Depression Therapists in Columbia, MD
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Jillian Parente
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
She does well with a variety of clients, particularly those who struggle with stress management, anxiety and
depression
.
‘Change is constant’… but that does not mean it is easy. Deciding to make personal changes to enhance your quality of life is the first step. Therapy can provide support and perspective, through obtaining greater understanding and healing. As a result, personal growth occurs. Jillian Parente is a licensed clinical social worker, board-approved social work supervisor, board-approved counseling supervisor, peer recovery specialist supervisor, and an Adjunct Professor, with over 8 years of experience, specializing in women’s issues, such as trauma and perinatal mental health (including, but not limited to pregnancy and postpartum).

Kaitlin Carlson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
Kaitlin has had the opportunity to help clients manage anxiety,
depression
, behavioral issues, family and relationship conflicts during different phases of life.
Kaitlin is a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker (LCCSW) in the state of Maryland with over 7 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in various treatment settings. She focuses on treating those who are experiencing negative effects as a result of anger issues, anxiety, stress,
depression
, ADHD, children's issues, self-harm behaviors, and more. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at Hood College; and received her Master’s of Social Work Degree with a specialization in children and families, through the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Louis Straker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
I work with adults who experience anxiety,
depression
, grief/loss, relationship issues, work & school difficulties, and life transitions.
People seek therapy for a variety of reasons and at various times throughout their life. The decision to see a therapist may be centered around a recent crisis that is causing emotional stress, a desire to address long-standing symptoms or simply a wish to make a change in one’s life. Whatever the reason, I see psychotherapy as an opportunity for you to get to know yourself better and work towards leading a more meaningful life.

Courageous Counseling and Consulting
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
One of the most courageous things a person can do is acknowledge that they need help and then take the steps necessary to seek it. As a clinical psychologist, my goal is to help you work towards living a life that is meaningful to you, given your own history and life experiences. Whether that is finding the courage to address anxiety or
depression
, finding the courage to set boundaries, finding the courage to prioritize self-care, or finding the courage to boldly pursue a new career path, I am here to help you achieve your goals.

Janet R Merkel
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified
Verified
I work with adults and couples with
depression
, anxiety, loss and grief, relationship problems, and other difficulties. My training is in intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP). This therapy allows for rapid identification of problem areas and focuses on emotional healing. This process helps clients rapidly clarify what is not working and enables change of destructive emotional patterns. Then the way is clear to adopt new, more effective life skills.

Scott A Holzman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Selecting a therapist is an important decision. I believe that creating an environment where the client feels that the therapist has listened, shown empathy, and has genuine concern are some of the core conditions for a therapeutic relationship. Providing a client with helpful feedback in this safe, empathic environment promotes change and growth. A client that I work with may have a variety of concerns including having a relationship issue, going through a separation, having parenting concerns, experiencing
depression
, anxiety, or problems related to alcohol or drug misuse or abuse. Please visit my website www.scottholzmanphd.com.

Shakeria Hall-McGronan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
You may experience challenges in life that may cause you to feel anxious, stressed,
depressed
, and/or hopeless.
Shakeria Hall-McGronan is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) who has experience working with adolescents, teens, and adults in various treatment settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Shakeria completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Alabama. Her goal is to provide holistic therapy to support your strengths and goals, empower you, help you improve relationships, allow you to explore your mind, and promote healing.
Not accepting new clients

Katherine Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you feeling overwhelmed, angry, anxious, or
depressed
? Are you having difficulty keeping up with our constantly changing world? Do you have a challenging relationship with your partner or family? I’d love to help you, so please give me a call! .
Hello and welcome! Understanding that life is chaotic and everyone has their own experiences, I like to provide a positive space for people to unload and work through their stress in an open, accepting environment. In our sessions, there won’t be judgment about what concerns you’re bringing, instead I offer a safe conversation to support your wellness. I use collaborative approach to explore your day-to-day thoughts and feelings. Through these conversations, I want to help you develop the knowledge and skills for coping with life events.

Dennis J Blair
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
My experiences include working with those with various diagnoses including mental illness,
depression
and anxiety.
I am a Maryland Licensed Certified Social Worker with a Clinical Specialty. I received my MSW from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. I work with adults, couples and adolescents. I have over 30 years in the field of behavioral health as a therapist and an administrator. My work with people is based on understanding their unique strengths and using these to address the challenges and goals they have identified. I believe the values of empathy, compassion and understanding provide the foundation for a successful therapy experience. My work includes individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and group therapy.

Jimmy Ray Douglas II
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
My passion for counseling includes but is not limited to couples, families, and individuals with
depression
or stress related challenges.
All of us go through struggles and challenges in life but we don’t have to let them define who we are as individuals. I am privileged to be able to hear the stories of couples and individuals who have had their share of challenges. Being an excellent active listener will be an essential role I will play on our journey of mindfulness, self-care, and the expression of feelings. My most important goal for my clients is to provide a safe judgment free space to work through those difficult challenges while encouraging growth.

