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Stacy Fruhling

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Smithsburg
Counselor License Type(s): LCPC ,LCADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Congratulations on taking the first step toward a life change! It's not easy to ask for help and I applaud your decision to do something different in your life. I look forward to taking this journey with you. I earned my Master's and Bachelor's Degrees in Counseling Psychology from Towson University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Licensed Addictions Counselor. My experience and training have been in addictions counseling, community mental health with adults and teens, and in school counseling with children and teens. I started my career working in the school system as an addictions prevention counselor. I have worked in outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential/inpatient levels of care throughout my career. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, and career challenges. I also help many people who have experienced addictions. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach is often called eclectic; I combine cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, gestalt and systems theory to tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek 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!

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Dr. Nicholas Schweizer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Smithsburg
Counselor License Type(s): Ed.D,LCADC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsBipolar disorderDepression
18 years of experience

Education/Training: • Bachelor of Arts-English Literature, Loyola College, 12/93 • Master of Science Degree-Clinical Community Counseling, Johns Hopkins University, 5/00 • Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study-Substance Abuse Counseling, Johns Hopkins University, 5/00 • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, 8/02 • Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, 3/03 • Licensed Approved Clinical Professional Counselor Supervisor, 8/15 • Licensed Approved Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Supervisor, 9/18 • Doctor of Education in Education with a specialization in Counseling, Johns Hopkins University, School of Education, 8/17 Personal Statement: I am a licensed psychotherapist and a substance abuse specialist with over 20 years of clinical experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment in outpatient and inpatient treatment settings. I am an experienced lecturer and mental health/substance abuse consultant that has conducted educational programs in treatment and educational settings. I am completed my doctoral work in education with a specialization in Counseling in the hope that I can become a better educator of mental health and substance abuse topics. I have worked at Johns Hopkins Hospital in a variety of settings for over 15 years.

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Juliette Dixon

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Smithsburg
Counselor License Type(s): MS ,LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist with ten years of counseling and mentoring experience. I am licensed in the State of Florida and Maryland. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, addictions , with a special focus in legal issues and mental health issues. Counseling is a collaborative process undertaken between you and a therapist, designed to empower you to accomplish mental health and wellness goals. While providing services to individuals and couples, I have found that for counseling to be most effective, it is important that you take an active role in the process. Some of my past experience include: *Adolescence and young adult life coach (age16-32) *Stressor relating to navigating social security disability. *Individual and/or family counseling relating to allegations of child abuse, neglect, human trafficking and /or abandonment. *Adolescence substance addiction counseling *Consultants and advocates for post-incarceration related issues. *Facilitate Individual counseling and virtual support group for people with the following disorders: Chronic illness Thank you for beginning this journey. Therapy is an inviting place where every single part of you is welcome. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Angel Hakim

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Smithsburg
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
37 years of experience

Experienced and Holistic Counselor With over 37 years of experience as a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Maryland and DC, I offer comprehensive therapeutic services. I specialize in both clinical and spiritual counseling, tailoring my approach to meet your unique needs. I believe in a non-judgmental, client-centered approach. You are the expert on your life, and I'm here to support you in harnessing your inner strength. Together, we'll explore the challenges you face, such as stress, anxiety, and life transitions. I'm committed to providing a safe and supportive space for you to grow and heal. Whether you're seeking clinical or spiritual guidance, I'll work with you to develop practical strategies and insights to help you move forward and create a more fulfilling life.If you're ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, please don't hesitate to reach out.

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Violetta Battle

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Smithsburg
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland and Virginia with more than 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with issues related to self-esteem, building confidence, motivation, challenging relationships, family conflict, parenting, anxiety, and depression. 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.

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Christina Bachenberg

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Smithsburg
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a licensed clinician in Maryland with over 12 years of counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Rachel Maina

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Smithsburg
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland with over 10 years of professional work experience with diverse and multicultural populations. I have worked in the past, with adolescents, teenagers, adults and geriatrics in a behavioral hospital set up in Georgia. I use evidence-based approaches which include, CBT, Solution Focused therapy, psychotherapy, Mindfulness- Based therapy and behavioral therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, grief and loss, depression and relationships issues. I also have experience working with people who have criminal recidivism, having worked in a State Correctional facility. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs, working very closely with each client. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am very excited to undertake this therapeutic journal with you.

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Jennifer Friedman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Smithsburg
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am a LCSW-C in Maryland with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, & 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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Lauren Williams

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Smithsburg
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
5 years of experience

It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, chronic illness, depression, caregiving & coping with life changes. I believe in approaching therapy holistically by utilizing various therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral, person-centered and mindfulness. I am hopeful we can work together to build on your strengths, knowledge and resilience to achieve your goals. I look forward to working with you!

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Barbara Elgin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MD, Smithsburg
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
34 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland with 34 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties (including a special interest in working with health care professionals to prevent and/or address burnout/compassion fatigue). I really enjoy working with: emerging adults, midlife adults and active agers (55 and better). I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Smithsburg

Finding the best therapist close by in Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg. 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 Smithsburg, 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg, elsewhere in Washington, 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Smithsburg, 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 21783 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 Smithsburg counselor?

Before seeing your Smithsburg 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. Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg, 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.

Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg, Maryland

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

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Smithsburg 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 Smithsburg.

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

21720, 21783

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