In 1870, the Pennsylvania Railroad was constructed throughout the City of La Plata, Maryland in Charles County, which caused a business boom bringing industry as well as homesteads to the town. With the boom came buildings such as the La Plata courthouse and the historic Christ Episcopal Church in Port Tobacco, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places for all to visit.

No matter your age, gender or social status, learning about history is fun as well as important, especially when it is your history. You may find that you are susceptible to certain hereditary illnesses such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other emotional or mental condition. Talk to one of the many La Plata area therapists today to find out what you can do to prevent problems later in life.

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Psychologist Dr. Rita Smith providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Dr. Rita Smith

Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCPC LC0480, GA LPC LPC006779
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)

Psychologist Julie Elliott providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Julie Elliott

Clinician
License Type(s): TX LMFT 4067, MD LCSW-C 34119
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years offering treatment

Greetings, I am Julie Elliott a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 30 years of experience. Currently living and working in my home state of Texas, I have international experience having worked in both Canada and the South Pacific. I received my Masters of Social Work from the University of Houston in 1990 and since earned the most advanced clinical social work license and was one of the first licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas. I have expertise in numerous specialties including the following: Crisis Intervention, Addictions, Child and Adolescent Therapy, Family and Marriage Therapy, Sexual Trauma, and PTSD. I look forward to joining you on a new therapeutic journey.

Psychologist Allyson Shaffer providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Allyson Shaffer

Clinician
License Type(s): DC LICSW LC303507, MD LCSW-C 12452
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment

I am licensed in District of Columbia & Maryland with over 20 years of professional clinical experience. 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. 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.

Psychologist Shea Pines providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Shea Pines

Clinician
License Type(s): VA LMFT 0717002491, MD LCMFT LCM1132
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
3 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Virginia with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with 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!

Psychologist Laura Schmidt providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Laura Schmidt

Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCSW-C 15011
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years offering treatment

As a licensed therapist in Maryland with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address depression, relationship challenges, family dynamics, and work/ life challenges with compassionate, personalized care. I bring deep expertise in supporting individuals through transformative personal journeys, focusing on areas like self-love, communication, healing from trauma, and rediscovering life purpose. Drawing on cognitive behavioral approaches, I help clients identify and reshape the thought patterns and beliefs that quietly shape their emotional lives — creating space for new perspectives, healthier responses, and lasting change. My work also extends to teens and college students, guiding young people through issues related to identity, stress, anxiety, and interpersonal relationships during critical developmental stages. Grounded in trauma-informed and systems-based approaches, my practice emphasizes the interconnected nature of personal, familial, and social experiences. I integrate somatic work to help clients reconnect with the wisdom of the body — recognizing that healing lives not only in the mind but in the nervous system, breath, and physical presence. Together, these approaches allow clients to gain insight into patterns that shape their lives while building resilience, self-understanding, and sustainable positive change. My therapeutic style is collaborative, strengths-oriented, and rooted in empowerment. I create a supportive environment where clients of all ages can safely explore their emotions, challenge unhelpful thinking, tune into their bodies, and develop tools for lasting growth. Through evidence-based practices — including CBT and somatic modalities — I help individuals move from feeling stuck to feeling grounded, confident, and connected — to themselves and others. I'm deeply committed to walking alongside my clients as they navigate difficult emotions, rebuild relationships, and create lives marked by authenticity, purpose, and fulfillment. Together, we transform challenge into opportunity, fostering healing and growth at every stage of life.

Psychologist Melvyn Heyes providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Melvyn Heyes

Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCSW-C 16373, FL LCSW SW18190
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression
16 years offering treatment

I specialize in treating anxiety and stress in ‘normal’ people like yourself. My clients appear stable and successful, but quickly express they’re struggling - overwhelmed with frustration - even sadness. They tell me life seems persistently harder than a while ago, stuck in seemingly inescapable patterns with difficult problems. Then, more issues: job dissatisfaction, marital communication (even divorce) or parental challenges – a ‘Polycrisis’. Clients want to be heard and validated; I’ll listen. We’ll work together in a positive direction to restore order, enjoyment in life and self-confidence with a strong sense of satisfaction. My practical approaches focus on designing and implementing paths forward for specific definable problems, as well as your generalized angst. We’ll not just manage symptoms – we’ll also break old patterns you've operated on (perhaps for years) because of past trauma or other experiences; we'll build new ways of thinking, behaving and responding. I engage carefully to what is happening and we will cooperate on a response. My non-judgmental approach balances the need to validate your experiences with the urgency to address and resolve your challenges. I will help you create the fulfilment you envision.

