Our therapists in Silver Spring, MD offer counseling for loneliness

Dr. Judy Ann Upshaw is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) with more than 43 years of clinical experience. While she is experienced in general mental health treatment, her specialty is substance use treatment. Dr. Judy has worked in inpatient as well as outpatient treatment as well as individual, group, couples and family counseling. She enjoys assisting people in finding their true selves and achieve their highest goals. Dr. Judy has developed programs and supervised other therapist. She is also an adjunct college professor.

Dr. Judy completed her Bachelor's degree in Behavior Sciences at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. She then received a Master's degree in Psychology from Temple University-Philadelphia, and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University-Arlington. She utilizes many treatment modality such as music and art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and much more.

Life is full of challenges, especially in this post-pandemic era. Now more than ever, Dr. Judy sees our societies the need for counseling. She would like to have the opportunity to support you in your life's journey and is confident in her ability to help you reach your goals. Schedule your first session with her today.

I am a licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C) with over six years of experience in behavioral health services, working with adults struggling with a wide range of mental health challenges. I specialize in working with clients who have complex needs and those within marginalized populations and communities, approaching each person through a humanistic lens. I recognize that each client's needs are unique, and my therapeutic style—grounded in empathy and unconditional positive regard—is not one-size-fits-all.

I am task-centered and solution-focused, drawing on other approaches interchangeably in order to address individuals. I am direct, and will identify and discuss a client's ambivalence or resistance, as needed, in order to help the client continue on their healing process through their individual treatment plan.

Asking for help is the first step, and that step alone shows real strength and the innate drive toward your desire for change and growth.  From there, we work together—forming a therapeutic relationship, identifying goals, strengthening coping tools, building connections, and exploring new perspectives—to help you find your personal fulfillment. 

I am a licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C) with 12 years of experience supporting clients across the lifespan. I specialize in helping adults manage anxiety, depression, grief, emotional imbalance, trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, and stress. I also work with individuals navigating communication challenges, family dynamics, attention-related issues, intimacy concerns, and job-related stressors.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from Morgan State University and use a solution-focused, direct, and compassionate approach. I incorporate motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, existential therapy, and faith-based interventions, along with skills such as communication and decision-making support.

My goal is to provide a grounded, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. You do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Together, we will identify what you need to heal, grow, and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.