friends or family members is also helpful. However, you may not want to overwhelm them with problems. The most intelligent solution is seeking professional help.
VirtualAvailable
Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Maryland rather than a city like Baltimore?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in Maryland. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across Maryland from Hagerstown to Ocean City! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Maryland.

Will my therapist take Aetna?

Yes! If you use Aetna you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Aetna you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on Couples Counseling?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need. For example, your selected specialty, Couples Counseling, is filtering therapists in Maryland that work with patients with similar concerns.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What happens during the first therapy session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs. Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center.Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.