173,643 people sought individual therapy help in Maryland in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a individual can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 6 therapists in Maryland available for an online or in-person session.
Gillian McCusker

Hear from Gillian McCusker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Certified (LCSW-Certified)

View Gillian McCusker's profile

What is your go-to approach for individual therapy?

My general approach for people in individual therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy. I find it particularly helpful for anxiety and depression because it introduces new perspectives that allow people to get unstuck in their thought patterns.

What tools do you teach in individual therapy?

While it depends on what the goals and focus of therapy are, I teach tools like reframing thoughts, emotional regulation, communication skills, self-care, and mindfulness. I find most everyone can benefit from mindfulness skills so they can calm down and center themselves when life feels overwhelming.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in individual therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in therapy when they recognize what they are doing differently in day-to-day life and how it is positively affecting them.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement individual therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy with workbooks or reading on a topic. It can be a great way to get more information, another perspective, and even ideas or concerns you want to bring to individual therapy.

What should someone do to prepare for starting individual therapy?

To prepare for your first individual therapy session, you can think about your goals for therapy—what you are hoping to work on, what is negatively affecting you, or what would you like to learn about. Also having a notebook just for therapy is helpful for taking notes, and you can write things down to bring to your next session.

Starting Individual therapy

What is individual therapy?

Individual therapy, also known as individual-counseling, allows people to engage in private sessions with a skilled therapist, counselor, or psychologist. The core objective of individual therapy is to establish a secure and confidential setting where you can openly discuss whatever emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges you face. Through these one-on-one sessions, the client and therapist work together to delve into, comprehend, and ultimately find solutions for the issues at hand in their life.

How does individual therapy work?

Individual therapy unfolds in a structured process, commencing with an initial assessment in which the therapist gathers essential information about your history, concerns, and objectives. Together, you and your therapist collaboratively establish specific, attainable goals for your sessions, which can encompass symptom alleviation, personal development, or finding solutions to particular challenges.

Can individual therapy help me?

Yes, individual therapy, also known as individual-counseling, at Thriveworks can help you to improve your mental health and overall quality of life.

Is individual therapy conducted in person or online?

Individual therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does individual therapy last?

The duration of your individual therapy sessions will vary. The decision on the number and frequency of sessions is typically collaboratively determined by the client and therapist.

How much does individual therapy cost?

At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Columbia therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Maryland | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

Show more
Self-pay costs at Columbia
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I have been in and out of therapy (with/without meds) for over 30 years. It really made me happy, something I haven't been in a while, to find people who actually listen and ask questions about your past, present, and how you're feeling. I would highly recommend Thriveworks!!
Read more I have been in and out of therapy (with/without meds) for over 30 years. It really made me happy, something I haven't been in a while, to find people who actually listen and ask questions about your past, present, and how you're feeling. I would highly recommend Thriveworks!!
Mary Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I felt a good session
Kadesha Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Columbia is located inside the The Shoppes at Wilde Lake shopping center, between Twin Rivers Road and Cross Fox Lane. Adjacent to the shopping center, you will find Vista Wilde Lake Apartments. Parking is available in front of the main entrance.

Phone number

(410) 724-1137

Languages spoken by MD providers

  • English
  • French
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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