Find a Therapist in Bethesda, MD

Dr. Amanda Roberts is a dedicated clinical psychologist with a rich background in providing therapy for adults and elders, particularly focusing on trauma and PTSD, chronic illness, and women's issues. Her virtual practice spans across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, and New Mexico, allowing her to connect with a broad client base. Dr. Roberts earned her education from prestigious institutions, studying psychology at Harvard University and earning a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. She further obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. With over thirty-seven years of clinical experience in various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, community mental health, and crisis services, Dr. Roberts has honed her expertise in diverse cultural backgrounds, including significant work with expatriates. A passionate advocate for global mental health, she offers EMDR therapy that facilitates the rapid and painless processing of toxic memories, which proves to be more affordable than individual therapy. Clients are welcomed into a safe, trusting, and affirming environment where their strengths and resilience are emphasized, empowering them to enact meaningful change. Dr. Roberts firmly believes that the success of psychotherapy stems from a therapeutic relationship built on respect and compassion.

Munis is a dedicated therapist who understands that the most valuable aspect of therapy lies in the connection between the therapist and the client. He emphasizes the importance of building rapport and fostering a safe space, as it is essential for meaningful recovery. Through loving kindness and empathy, Munis prioritizes creating a strong bond with his clients, maintaining a humble approach while instilling hope and confidence in their journey towards self-love and self-sufficiency. His awareness of mental health issues is informed by his identity as a bi-cultural professional, allowing him to address the significance of culture and diversity in therapy. Munis begins each therapeutic relationship with the aspiration that one day clients will flourish into their best selves, becoming independent and strong. He recognizes that the path to recovery can be challenging but remains committed to supporting clients every step of the way until they feel ready to embrace their growth and independence.

Lauren Messina is a dedicated Couple and Family Therapist who passionately believes in the capability of individuals to enact positive changes in their lives. Her work emphasizes the importance of building strong families and relationships. Known for her client-centered and strengths-based approach, Lauren cultivates a comfortable and safe environment for her clients. Utilizing techniques from Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Experiential therapy, she adeptly tailors her methods to meet the unique needs of each client. Lauren specializes in working with children, teens, adults, and families, focusing on fostering connection and cohesion within couple and family dynamics. Certified in Play Therapy, she assists teens and young adults in navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, family conflict, social skills, and academic or career concerns. For premarital couples, Lauren is a certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator, guiding them toward a healthy relationship foundation. For those in the early stages of dating, her expertise ensures they develop strong communication skills right from the start. With a systemic perspective, Lauren is committed to helping individuals build self-esteem and reach their personal goals.

Phillip Reynolds is a dedicated and compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holding both LCSW and LICSW credentials. With training from the prestigious Smith College School for Social Work, Phillip specializes in addressing significant challenges faced by teens and adults, particularly behavioral issues, relationship dynamics, and family conflicts. He draws from an array of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic approaches, and family systems therapy, providing tailored support for individuals, couples, and families. Passionate about helping his clients navigate complex feelings of trauma and PTSD, grief, and anxiety, Phillip also offers life coaching and spiritual guidance to foster personal growth and healing. His extensive knowledge in mood disorders and parenting strategies equips him to handle a variety of emotional struggles, making him a trusted guide on the journey toward emotional well-being.

Keri Roberts, PhD, is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to helping individuals cultivate healthy relationships and engaging in meaningful activities essential for a fulfilling life. Understanding that struggles in these areas can significantly impact well-being, Keri utilizes psychotherapy as a powerful tool for positive change, fostering a therapeutic relationship that serves as a catalyst for growth. While her primary approach involves talk therapy, Keri is adept at incorporating techniques such as EMDR and breathwork, tailored to the unique needs of her clients. Known for her active and collaborative style, she emphasizes open communication, providing feedback and insights while exploring how childhood experiences shape current challenges and focusing on present life dynamics. With extensive experience serving both teens and adults from various backgrounds, Keri creates a safe, calm, and welcoming environment in her practice. Although her specialization lies in trauma treatment, her inclusive approach addresses a wide range of issues, including anxiety, PTSD, and relationship concerns. Keri believes in the interconnectedness of the mind and body, ensuring that sessions remain mindful of how distress manifests and exploring diverse healing pathways together.

Dolores Acquista is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist, holding an MS in counseling and is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT). A native of Bethesda, Maryland, she brings over 25 years of invaluable experience working with individuals, families, and couples. Her primary areas of focus include marital and premarital counseling, family conflict resolution, and relationship issues, employing a variety of therapeutic modalities such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), the Gottman Method, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Dolores is known for her engaging and encouraging approach, drawing from her extensive background as a director in both inpatient and outpatient mental health agencies, as well as substance abuse programs. She creates a warm and peaceful environment where clients can share their thoughts and feelings with empathy and compassion. Dolores collaborates with her clients to help them untangle their emotional challenges and make sense of their experiences, guiding them toward a place of calm, peace, and joy. Her goal is to empower clients to move forward with confidence and grace. With a deep appreciation for diversity, Dolores values individuals of all ages, races, gender identities, religious affiliations, and sexual orientations. In addition to her professional life, she is also the proud mother of beautiful and engaging triplets who continuously inspire her through new learning experiences each day.

