Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Laurel, MD

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.

I am Alice (XiaoRan), Zhao, I provide a safe space for you with a dose of honesty and sometimes humor. Being an Asian woman, I provide a different perspective on your counseling journey. I love to begin your self-discovery and healing process.

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.

Dr. Ahlers treats adults and adolescents with a wide range of psychiatric conditions including Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, ADHD, and Psychotic Disorders. Dr. Ahlers is able to provide pharmacological management and/or psychotherapy services, depending on an individual's needs.

Clients who seek counseling may feel overwhelmed, stressed out, frustrated and anxious. My warm, compassionate demeanor coupled with a straightforward approach creates a supportive environment in which clients learn skills and receive guidance to become more engaged in their lives.

I also understand that the workplace can be rewarding, but also challenging, impacting a person’s happiness. Client’s leave therapy with coping strategies, helpful problem-solving abilities, and hope for the future.

Are you navigating anxiety, depression, or the challenges of recovery? You don't have to face it alone. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland, I specialize in supporting adults who are ready to do meaningful work — at whatever stage of life or recovery they're in.

I bring several years of specialized experience supporting adults in recovery, and a background in equine-assisted psychotherapy that informs my understanding of emotional connection, healing, and growth in ways that go beyond the traditional therapy room. Whether you're working through life transitions, struggling with anxiety or depression, or building a life in recovery, I focus on helping you develop practical coping skills, deeper self-awareness, and lasting resilience.

I provide compassionate counseling that supports and fosters healthy mental wellbeing. I believe in the holistic approach to empower individuals on their journey to a healthy life balance, particularly those who have experienced trauma, as we are committed to fostering personal growth and healing.