LGBT therapists in Bethesda, MD

I really believe people grow best when we build a real, collaborative relationship together. As a queer and neurodivergent therapist, I value authenticity, inclusivity, and creating a space where people from diverse backgrounds feel understood and supported. If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or going through a tough life transition, you don’t have to handle it alone. I’m here to support you. We’ll work through it together, focus on what matters most to you, and build a path forward that helps you feel more steady and in control.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to figure things out alone. I’m Tamara Whittleton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. I focus on creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable talking openly while developing practical strategies for growth and healing

Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, negative thoughts, unhealthy relationships or the inability to say NO! Are you tired of feeling like nothing will change or your stuck in life because you don't know what to do to make it better? I focus on adults using CBT, REBT, Person Centered and Motivational interviewing to assist clients in learning more about themselves and their perspective on life. I have experience working with many different mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, stress, marital/relationship issues and career struggles to name a few.

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.

My background as a midwife for 22 years has prepared me to support you in your psychiatric journey. Although I specialize in maternal mental health, I enjoy general psychiatry for all genders age 14 and up. My philosophy is to provide integrative holistic psychiatric care that includes lifestyle changes, nutrition and medication. I attended graduate school at Yale School of Nursing and Frontier Nursing University. I am also certified by Postpartum Support International and am a lactation consultant. I am working towards my integrative psychiatry certification through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute.

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.

With 14 years as a psychiatric registered nurse before becoming a practitioner, I bring both clinical expertise and heartfelt understanding to every patient interaction. I strive to create a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel understood and supported. Together, we’ll explore your unique experiences, identify what’s holding you back, and develop strategies to help you move forward with confidence and hope.

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!

If you're carrying anxiety that won't quiet down, grief that feels impossible to move through, or a weight that makes everyday life feel harder than it should, you're in the right place. I work with adults and people across all stages of life who are ready to feel more like themselves again. My approach is grounded in warmth and a deep belief that you are the expert on your own life. There's no judgment here, only a supportive space where you can say what you've been holding back.

With over 30 years of clinical experience, I provide individual psychotherapy that is collaborative and affirming. I use an integrated therapeutic approach that draws upon evidence-based treatment interventions and creative modalities tailored to each client. I see clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, adolescent/parent/family conflicts, personal concerns and life transitions. I will support you to identify patterns, develop coping strategies, discover strengths, find solutions, and gain a deeper sense of wholeness and well-being.