Rachel Dack is a passionate Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with a specialization in navigating relationship dynamics, dating concerns, intimacy, and marital challenges. She expertly supports adults and elders facing anxiety, depression, and issues related to low self-esteem and breakups. Rachel’s practice is dedicated to guiding her clients through significant life transitions and the complexities of various relationship stages. With a firm belief in the inherent strengths of her clients, she collaborates with them to foster healthier, more rewarding relationships while enhancing awareness and coping skills for a meaningful life. Utilizing an array of therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Rachel aims to create a psychotherapy experience that is empowering, insightful, and educational. Her hope is to assist clients in identifying and breaking free from negative thought patterns and behaviors that do not align with their goals and values. In addition to offering individual and couples therapy, Rachel also provides relationship coaching services and professional consulting for emerging mental health professionals. Her expertise as a Relationship Expert is featured in reputable platforms like eHarmony and various relationship advice podcasts, underscoring her commitment to helping others find fulfillment and connection.

Dr. Petra Elder is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Health Coach with a diverse background in various therapeutic settings, including private practice, schools and universities, a psychiatric hospital, and community mental health clinics. She emphasizes the importance of a strong, collaborative relationship between the client and therapist, believing it is vital for facilitating change and personal growth. Known for her warm and caring demeanor, Dr. Elder specializes in helping clients navigate relationship and communication challenges, as well as addressing eating disorders and sexual issues. She works with both individuals and couples, employing an eclectic approach rooted in psychodynamic therapy while also integrating cognitive and behavioral techniques when appropriate. As a Certified Health Psychologist/Coach, she uniquely combines nutrition and psychology to assist clients with weight management, body image concerns, and various health challenges such as fatigue and digestive issues. Dr. Elder is an advocate for her clients, empowering them to harness their strengths and pursue their life goals with renewed hope.

Marie Murphy, MS, MSW, BCPsa, FIPA is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist who specializes in guiding adults and elders through their struggles with depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and the complexities of life transitions. She has extensive experience addressing mood disorders, early trauma, family concerns, and grief. Marie’s approach is rooted in understanding the psychological barriers that hinder satisfaction and joy in life, emphasizing the belief that the past serves as a foundation for personal understanding and growth. She values each individual's unique experiences and emphasizes the importance of collaborative relationships in her practice, allowing patients to navigate their challenges actively. As a skilled psychoanalyst, Marie explores the unconscious patterns that may affect her patients' daily lives, fostering a safe space for reflection and insight. In addition to her clinical work, she plays a pivotal role in the education and training of mental health professionals at the Contemporary Freudian Society Institute, alongside her previous experience at the Washington School of Psychiatry. These opportunities enrich her own practice, ensuring that her work remains thoughtful, informed, and responsive to the needs of her patients.

Oladipo Adedeji is a dedicated National Certified Counselor and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, as well as a Resident in Counseling in Virginia. With six years of experience in the field, he offers individual and group psychotherapy to a diverse range of clients aged 4 to 65. Having earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bowie State University and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Maryland, Oladipo approaches therapy with a deep understanding of human experiences. He is committed to grasping the perspectives of his clients and addressing the stressful experiences that impact their daily lives. Utilizing therapeutic techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and spiritually integrated psychotherapy, he effectively targets a variety of concerns for individuals, groups, and families. As his clients develop greater awareness and acceptance of themselves and their circumstances, they often find the opportunity for profound change. Oladipo’s partnership with individuals dealing with challenges like low self-esteem, low motivation, irregular moods, discrimination, poor impulse control, family stress, workplace issues, substance abuse, and grief fosters coping mechanisms and cultivates more meaningful relationships within their communities.

Dr. Steven Alexander is a compassionate and highly skilled therapist dedicated to bringing about meaningful changes in the lives of his clients. With nearly thirty years of clinical experience, he has supported individuals in achieving more satisfying personal and family relationships, coping with the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and effectively managing daily stress. His expertise extends to working with clients navigating transitions in life, whether it be job changes, relationship shifts, or experiences of grief and loss. Additionally, Dr. Alexander is passionate about guiding clients in mindfulness and self-care practices, essential for managing medical issues and recovery from addiction. He believes that successful therapy combines insight, humor, and spiritual grounding to tackle life's challenges, making him a supportive partner in this worthwhile endeavor. Dr. Alexander is ready to assist those seeking to improve their mental wellness and navigate life's complexities.

Dr. Mary Ann Caruso is a compassionate psychologist with a PhD, committed to guiding adults through various life stresses and transitions. She specializes in addressing relationship issues, including challenges in forming connections, conflict resolution, separation, divorce, and parenting dynamics. Additionally, Dr. Caruso supports individuals coping with chronic illnesses, job-related stress, infertility challenges, and adjustments to medical conditions. Through a collaborative approach, she helps her clients clarify their thoughts and feelings while developing practical strategies to manage their concerns effectively. With expertise in Compassion Focused, Integrative, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, and Interpersonal therapies, her practice is dedicated to fostering personal growth and emotional well-being.

Noa Ashman is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist (LCSW-C) who believes in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship. She understands that a successful therapy experience hinges on her clients feeling safe, supported, and understood. Recognizing that the initial step of reaching out for help can be daunting, Noa is dedicated to meeting her clients where they are and establishing a genuine connection from the first moment they interact. With experience in assisting individuals and couples, she tackles a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, life transitions, trauma and PTSD, as well as substance use and chronic pain. Noa's background spans private practice as well as work in outpatient mental health clinics and college counseling centers across the Greater Washington area. Through her diverse modalities and approaches, including Psychodynamic and Family Systems therapy, she helps her clients navigate their challenges and work towards healing and growth.