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Howard County Psychological Services

We're so glad you're here.

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Click to Connect with us for a free

15-minute consultation. 

Turquoise Couch

About Us

Your well-being is our reason for being

At Howard County Psychological Services, we hope to help you achieve greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and overall happiness so that you can live a more satisfying and comfortable life. As you work on yourself you may also develop healthier and more meaningful connections with others. 

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We offer in-person and teletherapy services to individuals of all backgrounds.
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How we work

Step one: Contact us, sharing more about your specific concerns, goals, and therapist preferences. We are happy to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.

We understand the decision to find a therapist and begin therapy can come with a mixture of emotions. We're here to help alleviate any of the discomfort associated with this step.

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Step two: Our team will work to find a provider who is a good match based on the information you share.

If we are unable to find a provider with openings, we'll customize a referral list for other providers who meet your needs.

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Step three: We'll get you set up with an initial appointment. 

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The first 1-3 sessions are used to explore what brings you into therapy, gather information about you and your history, and identify the goals you would like to work towards in therapy. These initial sessions are also helpful in determining if your therapist is a good fit for you, your needs, and your therapy goals. If it does not seem to be a good fit, your therapist will work with you to provide an appropriate referral(s).

Prior to your initial session, you will be asked to complete paperwork through our secure portal. You will also receive a welcome email from your provider. 

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Please note, therapy is an evolving process.

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Our therapists will strive to create a space that is free of pressure or expectation to feel better within a certain time frame. We value following your lead and pace while also maintaining active involvement in your therapy. One of our main goals is to create positive therapeutic relationship, in which you feel safe, nurtured, validated, and understood. Your therapist will work with you to gently guide and challenge you towards deeper insight, self-understanding, and emotional expression. Through exploration and emotional awareness, behaviors will change and you will start to feel happier and more fulfilled in life.

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Team

Meet The Team

Temi Akinpetide, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jacqueline Bonsu, Ph.D. HSP

Licensed Psychologist

Shemika Brooks-Woods, Psy.D., CGP, AGPA-F

Licensed Psychologist

Melissa Lean, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Mia Ellis Martin, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Rachel Menditch, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Jillian Solomon, Psy.D.

Psychology Associate

Markita Wolf, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Emily Stewart

Practice Manager

Donna Beck, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Stacy Bourque-Belt, LCSW-C

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Emilie Lawson, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Alyssa Lind-Combs, LCSWC

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Tina Mazzi, LCPC

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Juliann Siwicki, LGPC

Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor

Johanna Clay Souder, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Danyelle Griffin

Billing Specialist

Our Services
Learn more about our services: Click to Connect with us for a free 15-minute consultation

01.

We offer both in-person and virtual therapy to individuals of all ages. Therapy sessions typically occur on a weekly basis. We view the therapy process as a collaborative one shaped by your needs and what you’re hoping to gain from our time together.

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The first 1-3 sessions are used to explore what brings you into therapy, gather information about you and your history, and identify the goals you would like to work towards in therapy. These initial sessions are also helpful in determining if your therapist is a good fit for you, your needs, and your therapy goals. If it does not seem to be a good fit, your therapist will work with you to provide an appropriate referral(s).

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If you and your therapist decide to move forward after the first few sessions, weekly therapy appointments will be scheduled. We believe it is most  beneficial to establish a set day and time to meet, however; we also understand that your appointment time may occasionally need to change.

Individual Therapy
02.

We offer couples therapy to individuals struggling within their romantic relationships due to issues with communication, conflict, co-parenting, infidelity, loss of passion, cohabitation, and more. For couples therapy to be successful, both members of the dyad must be meaningfully engaged in the process.

Couples Therapy
03.

Research shows that Group Therapy is as effective as, or in some cases more effective
than, individual therapy. It is a relational form of treatment that builds understanding of
self and others. It allows members to give and receive feedback while focusing on
here-and-now reactions, feelings, and impulses occurring in the moment.

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Now Accepting new clients: Tuesday Evening Adult therapy group

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For adults (ages 18+) experiencing concerns or struggles that are affected by or are affecting relationships. This group is unstructured and membership is open to a
broad range of concerns and treatment goals. Involves a weekly commitment. Screenings Required.

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Contact Dr. Brooks for more information: DrBrooks@howardcountytherapy.com

Group Therapy
04.

Our therapists will work to address specific issues that affect the health and wellbeing of the family. Therapy will focus on creating a safe space for all family members to help foster effective communication and coping within the family system.

Family therapy
05.

Psychological Evaluations are undertaken to assist in treatment planning, to develop educational/learning interventions, and/or provide valuable information for making decisions regarding diagnosis or the need for medication.  Specialty areas which may be evaluated include:

 

  • General Psychological Evaluations

  • Diagnostic Clarification

  • ADHD (ages 5 and up)

  • Adult ADHD evaluations

  • Intellectual/Cognitive Assessments

  • Mood Disorders – anxiety, depression, trauma

  • Personality Disorders

  • Competence to Stand Trial

  • Mental Status at the Time of the Offense

  • Psychosocial functioning of potential adoptive parents

 

Every evaluation is individualized and assessment tools are selected based on your age and the identified reason for the evaluation. The intake, testing procedures, and feedback session can range from 8 to 12 hours, depending on the areas of need. The psychologist will provide an explanation of the testing process and a complete report of the findings.

Adoption Evals

Schedule an Appointment

Fill out the following form to request a new appointment
 

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Contact Us

Address

Contact

Conveniently Located

5116 Dorsey Hall Dr. 

Suite B

Ellicott City, Maryland 21042

410-995-8274

We are conveniently located off of several major area roads in Howard County including routes 29, 100, 95, 70, and 108. There is ample free parking in front of the building.

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