1. Maryland Anxiety Center (MAC)
Credentials: Andrea G. Batton, LCPC, Director and Founder. Previously worked at CBT Solutions of Baltimore. Dr. Donahue, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Staff certified through Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (A-CBT). Faculty at Johns Hopkins University School of Education counseling program.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, trauma, OCD, body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding disorder, hair pulling, skin picking disorders, Tourette’s and tic disorders.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches, exposure therapy. Individual therapy, group therapy, home and out-of-office sessions.
Populations Served: Adults and youth in Greater Baltimore Maryland regions. Also works with loved ones (parents, caregivers, spouses) of individuals with anxiety disorders.
Background: Founded by Andrea G. Batton with vision of creating practice where clinicians and staff work cohesively and collaboratively with patients. Clinicians have specialized CBT training repeatedly shown to be most effective treatment. Ms. Batton previously led group therapy sessions, provided supervision, and led presentations to Baltimore County school personnel on anxiety disorders in youth.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person at Baltimore office. Home and out-of-office sessions available. Comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic assessment offered.
Location: Greater Baltimore, MD
Contact: https://marylandanxietycenter.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to begin comprehensive evaluation.
2. CBT Baltimore / NSAC Baltimore
Credentials: Shmuel Fischler, LCSW-C, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and board-approved clinical supervisor. Team of clinicians with additional training in ERP, ACT, PE, and MI.
Specialization: Social anxiety, anxiety disorders, OCD, and related conditions.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Populations Served: Adults and youth with anxiety and OCD.
Background: Baltimore regional clinic with National Social Anxiety Center (NSAC). Practice deeply rooted in CBT with commitment to evidence-based practice, accessibility, transparency, and open collaboration. Works well with community partners and provides online outreach, resources, and education in health and wellness. Continues to pursue new treatment developments and tools.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person and telehealth available.
Location: Baltimore, MD
Contact: https://nationalsocialanxietycenter.com/regional-clinics/national-social-anxiety-center-baltimore/
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to connect.
3. Behavioral Health Direct
Credentials: Yisrael, Maryland Licensed Professional Counselor (LC#12686), owner. Specializes in evidence-based treatment for anxiety, OCD, and related issues.
Specialization: Anxiety, OCD, and related disorders.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Populations Served: Adults seeking anxiety and OCD treatment.
Background: Practice creates supportive, non-judgmental space where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered. Tailored anxiety management techniques meeting specific client needs. Clients report significant improvement navigating challenging times.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person at Baltimore office near Pikesville. Telehealth services throughout Maryland.
Location: Baltimore (near Pikesville), MD
Contact: https://www.behavioralhealthdirect.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice for consultation.
4. Baltimore Therapy Group
Credentials: Doctoral-led team of therapists. Includes Elise Swanekamp LGPC, Cassandra Ekstrom LCSW-C, Jennifer McMillan LCPC, Jessica Jones LCSW-C, Rachel Greenberg Larson LCPC, and Andrea Castelhano PsyD.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, trauma, insomnia, relationship difficulties, disordered eating, body image concerns, cultural stress.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Process Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Gottman-informed couples counseling, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Populations Served: Adults, children (ages 7 and up), couples. People from diverse cultural backgrounds, racial and ethnic groups, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
Background: CBT approach meets American Psychological Association’s gold standard of care. Team uses variety of empirically supported treatments. Same-day response from masters-licensed counselor or doctoral-licensed psychologist (not receptionist). Focus on creating warm, compassionate environment for diverse populations.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person in Baltimore. Online therapy across Maryland.
Location: Baltimore, MD
Contact: https://www.therapistsinbaltimore.com
Initial Consultation: Free phone consultations available. Online scheduling system matches clients with appropriate therapist.
5. PsychForward CBT
Credentials: Baltimore psychologist specializing in CBT.
Specialization: Anxiety, OCD, depression.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychological assessment.
Populations Served: Adults seeking CBT for anxiety, OCD, and depression.
Background: Practice dedicated to evidence-based CBT approach for anxiety, OCD, and depression. Offers both therapy and psychological assessment services.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person at Baltimore office. Telehealth via HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform.
Location: 1014 W. Baltimore, MD
Contact: https://www.psychforwardcbt.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice for consultation.
Mental Health Industry in Maryland
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in Baltimore range from $125 to $200 per session depending on provider credentials and experience. Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) typically charge $100 to $160 per session. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW-C) charge similar rates. Licensed Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $175 to $275 per session. Psychiatrists may charge $225 to $400 for sessions including medication management.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in Maryland, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited or Board-approved institution. Candidates must accumulate supervised professional experience including predoctoral internship and postdoctoral supervised hours. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with minimum passing score is required. The Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists administers licensure. Continuing education requirements apply for license renewal.
Telehealth Regulations
Maryland permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. Maryland is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. Providers must use HIPAA-compliant platforms.
Mental Health Parity Laws
Maryland has comprehensive mental health parity laws requiring health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions equivalent to physical health conditions. Federal MHPAEA also applies to group health plans.
Professional Organizations
The Maryland Psychological Association (MPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources. The Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (A-CBT) certifies CBT practitioners including those at Maryland Anxiety Center. National Social Anxiety Center has Baltimore regional clinic.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
Baltimore has a strong concentration of mental health providers with training programs at Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, and other institutions. Wait times for new patients typically range from one to three weeks.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In Baltimore, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, trauma/PTSD, and concerns related to urban stressors. Practices like Baltimore Therapy Group specifically address generational trauma and challenges unique to Baltimore’s history and neighborhoods.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration oversees community mental health programs. Baltimore Crisis Response provides crisis services. Maryland 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (A-CBT) certification?
A-CBT certification indicates that a therapist has demonstrated competency in CBT through rigorous evaluation. Maryland Anxiety Center staff includes certified CBT practitioners through A-CBT. This certification represents advanced training beyond basic licensure.
Is NSAC Baltimore part of a national network?
Yes, NSAC Baltimore (CBT Baltimore) is the Baltimore regional clinic of the National Social Anxiety Center, an association of independent clinics throughout the United States with certified CBT therapists specializing in social anxiety and anxiety-related problems.
What is the difference between LCPC and LCSW-C credentials in Maryland?
LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) requires a master’s degree in counseling with clinical training. LCSW-C (Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical) requires a master’s in social work with clinical specialization. Both can provide psychotherapy independently and “-C” indicates clinical certification.
Are there therapists in Baltimore who understand urban-specific stressors?
Yes, Baltimore Therapy Group specifically addresses challenges unique to Baltimore including generational trauma, neighborhood changes, and urban stressors. They work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and emphasize creating warm, compassionate environment.
Can I get both therapy and assessment at the same practice?
Yes, several Baltimore practices offer both. PsychForward CBT provides therapy and psychological assessment. Maryland Anxiety Center offers comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic assessment along with treatment.