Parking will be validated for clients that park at the "Inner Harbor Center Garage" on East Lombard Street. There is a second entrance to the garage at 400 East Pratt Street, located at the corner of CVS. Please bring your parking ticket to your session and it will be validated at the end of your counseling session.

Yes. We accept Carefirst Bluecross Blueshield, Cigna, Aetna, and United Healthcare. We also welcome private pay.

A credit card must be kept on file and will be charged at the beginning of each therapy session. Cash is not accepted.

We ask that you notify us at least 12 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule, call 443-839-0514. Leave a detailed voicemail message with your first and last name, and phone number. Failure to cancel will result in a cancellation fee. You will be charged half the amount of your booking. Rescheduling an appointment within 12 hours in advance will not result in a cancellation fee.

The Counseling Institute of Baltimore is located at 400 East Pratt Street, Floor 8, Baltimore, MD 21202. We are located at Baltimore Inner Harbor directly across from the Aquarium. We also have an office in Owings Mills, Maryland.

You need to bring nothing. The first meeting is about getting to know you: Your background, your values, and your goals for therapy. Your therapist will review your expectations for therapy and might ask you some questions about your upbringing, your current issues, and your goals. There is no obligation to continue therapy, and you can stop at any time.

Couples therapy can help you find clarity on the kind of life you want to build together. Your therapist can help you and your partner explore these goals and practice skills to move closer towards this life.

Although your therapist might be familiar with psychiatric medications, they cannot prescribe any medications. However, it is not unusual for your therapist to request your permission to coordinate care with your prescribing professional (such as a medical doctor, nurse practitioner, prescribing psychologist, etc). This ensures your mental health care professionals are communicating about treatment goals to give you the best care possible.

Therapy is confidential, meaning therapists won't share your information without your explicit consent. But important exceptions exist, mainly due to legal and safety requirements: If there's immediate risk of you harming yourself or others. Suspected child abuse or neglect. Court orders in rare situations requiring disclosure. Your therapist will explain confidentiality clearly in your initial session.

Therapy is a structured conversation with a trained professional designed to help you manage emotional difficulties, understand yourself better, and make meaningful changes in your life. It provides you with practical tools and new perspectives to cope effectively with challenges like anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, trauma, and more. Therapy can help restore emotional balance and empower you to face life's obstacles with greater confidence and clarity.

Weekly sessions allow regular support, helping build momentum for progress. But therapy frequency varies depending on personal needs, goals, and practical considerations: Brief therapy programs often require weekly or biweekly sessions at first. Maintenance sessions further into therapy might occur monthly or as needed. Discuss openly with your therapist about what frequency suits you best.

Typically, the first therapy session involves: Filling out basic paperwork and informed consent forms explaining boundaries and confidentiality Discussing your reasons for seeking therapy, current concerns, and treatment goals Getting acquainted with the therapist's approach, style, and procedures Asking questions and addressing anxieties about therapy It's normal to be nervous. This first session helps you decide if the therapist is someone you can trust and work comfortably with.

Christian-faith-based therapy integrates Christian values, biblical teachings, and spiritual practices with established clinical techniques. Christian-faith-based therapy address mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges, aiming for holistic healing and a deeper connection with God

Traditional therapy is based on principles of psychology which is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Christian-faith-based therapy utilizes religion as a resource. They use prayer and reliance on a higher power to provide guidance. Clients are encouraged to examine themselves and their life through faith-derived principles and values.