LGBT therapists in Gaithersburg, MD

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in community organizing, crisis intervention, and family and parent coaching. My work centers self-directed healing, truth telling, and culturally grounded care. I create a safe space for clients—especially those from BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities—to decompress, re-evaluate, and grow. I draw from evidence-based practices to honor each person’s lived experience and support increased insight, discernment, empowerment, and improved health outcomes.

As a licensed clinical social worker who is certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), I am particularly passionate about helping young people and veterans navigate their experiences and traumas. I provide a safe space for you to address both past and present issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress. I am committed to making people feel safe and heard. I firmly believe in the power of positive affirmation and the importance of self-care.

When you work with me you sign up to be challenged and empowered to change your own life.Through our work together, we will partner to be able to help you build the life you want. I cannot promise that it will be easy, but I can tell you that it will be worth it. Together, we will help you identify goals for your life, challenge your old ways of thinking that have been holding you back, and connect your thought patterns to your behaviors.

Hi there, I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with several years of experience supporting individuals through emotional healing, self-discovery, and meaningful life transitions. My background includes working in both clinical and community-based settings, where I’ve supported adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life changes.

In addition to my clinical work, I am also a special education paraprofessional in the Montgomery County Public School system, where I have experience working with elementary- and adolescent-aged students. This role has deepened my understanding of child and adolescent development, learning differences, emotional regulation, and the unique challenges young people and their families often face.

I take a compassionate, relational, and culturally responsive approach to therapy. I integrate evidence-based practices with mindfulness, insight-oriented work, and practical coping tools, always tailoring treatment to each client’s unique history and goals. I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and human, not clinical or judgmental.

As a therapist, I value honesty, warmth, and emotional depth. I work best with clients who want to better understand themselves, strengthen boundaries, heal old wounds, and build healthier relationships with others and with themselves. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and aligned in your life.

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.

Ka'ra Johnson is a LCSW-C, LCSW licensed in MD, VA, DC, and OH. She received both her Masters in Mental Health Counseling and Masters of Social Work from Capella University. She specializes in treating Trauma, Mood Disorders, Forensic Clients, Crisis Interventions and Life Transitions. Her modalities of therapy are: Trauma informed CBT, REBT and Motivational Interviewing.

I believe that meaningful change begins with a space where you feel seen, understood, and valued. As both a counselor and board-certified art therapist, I’m here to walk alongside you, helping you explore your emotions, understand your experiences, and discover new ways to heal and grow. Whether you’re working through trauma, looking to develop healthier habits, or wanting to improve communication in relationships, I’ll support you in cultivating greater emotional awareness and self-compassion.

Working in the field for 24 years has opened my eyes and ears to many experiences. While your life experience is unique, we will work together to find ways to get you to your best life. I have worked in a hospital setting, inpatient mental health, outpatient mental health, PHP, IOP, Dual Diagnosis, rehab, residential treatment and community settings to a variety of clients in various backgrounds.

Hi, I’m Marli. I’m a licensed social worker in Maryland, Virginia, and DC, and I enjoy working with children, teens, and adults. I have a special interest in supporting college students and young adults as they navigate the challenges, transitions, and self-discovery that often come with this stage of life. Originally from Maryland, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Maryland and my Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Outside of work, I love spending time with my dog, traveling, getting creative through arts and crafts, and being around family and friends.

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.