Best psychologists in Baltimore are not necessarily the clinicians with the longest biographies or the most online reviews. The right choice depends on the problem, treatment method, age, insurance and whether you need therapy or psychological testing. Baltimore has private psychologists, specialist practices and major hospital-based programs. This guide compares verified options and explains whom each may suit, as reported by Baltimore Chronicle.
Choosing a therapist becomes easier when the search begins with a specific need. Someone with panic attacks may benefit from a CBT specialist. A teenager with ADHD needs a different clinical setting. Couples may need relationship-focused therapy rather than general individual counseling.
Readers dealing mainly with prolonged workplace pressure can also review Baltimore Chronicle’s guide to stress and burnout. Another useful resource explains how proper rest can reduce emotional exhaustion. These measures can support wellbeing, although persistent symptoms may require professional assessment.
Best psychologists in Baltimore: a practical shortlist
There is no authoritative medical ranking that identifies one “best psychologist in Baltimore.” A more useful approach is comparing licensed professionals by clinical focus. The Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists provides an official online system for checking psychologist licenses. Patients can search by surname or license number before booking.
Among the Baltimore-area options with publicly verifiable professional information are:
- Jessica Greenberg, PsyD — individual psychotherapy for adults facing anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment difficulties and relationship problems.
- Andrea Castelhano, PsyD — Baltimore Therapy Group psychologist with experience in anxiety, depression, eating disorders and emotional dysregulation.
- Madeline Kaplan, PsyD — Kennedy Krieger clinical psychologist working with children, adolescents and families.
- Tana Hope, PhD — Kennedy Krieger psychologist whose clinical interests include anxiety, ADHD, autism, depression and Tourette syndrome.
- PsychForward CBT — Baltimore psychology practice focused on CBT for anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, depression and psychological assessment.
Greenberg practices at 2900 Chestnut Avenue in Baltimore and offers a complimentary 10–15 minute introductory phone consultation. Her practice is out-of-network, although patients may be able to request reimbursement through their insurance plans.
Castelhano works through Baltimore Therapy Group, whose Towson office is at 1122 Kenilworth Drive. Her profile describes the use of CBT and DBT, with particular experience involving eating disorders.
Kaplan has been licensed in Maryland since December 2023. She uses approaches including CBT, DBT and Functional Family Therapy for anxiety, depression, inattention and communication difficulties.
Hope is based at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Child and Family Therapy Clinic. Her listed approaches include CBT, DBT and CBIT, with both in-person and telehealth services available.
The strongest choice is usually the clinician whose actual caseload, training and therapeutic method match your problem — not simply the person appearing first in a search.
Which Baltimore psychologist fits different problems?
The differences become clearer when specialists are compared by clinical need rather than reputation.
| Need | Baltimore option to consider | Relevant focus | Format or location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety and depression in adults | Jessica Greenberg, PsyD | Anxiety, depression, stress, adjustment | 2900 Chestnut Ave, Baltimore |
| OCD, panic or phobias | PsychForward CBT | CBT, OCD, GAD, panic, social anxiety | 1014 W. 36th St, Baltimore |
| Eating disorders | Andrea Castelhano, PsyD | Eating disorders, CBT, DBT | Towson |
| Child or adolescent concerns | Madeline Kaplan, PsyD | Anxiety, depression, attention, family communication | Kennedy Krieger |
| ADHD, autism or Tourette syndrome | Tana Hope, PhD | CBT, DBT, CBIT | Baltimore |
| Complex psychiatric care | Johns Hopkins | Psychiatry, psychotherapy and medication management | Baltimore/Bayview |
This comparison should be treated as a starting point rather than a medical ranking. A therapist may have expertise that is not fully described on a public profile. Availability can also change quickly. Insurance networks can change during the year. Some cases need coordination between a psychologist and psychiatrist. Complex symptoms may therefore be better handled inside a multidisciplinary program.
For anxiety, OCD and panic: PsychForward CBT
People searching for an anxiety psychologist in Baltimore may want a clinician trained in structured behavioral treatment. PsychForward CBT specifically lists generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, social anxiety, phobias, PTSD and depression among its treatment areas. It works with adults aged 18 and older.
The practice lists psychotherapy at $230 per session. Psychological assessments are priced at $230 per hour of clinical work. It states that it is currently in-network with Cigna/Evernorth and Wellfleet. Both teletherapy and appointments at its Baltimore office are available.
That makes the practice particularly relevant when a patient wants a clearly defined CBT-oriented treatment model. It may also suit adults seeking ADHD, learning-disorder, autism-spectrum or psychodiagnostic assessment. Patients should confirm current fees and coverage before scheduling. Insurance deductibles can still affect the final out-of-pocket cost. A consultation should also establish how progress will be measured.
For adult anxiety, depression and life transitions: Jessica Greenberg
Jessica Greenberg, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist in Baltimore whose private practice works with adults experiencing adjustment problems, anxiety, depression, stress and relationship difficulties. Her Hampden-area office is located at 2900 Chestnut Avenue.
She offers a free 10–15 minute introductory call before a first appointment. That short conversation can be useful for checking therapeutic fit without committing immediately.
Greenberg states that she operates as an out-of-network provider. Patients pay her directly and receive documentation that may be submitted for reimbursement. Coverage depends on the individual insurance plan.
For someone beginning therapy for the first time, a brief consultation can reveal something directories cannot: whether conversation with that particular psychologist feels workable.
For children and teenagers: Kennedy Krieger psychologists
Families looking for a child psychologist in Baltimore have access to a much broader clinical infrastructure at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Its Behavioral Psychology services treat children, adolescents and families across several specialist clinics.
