Dr. Mark Worthen

Education & Training

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Baylor University

Clinical Fellow in Psychology, Harvard Medical School

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honors Program), University of Maryland | Phi Beta Kappa | Commencement Speaker

Certified Addiction Counselor (prior to graduate school)

I work with adults across all life stages and backgrounds, from young adults to seniors like myself. I hold deep respect for military veterans and former law enforcement officers, honoring your courage and sacrifice. My perspective is balanced and grounded—patriotic, thoughtful, and non-partisan.

If you have experienced marginalization or shame because of who you are—including your sexuality, religious beliefs, gender identity, or innate differences like neurodivergence—you will find in me an affirming, empowering, and fiercely supportive advocate.

Decades of rigorous research prove that psychotherapy works, often matching or exceeding the benefits of medication. However, your odds of success increase markedly when therapy is paired with a whole-person approach to healing—such as active physical exercise, time in nature, spiritual or faith practices, and strong connections with family and friends.

I tailor our therapeutic work to your unique personality, challenges, and goals. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all framework, we discover the right path together, keeping your values, preferences, and beliefs at the core.

Carl Rogers’ person-centered therapy serves as the foundation of my practice. Depending on your needs, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Interpersonal Therapy, and modern psychoanalytic perspectives, including British object relations and self psychology.

For PTSD and trauma-related conditions, I specialize in Written Exposure Therapy (WET). WET requires only 5 sessions with no homework between visits. Clinical research indicates it is as effective as traditional evidence-based trauma therapies that require 12 to 18 sessions and daily assignments.

To guide our treatment planning, I often utilize structured diagnostic interviews and psychological testing. An accurate diagnosis allows for targeted, effective care. At the same time, psychiatric diagnosis is an imperfect science; I focus on understanding you as a whole human being rather than reducing you to a label.

Areas of Specialization: Evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD and trauma-related disorders, ADHD, cannabis and alcohol use disorders, depression, and generalized anxiety disorders.

To meet legal, professional, and insurance standards, initial consultations require gathering detailed clinical background. However, if you complete an intake questionnaire prior to our appointment, we can skip standard administrative Q&A and dive directly into understanding your challenges and developing solutions. My goal is to help you start feeling better as soon as possible.

In our sessions, I listen actively, reflect back what I hear, and ask clarifying questions until you can tell me, "You've got it"—that I truly understand your suffering, your values, and what you want to change.

Clients frequently share that they feel warmly understood and cared for in our work together. They also value that I do not sugarcoat things—I am clear, honest, and direct.