This is Sharon Szalejko's avatar and link to their profile

Sharon Szalejko

Offering therapy in MD
License: BA, MSW, LCSW-C
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issues
14 years of experience

I have been a social worker for over ten years. I am an active-duty Navy spouse and Mom and understand the stress involved with living a military life, whether it's deployments or long hours or simply being on-call 24/7. I have had the opportunity to volunteer with spouses that struggle with the military life, and normalizing some of the problems that arise is very fulfilling. I want to let you know about some of the work that I've done and loved over the last twelve years. I originally started working with high risk children in NC, but this position ended after 10 months as I left the position due to a personal choice to leave the state. Working with high-risk children was a difficult position. The children that I saw were all seen for state mandated therapy in my office and brought by either parents or agency sponsors. I did a lot of art based therapy with these children as I did not get much if any access to the parents for parental guidance. I helped the children work on self-esteem and self reliance in addition to doing regular abuse screenings. Moving forward to 2012-2015....the past three years have been at my private practice. I have worked more with families than children individually. I have worked on developing and maintaining good parenting skills and maintaining good boundaries and limits. Some families really appreciated the "Magic 123"approach. Where others preferred individual plans that worked for their individual families (whether it be a family with a child on the spectrum that required time lines and consistency or twins with ADHD that used behavior modification charts with motivating factors dictating the modifications and of course consistency). From 2015-2017 I was blessed to have obtained a job as the Regional Director of a community center in Jacksonville, NC. I was able to use my skills and experience to supervise young and new Social Workers and LPC's. I was able to network with the local community and grow the small business into a budding program with immense potential. When my family and I left the NC area I was proud to have been a part of this growing community center and knew that I was leaving the families, children, and the community in a healthier place than when I started. I did work for a short period in and inpatient adult psychiatric unit and after only a short time I knew that this was not my calling. After my inpatient high-risk psychiatric experience I went back to my roots which I found while attending Baylor University and working on my MSW. While I was in school was when grief and bereavement became my clinical and academic focus. I have always had a passion for those experiencing loss. My internships were with a local hospice in Mexia, TX and another specialty clinic in Waco, TX that worked exclusively with Alzheimer's patients. I did my master's thesis on Alzheimer's and sensory therapy. Alzheimer's disease is a very difficult disease to help people through because the caregiver and the patient need two totally different things. The caregiver is dealing with premature loss and anticipatory grief while the patient is dealing with reminiscent therapy and often sensory therapy. I moved to Baltimore Maryland and started my work at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center @ Johns Hopkins Hospital and loved every minute I was there in oncology. My specialties were gastro-intestinal cancers and melanoma. I sat weekly on the tumor boards for the weekly reviewed cases and had the privilege of working with the families that were chosen for treatment. I met them on their first day and stayed with these families until death or discharge of treatment. I had the honor to present more than on grand rounds (one on Ethics and the other one "Difficult Families"). Being able to have a part in any of my families journeys was a privilege. These families allowed me to guide them on one of the most personal losses in life the death of a loved one. Grief and bereavement have always been close to me and my practice and I encourage any survivors to thrive not simply survive and am willing to work on that concept with clients. During my private practice work I rely heavily on solution focused approaches and my therapy is very narrative in nature and requires work from not only me, but mostly the client. I do use cognitive behavioral techniques when appropriate, but I am not afraid of delving into any theory or technique that I believe will assist the client. I have surprisingly enjoyed working with couples. Couples (in my experience) tend to have a different kind of motivation for change. They are either more willing to work or they come in already being finished (in which case they don't stay long). I believe in teaching my couples not only how to hear but to listen. Empathy and validation are constant focuses in regards to my couples. As far as my individual work with those experiencing anxiety or depression the idea is to focus more on what is causing the problems/anxieties than it is to focus on the physical aspects of the depression and anxiety. I as the therapist know and can see that you are depressed or anxious, and the physical manifestations that these diagnoses are creating, but my job is to isolate the "why?" and help to work you through the trigger. I do not hesitate to recommend seeing an MD when I recognize that talk-therapy is not where a client needs to start. I love what I do and my job is something that look forward to every day. I would be happy and it would be a privilege to help and assist in any way possible.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Allison Bethea's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Allison Bethea

Offering therapy in MD
License: Psy.D. ,ADHD-CCSP,CCATP
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

My interest in psychology dates back to my high school years (1980’s anyone?), leading me to become a Doctor of Clinical Psychology in 1992 and a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Maryland in 1993. While the field of mental health has experienced a mix of challenges and exciting advances over the past 25 years, establishing a collaborative relationship and building upon an individual’s strengths have always been mainstays of my approach to working with clients. Specific to theoretical orientation, I draw upon cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and Positive Psychology approaches. Areas of clinical interest for me include the influence of physical health upon mental well-being and counseling approaches that leverage the understanding of neurology and brain function in choosing therapeutic techniques. I have specialty training in anxiety and stress management, depression, and coping with the impact of attention deficit disorders (ADHD). Additionally, I have significant experience working with individuals with blindness or a visual impairment and parents of children with special needs. Thanks for your time and please reach out if you believe working with me would be a good fit.

