Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Bethesda, MD

"When we talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary."

Leslie Trerotola is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) with 8 years of experience in the mental health field. Leslie works with adults and seniors. She has experience working with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, life transitions, and stress management. 

Leslie completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Maryland. While in school, she interned at a community clinic and senior living community (nursing facility and short-term rehab). Once Leslie became licensed, she worked in an inpatient behavioral health hospital setting. Afterwards, she transitioned to an outpatient mental health practice. Leslie uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness with her clients. She also encourages her clients to use a holistic approach to health through exercise, nutrition, getting enough sleep, having supportive relationships, and doing activities that bring them joy. 

You can expect Leslie to get to know you and address any concerns you have. She will be honest, but optimistic and realistic. Leslie knows your time is valuable and your trust is just as valuable, so she will work to earn that. She will also be respectful of your opinions. If that sounds like something you are interested in, schedule an appointment with Leslie today.

"I am a therapist who gets what it’s like to juggle career, relationships, and healing from ADHD, anxiety, or past trauma. I’m here to help you break cycles, set boundaries, and finally feel like yourself again."

Tierra Parris, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a compassionate therapist with 6 years of experience helping adults navigate ADHD, anxiety, and trauma. She creates a safe and supportive space for those struggling with burnout, self-doubt, or people-pleasing. Tierra blends therapy and coaching to help clients rewrite old patterns, set healthy boundaries, and build self-trust, guiding them toward a grounded, fulfilling life with clarity and confidence.

Tierra earned her Master’s in Social Work from Widener University. She helps by using evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and coaching. Tierra supports clients in emotional regulation, communication, and boundary setting to promote lasting change.

Tierra understands how heavy life can feel. She offers a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal. If you're ready to let go of old patterns and reclaim the life you deserve, Tierra is ready to walk alongside you.

"You are the expert of your story. I strive to help uncover your strengths and provide skills to navigate life's challenges."

Ashley Shiff is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical with over 12 years of experience in different settings and with a wide variety of clients. She has a special interest in helping those experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions and adjustments. Ashley has worked as a psychiatric social work fellow at LSU Medical Center. She is currently pursuing her certification in narcissistic abuse treatment to master specialized trauma care for survivors.

Ashley has a Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University. She favors psychodynamic therapy, which helps to connect past experiences and upbringing to a client's current feelings and behaviors, ideally leading to positive change. In addition, Ashley utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and trauma-informed modalities.

Ashley believes in a client-centered approach that focuses on building a trusting, safe environment and a solid relationship. She looks forward to supporting you on your therapeutic journey! Schedule an appointment with Ashley today.

"Navigating this world can be difficult. Our past pain and trauma can further complicate this journey. I enjoy helping children, adolescents, parents, and adults heal, grow, and learn so they can thrive, not just survive. Humans tend to do what they know until they know more...come learn what more is!"

Stacey is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 11 years of experience in the mental health field. She's passionate about helping children, adolescents, parents, families, and adults heal and grow. Stacey specializes in development issues, chronic medical issues, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. She enjoys helping adults navigate transitions in their lives and past barriers/trauma. Stacey completed her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Capella University in Minnesota and recently completed her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from National Louis University in Florida.

Stacey is cognitively oriented and person-centered, and uses different treatment approaches to fit her client's needs including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, sand trays, trauma-sensitive yoga, mindfulness, experiential therapy, emotion-focused therapy, psychodynamic therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.

Life is challenging, and sometimes navigating these challenges can seem impossible. Sometimes all we need is a little help to break through our barriers. Stacey would love to help you break past your barriers so you can feel the sun shine on your face, feel your health improve, and feel the joy return to your heart and soul!

Patrick "Pat" Hogan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has 13 years of experience in the mental health field. Pat works with life transitions, adjustment challenges, end-of-life/grief, dementia and aging, and men’s issues. He has a master's degree in Pastoral Counseling. Pat has decades of experience in spiritual practice, a touchstone for supporting clients in their own lives.

Growth, change, and renewal are central to Pat’s counseling philosophy. He finds that many people are searching for meaning and connection. Pat believes, as Pierre Teilhard de Chardin wrote, that "We are not human beings on a spiritual journey, we are spiritual beings on a human journey,” meaning that each of us has inherent value and worth regardless of our circumstances and that each of us has the capacity for abundance and joy in life.

Pat works with each person’s strengths to focus on practical solutions and effective coping strategies. He recognizes that within each of us is a source of healing, creativity, resilience, and vitality. Pat is known for his caring and involved presence and is ready to assist you in your growth. Whatever you do, remember to keep investing in yourself, in your life, not because everything will go as planned but because your abilities, strengths, and self-confidence will create a more positive and healthful you!

"My goal is to empower people to make positive changes in their lives and help themselves become the person that they want to be. "

Molly Alvord is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania and Maryland with over 17 years of experience. Working in a variety of settings, Molly has had the pleasure of helping people of all ages and backgrounds by providing individual, couples, family, and group therapy. Her specialties include anxiety, stress, depression, and relationship issues.

Molly earned her Masters of Social Work at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Social Work. She takes a humanistic approach that involves unconditional positive regard with a blend of techniques including person-centered, motivational, solution-focused, cognitive, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness to work with the client to find the methods that will fit their needs.

Molly starts where the client is and helps them explore their reasons for choosing therapy and identify their goals. Employing a variety of techniques to meet the client’s needs, she empowers her clients to use their strengths to make positive changes in their lives.  

"As a neurodivergent Black woman, I offer a safe, affirming, and culturally-sensitive space where your unique mind, background, and experiences are valued and respected."

