
Orly Katz
Thank you for taking the first step to make a difference. My name is Orly Katz. I am a professional counselor in MD, VA, DC and in NV. I am also a maternal child nurse. My passion for relationships and individual counseling stems from my life’s experience, on the job exposure and advanced continuing education. My professional background started in the late 1970s as a nurse-midwife in Israel. In 1985, I immigrated to the USA and continued working as a maternal child nurse. Although nursing was rewarding, I felt that my work was missing a vital mental health component, that I believed was integral to a holistic approach that I wished to provide for my clients. I later obtained an education in counseling, where I focused on relationships and couples. I facilitated support groups for new mothers, new parents, and worked with children and incarcerated women. My work with a diverse population and in different cultures taught me to accept people without judgment. My pursuit for the most current, research based approaches motivates me to continuously take advanced classes and training, and to read and participate in forums and discussions. This ongoing learning process keeps me updated, while refining and expanding my therapeutic approach. In my practice, I strive to provide you with the most empathetic, yet objective environment where you feel heard, respected and validated. Together, we will collaborate to customize a plan and provide you with the most tested, up to date tools and techniques to get to your desired wish. Your input and feedback are crucial to our work together. What sets me apart from other therapists? Style: My roles as a wife and mother, life experience as an immigrant and professional background all work together by deepening my value and respect for people. I view my clients with great perspective, which allows me to balance an empathetic technique with understanding. With this approach, I am better able to provide clients with direct and straight forward therapy. Clients tend to value this way of “not sugar coating”, or “not hiding behind the bush”. Clients’ Comments: “This is exactly what I need.” Specialty: Focusing on relationships and couple counseling, I am known for getting to the root of the issue faster and assisting my clients in customizing the best therapy for them, through educating them on worthwhile, tested approaches. Clients value this method of “nailing it”, or “getting it”. Clients’ comments: “Coming here is like going to an ivy league school”. Client Led Discussion: Together with my clients we continue to evaluate the therapeutic process. I guide my clients to set their pace and progress with confidence and trust. They feel empowered. Clients’ comments: “It feels good, I am hopeful,” and “We have a road map--we are not going to be in therapy forever”. I look forward to working with you.

Rita Nzuwah
Dear clients, I am a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for helping individuals, couples and families maneuver the stresses, challenges, hurts and traumas of everyday life. I am an African-American, faith-based woman, who has a passion for helping other minority men, woman, couples and families maneuver life challenges. My counseling philosophy is that you are the expert of your own life. My role is to guide and support you in building the skills and confidence necessary to live your best life. I meet each client where you are and help you build on your strengths and resources. My assessments and evaluations are comprehensive bio-psychosocial-spiritual, in nature. I incorporate faith-based principles that you request and find meaningful to you. I have over 7 years of experience helping clients with relationship issues and various other mental health and life challenges. My expertise allows you to develop your own perspective of problem solving and will empower you to make the changes needed in order to accomplish your goals. Due to limits on availability, I am able to provide ongoing phone sessions only. I look forward to working with you. Sincerely, Rita Nzuwah, LCSW-C

Carol-Ann Cerkan
Trust is what is vital to a healthy therapeutic relationship and I work very hard to build that with my clients. Seeking counseling is one of the most courageous steps towards living your best life possible and I would like to help you on that journey. I am driven by the desire to help people through their difficult times and emotional issues they are facing. We will work together to develop an individualized path to help you through and feel better! I have had the opportunity to work with many different populations and have experiences in various emotional issues: relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, addictions, grief, self-esteem, compassion fatigue, military issues, attachment issues, suicidal ideations, self-esteem/ self-confident, coping skills, and many other issues. I have many years experiencing working with families and spent over five years as a Military & Family Life Counselor working with active duty, National Guard, Reservists, and their families. My counseling style would be described as welcoming, warm and interactive. I believe in treating people with dignity, respect, sensitivity, authenticity and empathy. My approach is holistic and based on evidence based practices. I respect your choice on seeking counseling and I look forward to working with you!

Curtrice Scott
I am a seasoned and compassionate therapist licensed in Maryland and Washington, DC. I have worked in the mental health field for over 14 years. I have a passion for helping others improve their overall wellbeing and have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, parenting issues, career challenges, neglect, physical abuse, trauma, and more. I have also worked with individuals who were formerly incarcerated. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and healthier life and to take the first steps towards that change. If you are ready to make that change, I am here to support, encourage, and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

katharine Laidley
I am licensed in Maryland with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse & 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. 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.

Shalonda Thornton-Knox
I am licensed in Maryland with 20 years of professional work experience to include individual and family therapy as well as teens and adults. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Dr. Andrea Wheeler
I am licensed in Maryland with over 14 years of professional work in private practice. I have experience in helping clients with a variety of different problems including stress and anxiety, trauma, depression, & coping with life changes. Often individuals enter therapy with a number of issues they wish to work to address. I am a therapist who interacts with my clients in a collaborative manner in setting goals related to working on all the issues that brought them into therapy. My first treatment goal is 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!

Danika Girdner
I am licensed in Maryland with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with parenting issues. I specialize in helping couples strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and deepen their emotional connection. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I guide partners through evidence-based techniques to foster healthier dynamics, resolve conflict, and build lasting intimacy. Whether you're facing challenges or simply want to enrich your relationship, I am here to support you every step of the way.

Nelson Rivera
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with HIV/AIDS, substance use, and behavioral health. I have my Masters from New York University and I am currently a candidate for my PhD in Organizational Psychology. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, LGBTQA+, career challenges, and multiple chronic medical diagnoses. I also helped many people who have experienced varying forms of trauma in their childhood and how this childhood trauma may influence our adulthood. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and straightforward. I believe in treating all with respect, dignity, sensitivity, and compassion. I work with an individual's thoughts and how those thoughts can influence behaviors. I have worked with supporting people through their own ambivalence using cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing (getting out of your own way). I am not into labels. I am adaptive and will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek support and redesign your own life. I applaud you for taking this step towards change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you so that you can redesign a world that is a better fit for you. I look forward to working with you!

Amanda Sims-High
I am licensed in Colorado with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & anger management. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in Maryland
Types of therapists available to clients in Laytonsville
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Laytonsville that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Laytonsville available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Laytonsville therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Laytonsville therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Laytonsville region and in the state of Maryland.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Laytonsville can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Laytonsville may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.