Madeline Kaplan, PsyD, works in the Child and Family Therapy Clinic. Her clinical work covers anxiety, depression, inattention and family communication. She provides both in-person and telehealth treatment.
Tana Hope, PhD, works with school-age patients through young adulthood. Her listed interests include anxiety, ADHD, autism, depression and Tourette syndrome. She provides in-person and telehealth services from Kennedy Krieger.
The institute’s Child and Family Therapy Clinic also treats concerns such as:
- ADHD and executive-function difficulties;
- anxiety, fears and phobias;
- depression and mood disorders;
- parent-child or parent-teen conflict;
- bullying and school-related difficulties;
- anger and emotional regulation problems;
- tics and Tourette syndrome.
Kennedy Krieger says its behavioral services include several clinics designed for children and families. An initial evaluation can help determine which service fits the child’s symptoms.
Parents should describe school, home and social problems separately during intake. Symptoms can look different across those settings. Previous testing and school records may also help clinicians understand the pattern. Medication questions may require a physician or psychiatrist rather than a psychologist alone. For complicated cases, multidisciplinary assessment can reduce unnecessary referrals between unrelated providers. Follow-up availability should also be checked before starting an evaluation.
When Johns Hopkins may be a better choice
Not every person searching for a psychologist needs standard weekly psychotherapy. Johns Hopkins Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences has outpatient programs involving psychologists, psychiatrists and other licensed mental-health professionals. Its services cover adults, adolescents and children.
The General Psychiatry Adult Outpatient Clinic at Johns Hopkins Bayview provides assessment, individual psychotherapy, group therapy, family therapy and medication management. That structure can make sense when symptoms are complex or medication is already involved.
“Individual psychotherapy, group therapy, family therapy [and] medication management.”
— Johns Hopkins Medicine, General Psychiatry Adult Outpatient Clinic, official description of available services.
Johns Hopkins also operates child and adolescent outpatient services. These can include psychiatric evaluation, psychological assessment, psychotherapy, school advocacy and medication management.
How much does a psychologist cost in Baltimore?
There is no single Baltimore therapy rate. Prices depend on the provider, session length, insurance contract and type of assessment. PsychForward publicly lists $230 per psychotherapy session in 2026. Greenberg describes herself as an out-of-network provider but does not publish a session price on the page reviewed.
Before booking, ask these questions:
- What is the full self-pay price per session?
- Is the psychologist in-network with your insurer?
- Is there a separate fee for the initial assessment?
- Are telehealth appointments priced differently?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Can the practice provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement?
These questions prevent an apparently affordable first appointment from becoming an unexpected recurring expense. Insurance terminology also matters. “Accepting insurance” is not always equivalent to being in-network. Deductibles and coinsurance may apply even with an in-network provider. Out-of-network benefits vary substantially between plans. Psychological testing can also be billed differently from psychotherapy. Confirm the numbers with both the practice and insurer before treatment begins.
How to choose a therapist without relying on online ratings
A polished profile tells little about therapeutic compatibility. Start with credentials, specialization and actual treatment methods. Maryland residents can verify a psychologist through the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
A useful first-call checklist includes:
- whether the clinician regularly treats your main problem;
- which therapy model they intend to use;
- experience with your age group;
- whether treatment has clear goals;
- how improvement is evaluated;
- appointment frequency;
- in-person versus telehealth availability;
- insurance and cancellation rules.
A therapist should be able to explain the proposed approach in understandable language. You do not need to know every psychological acronym beforehand. At the same time, “we will just talk and see” may not satisfy someone specifically seeking structured CBT or OCD treatment. Treatment goals can change, but the initial plan should make clinical sense. Practical fit also matters because inconsistent attendance can undermine otherwise good therapy. If several sessions produce a persistent mismatch, discussing it directly with the clinician is reasonable.
Psychologist, therapist or psychiatrist: whom should you book?
These terms are often mixed together in searches for therapy in Baltimore, but they do not mean exactly the same thing. A psychologist is a regulated professional whose Maryland license can be checked through the state board. “Therapist” is broader and can include psychologists, clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors.
A psychiatrist is a physician. Psychiatric services become especially relevant when medication evaluation is required. Johns Hopkins outpatient programs combine psychotherapy with medication management where appropriate.
For routine anxiety, relationship problems or life transitions, psychotherapy may be the first step. For psychological testing, choose a provider who explicitly performs assessments. For severe or complicated psychiatric symptoms, an integrated clinic may offer more appropriate resources.
FAQ
Who is the best psychologist in Baltimore for anxiety?
There is no universally best clinician. PsychForward CBT specifically treats anxiety disorders, panic, OCD, phobias and PTSD. Jessica Greenberg also lists anxiety and stress among her adult treatment areas.
Where can I find a child psychologist in Baltimore?
Kennedy Krieger Institute provides extensive behavioral psychology services for children and adolescents. Madeline Kaplan and Tana Hope are among its licensed clinical psychologists.
How can I verify a Baltimore psychologist’s license?
Use the official Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists license-verification service. Searches can be performed by surname or license number.
How much is private therapy in Baltimore?
Rates vary. One verified example is PsychForward CBT, which lists psychotherapy at $230 per session. Insurance coverage and reimbursement depend on the provider and plan.
Can I see a Baltimore psychologist online?
Yes. Several providers reviewed here offer telehealth, including PsychForward CBT and psychologists at Kennedy Krieger. Availability can depend on the patient’s location and licensing rules.
Where should I go if I may need both therapy and medication?
A multidisciplinary psychiatric service can be more practical. Johns Hopkins Bayview’s adult outpatient program offers psychotherapy alongside psychiatric assessment and medication management.
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