

Baltimore's LGBTQIA+ community deserves mental healthcare from providers who understand and celebrate who you are. Headway offers flexible therapy options with 593 compassionate providers ready to support your mental health journey through talk therapy and medication management services.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in treating adolescents and young adults with a variety of presenting problems including OCD, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and behavioral concerns. With a compassionate, collaborative approach, I work to empower clients by focusing on their unique strengths and personal resilience.
You should know that I take your concerns seriously, and I will meet you with compassion, respect, and zero judgment. I understand that reaching out for mental health support can feel intimidating, especially if you have faced stigma, felt dismissed in the past, or worried about what a diagnosis might mean. My goal is to help you feel safe and at ease from the very first conversation.
As a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience in psychiatric and mental health care, I work with individuals across the lifespan. I commonly support people navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress-related concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral health challenges. I approach each person as a whole, not a label, and I take the time to understand your symptoms in the context of your life, your stressors, your strengths, and your goals.
In our work together, you can expect a collaborative, patient-centered approach. I believe treatment works best when you feel heard and involved, so we will discuss what you are experiencing, what has helped or not helped in the past, and what you want to be different moving forward. If medication is part of your care, I prioritize thoughtful, evidence-based decisions, clear education about options, and ongoing adjustments based on your response and preferences. I also value practical strategies and supportive guidance that you can apply between sessions.
Most importantly, I am passionate about each person I serve because I know you are important, and I recognize the courage it takes to seek help. My role is to offer steady, professional support and a trusting relationship as you work toward clarity, stability, and lasting wellness.
Great to meet you! I am Dr. Shannon Howard, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC, LPC) for the states of DC & MD, a Certified Life Coach, and an Author. I have been helping individuals, children, couples, and families navigate grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, adjustment, depression and more for over 24 years.
My educational background consists of a dual Master's in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I received my first master's at Towson University in 2000, a second Masters and Doctorate in 2008 and 2010 from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I minored in Philosophy as well as Women's Studies.
I possess specialized training in areas of trauma, specifically in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital, a day program for adults with chronic and acute mental illness, as well as on an outpatient basis as a private practitioner and with a group practice. I worked with Parole and Probation to help clients maintain compliance and management while on the registry. As a Certified Life Coach, I help coaching clients discover what they truly desire. We collaborate to create a roadmap to move you forward and build a future that feels grounded and authentic to you.
At present, I offer a full range of services and am open to accepting new virtual clients.
*PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE IN EITHER DC OR MD AT THE TIME OF YOUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT!
**I offer a 10-minute grace period to all clients before logging off of the Zoom platform. If you wish to reschedule, please message me here on Headway.""
Dr. Opelt earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at New Mexico State University after completing his Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology: Community Counseling from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. During his graduate training, he earned certifications in Trauma Counseling and Multicultural Knowledge Basis in Mental Health Practices, and a graduate minor in Integrated Behavioral Health. Dr. Opelt has completed postdoctoral fellowships in research in Rehabilitation Psychology, with an emphasis on Multiple Sclerosis, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and in clinical Rehabilitation and Pain Psychology at MedStar Health National Rehabilitation Hospital. He has focused his clinical work on adults who have concerns about insomnia, cognitive impairment, addiction, LGBT+ concerns, caregiver support, transplants, burn survivors, cancer, musculoskeletal diseases like MS and Parkinson’s disease, and those who have amputations. He is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and Illinois.
Hi, I’m a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from Drexel University with my Master's degree in Nursing. I then completed my Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have over twenty years of experience working in healthcare. Psych has always been my passion. My experiences encompass working with clients across the life span, including Child and Adolescents, Adult, and Geriatric patient populations. I’ve provided services to clients presenting with many psychiatric disorders, such as Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and more. I’m in the belief that mental health wellbeing is a priority. Human beings are resilient. Holistic care is the key to promoting better patient outcomes. Therefore, I believe that with an evidence-based practice treatment plan consisting of psychotherapy and/or a combination of psychotherapy and medication management, one will be able to control their mental health.
I’m a very compassionate, caring, and empathetic person. I strive to provide holistic care and collaborate with my clients to develop a treatment plan that they are comfortable with.
