Individual Counseling for Adults
Individual counseling is private, one-to-one talk therapy with a licensed clinician. Adults come to Balanced Life Counseling Services for stress, life transitions, job and career concerns, anger, self-esteem, relationship concerns and the strain of chronic health problems. If you are not sure which service fits, this is the place to start.
Who it helps
Stress that has gone on for months and is wearing you down
A big change such as a move, a divorce, retirement or a new baby
Feeling stuck or burned out at work, or unsure about your career
Anger that comes out faster or louder than you want
Doubting yourself in ways that hold you back
Living with a long-term health condition that affects your mood
What one-to-one counseling is
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy or counseling, covers a variety of treatments that help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts and behaviors. In individual counseling, it is just you and your therapist in the room or on the screen.
The aims are practical: relief from symptoms, keeping up or improving how you function day to day, and a better quality of life. You do not need to arrive with the right words or a clear label for what is wrong.
What adults bring to individual therapy
People seek therapy for many reasons, including severe or long-term stress from a job or family situation, the loss of a loved one, and relationship or other family problems. Individual counseling at our practice is a place to work on concerns such as:
Stress: pressure that feels impossible to manage or never seems to let up.
Life transitions: a change you chose or one that happened to you, and the uncertainty that follows.
Job and career concerns: burnout, conflict at work, job loss or a decision about what comes next.
Anger: understanding what sets it off and practicing other ways to respond.
Self-esteem: self-critical thoughts that color how you see yourself and your choices.
Relationship concerns: patterns with a partner, family member or friend that you want to work on from your side. When both partners want to attend, see couples counseling.
Chronic health concerns: people living with a chronic disease have a higher risk of depression, and counseling can be one part of their care.
Signs it may be time to talk with someone
There is no test you have to pass before booking. Still, some signs suggest that what you are carrying is more than an ordinary rough patch: the stress interferes with your everyday life, it leads you to avoid things, or it seems to be present all the time.
Changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, and a lasting loss of interest in things are also reasons to reach out. Because physical conditions can cause some of the same changes, a checkup with your medical provider is a sensible step too.
If worry or low mood turns out to be the main issue, your therapist may draw on the approaches described under anxiety therapy and depression counseling.
How our therapists work with you
Our team includes licensed clinical social workers, a licensed clinical professional counselor, licensed master social workers and a licensed graduate professional counselor. Each has their own style, and the fit between you and your therapist matters. Rapport and trust are essential to therapy.
Depending on your goals, sessions may include finding ways to cope with stress, building problem-solving and communication skills, noticing unhelpful thinking habits, or learning relaxation and breathing techniques. Several of our clinicians use cognitive behavioral therapy.
You and your therapist decide how often to meet. Weekly sessions are typically recommended at the beginning, and you may get homework to try between visits.
Your first three steps
Reach out. Call 443-978-8688 or use the new patients page. Tell us briefly what you are looking for and whether you prefer an office visit or video.
Come to your first session. Your therapist invites you to share what has been going on and any goals you have in mind. You can also ask about their training and how they work.
Settle into a rhythm. After the first visit, you agree on a schedule and what to focus on first. Plans can change as your needs change.
Offices, video visits and cost
In-person and telehealth appointments are available at both our Salisbury and Bethesda offices, and we are accepting new patients. See telehealth therapy for how video sessions work.
We accept a range of insurance plans, and coverage depends on your plan. Self-pay rates, the Sliding Fee Program and the questions to ask your insurer are on the insurance and fees page.
Good to know before you book
Please give 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel, or a missed appointment fee may apply.
Sessions are confidential, with legal exceptions that are explained on our patient privacy page.
We are not an emergency service. In a crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a specific problem to start individual counseling?
No. Some people begin with a general sense that something is off: more stress than usual, less patience, or trouble getting past a change. In your first session, your therapist invites you to describe what has been going on, and together you work out what to focus on. Goals can get clearer as you talk.
How often would I come in?
You and your therapist decide together. Weekly sessions are typically recommended at the beginning, so that you can build some momentum and get to know each other. Later on, sessions may be spaced out. A standard individual session is 45 to 50 minutes, and 30 minute sessions are also available.
Is what I say in counseling confidential?
Yes, with a few legal exceptions. The exceptions are a risk of harm to yourself or others, and suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, which clinicians are required to report. Your therapist can explain these limits at the first visit, and you are welcome to ask questions about them.
What does individual counseling cost?
If you use insurance, your cost depends on your plan, so verify your copay and deductible ahead of time. Self-pay fees are $150 for the initial assessment, $130 for a 45 to 50 minute session and $65 for a 30 minute session. A Sliding Fee Program based on household income and family size may reduce what you pay.
Can I have individual counseling by telehealth?
Yes, telehealth appointments are available. You will need a private place to talk, a device with a camera and microphone, and an internet connection. Whether a video session is possible depends on where you are located at the time of the appointment, so please ask about your situation when you call.
What if I do not feel comfortable with my therapist?
Say so. It is important to feel comfortable with your therapist and to have confidence in their approach. A direct conversation about what is not working can help. If it does not, you can ask our office about seeing a different clinician. Wanting a better fit is not a failure on your part.
Can counseling help if a health condition is affecting my mood?
It can be part of your care. People with a chronic disease have a higher risk of depression, and depression is treatable even when someone has a chronic illness. Therapy offers a place to talk about the stress of living with a condition. Keep your medical providers informed about all the care you are receiving.
Ready to talk with someone?
Call 443-978-8688 or request an appointment. We see clients in person in Salisbury and Bethesda and by telehealth across Maryland.
Sources
National Institute of Mental Health: I'm So Stressed Out Fact Sheet
National Institute of Mental Health: Understanding the Link Between Chronic Disease and Depression
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.
