LGBT therapists in Gaithersburg, MD

My name is Sierra Patterson, my pronouns are she/they. I am a Black American therapist in their 30s based in Baltimore, MD, who received their master's degree from Johns Hopkins University, School of Education. I specialize in depression and anxiety and am learning more about trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ issues, and neurodiversity affirming approaches.

Hi, I’m glad you’re here. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania, and I work with children, teens, and adults who are dealing with trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and family struggles. Over the years, I’ve supported families facing tough transitions, kids on the autism spectrum, and people who are trying to rebuild after life has knocked them down.

My style is down-to-earth, supportive, and focused on helping you feel stronger and more hopeful. In our sessions, you’ll have space to be heard without judgment while we work together to move toward the goals that matter most to you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland. I work with teens and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, low self-esteem, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. My clinical experience working with diverse individuals and presenting concerns has shaped my understanding of the ways relationships, identity, and lived experiences impact emotional wellbeing. Many of my clients are trying to better understand themselves, feel more confident in who they are, establish healthier patterns, and lead more fulfilling lives.

I have been practicing therapy for about 5 years, receiving my master's degree from Saint Leo University in 2023 and my LCSW-C licensure in 2026. My main focus areas are complex trauma and attachment based issues, but I also am very effective at dealing with individuals with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and Autism.

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.

Dr. Opelt earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at New Mexico State University after completing his Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology: Community Counseling from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. During his graduate training, he earned certifications in Trauma Counseling and Multicultural Knowledge Basis in Mental Health Practices, and a graduate minor in Integrated Behavioral Health. Dr. Opelt has completed postdoctoral fellowships in research in Rehabilitation Psychology, with an emphasis on Multiple Sclerosis, at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and in clinical Rehabilitation and Pain Psychology at MedStar Health National Rehabilitation Hospital. He has focused his clinical work on adults who have concerns about insomnia, cognitive impairment, addiction, LGBT+ concerns, caregiver support, transplants, burn survivors, cancer, musculoskeletal diseases like MS and Parkinson’s disease, and those who have amputations. He is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and Illinois.

As a licensed clinical professional counselor, I strongly believe in prioritizing yourself and mental health. I've been practicing for the past 8 years working with a variety of clients in all different ages and backgrounds, but within most of my years in practice, I focus on adults in their 20s-40s who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain as they navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, family issues, and boundaries.