Gazing out at the beautiful waters should fill you with a sense of calm and help you to find purpose. Your current depression issues make it difficult for you to focus on anything, though. These mental health issues can hold you back in life and they can make you suffer even when you desperately want to be happy. Problems like this are not unusual at all, as millions of people deal with depression and anxiety symptoms each year.

Thankfully, you can get the help of an Ocean City-area counselor so that you can deal with your symptoms more effectively. A counselor will be able to talk to you about what is going on and they can work with you to help you deal with the issues that are present. You can get to the point where your depression is controlled and your counselor will be there for you whenever you need a helping hand. Life will feel calm once again and realizing your life goals will start to become easier once more.

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Dr. Deborah Gioia-Hasick

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Ocean City
Counselor License Type(s): PhD,LCSW-C
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
37 years of experience

I received my MSW in 1981 and my clinical licensing a couple of years later. My early career was engaged in mostly working with teens, young and emerging adults. I worked for 18 years with young adults with schizophrenia and their family supports. This is where I really learned about serious mental illness (SMI) and its consequences on individuals and families. I also learned about the team's approach to the thoughtful application of any diagnosis for an individual. I ran groups with young adults and monthly multi-family groups. The evidence-based practices I used with this group of individuals was focused on psychosocial education, symptom-management and building back communication and cognitive skills. I received additional training for a year in sexual health and sex therapy interventions at UCLA and did couples counseling through this program. The training I have pursued on my own is centered on mindfulness-based stress reduction treatments which I have taught to students and used in group settings. Since 2001, I have taught Master's and PhD students after completing my PhD in 2000. The title of my dissertation was Meaning of Work for Young Adults with Schizophrenia. I am very interested in vocational identity development and helping the young adult attain their personal goals in this realm. I have taught clinical and research courses. The clinical courses involve hands-on evidence-based treatments including CBT, DBT, MBSR. I favor always using motivational interviewing as my philosophical approach prior to the client's agreement to begin to do the work required of the more targeted approach based on their diagnosis. Currently, I have received training on climate-focused trauma and resiliency and am very interested in seeing clients who are experiencing issues related to climate

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Dr. Meg DePasquale

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Ocean City
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Desiree Monroe

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Ocean City
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

Greetings, my name is Desireé C. Monroe. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland. Via using a client-centered eclectic approach, my goal is to motivate healthy behavior, of which I have been doing since 2009 when I began my professional career in counseling. My experience involves working with children, adolescents, adults and seniors, in both outpatient and inpatient treatment facilities. I have a history of working with individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, alcohol and drug use disorders, trauma survivors, victims and offenders of crime, children in foster care and first responders. As a Board of Professional Counselors and Therapist (BOPC) Approved Clinical Supervisor in Clinical Professional Counseling, I hold a Master’s of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology (Eclectic track) from Bowie State University, and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology, Sociology-Anthropology from Towson University. Opportunities to educate, advocate, empower, and support others in all walks of life is what I value. I use my counseling skills to encourage change, teach people to cope with mental health challenges, promote wellness, and motivate trauma and addiction recovery. I am on a mission is to help, heal, foster hope and support individuals in need…come with me on this journey!

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Colin Roberts

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Ocean City
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a Master of Science in Clinical Community Counseling and a Post Masters Certificate in Counseling. I have over 20 years of experience working with a diverse population. I have enjoyed providing support to adolescents, young adults, and families. I have experience working in a variety of settings, including school and office settings. I use an eclectic approach to providing therapeutic interventions. I believe that therapeutic interventions and techniques must be tailored to meet the individual’s learning/communication style. Therapy is most beneficial when a strength-based approach is utilized. I believe that an individual’s strengths are used to help develop lagging skills. In my years of experience, I have utilized techniques from a reality therapy approach which helps to acknowledge small increments of success (evidence based). This helps to increase competence in individuals of all ages. Therapy is individualized to help individuals develop and identify their life purpose (spirituality). Of great importance, I believe in modeling the importance of building relationships through communication. I have experience working with stress, anxiety, depression, anger management and issues that involve coping with transitional stages of life. I enjoy reading, spending time in nature, and learning and exploring cultures from around the world.

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Lynly Curtis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Ocean City
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland with over a decade of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, life changes, trauma and relationships. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you maximize them. I am here to offer a safe place to explore and express yourself without fear of judgement. My therapy style is warm and understanding. We can incorporate your faith as much or as little as you would like to. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with respect, compassion, and empathy. I like to incorporate aspects from multiple therapeutic approaches primarily CBT, EMDR, Client Centered Approach, and IFS. I also believe your treatment should be custom tailored to your specific needs and we will work together to achieve just that. Seeking help is the most important and probably most difficult step to take but you did it and you are not alone.

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Marcie Koenig

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Ocean City
Stress, AnxietyGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland with over 20 years of professional work experience. My expertise is working with older adults and their families. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Clatoyia Andrews

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Ocean City
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia, Delaware and Maryland. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral health services to adults and teens with a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and family issues. My experience is varied and across settings. I have provided individual skill building services to those with serious mental illness, facilitated groups in school settings and provided brief psychotherapy intervention through telephonic and emergency room settings. I tend to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy and Strengths-Based Therapy. My therapy style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, caring, and compassionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. A top priority for me is to meet you where you are and adjust my approach to what will work best for us as we work together. EDUCATION Masters of Social Work NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY 2016

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Sabrina Heller

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Ocean City
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Sarah Henson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Ocean City
Grief
5 years of experience

Hello! My name is Sarah Henson. I am licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Maryland who has five years of clinical work experience, and over ten years of paraprofessional support experience in the Grief and Loss, Caregiving Support, and End of Life Counseling Support fields. I specialize in helping clients cope with grief and loss and to adjust to a variety of changes in their lives such as caregiving for a loved one at end-of-life. Grief and anticipatory grief is unique an experience as is the relationship you have/had with your loved one. Expressing your thoughts and feelings during the grief process promotes healthy adjustment to the loss, and often reduces the severity of emotional distress and/or even possibly prevents the development of prolonged grief disorder. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. Please note, my availability as a support to you on this platform is limited to residents of the state of Maryland. Also, given the limitations of my availability and the mode of on-line therapy, any urgent emotional support needs should be met by an immediate professional mental health support provider such as a mental health crisis response provider/team. My hours of availability are generally only weekly video sessions, and also weekly follow up messaging. At the onset of our deciding if our therapeutic relationship is a good fit, I may ask about your expectations of support needs, and also your willingness/ability to engage with supports outside this platform if I recommend them.

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Darlene Alvalle

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Ocean City
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Pennsylvania with over 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, BPD, Bipolar, ADHD, relationships, immigrants and refugees, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Ocean City

Finding the best therapist close by in Ocean City can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Ocean City that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Ocean City. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Ocean City, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Ocean City region and in the state of Maryland. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Ocean City or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Ocean City therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Ocean City area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Ocean City, elsewhere in Worcester, or in the greater state of Maryland. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Ocean City area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ocean City therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Ocean City due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Ocean City may not take health insurance, some in the state of Maryland may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Maryland you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Ocean City online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Ocean City, Maryland working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Ocean City psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Ocean City above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Ocean City provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Ocean City?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ocean City therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Ocean City therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Ocean City therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in MD, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 21843 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Ocean City counselor?

Before seeing your Ocean City therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Ocean City therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Ocean City licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Ocean City counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Ocean City, Maryland can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Ocean City has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Ocean City, Maryland

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Ocean City therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Ocean City.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Ocean City:

21842, 21843

Popular cities near Ocean City, MD

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