LGBT therapists in Gaithersburg, MD

Hi there, I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with several years of experience supporting individuals through emotional healing, self-discovery, and meaningful life transitions. My background includes working in both clinical and community-based settings, where I’ve supported adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life changes.

In addition to my clinical work, I am also a special education paraprofessional in the Montgomery County Public School system, where I have experience working with elementary- and adolescent-aged students. This role has deepened my understanding of child and adolescent development, learning differences, emotional regulation, and the unique challenges young people and their families often face.

I take a compassionate, relational, and culturally responsive approach to therapy. I integrate evidence-based practices with mindfulness, insight-oriented work, and practical coping tools, always tailoring treatment to each client’s unique history and goals. I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and human, not clinical or judgmental.

As a therapist, I value honesty, warmth, and emotional depth. I work best with clients who want to better understand themselves, strengthen boundaries, heal old wounds, and build healthier relationships with others and with themselves. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and aligned in your life.

I believe that meaningful change happens through connection, trust, and collaboration. As a therapist, I see us as partners in the therapeutic process—working together to better understand your experiences, build on your strengths, and create lasting change. I am deeply committed to providing culturally responsive care that honors each person's unique story, values, and identity. I truly love the work of psychotherapy and consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they heal, grow, and move toward the life they want to live.

Dr. Shannon Howard is a highly sought-after professional counselor and CEO of SinClair McCoy, LLC. She serves as a sexual relationship specialist who focuses on assisting women and men with healing from childhood trauma surrounding sexual abuse.

Dr. Howard is also a a practitioner who focuses on the mental health care needs of first responders, law enforcement, healthcare workers, and government personnel.

Her extensive educational background consists of dual degrees in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology with a focus on Philosophy and Women’s Studies. She also possesses specialized training in trauma relating to the treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault.

She believes that every client is unique in their way and that each person’s story is different. This is the catalyst behind her coaching methodology. Using targeted strategies and personalized coaching approaches, she works with couples and individuals to help them transition from victim to victor.

Dr. Howard helps clients face their past trauma by uncovering and resolving the root issue, assessing desired outcomes, and implementing a plan of action that leads them toward living a more optimal life experience.

She is the author under the alias Sinclair McCoy of The Alternative book trilogy. She speaks nationally to the masses on a variety of topics including:

-Life After Sexual Abuse

-Finding Your Sexy After Sexual Abuse

-Regaining Your Body Trust

She is the owner of a private practice AND co-owner/ managing partner of a group practice in Maryland. She has been in the counseling field since 2002 and is passionate to serve a variety of clientele.

Her clients are located in the D. C. and MD states.

Hi, congratulations on the first step toward healing and growth. My name is Lynn, I am a LCPC in Maryland with 10 years of experience. I like to work with adults and focus on trauma work, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.

I am a clinical social worker who has been working as a therapist for 15 years. I most enjoy working with clients who are struggling with life transitions, anxiety/depression, or ADHD.

I hold a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a Master of Science in Health Service Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. My education and professional experience in mental health, health care, and nutrition offer a depth and breadth of experience that enables me to view the whole person holistically.

Ka'ra Johnson is a LCSW-C, LCSW licensed in MD, VA, DC, and OH. She received both her Masters in Mental Health Counseling and Masters of Social Work from Capella University. She specializes in treating Trauma, Mood Disorders, Forensic Clients, Crisis Interventions and Life Transitions. Her modalities of therapy are: Trauma informed CBT, REBT and Motivational Interviewing.

Catie provides a nurturing space filled with acceptance, collaboration, and humor. She prides herself on being approachable, genuinely engaged, working to provide a safe environment for all gender, sexual and cultural identities. Catie enjoys working with adult clients with ADHD/ADD, eating disorders, and LGBTQ identities.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to make that first step feel a little easier. I approach my work with warmth, compassion, and genuine curiosity about each person’s story. I support clients in gently unpacking the thoughts and experiences that may be contributing to anxiety and depression, while offering empathy and practical tools along the way. You don’t have to navigate this alone—we’ll work through it together.

I am licensed clinical professional counselor with over 30 years experience in Human Services. I am CEO of Metanoia Mental Health LLC a former graduate of Loyola university with master's degrees in pastoral counseling as well as mental health. My specialty is internal family systems as a Level 3 certified internal family systems therapists and an assistant trainer for the institute.