Psychologist Marc Wilner providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Marc Wilner

Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCPC LC17448
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years offering treatment

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, or simply stuck, you're not alone. I work with teens and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, burnout, addiction, and the everyday pressures that can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself or the people you care about. I also have a special interest in working with First Responders and individuals facing major life adjustments. Many of the people I meet have spent a long time trying to handle everything on their own. They may feel weighed down by self-doubt, struggling in their relationships, grieving a loss, or wondering why the same patterns keep repeating. My goal is to provide a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported while also helping you make meaningful, lasting change. My approach is collaborative and conversational. Therapy with me isn't about simply talking through problems—it's about working together to better understand what's keeping you stuck, identifying your strengths, and developing practical tools you can use in everyday life. I tailor treatment to your unique needs using evidence-based approaches while creating an environment where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. Whether you're a teenager trying to find your footing or an adult carrying burdens that have become too heavy to manage alone, my hope is to help you move toward greater peace, confidence, freedom, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Psychologist Melody Green providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Melody Green

Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCPC LC1887
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
20 years offering treatment

As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy, drawing from extensive work with diverse populations including young adults, veterans, and individuals facing workplace and family challenges. My therapeutic style is rooted in understanding each person's unique journey, with a particular focus on addressing trauma, social anxiety, and multicultural experiences. I offer a warm, supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and work towards healing and personal transformation. I am committed to creating a safe, affirming space that honors each individual's background, experiences, and personal goals. Whether you're struggling with life transitions, relationship issues, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise.

Psychologist Arleen Faulkner providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Arleen Faulkner

Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCPC LC2654
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
30 years offering treatment

With over 30 years of clinical experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes. My therapeutic approach centers on helping clients develop self-love, discover life purpose, and heal from challenging experiences. I have deep expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem challenges. My practice focuses on empowering individuals through transformative personal growth, whether you're experiencing workplace stress, relationship transitions, midlife challenges, or seeking deeper self-understanding. I offer a compassionate, supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and create meaningful change. Drawing from extensive professional training and a commitment to holistic healing, I work collaboratively with clients to uncover their inherent strengths. My approach honors each person's unique journey, providing personalized guidance that respects individual spiritual and personal values.

Psychologist Kimberly Tawney providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Kimberly Tawney

Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCSW-C 29717
Mental Wellness Specialties: GriefBipolar disorderDepression
3 years offering treatment

As a dedicated therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, with a particular focus on mood disorders, communication challenges, and personal growth. My approach centers on helping clients address depression, grief, and feelings of isolation while exploring life purpose and meaningful connections. I have worked with those strugging with trauma, anger and acute mental illness for over 20years, 17 of those were prior to becoming a therapist. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic environment where individuals can develop deeper self-understanding and practical coping strategies. I'm committed to walking alongside my clients as they work through challenging emotional experiences and cultivate personal resilience. My professional training equips me to provide nuanced, empathetic support for those struggling with bipolar disorder, communication difficulties, and periods of profound loneliness. I believe in honoring each person's unique journey and supporting their individual path toward emotional wellness and personal fulfillment.

Psychologist Jade Nesbitt providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Jade Nesbitt

Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCSW-C 25149
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years offering treatment

I'm a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's most challenging moments. With seven years of clinical experience, I work with clients navigating depression, anxiety, stress, and the complexities of relationships and identity. My approach is grounded in cultural responsiveness and affirming care. I specialize in supporting individuals exploring their sexuality and relationship structures, and those working through multicultural concerns and LGBTQ+ clients. I'm experienced in helping clients address social anxiety, panic, attachment patterns, abandonment wounds, and the isolation that often accompanies these struggles. I also support clients through major life transitions—including divorce, separation, midlife shifts, and postpartum challenges—as well as workplace stress, chronic pain, and the search for meaning and purpose. My work with women's issues and control patterns reflects my commitment to honoring each client's unique experience and identity. I believe in creating a therapeutic space where you feel seen, valued, and supported. My goal is to help you build self-compassion, strengthen your relationships, and move toward a life that feels authentic and purposeful. I'm honored to walk alongside you in your healing journey.

