Therapy can help you learn more about your emotional needs and get to know yourself on a deeper level. If you’re looking for a therapist in Gaithersburg, consider online treatment with a platform like BetterHelp. Barriers to in-person care, like a lack of available providers or long commutes, can make finding in-person treatment challenging. With BetterHelp, you can connect with a committed mental health professional from the comfort of your home at a time that works for you.

With BetterHelp, you can work with a licensed psychologist, social worker, or psychologist with specific training to help you meet your unique needs. BetterHelp does not currently offer treatment to children or teens, but the providers on the platform have extensive experience providing therapy to adults on an individual basis. Whether you need to work through traumatic events in your history or overcome the challenges of a mental health condition, a therapist can encourage you to see other perspectives and move forward in your life.

If you live in Gaithersburg, Bethesda, or Washington, psychological wellness can be a step toward personal growth. If you’re looking for a therapist, Gaithersburg, MD, has many options available. Connect with one of the providers below to learn more about the benefits of online treatment.

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Mary Hales

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC, LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
22 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! I am Mary Hales, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. I obtained my Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College in NY. I have over 15 years of experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, residential settings, community-based agencies, and private practice. My specialties include anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, substance and other addictions, trauma, and abandonment, couples, and grief therapy, to name a few. I believe that each individual is unique, and it is important to address each client’s issues with an individualized personal approach, one that is relevant to the person and their current presenting problem. I approach counseling in a manner that empowers individuals to create positive change in their situations. My approach is to use a range of therapeutic modalities, to focus on the clients and their needs. I believe in creating a therapeutic relationship in which clients can feel safe while discussing and exploring their problems. Counseling should be considered a journey of personal exploration, which may lead to major changes in your life perspectives and decisions. It takes courage to take the first steps towards seeking this journey of personal exploration for a more fulfilling and happier life. So, if you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you to achieve your personal goals. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Catherine McAlpine-Eig

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Counselor License Type(s): Ph.D.,LCSW-C
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger management
30 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Listening is basic to a positive relationship between you and I. Your story, your needs and your goals are most important to managing stress and reaching your goals. I am a licensed social worker and supervisor in Maryland (WDC area). I have both a MSW and Ph.D. in social work as well as working as a facilitator of curricula for sexual health and peer-led support services. Most people I work with have anxiety, depression, trauma, stress and issues of grief and loss (often related to family, fertility, illness or separation/divorce). I have worked for 20+ years in inpatient and clinic settings for those with substance abuse disorders and will people who are using prescribed medication to treat mental health issues. I am a parent, dog lover, and spend my leisure time DIY-ing, reading, writing non-fiction. I blog with my sister at catanddowlonline.blogspot.com.

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Jill Benson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
13 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Maryland with 20 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Letha Valiaveedu

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! My name is Dr. Letha Valiaveedu. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland. I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families in a variety of clinical setting, which include outpatient treatment, residential treatment center for individuals recovering from substance abuse, home-based family therapy, transitional program for the severely mentally ill young adults, and two different college counseling centers. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, self-acceptance, career issues, and relationship issues. As a therapist, I am warm, genuine, and supportive and will utilize a collaborative, strength-based style to guide you to clarify your goals and values as well as empower you to overcome challenges in an empathetic, supportive environment to live a fuller and freer life. My therapeutic approach is integrative by which I combine different techniques from a variety of theoretical orientations, including humanistic, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy to meet your unique needs as my client. I applaud you for taking the first steps towards growth. It would be my honor to work with you and I look forward to supporting you on your therapeutic journey!

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Margaret Packard-Motter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
GriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
35 years of experience as a mental health therapist

My name is Meg and I am a licensed clinical social worker in both Pennsylvania and Maryland with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, motivation, self esteem, confidence, relationship and workplace issues, coping with life changes, aging, caregiver stress and coping with grief and loss. I've got lots to offer and I look forward to helping you discover all that you have to offer in working through your current challenges. We've got this!

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Shahla Abdi

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 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 family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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!

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Marcie Koenig

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Maryland with over 20 years of professional work experience. My expertise is working with older adults and their families. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Clatoyia Andrews

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia, Delaware and Maryland. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral health services to adults and teens with a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and family issues. My experience is varied and across settings. I have provided individual skill building services to those with serious mental illness, facilitated groups in school settings and provided brief psychotherapy intervention through telephonic and emergency room settings. I tend to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy and Strengths-Based Therapy. My therapy style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, caring, and compassionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. A top priority for me is to meet you where you are and adjust my approach to what will work best for us as we work together. EDUCATION Masters of Social Work NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY 2016

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Mary Jacquet

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
24 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Maryland with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Victoria Cole's avatar and link to their profile

Victoria Cole

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

I am licensed in Maryland with over 10 years of professional work experience in various areas of mental health. 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. 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 that can lead to uncovering your genuine self, and achieving authentic inner peace.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Gaithersburg

Finding the best therapist close by in Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg. 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 Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg, elsewhere in Montgomery, 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Gaithersburg 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.

Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 20878 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 Gaithersburg counselor?

Before seeing your Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg.

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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg, 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.

Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg, 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 Gaithersburg.

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

20877, 20878, 20879, 20899

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