LGBT therapists in Owings Mills, MD

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.

I have been in private practice for over 24 years. I work with my clients to resolve past issues and work towards their present and future goals. I use a variety of skills to provide the best treatment for each client, including cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, hypnosis and strength based. I provide individual, couples and family therapy.

I’m Lindsay Bitto, a Doctorate-prepared Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in patient care. I am double board-certified in Family Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, which allows me to take a holistic, patient-centered approach to healthcare.

With 10 years of specialized experience in adult gastroenterology, I have developed a deep interest in the complex relationship between the brain and gut interaction, particularly how these disorders impact overall health. By blending my expertise in psychiatry and gastroenterology, I can provide integrated care for individuals with complex gastrointestinal and psychiatric conditions. I believe that effective care goes beyond treating symptoms; it’s about understanding the whole person and addressing the root causes of illness.

Great to meet you! I am Dr. Shannon D. Howard, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC, LPC) for the states of DC & MD, a Certified Life Coach, and an Author. I have been helping individuals, children, couples, and families navigate grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, adjustment, depression and more for over 24 years.

My educational background consists of a dual Master's in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I received my first Master's at Towson University in 2000, a second Masters and Doctorate in 2008 and 2010 from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I minored in Philosophy as well as Women's Studies.

I possess specialized training in areas of trauma, specifically in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital, a day program for adults with chronic and acute mental illness, as well as on an outpatient basis as a private practitioner and with a group practice. I worked with Parole and Probation to help clients maintain compliance and management while on the registry. As a Certified Life Coach, I help coaching clients discover what they truly desire. We collaborate to create a roadmap to move you forward and build a future that feels grounded and authentic to you.

At present, I offer a full range of services and am open to accepting new virtual clients.

I am LGBTQIA+allied, sex-positive, kink-friendly and nurturing to clients within this community. I also help clients navigate open relationships (ENM), polyamory, and non-traditional relationships.

**I CAN ONLY SEE CLIENTS WHO ARE IN THE STATES OF DC AND MD AT THE TIME OF THEIR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT.

*We offer a 10- minute grace period before logging off of the platform. Please reach out to reschedule your next appointment. There us a $150 fee for appointments no shows and for cancelations not made 24 hours in advance.

I believe there is no one "right" way for therapy and healing, so I offer multiple pathways—talking, movement, art-making, and body-based practices, like EMDR and somatic therapies. Working together we will find what works for you.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, lost, or emotionally stuck? I want to hear your story and assist you in your journey towards healing. Currently I am providing therapy to children (4 years and older), adolescents, and adults.