Crystal Baptiste

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Maryland and Washington, D.C. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling from Charlotte Christian and Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. I hold a strong belief that holistic mental health involves the integration of spirituality (not religion) with evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

After more than 20 years of experience as a hairstylist and salon owner, I made the intentional decision to reinvent myself as a mental health professional. Being an agent of change within the hair care industry—empowering others, fostering transformation, and creating safe spaces—naturally translated into my work in counseling. The salon environment provided an organic setting to develop and refine essential clinical skills such as active listening, empathy, open communication through verbal and nonverbal cues, rapport and trust building, and professionalism.

My passion for serving others and supporting them in becoming the best version of themselves is the “why” behind the “what” and ultimately led me to the profession of counseling—or perhaps allowed counseling to choose me.

My clinical experience includes working with individuals (adults and adolescents), couples, families, and groups. I have worked with concerns such as substance use disorders, vocational rehabilitation, grief, and family systems. I specialize in Christian counseling and utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approaches. I am also a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and an empowerment life coach.

My approach to therapy is grounded in a person-centered perspective that supports the whole individual while addressing each client’s specific needs. I emphasize meeting clients where they are in the present moment and collaboratively guiding them toward where they desire to be.

Clients can expect a supportive, judgment-free first session focused on getting to know one another. We’ll discuss what brought you to therapy, your goals, and any concerns, while reviewing confidentiality and what therapy with me looks like. There’s no pressure to share everything right away—the session moves at your pace. We’ll end by discussing next steps and whether continuing together feels like a good fit.