On the banks of the Patuxent River you will find Laurel, Maryland, which is a small town that is known for Laurel Park, which is a thoroughbred horse racetrack. Some people like to go there and place bets on the horses for fun. However, for some, betting can turn into a gambling habit that can become an addiction.
The City of Laurel has many professional addiction therapists who can help with gambling and other addictions. If you or someone you know is having trouble with gambling, talk to a therapist before it damages your life anymore than it already has.
Lorraine Helferich
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in Maryland, as well. I am also board certified through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NCC) . I have been working as a licensed professional since 2014. I have been active in the mental health field working with individuals experiencing crisis, mental health concerns, and challenging life transitions for the past 13 years. I have experience working with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns and challenges including; depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, life transitions and adjustment issues, relationship issues, parenting problems, as well as, trauma, and abuse. My counseling style is compassionate and engaging. Everyone deserves a safe and confidential space to share in which they are treated with respect and compassion. I work to collaborate with clients to help them gain insight and find ways to manage their struggles. My approach combines humanistic, and existential theories using evidence based techniques drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and psychotherapy treatments. I believe that individuals deserve to be treated with respect and compassion and that they have the ability to collaborate on treatment plans that are tailored to their personal needs and experiences. It takes a lot of courage and motivation for change to reach for additional support. I am here to provide the extra support and guidance that may be needed to assist in your reaching your personal goals for therapy. I look forward to working with you!
Dawn Byrne
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland with over 25 years of experience in treating relational, mental health and addiction issues. I hold two masters degrees- in Counseling and Education. I have worked in a variety of settings: private practice; corporate employee assistance programs (EAP); community psychiatry programs; and addiction recovery clinics. I have also served as a "Crisis Interventionist" in an ER setting, so I am comfortable sorting out complex problems in a rapid manner. Prior to serving as a corporate and community counselor, I was a corporate trainer, specializing in Coping Skills. So I provide psycho-educational skills to enhance individual therapy and everyday situations. My style is client-centered and solution-focused. I will provide you with a safe space to help you explore, discuss and resolve whatever issues you bring in. The goal is to help you decide what changes you want to make to increase satisfaction with your life. My focus is on providing you with practical skills that help you with everyday issues: relational conflict at home and work; self-management; emotional and coping with anxiety. Areas of Specialty: Relational Issues Coping Skills Self-Management Skills Setting Boundaries Managing Conflict Decision- Making Alcohol and Drug Addiction Anxiety and Stress Management Additional Areas of Expertise: Relapse Prevention Recovery Skills Crisis Interventions Risk Assessments Years of Experience: Counseling: 25+ years Addiction Counseling: 20+ years Crisis Intervention: 7 years Corporate training: 10 years
Dr. Rita Smith
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)
Dr. Timothy Ibutu
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.
Shashana Carter
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Therapist. Licensed in the state of Maryland with overall 10 years of services, training and experience working in Professional settings such as the Department of Social Services, Department of Probation Adult and Juvenile services and Opioid maintenance centers. Within the last 4 years I have worked providing individual therapy and empowering client's to overcome obstacles to achieve realistic goals and to find solutions to problematic issues getting in the way of living a healthier life. My counseling style is being a great listener, warm , compassionate, respectful, providing honest supportive communication and feedback. I will say is this; healing can happen through deliberate and intentional work that we will do together, and by making the first steps in allowing me to work with you I will always offer a safe space to be heard, a new way to communicate and explore your truth and to move forward in a positive direction. Specialties - Depression - Anxiety/stress - Grief - Bipolar - Trauma - PTSD Also experienced in Addictions, weight loss issues, coping with life changes, couples counseling, family issues Clinical approaches -Psychodynamic - Cognitive Behavioral - Mindfulness - Task centered - Problem solving Years of experience 10
Kari Perez
My name is Kari Perez and I am a licensed clinical professional counselor in Maryland. I graduated from Loyola University with my Master's in Science - Counseling Psychology in 2011. I worked for four years in a long term residential facility for adults struggling with co-occurring addiction and mental health diagnosis. I have also worked outpatient virtually and in person with adults, children, and teenagers. Through these settings, I have the most experience with anxiety, depression, stress, motivation, self esteem, addiction, and helping work on life skills. I utilize a multi-modal approach, being able to pull from multiple theories to find the strategies that best fit the person and situation. My strongest belief in a therapeutic relationship is that the client is the expert in their experience and I am there as a partner to try to understand as best I can and provide support. I use my experience to help clients create and meet the goals they desire. I enjoy working with clients who are looking for help becoming their best self.
Sherri Johnson
I am licensed in Maryland with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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!