Hi there! I am a licensed psychologist and completed a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Adelphi University. I use evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy when working with clients. I specialize in the treatment of individuals with OCD, anxiety disorders, and substance use difficulties, as well as families of individuals who struggle in these ways.
Most people who find me already know where they’re stuck. They’re introspective and self-aware. They’ve read the books, tried the apps, maybe seen a therapist before but nothing has felt solid or lasting yet. They’re ready to dig deeper and address the roots of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or relationship pain. I use EMDR, IFS parts work, mindful movement, and other somatic tools reach the nervous system where talk alone can’t—and prevent re-traumatizing story-telling.
You are not your symptoms! I obtained my doctorate to practice and research five additional years of evidence -based ways of healing. I ave been weel-trained in CBT & Creative Arts, Adlerian - early relationships, & Gestalt therapy, EMDR, and EFT. I help my clients practice the freedom from negative thoughts/feelings. using Positive Psychology.
I see ages 5 - 95. The focus of treatment is YOU. I work with trauma, co-dependency, anxiety (OCD, PTSD, C-PTSD), Recovering from SUD (familiy primary), Separation/Divorce, Spiritual Issues, LD/ADD & depression.
My name is Dr. CJ Polihronakis (pronounced Pol-eh-ron-ah-kiss) (he/him/his), and I am a licensed psychologist in New York, Maryland, & Virginia. After earning my undergraduate degree in Psychology & English from Georgetown University, I obtained a Mental Health Counseling Ed.M. and a Counseling Psychology Ph.D. from Columbia University. I have over 10 years worth of education, training, and professional experiences providing mental health services to diverse client populations.
I have ample experience providing support to:
Some of my areas of expertise include:
Nevertheless, I have worked with clients on a wide breadth of presenting concerns throughout my education and training. I look forward to having the opportunity to support you on your journey towards addressing your mental health concerns!
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. I work with teens and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, low self-esteem, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. My clinical experience working with diverse individuals and presenting concerns has shaped my understanding of the ways relationships, identity, and lived experiences impact emotional wellbeing. Many of my clients are trying to better understand themselves, feel more confident in who they are, establish healthier patterns, and lead more fulfilling lives.
Hello, My name is Julia Smail and I am the owner of Spill The Tea Counseling. I believe we all have feelings & thoughts that are waiting to be expressed. Do you find it challenging transitioning through different parts of your life & managing emotions along the way? How about being able to express yourself & be validated in a safe & trusting space? The challenge in life is finding who you are as a person & not what others want you to be. Building a trusting relationship with yourself can lead to strengthening your identity & developing a sense of self through awareness & mindfulness. Transitions can be challenging but beautiful
I am a neurodivergent-affirming therapist who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. I provide a safe space to express thoughts & feelings, as well as establish tools to support you in your growth. With various techniques & tools practiced, you will be able to feel mentally, emotionally, & physically balanced as you navigate through life's transitions.


Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding LGBTQIA+ therapists in Baltimore starts with identifying care that is explicitly affirming of your identity, relationships, and lived experience. LGBTQIA+-affirming therapy may support concerns related to identity, coming out, gender exploration, relationship stress, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, and trauma. As you compare therapists, look for bios that mention affirmative therapy, WPATH training, gender-diverse experience, LGBTQIA+ populations, or work with queer and trans clients. Finding a therapist who is both clinically trained and affirming can make a meaningful difference in how supported and understood you feel in care.
Baltimore has many mental health care options across neighborhoods like Charles Village, Mount Vernon, Hampden, Federal Hill, and surrounding areas, and a larger market can make it harder to narrow the search. In-person care may work well if you want a local office near home, work, school, or transit. Virtual appointments can also expand access to LGBTQIA+-affirming therapists, especially if the right fit is not nearby. Beyond specialty, consider scheduling flexibility, whether a therapist is accepting new clients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Reading profiles before booking can help you understand each therapist’s approach, communication style, and experience with LGBTQIA+ care.
Therapy in Baltimore can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make ongoing care more accessible. Headway helps you search for therapists who match your needs, accept your insurance, and offer clear availability. You can enter your insurance details to see estimated out-of-pocket costs before you book, review therapist bios, and schedule directly when you’re ready.
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