University Park had meager beginnings as a residential subdivision, and has grown from there. However, growth has been much slower than planned or anticipated. Sometimes in any aspect of your life planned growth in any area of your personal life can be stagnant or slow to change. This can lead to frustration, stress, and depression.

If you are feeling stagnant in your personal growth and you aren’t sure how to change, counselors in the University Park area can help. These confidential therapists can guide you to new personal growth through exercises and support. Contact a counselor today.

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Dr. Catherine McAlpine-Eig

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

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

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Lisa Hughes

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Counselor License Type(s): LCPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. I have been working in the Mental Health field for 28 years providing services to adults with serious mental health issues. I am originally from Jamaica and came here in the 80’s with the idea that I was going to save the world. I obtained my B.S. in Psychology back in the 90’s and focused on doing what I love; helping people. In 2013, I made the decision to go back to school while still working full-time to continue along my path to achieving my best self. After sleepless nights, I did it! I graduated with my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. For the past 5 plus years, I have been providing individual therapy to adults and providing resources to help them achieve their best self. I believe that we are all individuals with our own needs and cultural experiences. As your Therapist, I am here to listen to you and to help you achieve your goals in a non-judgmental space. By signing up with me, you are making the conscious choice to let me help you achieve the best you. I look forward to working with you.

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Iman Anderson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Are you struggling with managing your day to day life? Looking for some relief from your problem? Look no further, I am here to help! I specialize in offering immediate help to individuals who experience unforeseen life events that cause mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral problems. I possess a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a License in Clinical Social Work in the States of Nevada, Maryland, and Texas. I have practiced therapy in the inpatient and outpatient setting for the past five years and have been a tele-health therapist for the past two years. I have a diverse background in therapy with experience conducting individual, couples, family, and group therapy. The primary goal in my practice is to assist clients in acknowledging unhealthy coping strategies, replace them with new and healthy ones, and gradually get clients to the point of being able to effectively cope with any life stressor.

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Kari Perez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Counselor License Type(s): LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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 started out working for four years in a long term residential facility for adults struggling with co-occurring addiction and mental health diagnosis. In this role, I have experience with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and helping work on life skills. After this, I moved to working with children and their families in home settings for several years. In this setting I developed the skills to work with the family unit as a whole. In family situations, I believe that whoever is being identified as the client with diagnosis is often just a piece in a larger dynamic. My goal is to try to support and address the family as a whole to help change the dynamic creating problematic symptoms. 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 kids through adults who are looking for help becoming their best self.

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Dr. Ashley Velasquez

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

I am licensed in Maryland with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I 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.

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Jennifer McLaurin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyDepression
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in District of Columbia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Carol Binta Nadeem

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Maryland with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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KaShawna Watson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed therapist in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Bridget Bauersfeld

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
23 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Bridget primarily practices from an integrated psychodynamic and relational foundation. She believes that therapy can help foster resilience and one’s innate capacity for self-healing. She strives to create a safe and empathic environment to support a client’s attainment of personal goals. Bridget supports clients in their movement towards change and growth as they navigate the journey of life. Her therapy approach incorporates client centered interventions, including cognitive therapy modalities, mindfulness techniques when appropriate and other evidence based treatment practices. Bridget is a licensed clinical social worker with additional training in the following treatment modalities: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Equine Assisted therapy (EAGALA model) and introductory training in Somatic Experiencing (SE). Bridget has twenty years of experience working with children, families, adolescents and young adults with a wide range of concerns. She has experience in the treatment of trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mood and anxiety disorders. Education and career background Bridget has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Bucknell University and a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Bridget began her career as a therapist in a residential treatment facility for children and adolescents in Maryland. Following this experience in her home town of Baltimore, Bridget moved to Chicago and provided early intervention therapeutic supports to young children and families at St. Vincent de Paul Center. She also worked with children and families in the Denver area where she was employed by Denver Health Hospital in a school based mental health program. Additionally, she worked at Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore Maryland as an outpatient mental health therapist for several years providing trauma treatment. She currently works full time as an outpatient therapist at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois.

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Laconya Reed

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoaching
18 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Maryland with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in University Park

Finding the best therapist close by in University Park can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services in University Park that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in University Park. 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 University Park, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the University Park region and in the state of Maryland. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in University Park or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater University Park area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find University Park 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 University Park, elsewhere in Prince George's, or in the greater state of Maryland.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed University Park 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 University Park 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 University Park may not take health insurance, some in the state of Maryland may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Maryland you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

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

Therapists in University Park, 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 University Park psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in University Park 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 University Park helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified University Park therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a University Park therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in University Park?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a University Park 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.

University Park therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of University Park 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 University Park therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in MD, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 20782 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your University Park therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in University Park.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice from a therapist. A University Park licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy with a University Park counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in University Park, 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.

University Park has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for University Park, Maryland

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of University Park.

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

20782

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