Rachael Okun
I am licensed clinical social worker, practicing in Maryland for over 5 years. My focus involves working with people striving to break patterns and navigating through difficult seasons in life. I work with individuals affected by grief and loss, stress, anxiety and depression. My focus with couples is resolving conflict, establishing healthier patterns and becoming a stronger, more unified team. I have experience in a range of life’s challenges including grief, end of life, palliative care, family services and couples counseling. I have worked as a hospice and palliative care social worker for many years, supporting families through life’s transitions. I also have experience in the aging population and the child welfare system. Before I came into this field, I worked in project management. I still love collaborating to find solutions. I find fulfillment in caring for my children and family, and take pride in supporting my spouse’s military service. I believe therapy is meant to include hard conversations, but also joy and relief. Mostly, I believe therapy is a place for you to be seen. What brings you to therapy is only part of who you are, I look forward to learning your story.
Rachel Maina
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.
Dr. Chriselda Fleming
Hi, I am Dr. Chriselda Fleming, a licensed psychologist in Maryland. For more than 25 years, I have helped adults move through life’s ups and downs - depression and anxiety, ADD/ADHD and bipolar disorder, relationship and family conflicts, trauma and PTSD, work stress and burnout, and the stuck, low-confidence moments that make life feel smaller than it should. My style blends practical tools from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with the depth and insight of brief psychodynamic work. We will focus on what’s happening now—habits, thoughts, and patterns that can actually change - while also getting curious about the experiences beneath the surface that still shape how you feel and relate today. Therapy should feel safe, respectful, and useful. I aim to create a steady, supportive space where you can understand yourself more clearly, practice new skills, and make decisions that align with who you want to be. Together, we will set a few clear goals, track progress, and adjust as we learn what works best for you. Starting therapy can feel like a big step. It is also a powerful one. My hope is that, over time, you feel more at ease in your daily life, more confident in your choices, and more connected to the version of yourself you are trying to grow into. My style blends practical tools from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with the depth and insight of brief psychodynamic work. We wil focus on what’s happening now—habits, thoughts, and patterns that can actually change - while also getting curious about the experiences beneath the surface that still shape how you feel and relate today. Therapy should feel safe, respectful, and useful. I aim to create a steady, supportive space where you can understand yourself more clearly, practice new skills, and make decisions that align with who you want to be. Together, we will set a few clear goals, track progress, and adjust as we learn what works best for you. Starting therapy can feel like a big step. It’s also a powerful one. My hope is that, over time, you feel more at ease in your daily life, more confident in your choices, and more connected to the version of yourself you’re trying to grow into. ************************* For a smooth and reliable process, I manage the calendar on my end. My hours are Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 5 PM EST. Share three daytime windows that work for you, and I will place the first good fit on the calendar.
Ranesa Bolander
I am licensed in Maryland with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Bruce Storms
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.
Dale Winchell
As a licensed therapist living in New York and dually licensed in Maryland, I specialize in supporting individuals work through distorted thought processes. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, borderline personality, and self-esteem challenges. My experience working in an Intensive Outpatient Program has helped me work with individuals experiencing serious depression and anxiety symptoms. I do not, however, have specialized experience working with addictions and substance use issues, and would recommend seeking another provider if these are your primary issue. I can provide support for mental health symptoms alongside these, but I will recommend you seek out treatment specifically for those issues, as I am not specialized in those areas. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, designed to help you develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. I understand the unique challenges of managing mood disorders, impulsivity, and interpersonal dynamics. Whether you're struggling with isolation, family conflicts, or seeking to build stronger emotional resilience, I'm committed to walking alongside you in your healing journey. I bring a non-judgmental, supportive perspective to our work together, tailoring therapeutic techniques to meet your individual needs. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where you can explore your experiences, develop coping skills, and move towards greater emotional well-being.
Lauren Meier
My goal as a therapist is to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable being themselves and exploring what they’re going through. I work with individuals navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, and self-esteem, while also supporting those who are seeking personal growth, improved communication, and a stronger sense of self. I believe therapy can be a powerful space for self-discovery and change. Together, we work to better understand patterns, build effective coping skills, and develop tools that help you move forward with confidence. I have been providing therapy for over 10 years in a variety of clinical settings and with clients from diverse backgrounds. Since 2020, I have owned and operated my own virtual practice, where I continue to support individuals in reaching their goals and creating meaningful, lasting change.
Find a Therapist Near You in Laurel , Maryland
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Maryland can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Maryland is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Maryland, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Maryland (MD). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
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 on BetterHelp support adults across Maryland with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Maryland
When searching for a therapist near me in Maryland, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Maryland, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Maryland.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Maryland want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Maryland
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Maryland without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Maryland (MD)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Maryland
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Maryland, including residents in Laurel.
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 vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
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 private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.