LGBT therapists in Parkville, MD

With 8 years of experience in the mental health field, I firmly believe in the parity of mental and physical health. Life often leads us into dark tunnels, and my role in therapy is to guide individuals toward the light at the end of those tunnels.

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. - Maya Angelou Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/ therapist in the states of VA, MD, DC, DE, and FL. I have 20 years of experience employed in behavioral health facilities, private practice, correctional centers, veteran affairs, group homes and also providing medical social work/ therapy to oncology, emergent, and crisis patients in the hospital setting.

I’m a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with more than 16 years of experience in healthcare and a deep passion for providing compassionate, individualized mental health care.

I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported. My approach is patient-centered and collaborative, with treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, goals, and circumstances.

Through Telehealth, I provide evaluation and treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns, including ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, anger concerns, intermittent explosive disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, binge-eating disorders, body dysmorphia, PTSD, unresolved trauma, family conflicts, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. I proudly provide an LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive space for all patients.

I also believe mental health care works best when providers work together. When appropriate, I collaborate with therapists, primary care providers, and other healthcare professionals to help create comprehensive, practical, and effective treatment plans.

My goal is simple: to meet you where you are and support you in getting to where you want to be. Your story matters, your goals matter, and you deserve care that meets you with compassion—not judgment.

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.

Great to meet you! I am Dr. Shannon Howard, a Licensed 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.

*PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST BE IN EITHER DC OR MD AT THE TIME OF YOUR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT!

**I offer a 10-minute grace period to all clients before logging off of the Zoom platform. If you wish to reschedule, please message me here on Headway.""

I’m a bilingual psychotherapist (English/Español) with extensive experience supporting individuals living with bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. I hold a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University and am credentialed as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland and in Florida. In addition to my private practice, I work full-time as a Psychiatric Therapist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, where I’ve spent years helping people manage mood disorders and find greater stability.

Living with bipolar disorder can feel like riding an unpredictable roller-coaster. Many of the clients I work with want to better understand their symptoms, spot early warning signs, and create daily routines that steady the mind and body. Others are navigating depression, anxiety, or the toll that mood changes can take on careers, caregiving roles, and relationships. If you’re ready to turn insight into action, sleep better, fuel your body, and nurture healthier connections, I’m here to guide you.

I work with clients on a variety of issues across the lifespan including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, parenting issues, adjusting to school, marital difficulty, trauma, emotional/behavioral issues in children and teens.

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.

I am excited to help guide you along your journey. I enjoy observing the transformation that occurs in my clients lives over time. Perhaps your seeking a deeper understanding of your emotions or simply a feeling of peace and contentment. Changes can occur through therapy. Lets collaborate and discuss your goals that support the life your are seeking to change or improve.