John Elame
I am a Graduate with a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University, Washington DC. Argosy University, Washington DC is located in Rosslyn, in Arlington, Virginia. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland USA and a Board-Certified Counselor. In addition to the above, I hold a B.Sc. Hons in Sociology & Anthropology, with a Minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Buea in Cameroon. I also hold a High National Diploma from the Regional College of Agriculture in Bambili Cameroon, and a Certificate in Agricultural Quarantine from the Egyptian International Center for Agriculture Dokki-Cairo. I have been in the counseling domain in the state of Maryland USA for over 10 years. My objective is to assist humanity to gain the mental clarity or integrity and free self from any form of bondage or doldrum; human engineered or nature. I am eclectic in my counseling approach and utilize different counseling models such as, Person-centered therapeutic approach, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Evidence-Based Treatment, Solution focused Treatment Approach and so on. My skill as a good communicator has been an asset in my practice. I believe in listening empathetically and providing the necessary supported needed by my clients. I also belief that the solution to peoples’ problems come from themselves, while I assist the client to identify for themselves causes for their problems and for them to make good choices. I work with persons of any race, gender, sexual orientation, and religion; for I belief in equality of human beings. I am particularly interested in working with teenagers and young adults as the bulk of my clientele are of these groups; and this has provided me with a broad and diverse knowledge on the common problems faced by teenagers and young adults with different background and or ethnicity. Prior to my counseling experience in American, I worked as an Agricultural extension officer in the Ministry of Agriculture in Cameroon for over 30 years. As an agricultural extension officer, I worked with men and woman of all ages, and I was able to understand humanity from the peasant lens, the middle and upper class in our society. As a private citizen, I also worked as a social engineer in different non-profit organizations (NGO); helping the destitute or needy within our communities in the form of advocacy and or linking them to available resources. Thank you in advance for your time. I hope to meet with you guys for a counseling experience which I am sure you will enjoy and will help you. John Elame, MA, LCPC, NCC
Vanessa Okechukwu
I earned my Master in Social Work from University of Maryland, School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD in 2010. I also earned my Bachelors of Arts in Information System from University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore MD in 2003. I have Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical (LCSW-C) in MD, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in DC, Personal Trainer License and Health Coach License. I am a member of National Association of Social Work and American Council on Exercise. For more than 10 years, I have been using humanistic, person-center, strength-focused therapy, motivational Interviews, crisis and brief Intervention to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual, family or group in diverse therapy environment. I believe in treating all persons with respect, compassion and thoughtful of the person’s background. Also, I am commented to helping people to live life to their fullest potential because we all have one life to leave and we deserve to be in pace with ourselves. Looking forward to working with you!
Shanita Burch
I believe that there is help for everyone and that progress IS success. I believe that anything worth having takes time and anything worth keeping takes patience. My goal is help you reach your goals with a systemic approach, that leads to positive outcomes. I have been in the field of Social Work for almost 20 years and I have had the pleasure of working with individuals, couples, groups, adults, seniors, teenagers, Active Duty Service Members, Veterans, clients struggling with addictions, clients struggling with grief and loss, and clients struggling with life challenges. Let’s work together to meet your goals and get you to that internal place of peace.
Aesha Johnson
In a world that inundates us with all things negative it’s hard to weed through all of the noise. You need a safe place to do just that. I’m here to give you that safe place. I just want you to win! I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 16 years of experience working with individuals to help them maintain their mental and physical health and well-being in the least restrictive environment. My preferred therapeutic methods are solution focused, client-centered, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy. Mindset is everything. It is important to know that thoughts become things. In other words, your thoughts and feelings can produce actions that are causing you not to function in your daily life in a way that would allow you to be productive. We will work together to help you recognize your current way of thinking and behavior and equip you with tools that can change your harmful thoughts into helpful thoughts that will produce positive action. We will work together to help you create goals with plans that you will be excited to execute because they will lead you to the life you truly want to live. I look forward to helping you become the best you, you can be.
Samantha Klunk
I am licensed in Maryland with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Linda Beckman
I am licensed in Delaware and Maryland with over 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with many life challenging issues to include grief, loss, end of life issues, depression, addictions, anxiety, family conflicts, and other life adjustments and changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Betsy Carpenter
Welcome! I am very glad you are here. I am licensed in Maryland with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with Challenging Situations or Life Stressors, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Pregnancy and Child Birth, PTSD, Infidelity, Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Trauma and Abuse, Self Esteem Issues, Parenting Issues, Separation and Divorce, Adjustment Issues, Emotional Support for Terminal Illness, Grief and Loss Issues, and Relationship Conflict & Concerns. A safe, non judgmental, supportive environment is key to bringing about the changes clients are seeking in their lives and in their relationships. It is my primary goal to create that environment for you. Additionally, I bring a large scope of therapeutic training and experience that allows me to utilize a blend of approaches to counseling dealing with a wide range of concerns. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important element of a helpful counseling experience. Your issues, concerns, personal history, and worldview will inform our work together. I will strive to provide a safe and consistent relationship with you while challenging you to examine how you relate with the world around you. 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.
Stephanie Dudley
I am licensed in Maryland and New Jersey with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Emily McCann
I am licensed in Maryland with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have worked in a school and outpatient setting. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will meet you where you are mentally and emotionally. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Meghann Mulherin
I hope our work together will free up space in your life to focus your energy and time on what is important to you. My approach is active and incorporates cognitive behavioral and interpersonal techniques as well as mindfulness. I am experienced and trained in working with individuals struggling with stress, life-transitions, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, issues related to gender and sexual identity, and helping develop strategies to more effectively manage anger and feelings of self-doubt that can manifest as imposter syndrome, among many other important issues that are helpful to talk about in therapy. Therapy helps us draw upon the brain’s inherent capacity to reorganize and grow. I am here to help you take the first step.
How to find counseling in Ellicott City
Finding the best therapist close by in Ellicott City 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Ellicott City. 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 Ellicott City, 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. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Ellicott City or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. 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 Ellicott City area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find 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 Ellicott City, elsewhere in Howard, or in the greater state of Maryland.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Ellicott City area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City 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 BetterHelp or clinicians 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).
How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Ellicott City, 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.
How does working with a 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, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?
BetterHelp's verified Ellicott City 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
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- 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 Ellicott City 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?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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.
A psychologist 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 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 Ellicott City 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 lot of people in MD, providers 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 21042 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Ellicott City counselor?
Before seeing your 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. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist 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. A Ellicott City 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 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.
Is mental health care and therapy worth it?
Therapy 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 professional 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 Ellicott City, 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.
Ellicott City 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?
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
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Ellicott City:
21041, 21042, 21043