Chronic Illness Therapists in Baltimore, MD
I specialize in psychotherapy for chronic medical conditions, providing vital support for those dealing with the emotional impact of serious medical conditions like brain injuries, cancer, and chronic illness.
When faced with a medical challenge, whether for oneself or a loved one, life seems to stand still. In that moment, nothing matters more than getting a diagnosis. Yet even after the diagnosis, life shifts into a new normal filled with medical jargon, appointments, and constant health concerns. These thoughts occupy every conversation and waking moment. The emotional toll, compounded by the fear and anxiety of the illness, feels overwhelming, making the struggles seem insurmountable.
I specialize in psychotherapy for chronic medical conditions, providing vital support for those dealing with the emotional impact of serious medical conditions like brain injuries, cancer, and chronic illness.
When faced with a medical challenge, whether for oneself or a loved one, life seems to stand still. In that moment, nothing matters more than getting a diagnosis. Yet even after the diagnosis, life shifts into a new normal filled with medical jargon, appointments, and constant health concerns. These thoughts occupy every conversation and waking moment. The emotional toll, compounded by the fear and anxiety of the illness, feels overwhelming, making the struggles seem insurmountable.
Are you a teen or young adult with chronic illness struggling to live the life you want? Or perhaps you're a parent who is watching your child's wellbeing decline due to a health condition? Have you become sick and tired of explaining your medical condition or invisible illness to friends, teachers, and family? It's hard enough to live every day with chronic pain, illness, and unpredictable symptoms.
Together we will explore the ways that your life has been most impacted by illness. I will make sure that you are validated and heard. I won't try to "push you through" your symptoms and pain. Instead, I'll help you identify practical steps you can take toward life, while honoring what your body needs day by day.
Are you a teen or young adult with chronic illness struggling to live the life you want? Or perhaps you're a parent who is watching your child's wellbeing decline due to a health condition? Have you become sick and tired of explaining your medical condition or invisible illness to friends, teachers, and family? It's hard enough to live every day with chronic pain, illness, and unpredictable symptoms.
Together we will explore the ways that your life has been most impacted by illness. I will make sure that you are validated and heard. I won't try to "push you through" your symptoms and pain. Instead, I'll help you identify practical steps you can take toward life, while honoring what your body needs day by day.
Whether you're navigating loss, dealing with chronic illness, or facing the complex emotions of caregiving, I'm here to guide you on your journey toward healing and empowerment.
Chronic/serious illness, cancer, chronic pain, grief, trauma, caregiver concerns, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles.
Whether you're navigating loss, dealing with chronic illness, or facing the complex emotions of caregiving, I'm here to guide you on your journey toward healing and empowerment.
Chronic/serious illness, cancer, chronic pain, grief, trauma, caregiver concerns, compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles.
As a chronic illness therapist, I know how important it is to make your “new norm” more livable.
Whether you've been newly diagnosed or have been living with an illness for a while, you’re trying to push through the best you know how. But every day is still hard because your body feels sick from aches, pains or other symptoms. You brace yourself for the worst to happen, because that’s unfortunately been your “new norm.” You miss being your old self - the one that could “do more things." Now, you feel like a failure in many areas of your life. The smile you wear covers what you really feel – alone, worried, helpless and angry. All of this has taken a toll on you emotionally and you want to feel more in control of your worries.
As a chronic illness therapist, I know how important it is to make your “new norm” more livable.
Whether you've been newly diagnosed or have been living with an illness for a while, you’re trying to push through the best you know how. But every day is still hard because your body feels sick from aches, pains or other symptoms. You brace yourself for the worst to happen, because that’s unfortunately been your “new norm.” You miss being your old self - the one that could “do more things." Now, you feel like a failure in many areas of your life. The smile you wear covers what you really feel – alone, worried, helpless and angry. All of this has taken a toll on you emotionally and you want to feel more in control of your worries.
, chronic pain, headaches, diabetes, sleep) and chronic illness.
In addition to chronic illness, my work with kids, adolescents, and adults includes management of emotional difficulties including anxiety and depression. I have additional training in treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
, chronic pain, headaches, diabetes, sleep) and chronic illness.
In addition to chronic illness, my work with kids, adolescents, and adults includes management of emotional difficulties including anxiety and depression. I have additional training in treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Maybe you are dealing with chronic illness, struggling with poor body image, or working to accept body changes that come with the perinatal period.
I look forward to supporting you in identifying your values and living more aligned with your purpose and passions. I aim to build a collaborative therapeutic relationship that feels warm and compassionate, with room for any feedback that might make the therapy experience more tailored to your needs.
Maybe you are dealing with chronic illness, struggling with poor body image, or working to accept body changes that come with the perinatal period.
I look forward to supporting you in identifying your values and living more aligned with your purpose and passions. I aim to build a collaborative therapeutic relationship that feels warm and compassionate, with room for any feedback that might make the therapy experience more tailored to your needs.
I have a special interest in, and extensive experience with, working with older adults, people with serious and chronic illness, and caregivers.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
― Carl Rogers. Everyone has the capacity for change. My role as therapist is to help you access that capacity. I work with clients in the here and now to identify their true feelings and desires, find their strengths, and take action based on their values. I’m also inspired by the mindfulness-based idea that we can learn to live with difficult thoughts and feelings by intentionally choosing how to respond to them.
I have a special interest in, and extensive experience with, working with older adults, people with serious and chronic illness, and caregivers.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
― Carl Rogers. Everyone has the capacity for change. My role as therapist is to help you access that capacity. I work with clients in the here and now to identify their true feelings and desires, find their strengths, and take action based on their values. I’m also inspired by the mindfulness-based idea that we can learn to live with difficult thoughts and feelings by intentionally choosing how to respond to them.
I also strive to support those with chronic illness and individuals navigating life transitions.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you no longer recognize yourself? Have depression, anxiety, illness, or life stressors made it difficult to be true to yourself or live an authentic life? Through therapy, you can learn to break free of patterns that are keeping you stuck. You will learn to ride the waves of change that are an inevitable part of life. You will build your ability to recognize what can and cannot be changed, and learn to sit with difficult emotions. You will develop the skill to respond skillfully when life does not go according to plan, and will gain the confidence to create a life built around your values.
I also strive to support those with chronic illness and individuals navigating life transitions.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you no longer recognize yourself? Have depression, anxiety, illness, or life stressors made it difficult to be true to yourself or live an authentic life? Through therapy, you can learn to break free of patterns that are keeping you stuck. You will learn to ride the waves of change that are an inevitable part of life. You will build your ability to recognize what can and cannot be changed, and learn to sit with difficult emotions. You will develop the skill to respond skillfully when life does not go according to plan, and will gain the confidence to create a life built around your values.
My work focuses on clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, disability/ chronic illness, life transitions, or who are seeking self-exploration and growth.
My approach is integrative and catered to your unique needs, using techniques including narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapies. I offer evidence based interventions for OCD including inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT). We can work together to figure out which approaches best suit your needs.
My work focuses on clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, disability/ chronic illness, life transitions, or who are seeking self-exploration and growth.
My approach is integrative and catered to your unique needs, using techniques including narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapies. I offer evidence based interventions for OCD including inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT). We can work together to figure out which approaches best suit your needs.
Linda M. Dalder
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Baltimore, MD 21211
I offer a diverse background of training and clinical experience to work with individuals who struggle with mood disorders, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, grief, bereavement and life changes/stressors.
Currently I specialize working with adults 18yrs and older who are seeking individual therapy to focus on their own needs and life changes. I have worked with crisis services for 20yrs- local police based crisis team, ERs and psychiatric hospital settings at all levels of treatment offered.
I offer a diverse background of training and clinical experience to work with individuals who struggle with mood disorders, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, grief, bereavement and life changes/stressors.
Currently I specialize working with adults 18yrs and older who are seeking individual therapy to focus on their own needs and life changes. I have worked with crisis services for 20yrs- local police based crisis team, ERs and psychiatric hospital settings at all levels of treatment offered.
Meghan Meyer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Baltimore, MD 21212
I will assist you in adjusting to, and navigating, chronic illness, aging, onset of and commitment to working through anxiety and/or depression.
My practice is creative and open-minded and encourages thinking outside of the box. I will help you look at life through a different lens- looking for different perspectives and rewiring your brain to decrease anxiety and depression and increase positivity.
I will assist you in adjusting to, and navigating, chronic illness, aging, onset of and commitment to working through anxiety and/or depression.
My practice is creative and open-minded and encourages thinking outside of the box. I will help you look at life through a different lens- looking for different perspectives and rewiring your brain to decrease anxiety and depression and increase positivity.
Meet Our Chronic Illness Therapists
Helena Zappolino
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Issues we can address during our sessions include (but are not limited to): multi-cultural issues, divorce care, chronic illness, co-parenting, women's empowerment, abuse, trauma and grief.
Are you struggling to get back on your feet after a major life setback? Is trauma or abuse from your past affecting your day-to-day life, or do feel like you are coming up against the same obstacles over and over again that are keeping you from living your life fully? Together we can work to help you make meaningful, long-term changes in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental environment.
Issues we can address during our sessions include (but are not limited to): multi-cultural issues, divorce care, chronic illness, co-parenting, women's empowerment, abuse, trauma and grief.
Are you struggling to get back on your feet after a major life setback? Is trauma or abuse from your past affecting your day-to-day life, or do feel like you are coming up against the same obstacles over and over again that are keeping you from living your life fully? Together we can work to help you make meaningful, long-term changes in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental environment.
I have extensive experience working with adults and families in healthcare, including hospice, chronic illness management, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.
I specialize in working with individuals navigating the perinatal and postpartum journey, focusing on maternal mental health. My goal is to offer a safe, compassionate space for you to process your experiences and regain balance during this transformative period. I am passionate about this work because I believe that the mental health of mothers is integral to the well-being of families. As a mother of two who has personally navigated my own postpartum journey, I combine my clinical expertise with personal experience to offer a truly empathetic approach.
I have extensive experience working with adults and families in healthcare, including hospice, chronic illness management, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.
I specialize in working with individuals navigating the perinatal and postpartum journey, focusing on maternal mental health. My goal is to offer a safe, compassionate space for you to process your experiences and regain balance during this transformative period. I am passionate about this work because I believe that the mental health of mothers is integral to the well-being of families. As a mother of two who has personally navigated my own postpartum journey, I combine my clinical expertise with personal experience to offer a truly empathetic approach.
Laureen Rodgers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, PMH-C, CCM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I work with women, moms and couples on a variety of issues– anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, infertility, caregiver stress, chronic illness, career exploration and burnout, parenting, and relationship/family issues.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious or disconnected from others? Maybe you are struggling with identity and a changing lifestyle while newly pregnant. Is parenthood and other life transitions causing hardship or a strain on your relationships? Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by challenging situations and overcome by our intrusive thoughts. There is a path to feeling better, creating stronger relationships and thriving in life. My practice helps women, Moms and couples handle life transitions by offering a comfortable and understanding environment while creating a tailored approach to address your needs and wellness goals.
I work with women, moms and couples on a variety of issues– anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, infertility, caregiver stress, chronic illness, career exploration and burnout, parenting, and relationship/family issues.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious or disconnected from others? Maybe you are struggling with identity and a changing lifestyle while newly pregnant. Is parenthood and other life transitions causing hardship or a strain on your relationships? Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by challenging situations and overcome by our intrusive thoughts. There is a path to feeling better, creating stronger relationships and thriving in life. My practice helps women, Moms and couples handle life transitions by offering a comfortable and understanding environment while creating a tailored approach to address your needs and wellness goals.
Ryan Wright - Chronic Pain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I provide therapy for people who seek emotional support for symptoms of depression, anxiety, chronic pain, chronic illness, and mood disorders.
Is depression or anxiety affecting your ability to thrive? Talking about what is “really going on” with family, friends, and doctors can be complicated. When expectations are not met for work and personal relationships, it can be difficult to determine what steps need to be taken to improve the situation. It is easier to make positive changes and move forward with the help of an experienced, relatable, and objective counselor. Hope is here, let's talk through your challenges.
I provide therapy for people who seek emotional support for symptoms of depression, anxiety, chronic pain, chronic illness, and mood disorders.
Is depression or anxiety affecting your ability to thrive? Talking about what is “really going on” with family, friends, and doctors can be complicated. When expectations are not met for work and personal relationships, it can be difficult to determine what steps need to be taken to improve the situation. It is easier to make positive changes and move forward with the help of an experienced, relatable, and objective counselor. Hope is here, let's talk through your challenges.
I particularly enjoy exploring issues related to climate awareness, disability, chronic illness, gender identity, grief, neurodivergence, racialized trauma, and sexuality.
I draw from narrative, relational cultural, and internal family systems theories. Honoring lived experience, autonomy, and creating options is central to my approach with clients. I regularly incorporate experiential, expressive, somatic, and values-based activities into sessions.
I particularly enjoy exploring issues related to climate awareness, disability, chronic illness, gender identity, grief, neurodivergence, racialized trauma, and sexuality.
I draw from narrative, relational cultural, and internal family systems theories. Honoring lived experience, autonomy, and creating options is central to my approach with clients. I regularly incorporate experiential, expressive, somatic, and values-based activities into sessions.
