Blue Cross Blue Shield Therapists in Maryland

MALES-ONLY THERAPIST*** Jason has experience working with Males with a variety of presenting concerns, such as substance use, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, and trauma. Jason earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University in 2020. He gives a lot of feedback--not-like what you see in the movies. He’s a dog-person and mixes-up how he takes his coffee--but it's usually an Americano.

Are you facing challenges or finding difficulty coping with life’s stressors? Well, I believe everyone has strengths and skills that can be used to make small or big changes in their lives. I believe that you have inside of you everything needed to be your authentic self, to be whole, to be happy and at peace. Let me help you to uncover your potential. I am a licensed clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the field of social work. This experience includes working with children, adults and families experiencing high levels of stress and crisis. Many of my clients are dealing with depression, anxiety and various social, emotional and mental health issues.

A mental health therapist is a compassionate professional dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges. With specialized training in evidence-based practices, the therapist provides a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, identify unhelpful patterns, and develop strategies to foster growth and healing. By combining professional expertise with empathy, the therapist helps clients build resilience and discover their own strengths. ⸻ Prospective Clients Prospective clients may include individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship issues, or significant life transitions. Others may simply seek personal growth, stress management, or improved self-understanding. Clients come from diverse backgrounds and present unique needs, but all share a common desire for guidance, healing, and support. Whether someone is seeking short-term solutions or long-term care, the therapist tailors treatment to meet each client’s goals. ⸻ Impact on Clients’ Lives The impact of therapy can be profound. Clients often report improved emotional well-being, healthier coping strategies, stronger relationships, and greater confidence in their ability to handle stress. Therapy can help individuals break free from cycles of self-doubt, manage overwhelming emotions, and build more fulfilling lives. Over time, the therapeutic relationship itself can serve as a model for healthy communication, trust, and personal growth—empowering clients to carry these skills into all areas of their lives.

Hello! My name is Douglas 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.

Hi! I am a clinical social worker (LCSW-C) based in Maryland. I am also licensed in DC. I received my MSW from Adelphi University in NY and I have been a practicing therapist for 10 years. I help adults process life transitions, complex trauma, and difficult relationships to develop self-understanding and new ways of coping with the challenges that life can throw at us. I only provide individual therapy.

Kevin Smith is a Licensed Clinical Practicing Counselor (LCPC)) in the state of Maryland. He has over 12 years of substance use disorder treatment experience and two years of mental health therapy experience. He specializes in dealing with depression, bipolar, PTSD, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Kevin completed his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at Capella University in 2014. He is a former substance abuser with 21 years of sobriety and has overcome a myriad of disabilities and childhood traumas in his own life. This coupled with his professional experiences, enables him to provide the guidance, support, and encouragement his clients are seeking. Kevin utilizes a wide variety of therapy techniques, including but not limited to, CBT, motivational interviewing, person-centered therapy, existentialism, EMDR and solution-focused therapy modalities. We all face dark times, mountains, and challenges in our lives. Kevin is confident he has the ability to make you feel comfortable and confident as you begin this journey to a new you. If you are ready and willing to do the work to make the next chapter of your life your best chapter, schedule an appointment with him today.

I want to inspire you to be the best you can be. Life is full of challenges and your perspective on how you face them can make the difference in your ability to meet your full potential. I want to help you identify your challenges and find solutions so that you can set and achieve your goals. I have worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, outpatient mental health clinics, as a ACT Clinician, a Clinician with the IAFF COE, and have had my own private practice. I specialize in working with a variety of mental illnesses and utilize a variety of treatment methods depending on the individual and their needs.

Hello, I am a licensed therapist with more than 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I work with adults and teenagers who seek help with depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship concerns. I also have experience working with those in crisis and those looking for support in tough times. I also work with clients of diverse cultural backgrounds. I am a male therapist of Asian Indian background and work with clients from various backgrounds. My style of therapy is centered around your preferences and can be tailored to meet your needs. I work with you so that you can set the agenda and goals and pace of therapy.

I’m Sean Butler, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges with clarity and compassion. My approach is integrative, blending Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gestalt, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) concepts to create a safe, supportive space for growth. I work with clients to build self-awareness, strengthen emotional resilience, and foster healthier relationships—both with themselves and others.

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.

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 working with individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or significant life transitions.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!

As a licensed clinical mental health counselor with 11+ years of experience, I have worked with a range of clients and mental health challenges. My expertise centers around helping people heal from past hurt, calm down anxious thoughts, and find their voice to create healthier relationships. My approach is collaborative, strength based, and holistic. I believe everyone has everything they need within them to live their best life. My role is to support and encourage you on your journey to uncover your inner strengths to live a life in peace and wholeness. Together we will explore multiple aspects of your life and set goals in each area. I will teach you new skills and support you as you become stronger and more resilient in overcoming your stressors.

Hello! I'm Courtney a psychotherapist. It has been a dream of mine to work with others since a very young age. Interesting story, growing up my mother and grandmother watched soap operas. One of the actresses was a psychotherapist and helped people. From that point on, I said I wanted to be a psychotherapist when I got older. Before I was old enough to work, I volunteered. My experience over many years in the field has provided me with so many opportunities that I believe have shaped the person I am today. I have been fortunate to work in communities, hospital, group homes, jails, and a head start program. These experiences helped me to see individuals in different environments with various challenges and complexities these individuals faced. I bring all of this experience to my role as a psychotherapist. My experience allows me to understand how certain environments and experiences directly affect people. It also gives me insight into the overall picture which is extremely important when treating clients who have had traumatic experiences and mental illness.

Are you looking to improve your communication, strengthen your relationships, and manage conflicts more effectively? Interpersonal skills are the foundation of healthy and thriving relationships—both personal and professional. I am a personal development counselor, currently providing individual and group therapy for adults aged 18 and older. I specialize in personal development and focus on improving your interpersonal skills (communication skills, conflict resolution, anger management, setting boundaries, problem solving skills, etc.). These skills are key parts of your personal growth and development. Strong interpersonal skills allow you to communicate more effectively, resolve conflicts constructively, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Whether at work, with family, or in social settings, these skills help you navigate challenges with greater ease, build trust, and foster deeper connections with others. When you change how you show up in your relationships by improving yourself, learning to listen actively, expressing yourself clearly, and managing your emotions, you’ll notice that your relationships become more balanced and stronger. This growth can also reduce stress, boost your confidence, and improve your overall emotional health. I am here to support you every step of the way in achieving healthier and more fulfilling connections. I am licensed in Georgia, and Maryland, schedule an appointment with me to start your wellness journey.

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! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Texas. I received my Masters from the Howard University and have been practicing for 5 years. I help people realize the underlying reasons to their stressful factors and lay out a personalized plan towards the goals they would like achieve. Therapy itself can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I am fully engaged with you through your journey.

Susan White specializes in individual therapy and has 15+ years of experience. Her areas of expertise are trauma, parenting, multicultural concerns, PTSD, LGBTQ challenges, and adjustment. She sees life as a journey and not a destination. You are one step closer to a new you, feeling empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. Her goal is to help you.

Hi there; I look forward to meeting you! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida. I have been practicing as a therapist for 14 years and would be honored to work with you to identify where you are stuck and find a path to help you feel better soon. My style is warm, genuine, non-assuming, and collaborative. I truly listen without judgement and provide concrete tools designed to help you thrive, not just survive.

Hi! I'm a licensed clinical social worker and have worked with many clients for the past ten years. I have a passion for parenting, giving parents the skills they need to have happy, healthy relationships with their children. I also enjoy helping people learn skills relating to emotional regulation, anger management, and anxiety so that they can live most successfully and be as healthy as possible.

Hello, I’m Kumi Pledger, LCPC, and I am currently accepting new clients. I am also available on Sundays to better accommodate busy schedules. I provide therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and LGBTQ+ clients. I support individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including healing from traumatic experiences, navigating relationship challenges such as narcissistic abuse, managing anxiety, low motivation, and stress, supporting new and expectant mothers, addressing eating disorders, adjusting to new environments or careers, coping with grief and loss, and improving sleep and insomnia. My work is grounded in creating a safe, compassionate, and supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. I combine professional training with personal insight to help clients reduce anxiety, eliminate unwanted behaviors, restore emotional balance, and reconnect with joy, purpose, and confidence in their lives. I work best with clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or pulled in many directions, particularly during life transitions or periods of identity change. Many of my clients appear strong and capable on the outside but feel exhausted, disconnected, or uncertain internally. I understand the complexities of cultural expectations, family dynamics, and the pressure to manage multiple responsibilities. My ideal client is ready to gain clarity, strengthen boundaries, and live more authentically. Clinically, I integrate evidence-based approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and culturally responsive therapy. These approaches help clients increase self-awareness, identify patterns contributing to distress, and develop practical coping strategies that support long-term growth and healing. If you often feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or unsure of your next steps, you are not alone. Life transitions, parenting responsibilities, cultural pressures, and personal identity challenges can create stress and uncertainty. With the right support, meaningful change is possible, and I am here to help guide you on that journey.

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 4 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.

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+)

Is your motherhood journey not going the way you expected? Sometimes, the journey to motherhood is filled with surprises and challenging circumstances, like fertility or partner issues. Some moms struggle with depression or anxiety during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. Some moms struggle with their feelings about being pregnant at all! And some moms struggle with the indescribable pain of navigating life after the loss of a child. Whether your challenges stem from relationships, bereavement, or other issues like anxiety, depression, or life balance, if you're struggling with pregnancy, postpartum, or fertility related challenges, I can help! Your pregnancy and postpartum journey is unique to you, and sessions with me are unique to you as well. My trauma-sensitive, holistic approach to perinatal counseling will help you feel supported, respected, and heard. You don't have to go through this journey alone!

What prevents us from being the best version of ourselves? If we are optimal, life is more gratifying - we accomplish goals, we feel good, and we tend to have daily satisfaction. The challenge - life happens, and this challenges us. My objective is to be your life coordinator, therapist, and #1 fan, to help you strive and be the best version of yourself, physically and mentally. My area of focus has been performance enhancement work with High-Reliability Organizations, with a wide range of demographics. I am passionate about increasing performance-ability, regardless of the context. Together, we will integrate the mind and body, understand how they interact with one another, and address multiple aspects of your life, from sleep and routine, to motivation and mental health challenges. We will process ongoing issues, target specific challenges, and work on your goals.

Dr. Viva has substance abuse with/without medication assistance, anti-violence, acute care treatment, crisis stabilization experience, and clinical support expanding adolescents to the geriatric population. Therapeutic approaches are CBT, Harm Reduction, and Motivational Interviewing. NJ, DE, FL, national, and USDOT clinical credentials, which are LCSW (NJ, DE, FL), LCADC, ACS, MAC, and SAP. Dr. Viva is licensed in NJ with more than 23 years of professional work experience in the areas of mental health, education, and substance abuse. Her expertise encompasses helping clients with a variety of concerns, such as anxiety, addiction, trauma, abuse, grief, depression, and loss. Dr. Viva is here to support, empower, and facilitate your change process on this wellness journey. Please check out Balm In Gilead Community Services, Inc website at balmingileadcs.com for additional resources.