Online Social Anxiety therapists in Bethesda, Maryland MD
We are proud to feature top rated online Social Anxiety therapists in Bethesda. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
Monica Grey
Counselor/Therapist, LCPC
Social anxiety can make everyday interactions — networking, speaking up at work, even making a phone call — feel like high-stakes performances. If you find yourself rehearsing conversations, avoiding situations where you might be judged, or replaying interactions long after they're over, you're not alone. I use cognitive behavioral and acceptance-based strategies to help you understand what's driving the avoidance and gradually reclaim the parts of your life anxiety has taken over. We work at your pace, with concrete goals, so progress feels real — not theoretical. For many clients, social anxiety also disrupts sleep, and I'm uniquely positioned to address both.
7 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD (Online Only)
Craig Springer
Psychologist, PhD
Do you struggle taking the first steps to get closer to others and feel detached?
Do you experience tension or conflict when you get closer to your acquaintances?
Do you feel anxious in social situations and shy away from closer connections?
Do you long for more enjoyment and fun in your social experience?
While we desire relationships and connections with others outside of our immediate families, we may experience difficulty establishing and maintaining these relationships .
If you are someone who…
looks for closer connections
wishes there was more care and less conflict with your friends
get anxious when talking to strangers or in social gatherings
… then I may be able to help. I can assist you in improving your communication and interpersonal skills to bring you closer to others. While conflict can surface in every human interaction, if it is handled skillfully with warmth and respect, there is a great chance to develop closer and more meaningful relationships.
I have experience helping people manage relationship conflicts, attachment difficulties and social anxiety. Please contact me if you are interested in exploring these services.
20 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Kiersten Lipinski
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW-C
I can help individuals with social anxiety by providing a safe and supportive space to explore their fears and challenges. Together, we’ll work on managing anxiety, shifting negative thought patterns, and learning practical skills to navigate social interactions, so that social anxiety no longer holds you back from living a fulfilling life.
7 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD (Online Only)
Richard Scott, Ph.D.
Psychologist, Ph.D.
Social anxiety can make everyday interactions feel overwhelming — whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, attending a social gathering, or just being yourself around others. You might worry constantly about being judged or saying the wrong thing, which can lead to avoidance and isolation. Therapy provides a supportive space to understand where this anxiety comes from, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and build confidence in social situations. If you're ready to feel more at ease and connected, I’m here to help you get there.
20 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Kelli Tahaney
Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Ph.D.
My clinical training is rooted in CBT for anxiety disorders as my initial experience with clients/patients was in a world-renowned anxiety clinic in Boston. I continue to provide such evidence based therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Phobias.
5 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Mariana Carabantes, Psy.D.
Psychologist, Licensed Psychologist
People with social anxiety find it very hard to interact with others and will do whatever possible to avoid it. They constantly second guess themselves, and attribute any negative interaction to their own failure to relate. They also anticipate negative consequences even before attempting to interact. Luckily, through cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral techniques, you can overcome this problem.
16 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Kimberly Turner-Frazier
Counselor/Therapist, LCPC, LPC
If social situations feel like a source of constant dread or intense self-criticism, you are not alone. I specialize in helping individuals manage the physical and mental toll of social anxiety. Together, we will explore the roots of your discomfort and practice practical, evidence-based techniques to quiet the 'internal critic.' By building your confidence in a safe, non-judgmental space, we can work toward navigating social interactions with greater ease and authenticity, allowing you to connect with others on your own terms.
8 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD (Online Only)
Elisha S Lee
Counselor/Therapist, NCCA CTCC CPC
Specialty Blurb on Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety counseling services cater to individuals experiencing overwhelming fear and discomfort in social situations, which can significantly impede personal and professional relationships. Understanding the profound influence social anxiety has on one's day-to-day life, our approach combines warmth, confidentiality, and professional expertise. We aim to offer a supportive environment where individuals can confront their fears, develop social skills, and foster self-confidence.
Techniques and Supports for Social Anxiety
* Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for challenging and changing negative thought patterns associated with social situations.
* Exposure therapy to gradually and safely face social settings, reducing fear over time.
* Social skills training to enhance communication abilities and comfort in various social interactions.
* Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques to lower anxiety levels and promote a calm state of mind.
* Group counseling sessions that provide a supportive arena for practicing new skills and receiving feedback in a controlled atmosphere.
Goals of Social Anxiety Counseling
Our Social Anxiety Counseling is designed to:
* Equip individuals with effective coping mechanisms for managing anxiety in social scenarios.
* Improve self-esteem and assertiveness in interpersonal relationships.
* Increase understanding of social anxiety's triggers and effects to better navigate challenging situations.
* Guide you in creating and maintaining meaningful relationships.
* Encourage positive social interactions through practical exercises and real-life applications.
* Addressing social anxiety requires patience and a personalized therapeutic approach. Our services are tailored to help individuals overcome the barriers posed by social anxiety, allowing them to live more freely and confidently. By breaking the cycle of fear and avoidance, we support our clients in navigating social environments with ease and developing lasting, fulfilling connections.
9 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Kimberly Dudley
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT
Social anxiety can make everyday interactions feel overwhelming and leave you constantly worrying about how others perceive you. Together, we’ll work to understand the root causes of your anxiety, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, build confidence in social situations, and help you engage more comfortably and authentically with others.
15 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Donna M Torbico - HEAL & GROW for ACoAs
Counselor/Therapist, Recovery Therapist in Private Practice 40 years
This is caused by negative, usually unrealistic beliefs about ourselves & others. It is underpinned by actual childhood rejections, which now are projected out onto everyone we meet, especially onto strangers.
40 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD (Online Only)
Molly Rosenstein
Counselor/Therapist, LPC
Social anxiety can make everyday interactions feel intimidating and exhausting. I help clients understand the roots of their anxiety and develop practical skills to manage fear, reduce avoidance, and build confidence in social settings. Using evidence-based techniques like CBT, combined with empathy and support, we’ll work together to create a more comfortable and connected experience in your relationships and social life.
5 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Stephanie Larsen @ Healthy Minds Psychology Group
Psychologist, PsyD
Hi! Congratulations on taking the first step in your journey of caring more deeply for yourself! I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults working to overcome their significant anxiety and free their life from constant worry. Social anxiety is characterized by a fear of social perception or judgment and can be overwhelming and depressing as it can hold you back from what you truly want to achieve or what you have to offer the world. I work with individuals to find their confidence and voice again. It can be scary, but sometimes the scariest things are the most rewarding! Ultimately, I strongly believe in building a close therapeutic relationship where you can feel safe to explore and move past your anxious thought patterns, learn to support yourself, become more confident in your identity and purpose, and my goal is to help you achieve the goals you've set out to meet! Feel free to reach out and see if we can be a good fit to help move you closer to your goals and relief!
14 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Clear Path Counseling and Wellness Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA. LPC
Brad provides trauma-informed therapy for social anxiety and related challenges, including fear of judgment, excessive self-consciousness, avoidance of social situations, difficulty speaking in groups, performance anxiety, and discomfort in interpersonal interactions. Social anxiety can significantly impact relationships, work performance, confidence, and overall quality of life, often leading to isolation, stress, and reduced self-esteem.
Brad takes a holistic and trauma-focused approach to social anxiety therapy, helping clients understand and address the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to fear and avoidance in social settings. Many individuals with social anxiety have experienced past criticism, embarrassment, rejection, bullying, or other distressing social experiences that continue to shape how they perceive and respond to social environments.
As an experienced trauma therapist and EMDR therapist, Brad integrates EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), trauma-informed counseling, emotional regulation strategies, and holistic therapeutic approaches to help clients process past experiences, reduce anxiety responses, and build greater confidence in social situations. Therapy focuses on calming the nervous system, shifting negative beliefs about self and others, and developing healthier patterns of interaction.
Brad works collaboratively with clients to identify triggers, explore underlying fears, and develop practical tools for managing anxiety in real-world social settings. Treatment is personalized and supportive, helping clients gradually increase comfort, confidence, and authenticity in their interactions with others.
The goal of therapy is not to eliminate personality or force social performance, but to help clients feel more at ease being themselves, build meaningful connections, and reduce the fear and avoidance that interfere with daily life.
Healing is possible. With the right support, clients can move beyond social anxiety, feel more grounded in social situations, and engage with others in a way that feels natural, confident, and authentic.
