Known as a “Smart City of Excellence,” Seat Pleasant, Maryland. After World War Two, the area was a settlement place for African Americans moving out of D.C. and into surrounding areas. The city was all white at the time, and these families were trailblazers of the era.
Even when seated on a rich history of people who have accomplished amazing things, it can be hard to see that we can do the same. That doesn’t mean, however, that it isn’t possible. The first step is to put yourself and your mental health first. The second is to reach out to a Seat Pleasant area professional who can help you reach your own personal level of excellence.

Dr. Deborah Gioia-Hasick
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

Maureen A-Ngeh
I am a licensed clinical social worker/therapist licensed in the District of Columbia and the state of Maryland with over 10 years of experience. I have had the opportunity to work with children and families, young adults as well as the elderly dealing with varying issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, dealing with societal and environmental stressors while hospitalized as well as with the community. These issues often interrupt our daily lives and can feel debilitating. However, when one has a trusting therapeutic relationship with someone who cares, one can work towards a path to appropriately managing these issues and eventually freedom. My counseling style is interactive, empathetic, and warm. It is my belief that listening is the key to success in a therapeutic relationship and every client that I am blessed to serve will feel heard. Being treated with dignity, respect and compassion are also the tenets that I abide by and will display that in every interaction and intervention. My approach combines strengths therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy and solution-focused therapy to ensure that the highest level of outcome is achieved as outlined by a treatment plan that will be tailored to your needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Linda Johannisson
Welcome to Better Help Counseling! Please give yourself credit for taking this difficult and important step towards improving your health and your life. I most certainly give you credit. I know it is not always easy to open up to someone that you don't really know. So, Big Time Congratulations on having the courage to do something that will be both valuable and helpful for you and quite possibly those around you as well. My name is Linda Johannisson. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (L.C.S.W.-C.) in the state of Maryland. I earned my Masters of Social Work degree in 1994 from the School of Social Work at the University of Maryland, with a subspecialty in Mental Health. For over 26 years I have practiced as a therapist in many settings, from the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Room to the more relaxed setting of Private Practice. I have had the honor of working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, veterans, the homeless and medically complex care patients. These clients brought a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety (including PTSD), relationship issues, parenting problems, family conflict, alcohol, drug, food, and behavioral addictions, grief and loss, anger management, emotional abuse, career challenges and more. Additionally, I have had two other careers which afford me a great broad perspective and ability to understand life from a non-therapist view. In 1978, I graduated from San Diego State University, CA with Bachelor’s of Art in Telecommunications & Film, with a Minor in Spanish. I worked as a producer and writer at the local ABC Television station in San Diego and learned many skills including video competence, the importance of knowing my audience and the impact of emotional connection. In 1984 I graduated from Officer’s Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and worked on the beginnings of the Internet. I learned many skills including computer proficiency, the importance of being prompt and available. My second duty assignment was as the Admiral’s Aide at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Again I learned many skills such as the ability to work with people from different countries and cultures from all over the world and the importance of attention to detail. Because your experiences are unique, I will do my best to meet you where you are. I want what is best for you just as much as you do! As a therapist I strive to be supportive, empathetic, validating, and comfortable to talk with because when sharing private thoughts or fragile topics it is imperative that you feel at ease and safe. Additionally, I will help you set individual and realistic goals. Adjectives that might describe my style are: engaged, respectful, down to earth, relaxed, practical, mindful, insight-oriented, and solution focused. I lean more towards a collaborative, engaging and interactive approach so that feel you are not doing all the talking. I do my best to go at your pace and have a youthful, somewhat playful demeanor. I honor your innate intelligence and know that when you look within, you gain confidence in yourself and your choices. At times I might recommend reading a short book, or give you a handout, or have your complete a creative assignment to deepen your process between sessions. If you believe in balancing mind, body, and spirit, then we might be a good fit for each other, as each is essential to the healing process. Finally, it is important to me that you feel better after meeting with me. I offer my warm welcome and offer my help to get you on your path to health, happiness, self confidence and peace.

Luca Hawkins
Luca is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health community. He has completed his Master's degree focused in Mental Health Counseling/Counselor from Walden University, specializing in working with adolescents and young adults who have depression, ADHD, anxiety, with an emphasis on gender-diverse youth. with a passion for the LGBTQ population. He has completed training in several interventions including: rational emotive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, exposure therapy, and extensive training in gender affirming care, LGBTQ youth, self-mutilation, suicide assessment and treatment of symptoms with safety planning. He is an LGBTQ gender affirming therapist. He has life and professional experience working with this population. He will make therapy fun while working through serious stuff together. He also have extensive training in adult issues. He prefers video or phone sessions. He is not good at chat only sessions.

Denise Larson
I am a professional counselor licensed in Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as nationally certified. I am also certified in school counseling k-12. I have worked with varying age groups and populations. I started out my professional career in a social service department in a hospital. Following this, I have worked in schools, as well as various mental health agencies. Most recently I was the director of a mental health and drug and alcohol facility. During my career as a clinical psychotherapist, I strived to become a very well-rounded clinician, working with multiple modalities along with ongoing continued education to provide the best care to those I served. I am in the process of earning my PhD. While I do utilize multiple modalities such as DBT, CBT, and SFT, I believe in a person-centered approach overall, as each individual is unique and thus deserves the approach and style that best fits their own unique needs. Additionally, I have worked with addictions extensively both individually and in a group format. I have taken extensive training in gambling addiction and have run IOP for drug and alcohol groups for many years. I believe wholeheartedly in providing validation and helping my clients understand the importance of self-validation. No matter what the struggle is my clients are facing, I believe that they have the strength within them to overcome their obstacles. I strive to help them find that strength.

John Caruso
I am licensed in Maryland with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. 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. 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.

Michael Shea
I am licensed in Maryland with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Betsy Carpenter
Welcome! I am very glad you are here. I am licensed in Maryland with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with Challenging Situations or Life Stressors, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Pregnancy and Child Birth, PTSD, Infidelity, Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Trauma and Abuse, Self Esteem Issues, Parenting Issues, Separation and Divorce, Adjustment Issues, Emotional Support for Terminal Illness, Grief and Loss Issues, and Relationship Conflict & Concerns. A safe, non judgmental, supportive environment is key to bringing about the changes clients are seeking in their lives and in their relationships. It is my primary goal to create that environment for you. Additionally, I bring a large scope of therapeutic training and experience that allows me to utilize a blend of approaches to counseling dealing with a wide range of concerns. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important element of a helpful counseling experience. Your issues, concerns, personal history, and worldview will inform our work together. I will strive to provide a safe and consistent relationship with you while challenging you to examine how you relate with the world around you. 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.

Gladstone Alleyne
I am licensed in District of Columbia and Maryland with 34 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

Ashley Megahan
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland with extensive experience working with individuals facing co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to helping clients navigate the challenges of addiction recovery, relapse prevention, and mental wellness. I take a client-centered approach, meeting individuals where they are in their journey and tailoring treatment to their unique needs. I incorporate Reality Therapy to help clients focus on the present and take effective control of their lives. Additionally, I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), evidence-based modalities that support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and lasting behavioral change. My goal is to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore their challenges and build the skills needed for long-term recovery. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health concerns, or both, I am here to help you develop effective coping strategies, strengthen resilience, and achieve meaningful personal growth.
Find a therapist serving clients in Maryland
Types of therapists available to clients in Seat Pleasant
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Seat Pleasant that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Seat Pleasant available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Seat Pleasant therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Seat Pleasant therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Seat Pleasant region and in the state of Maryland.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Seat Pleasant can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Seat Pleasant may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.