Psychologist Amani Nyansa providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Amani Nyansa

Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCSW-C 24355
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepression
9 years offering treatment

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) and Certified Expressive Arts Therapist with nine years of experience providing mental health services to individuals and couples. I work with clients navigating depression, anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, parenting questions, and career transitions. My practice is rooted in helping people build deeper self-love, address feelings of isolation and loneliness, and work through guilt and shame. I also support clients managing financial concerns and workplace difficulties. My approach is collaborative and person-centered. I believe in meeting you where you are and working together to identify what matters most to you. Whether you're struggling with self-worth, feeling disconnected, or facing practical life challenges, I'm here to help you move toward greater clarity and peace. I'm committed to creating a welcoming, affirming space where you feel heard and respected. Starting therapy takes courage, and I'm honored to support you on your journey.

Psychologist Bailey Oros providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Bailey Oros

Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCSW-C 24819
Mental Wellness Specialties: GriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
3 years offering treatment

Hi! I'm Bailey, and I provide therapy to residents of the state of Maryland - I'm glad you're here. Seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, especially when you're carrying a lot or facing one of life's most difficult seasons. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard—a place where you don't have to navigate things alone. I specialize in supporting individuals and caregivers facing serious medical challenges, including those exploring or receiving palliative care or hospice/other end-of-life services. I have extensive experience helping patients and their loved ones navigate anticipatory grief, caregiver fatigue, difficult or complex medical decisions, and the emotional impact of serious illness. I am also a certified brain injury specialist (CBIS). This means I often work closely with caregivers of individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries (TBI), acquired brain injuries (ABI), and all types of strokes. Whether you're adjusting to a new diagnosis, learning to navigate long-term changes, or simply feeling the weight of caring for someone you love, therapy can offer a space to process, recharge, and find support. In addition, I have experience working with medical trauma and post-traumatic stress related to healthcare experiences, particularly following critical illness or intensive care stays. Medical events can leave lasting emotional wounds, and healing isn't just about recovering physically. Together, we can process those experiences at a pace that feels right for you. Grief is another area that I'm deeply passionate about. While many people associate grief with the death of a loved one, I recognize that, that "one" may not be a person. Grief can follow the loss of a person, a beloved pet, changes in health or identity, the end of a relationship, infertility, major life transitions, or the loss of the future you imagined differently. Whatever your grief looks like, it deserves space, compassion, and support. I believe therapy should be what *you* need it to be. For some people, that means having a safe, nonjudgmental space to vent, process emotions, and simply be heard. For others, it means taking a more structured, solution-focused approach with clear goals, practical tools, and strategies to create meaningful change. Most people find themselves needing a combination of both at different points in their journey—and that's okay. My approach is collaborative, flexible, and rooted in building an open, honest therapeutic relationship. I often describe my style as having an "open door" philosophy because our sessions are your time. Together, we'll decide what feels most helpful each session, and I'll meet you where you are rather than expecting you to fit into a particular model of therapy. I do want to note that as a straight, white therapist, I recognize that I do not share every lived experience of the clients I work with. However, I am committed to providing a safe, affirming, and culturally responsive space for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals where you are treated with respect, compassion, and without judgment. My goal is to continue learning, listening, and showing up as an ally so you can feel supported as your authentic self. I believe therapy should meet you where you are. Whether you're navigating loss, caregiving, trauma, major life changes, or simply feeling stuck, you don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out. It would be an honor to walk alongside you as you navigate life's challenges while also celebrating your resilience, healing, and growth.

Psychologist Kelly Saraceno providing different types of therapy in La Plata

Kelly Saraceno

Clinician
License Type(s): MD LCSW-C 16550
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
20 years offering treatment

Are you ready to change patterns in your life that are holding you back? I specialize in treating individuals who are overwhelmed by circumstances or life events. I believe in using a variety of modalities including cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and trauma informed care to help clients transition from surviving to thriving lives.

*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.

Find a therapist near you in La Plata, Maryland

Finding a therapist near you in La Plata, 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 La Plata.

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 La Plata, Maryland

Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving La Plata 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