Kelly Dohony
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, MSW
Verified
Verified
I use a Solution-Focused approach as well as CBT techniques to assist clients with overcoming difficulties and resolving issues, whether that be with anxiety,
depression
, ADHD, trauma, and/or behavioral issues.
The past two years have been difficult, and children, adolescents, and young adults have especially been struggling to cope. Now more than ever, it is important that we support their mental and emotional health and assist them with building the necessary skills to cope with stressors. If you have noticed a change in your child, whether that be emotionally or behaviorally, and are looking for a therapist to work with you and your child, look no further! I am currently accepting clients ages 6 and up to assist with navigating emotional and behavioral issues that may be occurring.

Matthew Stevens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
My name is Matthew Stevens and I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C). I have over ten years of experience as a mental health therapist, both in an outpatient clinic and an acute care inpatient setting. Being a therapist in two extremely different settings provided me the opportunity acquire and hone my clinical skills with adults seeking treatment for a variety of challenges and issues These include
depression
, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship concerns, mood disorders, and life transitions, among others.

Brian Kok
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I specialize in delivering cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for PTSD/trauma, anxiety,
depression
, and coping with work/life stressors.
Asking for help can be hard, and sometimes it feels overwhelming to think about making a change. Whether you’ve tried before or this is the first time you’ve considered it, therapy can bring up a lot of feelings—and that’s okay. I work with my clients from a caring and non-judgmental perspective, helping you identify your goals and developing a treatment plan so you can reach them. I believe in transparency and collaboration in all aspects of treatment, and work with you to foster insight and develop new skills to empower you and help you live your best life.

Harriet Gailey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified
Verified
My goal as a therapist is to provide a warm environment that allows clients to safely explore areas of dissatisfaction in their lives and identify goals for growth. Much of my work is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy, but I believe the relationship between therapist and client is the most essential element in allowing therapy to progress. As an experienced clinician of over 25 years, I specialize in treating mood disorders (
depression
and bipolar) and anxiety, as well as working with family-related concerns such as divorce, parenting, and relationships.

Jennifer Hilton
Counselor, LCPC, NCC, MS
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I provide a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for individuals to do difficult therapeutic work. I specialize in treating anxiety disorders,
depression
, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, and supporting individuals through life transitions. My clients have benefited from my individualized and integrated treatment approaches. I have been successful in utilizing a combination of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), strengths-based therapy, brief solution-focused therapy and other mindfulness-based approaches to address difficult issues.

Kendall Douville
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Kendall Douville is a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the health care setting, helping clients navigate the emotional and psychosocial challenges of various medical events. She specializes in
depression
, anxiety, mood disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, stress management, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, and mindfulness. With a strengths-based perspective, Kendall has also served clients and their loved ones as they address and cope with age-related transitions. Kendall received her Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Julie A Stukey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I aim to work supportively and collaboratively with my clients to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that allows us to work towards your goals together. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families who may be struggling with
depression
, anxiety, trauma, oppositional defiant disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, school challenges, family conflict, life transitions, disordered eating, grief and loss, substance abuse, sports performance concerns, personality disorders, and severe mental illness.

Sonya D Osborne
Counselor, LGPC, NCC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Are you feeling anxious,
depressed
, or going through difficult life transitions? Are the stressors of life becoming too much to handle? It can be challenging to make sense of it all. I will help you to create positive outcomes and work towards a clearer path of wellbeing. We will work together collaboratively to gain a new perspective. I will partner with you to improve your coping skills and change negative thought patterns. We will work together to identify your strengths and create a new vision for your life.

Suzanne Ricklin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, BCD, CEDS-S
Verified
Verified
Generally, I treat anxiety/
depression
/impulsivity/OCD/Bipolar I&II.
Psychotherapy is a unique opportunity for clients to explore personal growth work, clarify goals, improve self esteem, reduce stress and better understand themselves and their relationships with others. For 25 years, I've provided counseling for children, adolescents and adults dealing with a range of personal, emotional and mental health issues. In a quiet, relaxed setting, I work with clients to develop effective communication, decision making and problem solving skills to deal with challenges they face. I incorporate extensive training in cognitive, behavioral, dialectical and family therapy as well as relaxing breathing, storytelling and metaphors to help clients achieve more balanced, fulfilling lives.
Not accepting new clients

Beatrice Aina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I have experience in working with various mental disorders including anxiety,
depression
, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder; as well as substance use/abuse.
“Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going” – Noam Shpancer, PHD. Sometimes in life we reach a point where we lose focus on the things critical to improving/maintaining our mental health and overall quality of life. I myself have once reached that point and it was then I realized the importance of having a strong network of support, including a therapist. I have come to learn that a tremendous amount of people feel alone, left out, or unheard; and so, I strive to create a safe space for people to be seen, heard, understood, and valued.
See more therapy options for Columbia
Depression Therapists
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognize and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.
What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.
What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioral activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.
Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.
How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.