LGBT therapists in Bethesda, MD

Introduction

I have a passion for helping individuals and couples navigate their mental health journeys. I offer virtual therapy sessions, making it convenient for you to receive support from the comfort of your own space. Fluent in both English and Swahili.

With 8 years of experience in the mental health field, I firmly believe in the parity of mental and physical health. Life often leads us into dark tunnels, and my role in therapy is to guide individuals toward the light at the end of those tunnels.

You should know that I take your concerns seriously, and I will meet you with compassion, respect, and zero judgment. I understand that reaching out for mental health support can feel intimidating, especially if you have faced stigma, felt dismissed in the past, or worried about what a diagnosis might mean. My goal is to help you feel safe and at ease from the very first conversation.

As a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience in psychiatric and mental health care, I work with individuals across the lifespan. I commonly support people navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress-related concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral health challenges. I approach each person as a whole, not a label, and I take the time to understand your symptoms in the context of your life, your stressors, your strengths, and your goals.

In our work together, you can expect a collaborative, patient-centered approach. I believe treatment works best when you feel heard and involved, so we will discuss what you are experiencing, what has helped or not helped in the past, and what you want to be different moving forward. If medication is part of your care, I prioritize thoughtful, evidence-based decisions, clear education about options, and ongoing adjustments based on your response and preferences. I also value practical strategies and supportive guidance that you can apply between sessions.

Most importantly, I am passionate about each person I serve because I know you are important, and I recognize the courage it takes to seek help. My role is to offer steady, professional support and a trusting relationship as you work toward clarity, stability, and lasting wellness.

Welcome to Thrivewell Counseling Services. I’m Kevin Stafford, LICSW, a clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience helping individuals manage life’s challenges with confidence and clarity. I specialize in supporting adults experiencing mild depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported as we work together to help you move from simply getting by to truly thriving.

I am Dr. Senay Tedla, a doctorally prepared, board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with extensive nursing experience in both medical and behavioral health settings. I provide compassionate, evidence-based care for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related symptoms, attention difficulties, and substance-use concerns. My background as a clinician and nursing educator helps me explain treatment options clearly and support clients in making informed decisions about their care.

Life can feel overwhelming — and sometimes the weight of anxiety, depression, or past trauma can make it hard to see a way forward. I'm here to help you make sense of what you're carrying and find a path toward feeling more like yourself again.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 7 years of experience supporting adults through some of life's most difficult moments. Over the past 3.5 years as an independently licensed therapist, I've had the privilege of walking alongside clients navigating anxiety, depression, and the lasting effects of trauma. My approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based practices — evidence-backed tools that I tailor to fit you, not the other way around.

I believe therapy works best when you feel truly seen and safe. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, and I'm committed to creating a space where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment.

I focus mostly on behavior change. That might be a change from how you think about yourself, relationships, work, or something else. I can help you explore that. My role is to support you in believing that change is possible.

I also work in an open-ended environment. There is no contract or set number of sessions. Therapy should be flexible, and everyone's frequency is different. Most people notice growth within 10 sessions.

I’m glad you’re here. I'm passionate about working with couples and individuals. Cooperatively, we navigate relationships, family issues, trauma, anxiety, depression and more. Healing happens through relationships rooted in reciprocity and respect. I strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported and understood. My approach is collaborative and down-to-earth. You don’t need to have everything figured out... we’ll move forward together at a pace that feels right for you.