Grief counselors and therapists in Maryland

I hold space for people to talk, grieve, cry, laugh, express themselves, reflect, learn, and grow.

Hi, I am Donesha Barnett, a Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical (LCSW-C) in Maryland specializing in grief counseling, anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, identity, and relationships. My background spans hospice, schools, child and family services, and community mental health, I've sat with people in some of their hardest moments. I know how to meet you there.

Something brought you here today. Whether you don't feel like yourself anymore, you're done pretending everything's okay, or you're ready for real change, let's start together.

I am a single women with two grown beautiful daughters. I am a cat lady with two adorable cats who greet me at the door and sleep with me at night. I have been a therapist for many years and thoroughly enjoy getting to know people and witness their growth over time.

I believe there is no one "right" way for therapy and healing, so I offer multiple pathways—talking, movement, art-making, and body-based practices, like EMDR and somatic therapies. Working together we will find what works for you.

Collaboration and shared decision-making are essential.

I work alongside clients to explore their goals, provide education, and develop treatment plans that align with their values and preferences. Pay close attention not just to what clients say, but how they say it—affect, behavior, and underlying themes.

I am a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with training in both primary care and psychiatric mental health. I have extensive experience providing care in community, correctional, and integrated care settings, where I work with individuals managing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, and other mental health concerns.

I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. I value thoughtful assessment, clear communication, and collaborative decision-making to help clients better understand their symptoms and treatment options. My goal is to partner with each client to develop a personalized care plan that supports both mental and overall well-being.

I am a Board certified clinical social worker with nearly 40 years of experience in helping people navigate the therapy process. Seeking help takes courage, but the benefit of getting therapy is immense and can be life changing and life affirming. Most of my career I have helped people suffering from chronic medical illnesses and the anxiety, depression, and medical trauma (PTSD), they can face. I am comfortable with all medical diagnoses, but specialize with helping patients who struggle with, POTS, EDS, CRPS, Chronic Pain, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, and autism spectrum disorder. I also have treated ADHD, ODD, and sexual and physical trauma.

Humans heal through relationships. Our wounds form in connection, and it's in connection that they're repaired. This is especially true for couples: the patterns that cause pain are often the same patterns that, with the right support, can become a source of deep healing and renewed closeness. Working together means creating a safe space to slow down, understand each other's underlying needs, feeling and sensitivities, and rebuild trust and connection from the ground up.

This process can be challenging and may surprise you, but it often leads to real growth, deeper intimacy, and lasting change that is ultimately liberating.

In my role as a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I place great importance on prioritizing mental health as a fundamental component of achieving happiness and stability in life. I understand that seeking help can be a daunting task, so I want to acknowledge and commend you for taking that important first step. With some years of experience in clinical and practice, I have learned to provide care to patients of all age groups and populations with mental illnesses.

I believe that therapy is a step up in one's life.

I admire people who want to make a positive change in their lives. I meet people where they are in their lives. I work on positive, realistic goals with my clients.