28 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD (Online Only)
Julien Moe
Hypnotherapist, Diploma in Clinical and Applied Hypnosis, Diploma in Life Coaching
Hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for social anxiety by helping to reduce anxiety symptoms, reframe negative thought patterns, and build confidence. It replaces negative thought patterns with positive ones.Physical Symptom Management: Hypnosis reduces physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, and trembling.
Social anxiety is not insurmountable. My clients with this disorder are recovering and living a happy life, meeting with new and old friends. I use Dicit hypnotherapy. All my patients are now more social and sociable than ever. So should you.
10 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Christine Highfill
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC-S
Social anxiety can make everyday situations—meeting new people, speaking up at work, or even attending social gatherings—feel overwhelming. You may find yourself avoiding opportunities, worrying about being judged, or replaying conversations long after they’ve ended. In therapy, I provide a safe and supportive space to reduce fear, build confidence, and practice skills that help you feel more comfortable in social situations. Together, we’ll work on calming anxious thoughts, strengthening self-esteem, and creating strategies so you can connect more freely and fully with others.
19 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Kreins Psychological Services
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
As a psychologist specializing in social anxiety, my approach to treatment is grounded in empathy, understanding, and evidence-based interventions. Through therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and social skills training, I work collaboratively with individuals to address underlying fears and negative thought patterns related to social situations. By gradually exposing clients to feared social scenarios in a supportive environment, we work together to challenge avoidance behaviors and develop effective coping strategies. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of self-compassion, assertiveness training, and relaxation techniques to manage anxiety symptoms. My goal is to empower individuals to overcome social anxiety, build confidence in social interactions, and cultivate meaningful connections with others.
26 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Aaron Kapin
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, SEP, LMT
For some people, their social anxiety is largely a physical response: Their heart pounds, their palms get sweaty, they get so flooded with stress hormones that it's hard for them to think straight.
We can work together to teach the body how to move more efficiently through that stress so it can feel safer sooner...and better yet, start addressing the original trigger so that social situations don't need to cause such a stressful reaction to beging with.
11 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD (Online Only)
Johanna Wood, Leap Counseling and Consultation
Psychologist, PhD, LP
I specialize in exposure-based therapies for anxiety disorders, including social anxiety. My clients typically have tried therapy before, but have not seen much improvement. They continue letting anxiety rule their choices, as their lives continue getting smaller and smaller. Social anxiety is isolating and painful. Coping skills are great, but they can only get you so far. The good news is, there are science-backed treatments for social anxiety that actually work. If you're ready to stop coping and start living, take a leap of faith and reach out.
My style is structured and balances use of the latest science with compassion and understanding. My goal is to make you feel heard, and feel challenged. I serve adults with primary anxiety and OCD, and I also address co-occurring depression, insomnia, body-focused repetitive behaviors, and trauma, using cognitive-behavioral therapies. You don't have to keep suffering this way.
3 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD (Online Only)
Dr. Patricia Webbink
Psychologist, MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology
Many introverts tend to isolate themselves, and this was exacerbated by the pandemic. Finding the cause of this condition can be helpful in building confidence, and decreasing self-consciousness. The free, regular zoom seminars are helpful, and after a period of time people become more confident in revealing themselves. Please feel free to call for more information and/or a consultation: 301-229-8000.
56 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Dr. David Brooks
Psychologist, PhD,ABPP,ABN,EMDR Certified Therapist
Social anxiety is very common and creates isolation and much discomfort in social settings. Social anxiety can often be effectively remediated using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
37 Years Experience
Online in Bethesda, MD
Social Anxiety therapists in Bethesda, Maryland Statistics
Social Anxiety therapists in Bethesda, Maryland average 17 years of experience and charge around $205 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The most commonly treated issues are Social Anxiety (100%), Anxiety or Fears (97%), and Depression (81%).
Average years in practice
17 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$205
Gender ID
| 61% |
Female |
|
| 35% |
Male |
|
| 3% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 1% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 55% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 45% |
Online Only |
|
Top Specialties
| 100% | Social Anxiety |
| 97% | Anxiety or Fears |
| 81% | Depression |
| 77% | Stress |
| 69% | Self Esteem |
| 57% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 57% | Loss or Grief |