Makedah Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over five years of experience counseling children, teens, and adults. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and issues related to life changes, identity, trauma, and stress. Makedah believes in collaborating with her clients to support them on their journey of self-discovery..

Makedah earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland. She integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, internal family systems, trauma-informed therapy, and somatic therapy to help clients connect mind and body while building a strong therapeutic relationship.

Makedah understands that beginning therapy can feel overwhelming. She is committed to creating a transparent, welcoming, and safe environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. She invites you to take the next step toward emotional wellness and begin your journey today.

"As an African American woman, I understand identity issues."

Donna Young is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia with over 20 years of experience assisting adolescents, teens, young adults, and families with managing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and adjusting to life’s ups and downs. 

Donna obtained her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She takes an eclectic approach that meets the client where they are and encompasses cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and person-centered therapy. She focuses on assisting the client with gaining insight and awareness that will facilitate growth and understanding to meet the needs of the client.

Donna works toward establishing a therapeutic relationship that is built on trust, honesty, and unconditional positive regard. She will create an environment where the client will feel safe and comfortable being open and exploring ways to develop skills.

Anne Donohue is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical in the state of Maryland with more than 20 years of experience in various mental health settings. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University Long Beach in 1995, and her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University in 1991. 

Anne approaches counseling as a collaboration between counselor and client and utilizes a client-centered, strength-based approach to care. She works to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space in which she can help clients work towards meaningful change.

"I help people feel more comfortable and accepting of their mental health while validating and really listening to what they are saying and experiencing."

Tiffany Burke is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and Maryland. She has 9 years of experience providing individualized services to adults struggling with mental health and substance use. 

Tiffany completed her undergraduate work at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville with a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice and received her Master of Arts in Counseling at Lindenwood University in Belleville, IL. She uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge thoughts, motivational interviewing to elicit change talk, and a strengths-based approach to help clients address their concerns and manage everyday struggles in a healthier way. 

Tiffany strives to develop a trusting, caring, and respectful relationship with her clients, and she seeks to recognize each person’s individuality and meet them where they are to achieve their goals and meet their needs. She provides a safe space for her clients to be able to discuss whatever is on their minds at that time. Tiffany believes in complete transparency as it affords the trusting and caring environment she intends to provide.

"As an ethnic woman of color who has lived in different countries, I'm able to understand and empathize with different thought processes based on one's identity and lived experiences."

Kalkidan Yilma is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with 2 years of experience in the mental health field. She is dedicated to fostering positive change, growth, and empowerment in the lives of her clients. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to navigate life's challenges. Kalkidan specializes in helping clients navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship dynamics. Kalkidan completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

With a background working in both clinical and community settings, she was able to hone her skills in individual and group therapy. She tailors her methods to meet the needs of her clients by utilizing various treatments such as trauma-informed therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy.

Kalkidan's warm and empathic demeanor creates a space where clients feel heard and understood. She actively involves clients in therapy and believes in the power of collaboration in developing a sense of empowerment and self-discovery. Her goal is to guide individuals in building resilience, improving well-being, and strengthening their quality of life.

"As a Licensed Social Worker, I understand how systems within our society impact our lives and how to assistance changing them."

Michelle is a Licensed Clinical Certified Social Worker (LCCSW) in Maryland and Pennsylvania. She is passionate about educating people about domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Michelle works with adults with anxiety, depression, along with those with trauma.

Michelle received her Bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University and Master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University. Michelle uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) approach in treatment along with other therapeutic interventions.

We all go through challenges in life. Michelle is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives that allow you to cope with life struggles. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

"I enjoy working with a variety of populations so we can learn from each other how to walk through the path of life."

Diana Abadi is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 4 years of experience providing counseling to adults. She specializes in assisting with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and mental stress. Diana has lived and traveled around the world to gain experience in cultures and populations different from her own. These experiences have influenced the openmindedness with which she approaches every client.

Diana received her Master’s in Forensic Psychology from Universidad Externado de Colombia. She shapes care to fit individual needs and uses techniques from existential therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Diana believes in partnership, hard work, and a strong therapeutic alliance with the client. She is ready to help you tackle life’s obstacles and encourages you to reach out to schedule an initial appointment today!

"As a Christian woman of color, I would like to challenge the stigma and cultural myths associated with certain religious groups and with people of color that discourage engagement in mental health treatment."

Angela Murray is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing mental health services to children and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitional issues, and stress.

Angela completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and received her Master of Social Work Degree from Salisbury University. Angela has advanced specialization in the treatment of trauma and has received post-graduate certificates in trauma from The Trauma Institute at JRI and Ferentz Institute.

As her client, Angela will offer you a personalized treatment plan that’s catered to fit your individual needs. Together, you’ll be able to address challenges and barriers that are preventing you from reaching your potential. 

"As a clinician using a client centered approach to treatment I make every effort to meet you where you are at in your goals for treatment. "

Bernadette Cosgrove is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who has a strong background in a variety of mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety, and phobias. Bernadette has experience in mental health crisis counseling and feels she is well-equipped for crisis situations should they arise. Bernadette also has experience working with persons who have drug and alcohol addiction concerns. An ideal client for her would be someone over the age of 18 who is dealing with adjustment disorders, phobias, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Bernadette would like to help them better manage their daily lives as she would assume they are coming for treatment because certain aspects of their lives have become unmanageable. She would also have interest in working with young persons going through self-esteem or relationship issues.

Bernadette completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Salisbury University. She has a strong background in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure therapy. Bernadette herself overcame many phobias and feels she truly understands where the client is coming from because she has lived in their shoes. She uses a person-centered approach to therapy where a therapeutic alliance will be strongly built so you are held accountable and she can support you and motivate you to the best of her abilities.