Grief counselors and therapists in Silver Spring, MD

Welcome! My name is Katie Halla, and I am a licensed therapist with a certification in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). My passion lies in working with those along their journey to parenthood, from trying to conceive, experiencing pregnancy and/or loss, or coping with postpartum challenges. My training and experience additionally extends to working with those who have struggled with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and/or self-worth, relational difficulties, and life transitions.

Laneka Montgomery is a compassionate therapist with experience supporting individuals navigating stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions, including end-of-life concerns. She works with adults, women, and couples facing relationship challenges and emotional distress.

Laneka is committed to creating a supportive, affirming space where clients feel heard and valued.

Throughout my graduate and professional experiences, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds on issues including anxiety, self-esteem and identity, stress management, and life transitions. As a mother, I also have a passion for supporting expecting and new mothers as they prepare for and adjust to expanding their families. I prioritize developing a supportive, collaborative relationship with each client, helping them feel heard, understood, and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with experience across multiple levels of psychiatric care, including outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatric treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and emergency department psychiatric consultations. This diverse background allows me to work effectively with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health concerns, from everyday challenges to more complex psychiatric conditions. I am committed to providing culturally sensitive, patient-centered care and building strong therapeutic relationships based on trust, respect, and open communication.

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.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and my goal is to make that first step feel a little easier. I approach my work with warmth, compassion, and genuine curiosity about each person’s story. I support clients in gently unpacking the thoughts and experiences that may be contributing to anxiety and depression, while offering empathy and practical tools along the way. You don’t have to navigate this alone—we’ll work through it together.