LGBT therapists in Bethesda, MD

With over 30 years of experience as a psychologist, I bring deep understanding, compassion, and a relational approach to my work. As a former Director of a university counseling center and an adjunct faculty member in psychology for over 15 years, I’m passionate about supporting growth, resilience, and self-discovery, especially during times of transition.

My approach is warm, affirming, and culturally sensitive. I value the unique experiences each person brings and work to create a safe, collaborative space for reflection and healing. Outside of my professional life, I’m a mother of two grown daughters, and I draw on both my personal and professional experiences to inform a caring and authentic therapeutic style.

Whether you are struggling with the far-reaching impact of past trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other ongoing health issue or simply wanting to invest in a bit of self-exploration and growth, I am so glad that you have begun your search for the best facilitator in that journey. I believe in meeting people where they are and allowing you to set your own pace for healing. I look forward to assisting on your healing journey in any way that I can.

Hi, I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience in both hospital and outpatient care. I work with adults dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use and more. I’m warm, easy to talk to, and I take time to really listen so you feel heard and supported. My approach is simple—we meet you where you are and work together on a plan that fits your life. I’m committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and look forward to partnering with you on your mental health journey.

Great to meet you!

As a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I believe prioritizing mental health is integral to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’m honored to share that I have been helping people for nearly 25 years... and counting! I look forward to working with you and uncovering the solutions needed to help you live the life you desire and deserve!

Great to meet you! I am Dr. Shannon D. Howard, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC, LPC) for the states of DC & MD, a Certified Life Coach, and an Author. I have been helping individuals, children, couples, and families navigate grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, adjustment, depression and more for over 24 years.

My educational background consists of a dual Master's in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I received my first Master's at Towson University in 2000, a second Masters and Doctorate in 2008 and 2010 from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I minored in Philosophy as well as Women's Studies.

I possess specialized training in areas of trauma, specifically in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital, a day program for adults with chronic and acute mental illness, as well as on an outpatient basis as a private practitioner and with a group practice. I worked with Parole and Probation to help clients maintain compliance and management while on the registry. As a Certified Life Coach, I help coaching clients discover what they truly desire. We collaborate to create a roadmap to move you forward and build a future that feels grounded and authentic to you.

At present, I offer a full range of services and am open to accepting new virtual clients.

I am LGBTQIA+allied, sex-positive, kink-friendly and nurturing to clients within this community. I also help clients navigate open relationships (ENM), polyamory, and non-traditional relationships.

**I CAN ONLY SEE CLIENTS WHO ARE IN THE STATES OF DC AND MD AT THE TIME OF THEIR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT.

*We offer a 10- minute grace period before logging off of the platform. Please reach out to reschedule your next appointment. There us a $150 fee for appointments no shows and for cancelations not made 24 hours in advance.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University and All but Dissertation (ABD) status in the Clinical Doctorate of Social Work program at the University of Pennsylvania. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, I bring extensive expertise in the assessment and treatment of individuals experiencing ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, developmental disorders, substance use, and trauma-related concerns. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and hold certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT).

My clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based, individualized interventions, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I am also trained in Social Thinking, Unstuck and On Target, and the PEERS curriculum. My areas of clinical expertise include supporting individuals in developing emotional regulation, cognitive and behavioral flexibility, executive functioning, and social-pragmatic skills. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, judgement free therapy space.

You are not your symptoms! I obtained my doctorate to practice and research five additional years of evidence -based ways of healing. I ave been weel-trained in CBT & Creative Arts, Adlerian - early relationships, & Gestalt therapy, EMDR, and EFT. I help my clients practice the freedom from negative thoughts/feelings. using Positive Psychology.

I see ages 5 - 95. The focus of treatment is YOU. I work with trauma, co-dependency, anxiety (OCD, PTSD, C-PTSD), Recovering from SUD (familiy primary), Separation/Divorce, Spiritual Issues, LD/ADD & depression.