LGBT therapists in Gaithersburg, MD

I specialize in medication management in treating mood, anxiety, psychotic, and substance use disorders. In the past, I worked as an RN in a dual diagnosis inpatient psychiatric unit. Recently, I have working in an outpatient private practice.

I am a therapist based in Maryland, dedicated to helping Maryland individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and build meaningful skills for growth. My path to this work began with a belief in the importance of accessible, evidence-based care for anyone seeking support—whether during difficult times or as part of personal development.

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Psychology from UMBC in 2015 and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2016. My professional experience includes supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, working with transitional-age youth, providing outpatient therapy in community mental health, and serving Veterans through the VA. These diverse roles shaped my therapeutic style, which is compassionate, practical, and results-oriented.

I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, and sleep difficulties, with advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and other evidence-based treatments. I also have extensive experience supporting LGBTQ+ clients and survivors of trauma.

In therapy, I strive to create a safe and collaborative environment where clients feel understood and empowered. My approach is evidence-based and goal-directed, while always tailored to each person’s needs. Therapy can be a place not only to work through challenges but also to build skills, strengthen resilience, and foster long-term growth.

Most of us never saw healthy communication growing up—and that makes connection feel harder than it should. As your relationship therapist/coach, I help individuals and couples develop relational competence so you can break old patterns, communicate with clarity, and create more secure and nurturing relationships.

• My in-person days: Tuesdays, Thursdays.
• My online days: Monday afternoon, Wednesday morning, Fridays.

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.

If you're carrying more than you'd like to admit right now, you've landed in the right place. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland who works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I bring warmth, humor when it fits, and a genuinely judgment-free space to every session. Using CBT, DBT, and faithbased approaches, I meet you exactly where you are. I'd love to help you find your way forward.

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.

I am Dr. Christie Simon-Waterman, a dually certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over a decade of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based, and holistic care across the lifespan. My clinical background spans primary care, mental health, and community-based health, allowing me to care for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

I earned my nursing education at Coppin State University and completed my doctoral training with a strong focus on health equity, leadership, and integrated care delivery.

In my practice, I specialize in:

• Anxiety, depression, trauma-related conditions, and mood disorders
• Integrated mental health treatment
• Substance use–related concerns and recovery support
• Care for underserved and marginalized populations

My approach is empathetic, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens best when clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Together, we develop personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication management when appropriate, lifestyle interventions, and ongoing support tailored to your goals.

Above all, I am committed to creating a safe, supportive responsive space where clients can build resilience, restore balance, and move forward with confidence and clarity.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I started my career in pediatric intensive care, which sparked my love for supporting people of all ages through hard times. I now work with both kids and adults who are dealing with anxiety, depression, mood changes, ADHD, autism, and substance use concerns.

Hello! My name is Alaina Gay (She/Her), and I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical in the State of Maryland. I offer individual and couples therapy to youth and adults ages 15 – 65 who are experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, family trauma, communication struggles, and other challenges that can make it difficult to navigate daily life. I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds including the LGBTQIA community. I care deeply about supporting people to find joy and balance again. My goal is to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel safe sharing your struggles and experiences. I use proven, client-centered methods that are shaped to fit your personal needs.