Get started View profile
This is Taneka Hamond's avatar and link to their profile

Taneka Hamond

Offering therapy in MD
Relationship issuesSelf esteem
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!Thanks for being confident in you and me.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Jo-Linda Butterfield's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Jo-Linda Butterfield

Offering therapy in MD
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I am a licensed Psychologist in Maryland with over 20 years of professional work experience helping clients with personal, workplace, and family relationships in all life phases. May experience is varied and set across many settings--private practice, hospitals, assisted-living and rehab centers, schools post-graduate academia, addition treatment programs, and more. My clients may be struggling with negative feelings, coping with grief and losses, sometimes overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, isolation , ADHD, or health issues, including burnout. Or they may be lacking motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and want professional support in navigating difficult transitions, shifts in mindset and mental outlook, climbing out of procrastination and clutter, changing mindset and mental outlook, inner exploration, or external goals and practices that positively re-orient their lives. Along with my training and licensure as a Clinical Psychologist, I have credentials from the International Coach Federation as a PCC-level Personal and Professional Coach, and from the NBHWC as a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. I have taught and mentored students in two established coach-training programs in Maryland. My background in coaching has been invaluable in helping my clients successfully achieve and maintain their goals, whether the goals are oriented around shifting dysfunctional mental patterns or making concrete behavioral and relationship changes. All of us are capable of finding positive pathways towards happier and more fulfilling lives. We will work collaboratively to identify and achieve your goals and overall vision.. Recognizing your strengths and other resources will help you overcome challenges and create new possibilities for the way you want to live. It takes courage to reach out for help, and I commend you for taking that step to move forward towards the life you want. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Henry Apencha's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Henry Apencha

Offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland with over nine years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & anger management. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Shabana Abdullah's avatar and link to their profile

Shabana Abdullah

Offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
3 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Maryland with 3 years of psychotherapy experience. I have seen both sides of the therapy relationship- as a therapist and as a client, and I use personal experiences and humor to connect with clients. I use multiple, empirically-based methods to help clients work through feelings of stress, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, motivation, ADHD, trauma, and more. I primarily use cognitive behavioral methods as well as psychoanalytic and systems therapy to identify negative patterns and move towards growth. We will work together to develop a treatment plan with your goals in mind. Deciding to begin therapy is a courageous step on a journey that is as important as the destination. I look forward to walking the path with you.

Get started View profile
This is Adijat Agbo-Ola's avatar and link to their profile

Adijat Agbo-Ola

Offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Yetunde Magadji's avatar and link to their profile

Yetunde Magadji

Offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyGriefBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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!

Get started View profile
This is Angela Noland's avatar and link to their profile

Angela Noland

Offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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. I have evenings and weekend hours available - I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is John Gartner's avatar and link to their profile

John Gartner

Offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementBipolar disorderDepressionCoaching
40 years of experience

I've practiced psychotherapy for many decades now. During that time, I also wrote books and taught psychiatric residents at Johns Hopkins Medical School. My areas of specialization are bipolar type 2 and borderline personality disorder. I've also worked with many entrepreneurs since the publication of my book in 2005, The Hypomanic Edge: The Link Between ( a Little) Craziness and (a Lot of ) Success in America. What's different about me is that after receiving the finest traditional training, I've integrated what I know with meditation. Mindfulness, especially when combined with therapy, provides self-awareness and self-control, an antidote to the bad judgement, impulsivity and acting-out that causes most of the problems. More meditation can mean less medication, if you develop the capacity to slow things down and become more calm and objective. Medication is a blunt instrument, and in my opinion, many patients are over-medicated. More recently, I'm working with research subjects who have undergone psilocybin therapy, for a book, "The Cosmic Consciousness Cure." Effecting the same brain areas as meditation, psilocybin therapy produces a quantum leap in mindfulness. I'd be happy to speak with anyone seeking legal psilocybin treatment. I can't provide it, but it is now legally available in Oregon. National FDA approval is pending.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Oakland

Finding the best therapist close by in Oakland 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Oakland. 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 Oakland, 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. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Oakland or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. 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 Oakland area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find 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 Oakland, elsewhere in Garrett, or in the greater state of Maryland.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Oakland area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland 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 BetterHelp or clinicians 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).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Oakland, 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a 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, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Oakland 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 Oakland helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Oakland 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:

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 Oakland 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?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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.

A psychologist 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 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 Oakland 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 lot of people in MD, providers 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 21550 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Oakland counselor?

Before seeing your 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. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist 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. A Oakland 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 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Oakland, 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.

Oakland 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?

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

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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 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 Oakland.

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

21550

Popular cities near Oakland, MD

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist