This is Tonya Pleasant's avatar and link to their profile

Tonya Pleasant

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Counselor License Type(s): MEd, LCPC, NCC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! I am Tonya Pleasant and a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, where I completed my Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, and Bachelors of Science in Family Therapy and Community Development. I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Maryland, and also hold licenses and certifications in Marriage and Family therapy (VA), Board Certified Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I’ve worked in the counseling and mental health field for 25+ years, and have worked with clients from all walks of and interests in life. I’m really grateful to avail myself/skills to effectively help my clients make positive, measurable changes in their lives in achieving their identified goals. My primary therapeutic approaches are Adlerian and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Adlerian therapy primary believes in encouraging individuals and is a growth/wellness model of therapy; which takes an optimistic approach and focuses on your unique strengths, creativity and capabilities. CBT will help you understand your mind body connection of how your thoughts shape our behaviors and actions. In working with you I will listen to you; provide you with coping skills and behavior change techniques to consider implementing; focus on your strengths and abilities; and celebrate your progress and success, as you achieve your identified goals.

This is Renee Shacochis's avatar and link to their profile

Renee Shacochis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW-C,MSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Greetings! My name is Renee Shacochis and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland. I graduated with my Masters of Social Work, (concentration in Clinical Mental Health), from the University of Maryland-Baltimore in 2011. Throughout the last 10 years of my professional experience, I've been providing individual, family, and group therapy services to adults, families, and children from a variety of different backgrounds. Much of my experience has been working with clients who are seeking help with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, adjustment issues, parenting struggles, relationship problems and communication challenges. I believe that through our challenging life experiences, we ALL can grow by increasing our self-awareness and insight. I value treating every individual with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe that building a strong rapport and therapeutic alliance is an essential part of having successful outcomes in therapy. My approach to therapy is client-centered and strengths based. When developing goals and interventions for counseling I may draw on a variety of clinical treatment modalities, however always guided by each person’s unique and specific needs. I am currently offering messaging, live chat, and phone sessions on a case by case basis. Please note that I may have some scheduling flexibility in addition to the availability reflected in my calendar. You are welcome to reach out through messaging if you would like to explore additional options that may be more convenient for you. Whether this is your first experience seeking therapy, or if you have participated in therapy before, please know that I am committed to approaching our work together at a pace that is productive and comfortable for you. I would be honored to support you through whatever life challenges you are currently facing, and I look forward to hearing from you!

This is Dr. Daphne Washington's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Daphne Washington

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed clinical professional counselor in Maryland with over 5 years of clinical therapy experience and 15 years serving as a counselor educator. I have a helped clients with a wide range of counseling goals, with a focus on helping clients develop self-care strategies that will help them manage stress and anxiety, adjust to life changes, improve self-esteem and confidence & recover from compassion fatigue and burnout. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I also believe that sharing our stories in a safe, encouraging, professional space can help us to obtain new perspectives on our situations that will empower us to make changes that will promote our success and well-being. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support you on that journey.

This is Sterling Gibson's avatar and link to their profile

Sterling Gibson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Maryland with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Reiko Berman Shingu's avatar and link to their profile

Reiko Berman Shingu

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
19 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am Reiko Berman Shingu, LCSW-C/LCSW, a bicultural clinical social worker with 19 years of professional experience, licensed in MD and VA. As a psychotherapist, I have worked with clients with depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, difficulties with life transitions, cross-cultural challenges, and grief and loss at an outpatient mental health clinic as well as through EAP (Employee Assistance program) with corporate employees and families. My style is collaborative and goal-oriented, treating everyone with respect and compassion without judgment. I listen to your challenges and tailor to use a variety of treatment approaches to support you toward the goals that we set together, to meet your specific needs. I always welcome your input, questions, and feedback. There are many stages in the change process, and I think you have already started the journey by seeking the first step. If you are ready, I will support your growth in this journey. "In the Middle of Every Challenge, Lies Opportunity."

This is Fanita Jackson-Norman's avatar and link to their profile

Fanita Jackson-Norman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
25 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Florida and Maryland with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Deborah Watson's avatar and link to their profile

Deborah Watson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Maryland and New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Yung-Mei Leong's avatar and link to their profile

Yung-Mei Leong

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a caring and empathic psychologist, licensed in Maryland, and have twenty years of diverse professional experiences in various settings, including eight years providing psychotherapy. Areas of expertise include anxiety (including obsessive compulsive symptoms), depression, and problems with emotional or behavioral regulation that make it difficult to keep positive relationships or advance in one's chosen field. I can also help you navigate major life changes or stressors with practical coping strategies, self-compassion, and perspective. I create an open and safe environment where you can share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. My therapeutic approach is cognitive behavioral, based in identifying thoughts and beliefs that have not been serving you well. This allows us to target strategies toward empowering you to live a more fulfilling, authentic life. It takes courage to take the first step toward positive change. I am here to support and guide you on that journey.

This is Ian Bolland's avatar and link to their profile

Ian Bolland

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
14 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Maryland with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Crystal Mason's avatar and link to their profile

Crystal Mason

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello, you have taken a very positive step by deciding to seek therapy. The therapeutic relationship is unique in that it is highly personal and provides a judgement-free free safe space to share your feelings and process your emotions. I am a licensed therapist in the state of Maryland with 20 years of counseling experience. I currently offer Christian-based counseling services. My desire is to help those facing various challenges and obstacles achieve a more positive and less stressful way of life. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship/marital challenges, low motivation, low self-esteem/confidence, work-life balance, depression, grief and loss, etc. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Boonsboro

Finding the best therapist close by in Boonsboro can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services in Boonsboro that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Boonsboro. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Boonsboro, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Boonsboro region and in the state of Maryland. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Boonsboro or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Boonsboro area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Boonsboro therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Boonsboro, elsewhere in Washington, or in the greater state of Maryland.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Boonsboro area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Boonsboro therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Boonsboro due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Boonsboro may not take health insurance, some in the state of Maryland may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Maryland you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Boonsboro online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Boonsboro, Maryland working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Boonsboro psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Boonsboro above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Boonsboro helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Boonsboro therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Boonsboro therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Boonsboro?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Boonsboro therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Boonsboro therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Boonsboro therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Boonsboro therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in MD, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 21713 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Boonsboro counselor?

Before seeing your Boonsboro therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Boonsboro.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice from a therapist. A Boonsboro licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy with a Boonsboro counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Boonsboro, Maryland can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Boonsboro has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Boonsboro, Maryland

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Boonsboro.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Boonsboro:

21713

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist