Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Gaithersburg, MD

I’m Dr. Simone Blanchard, an international psychologist and the creator of the InnerLightT Model.

My work integrates psychology, energy awareness, and reflective practices to support individuals and communities through change, uncertainty, and transition. Over time, I observed that many people struggle not because they lack motivation or discipline, but because they lack clarity about what is happening internally—in their thoughts, emotions, and habitual behaviors.

InnerLightTM was developed to provide that clarity.

With years of nursing and mental health experience, I bring both expertise and compassion to my work. I help clients explore their thoughts and emotions while setting practical, achievable goals. I specialize in supporting people through anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Together, we’ll build insight, resilience, and meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.

I work with people who feel like life is happening to them—those carrying anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress, still feeling the weight of past experiences or painful relationships, or noticing that old coping patterns like substance use no longer do what they used to. Most of the people I see arrive with a growing sense that something isn't working, and a willingness to try something different. My approach is collaborative, warm, and focused on understanding what's getting in the way and building a path forward together.

Welcome! If you are feeling stuck and seek growth through empowering, warm, solution focused therapy, you are in the right place! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who will use evidence based practices tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to help you gain clarity and uncover the strength within to overcome current challenges.

I earned a B.A. in Music Education from Howard University in 2005 and a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in 2012. With extensive training and experience in mental health, education, and the arts, I service adolescents, adults, families, and artists. Specific areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and family transitions. If you are motivated and ready for change, I am here to support you on your journey to fulfillment and improved quality of life!

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.

My name is Elana Isser. I am a licensed clinical social worker. in New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. I am a graduate of Columbia School of Social Work and I have worked with clients of all ages in hospital and outpatient telehealth settings. I use evidence-based treatments, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in my work.