Sometimes the loss of a loved one, a change in a job, dealing with a chronic illness, or a marital or relationship break-up can feel overwhelming or even devastating.
Over my forty-five year career I have worked with many different people of every race, age, and problem type. I listen with a supportive, trained ear, and help my clients find the best coping strategies that will enable them to be happier. Even if only one person is in my office, I see that person as part of their family system, and help them make positive changes that will increase good feelings and reduce conflict. Nearly everyone goes through a rough period in their life when psychotherapy could be helpful for getting back on track. Recently I completed a two day course to become a Certified Trauma therapist.
Sometimes the loss of a loved one, a change in a job, dealing with a chronic illness, or a marital or relationship break-up can feel overwhelming or even devastating.
Over my forty-five year career I have worked with many different people of every race, age, and problem type. I listen with a supportive, trained ear, and help my clients find the best coping strategies that will enable them to be happier. Even if only one person is in my office, I see that person as part of their family system, and help them make positive changes that will increase good feelings and reduce conflict. Nearly everyone goes through a rough period in their life when psychotherapy could be helpful for getting back on track. Recently I completed a two day course to become a Certified Trauma therapist.
Utilize individualized care to decrease depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral difficulties and life adjustments (divorce, living with extended family, chronic illness, issues with bullying/friendships).
I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing child and adolescent therapy in a caring environment. Training completed at Kennedy Krieger Institute's Child & Family Therapy Clinic, The HSC Pediatric Center in D.C., Children's Hospital of Michigan, and Kapiolani Children's Center. I additionally have 12 + years experience in private practice.
Utilize individualized care to decrease depression, anxiety, trauma, behavioral difficulties and life adjustments (divorce, living with extended family, chronic illness, issues with bullying/friendships).
I'm a Licensed Clinical Psychologist providing child and adolescent therapy in a caring environment. Training completed at Kennedy Krieger Institute's Child & Family Therapy Clinic, The HSC Pediatric Center in D.C., Children's Hospital of Michigan, and Kapiolani Children's Center. I additionally have 12 + years experience in private practice.
Tiffany Tutman Mathis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MSW-PH, PMP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed? Are you facing a significant life transition, such as a relationship conflict, career challenge, chronic illness, caregiving burnout, toxic environments, or grief/loss? Maybe you take care of everyone else and there is no one to take care of you! Having lived experiences, faced adversity and emerged empowered, I have first hand knowledge of the transformative effects of faith and therapeutic support.
In our sessions, we will explore your concerns within the context of your unique journey, addressing the intersectionality of your experiences. Whether you're grappling with the impact of low self esteem, relationship distress, a health issue or navigating midlife disruptions, I am here to collaboratively guide you towards a more fulfilling life.
Feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed? Are you facing a significant life transition, such as a relationship conflict, career challenge, chronic illness, caregiving burnout, toxic environments, or grief/loss? Maybe you take care of everyone else and there is no one to take care of you! Having lived experiences, faced adversity and emerged empowered, I have first hand knowledge of the transformative effects of faith and therapeutic support.
In our sessions, we will explore your concerns within the context of your unique journey, addressing the intersectionality of your experiences. Whether you're grappling with the impact of low self esteem, relationship distress, a health issue or navigating midlife disruptions, I am here to collaboratively guide you towards a more fulfilling life.
I have worked in multiple settings such as medical centers and outpatient clinics and have experience treating a wide variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety/panic, phobias, post-traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, and more. A health psychologist by training, I am passionate about working with adults who are struggling with co-occurring medical and mental health symptoms (e.g., insomnia, coping with medical diagnoses & surgery, chronic pain, organ transplant, etc.). I am dedicated to working with healthcare providers, who are currently facing unprecedented struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
I have worked in multiple settings such as medical centers and outpatient clinics and have experience treating a wide variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety/panic, phobias, post-traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, and more. A health psychologist by training, I am passionate about working with adults who are struggling with co-occurring medical and mental health symptoms (e.g., insomnia, coping with medical diagnoses & surgery, chronic pain, organ transplant, etc.). I am dedicated to working with healthcare providers, who are currently facing unprecedented struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
See more therapy options for Baltimore
Nearby Chronic Illness Therapists Searches for Baltimore
- Catonsville
- Glen Burnie
- Hanover
- Lutherville
- Lutherville Timonium
- Mount Washington
- Nottingham
- Parkville
- Pikesville
- Roland Park
- Timonium
- Towson
Chronic Illness Therapists
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.