Dr. Rita Smith
Clinician
License Type(s): GA LPC LPC006779, MD LCPC LC0480
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficulties
25 years offering treatment
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. I am also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I have seen transformation in the lives of individuals, couples, and families over the 25 years I have worked in the helping profession. I have worked in agencies with diverse population, universities, private practices, and military installations using expertise and counseling techniques to bring dynamic change and wholeness. I believe everyone can create a life that is enjoyed and full of meaning. I use Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. My goal is to meet you where you are and support your steps forward to success and well-being. Special Ties • Stress, Anxiety • Relationship issues • Career difficulties • Communication issues • Coping with life changes • Self-esteem Licensing LPC # 006779 (09/30/2020)
Juliana Sarkodee
Clinician
License Type(s): DC LICSW LC50078160, MD LCSW-C 13189
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years offering treatment
I am a clinical social worker licensed in the District of Columbia and Maryland. I have provided services in the mental health and child welfare setting for more than 10 years. My clinical approach is client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused. I use my skill set to assist clients to discover their strengths and improve on coping skills they have utilized and learn new approaches. I work with deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing clients. With hearing clients, we will use live chat or video with live captions. The clients will determine the options that are comfortable for them. I believe that the clients are experts on what works on the issues they face. I have worked with clients on anxiety. adjustment issues, trauma, and stress-related concerns, coping with life changes using the strength-based, solution-focused approach as well as motivational interviews.
Dr. Timothy Ibutu
Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCPC LC4519
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepression
19 years offering treatment
ABOUT ME Greetings, I am Timothy Murungi Ibutu, a Licenced Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licenced Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCAD) in the State of Maryland (MD), Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Additionally, I hold a PhD in counselor education and Supervision, specializing in situation-specific counseling sessions. With over 19 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to working with diverse demographics facing crisis, addictions issues (substance abuse), trauma, homelessness, and various life challenges. As a seasoned counselor, I have worked extensively with clients who have completed court-ordered sessions, offering a continuum of care to support individuals throughout their life journey. My counseling modality/style is characterized by warmth, understanding, and interactivity. I firmly believe in treating anyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, empathy, and compassion. I steer clear of labelling and categorizing people into boxes. My approach integrates Choice Theory, Motivational Interviewing (MI), experiential techniques, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic counseling. I specialize in trauma-informed care, and substance abuse, recognizing that everyone is unique with distinct needs. Tailoring counseling to these specific needs is crucial in guiding individuals through their life journey. Taking the initial steps towards change can pave the way for a more fulfilling and happier life. When you are prepared, I am ready and willing to accompany you on your life journey.
Danielle Stivers
Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCPC LC4703
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Maryland with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. A little about myself - I am very active and have a background in nutrition and fitness. Outside of being a mental health therapist, I work as a nutrition coach and a personal trainer. I enjoy powerlifting and integrating fitness and mental health to help my clients increase their confidence, self-esteem, and better manager their depression and anxiety.
Faith Storms
Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCSW-C 09681
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Maryland with 30 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 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! I have written a book to help support you in your healing journey. It is called "SAD No More". May it be a blessing to you.
Rachel Maina
Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCPC LC8154
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Maryland with over 10 years of professional work experience with diverse and multicultural populations. I have worked in the past, with adolescents, teenagers, adults and geriatrics in a behavioral hospital set up in Georgia. I use evidence-based approaches which include, CBT, Solution Focused therapy, psychotherapy, Mindfulness- Based therapy and behavioral therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, grief and loss, depression and relationships issues. I also have experience working with people who have criminal recidivism, having worked in a State Correctional facility. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, working very closely with each client. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am very excited to undertake this therapeutic journal with you.
Patricia Bell
Clinician
License Type(s): OH LISW I.2203636-SUPV, MD LCSW-C 32962
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Ohio with over 7 years of professional work experience in Clinical Therapy. I have experience in helping clients with most mental health disorders including but not limited to stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. My counseling philosophy is to tailor my approach to each individual’s needs and preferences.
Robin Ristenbatt
Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCSW-C 06332
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGrief
40 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Maryland with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & grief through life stages. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without judgment. I will tailor our dialog and treatment to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Robert Gonder
Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCPC LC1775
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
27 years offering treatment
I have been serving Maryland residents since 1998 and have experience working with a vast array of populations. I offer a unique skill set of solution focused, behavioral, and holistic modalities. Helping people to rewrite the stories that no longer serve them has become a passion; exploring family dynamics and facilitating both individual and environmental changes. I work primarily with adults age 18 and over. My preference is in working with individuals trying to manifest real change, and improve their ability to communicate, and experience a feeling of empowerment. I have an extensive history working with persons suffering from chronic mental illnesses. 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.
Tonia Guzman
Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCSW-C 14274
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Maryland with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!
Bruce Storms
Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCSW-C 09722
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
20 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Maryland with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Friendly, Maryland
Finding a therapist near you in Friendly, Maryland starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Maryland is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Maryland, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Maryland, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Maryland
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Maryland, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Maryland
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Maryland
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Maryland through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Maryland
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Maryland, including residents in Friendly.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Maryland do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Friendly, Maryland
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Friendly and the surrounding MD area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.
Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist