Benjamin Schwinke, LCPC, BCN, Founder
*also serves MICA Frederick Office
Ben has over sixteen years of mental health experience in a variety of clinical settings. Ben is one of the few BCIA Board Certified Neurofeedback specialists in Maryland. His areas of specialty include the integration of Neurofeedback Training in the psychotherapeutic treatment of anxiety, depression and mood disorders, attention disorders such as ADD and ADHD, and sleep problems.
Ben graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa with a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology. He received his Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland.
Provider Information: Benjamin L Schwinke
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, State of Maryland, License #: LC4553
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor #: 00112182
NPI Number: 1811265267
Julie Butterbaugh MS, LCPC
Julie has worked in the mental health field for over 5 years and employs an eclectic therapeutic approach with clients. Julie is especially strong with CBT and DBT modalities. She has worked with individuals at all levels of care, specializing in substance use and co-morbid disorders. In addition to working with individual adolescents and adult clients, Julie has a passion for helping families with communication, boundary setting and reasonable expectations. At the heart of all of her work, Julie’s strength is a sincere belief in and adherence to unconditional positive regard and empathy.
Julie graduated with honors from Grand Canyon University with a Master of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Trauma.
Provider information: Julie Butterbaugh MS, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland
NPI Number: 1710608559
Michelle Chao, LCSW-C
Michelle brings over seventeen years of experience specializing in the mental health treatment of children, adolescents and young adults. Areas of expertise include ADHD, depression, mood disorders, school and/or behavioral difficulties, life transitions and self-esteem issues. Several treatment modalities she uses in her practice include, but are not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) and person-centered therapy.
Michelle graduated from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland with a dual degree in Social Work and Sociology and a minor in Social Science Research. She went on to earn her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore School of Social Work. She is a licensed certified social worker - clinical (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland.
Provider Information: Michelle Chao, LCSW-C
Licensed Certified Social Worker- Clinical, State Of Maryland, License #12263
NPI: 1659739647
Alison Dorsky, LCSW-C
Alison has 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in community mental health and school- based settings. As an Autism specialist, Alison works to increase understanding of challenges unique to Autism and ability of individuals and families to cope in positive and productive ways. Her work with children and adolescents often includes advocacy and collaboration with schools and other relevant treatment and service providers. Alison works to build mutual support and understanding across home, academic, and/or vocational environments.
Alison also has extensive experience helping people manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief and trauma. She often combines visual, video, and interactive social communication strategies in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when working with Autism and similar diagnoses. Mindfulness and trauma informed therapies are some of the additional strategies Alison uses to address anxiety, PTSD, and depression. She feels strongly, however, that establishing and maintaining a trusting and supportive relationship with her clients is essential for the success of any therapeutic process.
Alison received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA and her Master’s in Social Work from Boston University. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland.
Provider Information: Alison Dorsky, LCSW-C
Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical, License# 10033
NPI: 1255502175
Michael Donovan, LCPC, BCN
Michael has been a practicing clinician since 2012, providing mental health services to diverse clientele in several settings, including: short-term inpatient psychiatric hospitals, nonprofit outpatient residential programs, and outpatient community mental health centers. Michael works with adults and adolescents on a variety of mental health concerns, including: anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ-affirming care, and difficulties related to life's everyday challenges. He has earned a BCIA Certification in Neurofeedback, and uses this treatment technique in conjunction with psychotherapy sessions to help clients conceptualize and address their challenges from emotional, behavioral, and neurological perspectives. His clinical focus is on employing an integrative, science-based treatment approach to help clients develop a greater sense of personal meaning and autonomy in their lives.
Provider Information: Michael Donovan, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - State Of Maryland, License #LC6746
NPI: 1811360886
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Marti Cullen, LCPC
Marti has more then 15 years of experience specializing in the mental health treatment of adults and adolescents. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, attention disorders such as ADD and ADHD, mood disorders, life transitions, marital and premarital issues, infertility, pregnancy loss, women's issues, self-esteem, parenting, anger management, relationship, and school issues. Marti has extensive experience working with distressed youth, adolescents, young adults, and their families. She also has many years of experience working with adolescents and adults suffering from substance abuse disorders. She has worked in numerous settings including outpatient clinics, schools and private practice.
Marti's goals are to help clients find their inner strength and a well-balanced life. She helps clients develop the skills to manage life's daily stressors, and provides appropriate support as they pave the way towards deep and lasting change. Marti practices cognitive behavior therapy with her clients. She plays a very active role in the sessions, building a rapport with her clients that leads them to feel safe and comfortable. She helps clients explore their feelings and thoughts with the intention of learning the skills and tools to create behavioral changes in dealing with difficult and stressful situations.
Marti earned her Masters Degree in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.
She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland.
Provider Information: Marti Cullen, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - State Of Maryland, License # LC1216
NPI: 1669951067
Hal DuBois, LCSW-C
Hal is a clinical social worker with seven years of specialized experience in helping clients with relationship and parenting issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse. He is also a retired US Navy Veteran with 25 years of active service and was a licensed foster parent in Maryland and California. Hal's therapy style is goal oriented, flexible and collaborative with an understanding that developing the goals is also part of the process.
Hal has a Master's Degree in Social Work with a specialization in clinical work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and was a Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholar and as well as a Public Health Social Work Scholar while studying there.
Provider Information: Harold (Hal) DuBois, LCSW-C
Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical, State of Maryland, License #23965
NPI: 1093412892
Peter King, LCPC
Peter has worked in the mental health field for over 10 years with experience in case management, crisis intervention, therapeutic day programs, outpatient programs for substance use and mental health, and a residential program for substance use. He works with adolescents, adults, and families using a therapy approach which includes compassion, curiosity, and problem-solving. Peter primarily uses therapeutic interventions drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, family systems, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). He is also certified in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for treating trauma.
Peter believes that people have inner strengths and resources which can be accessed in therapy. He sees therapy as a collaborative process aimed at helping people lead lives that are healthy, fulfilling, and meaningful.
Peter graduated from Marymount University in Arlington, VA with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the State of Maryland.
Provider Information: Peter King, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, State of Maryland, License #LC9119
NPI: 1851913479
Carrie Knebel, LCSW-C, ATR-BC
Carrie has over 20 years of experience working with young people (children and adolescents) and their families and adults. Carrie is both a verbal therapist as well as an art therapist. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), client centered therapy and art therapy. Carrie meets the client where they are and helps them set goals to make the changes they desire. Carrie specializes in depression, anxiety, family conflict, and peer relationships.
Carrie earned a Master’s degree in Social Work from Catholic University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland. She earned a Master’s degree in Art Therapy and is a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC).
Provider Information: Carrie Knebel LCSW-C
Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, State of Maryland, License #07687
NPI Number: 1841759180
Esther Saggurthi, LCPC
The mere thought of therapy can be daunting, while in actuality most of us ask for advice from those around us everyday. What makes therapy different from asking a coworker, friend or relative for their advice, is my approach to therapy. I believe therapy is allowing you the space to work out issues, the space to feel free and learn about yourself in new ways. Therapy is looking at your thoughts and behavioral patterns for maximum effectiveness to your desired goals.
I practice mostly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, and Positive Psychology. In addition to talk therapy, I also practice Bibliotherapy, Drama Therapy, Poetry Therapy, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Mindfulness, Guided Meditation, and Sensorium work, with an overall holistic approach to counseling. The type of therapy modality used, or combination thereof is based on how best to meet YOUR needs.
I see my job as having you look in a mirror at your inner self and decide if there is anything you would want to work on improving. I am here to support you in those endeavors. I will not do the work for you. I can not promise you all sunshine and rainbows. I will not have all the answers. I am human too. I will support you in any way I can, as you travel your journey of life, with all its surprises.
My approach is best summed up in two quotes by Benjamin Franklin, “There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.” “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Here’s to you, learning about yourself!
Provider Information: Esther Saggurthi
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, License #LC8450
NPI: 1255960027
Abby Shahar, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC
Abby brings over 15 years of experience in mental health treatment with people of all ages, with a focus on depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, and crisis intervention. Aside from talk-therapy, she is an art therapist and is happy to incorporate aspects of this technique into your session. Art therapy may not be for everyone, so do not be deterred! She believes strongly in the benefits of mindfulness and client-centered practice in her sessions. She also employs solution-focused techniques that she believes give direction and gratification towards fulfilling your goals.
Abby graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Visual Arts. She went on to earn her Master’s degree in Art Therapy from The George Washington University. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) as well as a Licensed (LCPAT), Registered, and Board Certified (ATR-BC) Art Therapist in the State of Maryland.
Provider Information : Abby Shahar
Licensed Certified Professional Counselor, State of Maryland, License # LC4984
License Certified Professional Art Therapist, State of Maryland, License # ATC077
NPI Number: 1073033049
Mishawna Washington, LCPC
Mishawna is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor practicing in Maryland since 2018.
Mishawna has experience and expertise with a wide array of clientele including adults with
anxiety, mood disorders and trauma. She also has specific specialization in treating trauma
disorders in children and adolescents including Foster and Adoption Trauma. Mishawna utilizes skills from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, as well as others.
Mishawna graduated with a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling, and obtained a
certificate in Childhood and Adolescent Disorders from Grand Canyon University, Arizona.
Mishawna Washington, LCPC
License # LC11129
NPI 1609346311
MICA Frederick Office Providers
Stacy Bratburd, LCSW-C
Stacy has over 15 years of clinical experience treating adolescents, young adults, adults, families, and couples. Stacy specializes in helping clients work through anxiety, depression, stress management, self-esteem, life transitions, personal growth, parenting issues and relationships. Her goal is to help clients live a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. Stacy tends to use CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and SFT (Solution Focused Therapy) to help clients identify any negative thought patterns or obstacles that may be standing in their way of reaching their fullest potential. Meditation/relaxation techniques, as well as more creative approaches such as art, writing, and health/wellness are also incorporated into sessions. Stacy works hard to create a safe, trusting and nurturing environment while also challenging you to help with your own self growth.
Stacy graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and from University of Maryland- Baltimore with a Master's Degree in Social Work. She is Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical in Maryland.
Provider Information: Stacy Bratburd, LCSW-C
Licensed Certified Social Worker- Clinical, State Of Maryland, License #15187
NPI: 1699144055
Sarah Bruchey, LGPC, CAC-AD
Sarah is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) and a Certified Associate Counselor: Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD) counseling with over 3 years of counseling experience. Sarah received her bachelor's degrees in psychology and sociology and master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lebanon Valley College.
Sarah has experience working with clients of all ages with treatment needs including anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress management, self-esteem, relationships, family conflicts, addiction and trauma. Sarah works to provide a warm and comforting therapeutic relationship while adapting her treatment to the needs of each individual. Sarah uses interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Outside of her work as a therapist, Sarah enjoys reading, pottery, cooking, and spending time in the sunshine with friends and family.
Provider Information: Sarah Bruchey, LGPC, CAC-AD
Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor #LGP13960
CAC-AD # AC3153
NPI: 1265283964
Megan Graham, LCSW-C
Megan is a licensed clinical social worker and has been working in the mental health field for the past 10 years with children, adolescents and adults in numerous settings. Megan received her bachelor’s degree at Towson University in Human & Family Services then her master’s degree in Social Work at University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Megan’s areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, personal growth, stress management, women's issues, codependency, self-esteem, trauma-related symptoms, anger management, parenting, family conflict, behavioral issues in children, alcohol and marijuana abuse, and relationship and school issues.
Megan believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship and meeting individuals where they are. She will approach you and your story with empathy, curiosity, and kindness while also providing realistic support and engagement. She is down to earth, collaborative and utilizes humor. Specifically, Megan has an holistic approach by combining different theories and techniques and tailors it towards the individual's needs.
Provider Information: Megan Graham, LCSW-C
Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical, License MD: #24015
NPI: 1841769361
Ingrid Mood, PhD, LCPC
Ingrid has advanced specialized training in neuropsychology and clinical mental health, and over ten years of clinical experience. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Certified Neuropsychotherapist, with expertise in stress and traumatic stress disorders, relational dynamics, and behavioral health, including addictions. Her comprehensive practice is dedicated to supporting individuals (13 and older), families, and couples through a variety of challenges including stress management, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, achievement and motivation, loneliness, personal growth and self-confidence, and difficulties in interpersonal
relationships. Ingrid's therapeutic approach is best described as relational and intersubjective, and is rooted in well researched, integrative, and evidence-based best practices. Along with EMDR, Ingrid offers a compassionate, confidential, and professional therapeutic environment to support a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Ingrid received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bowie
State University in 2012, then went for her PhD at Howard University where she studied clinical
psychology and neuropsychology. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Licensed
Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland.
Provider Information: Ingrid Mood, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, State of Maryland, License# LC7683
Nationally Certified Counselor: NCC, License #299074
NPI Number: 1356129951
Michelle Ramirez, LCSW-C
Michelle has over 10 years of experience working as a mental health therapist treating individuals of all ages, families and couples. This experience includes working with clients facing challenges related to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, trauma, relationship conflict, stress management, and grief and loss. She works with clients using a strengths-based approach to help identify healthy coping strategies and gain insight. Interventions also include Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Michelle graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, and The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC with a Master’s degree in social work. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker- Clinical (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland.
Provider information: Michelle Ramirez, LCSW-C
Licensed Certified Social Worker- Clinical, State of Maryland License #15983
NPI: 1992101463
Jen Sherwin, LCPC
Jennifer has over 22 years of experience specializing in the mental health treatment of adults, couples, and adolescents. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, substance abuse, life transitions, infertility, pregnancy loss, postpartum depression and self-esteem issues. She has worked in numerous settings including outpatient clinics, hospitals, schools and rehab programs. Jen's goals are to help clients achieve balance to live a more complete, fulfilled life. She helps clients develop the skills to cope more effectively with life's stressors. Jen is also trained in Neurofeedback therapy and uses it in conjunction with traditional talk therapy. Additionally, Jen is now conducting group therapy sessions for substance abuse.
Jen earned her Masters Degree in Counseling from Columbia University in New York. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland.
Provider Information: Jen Sherwin, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - State Of Maryland, License # LC2566
NPI: 1649467408
Marie Steffens, LCSW-C
Marie has been a clinical social worker for over 15 years, with experience in adoptions, medical, and outpatient mental health counseling. She specializes in individual counseling with teens and adults, and enjoys working with a wide range of therapy experience – from seeking therapy for the first time ever, to those who themselves are in the mental health profession. Marie utilizes the therapeutic models of CBT and EMDR. Areas of expertise include trauma, anxiety, depression, broken relationships, self-esteem, daily stress, and breaking generational cycles of unhealthy mental health. Marie graduated from Florida State University with a Master of Social Work and has practiced as a therapist in Florida and Texas in addition to Maryland. Marie believes healing is developed through small steps of success, building momentum along the therapeutic journey. Everyone’s journey of making progress is different and she celebrates each person’s unique style of growing and healing. Marie believes counseling is a safe place,
free from judgment. Marie offers space for you to express yourself as your true authentic self.
Provider Information: Marie Steffens, LCSW-C
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Clinical, State of Maryland, License#: 31235
NPI: 1023338712
Noah Stevens, LCPC
Noah has been practicing since 2010 and experience working with a wide variety of clients including children, teens, and adults, as well as couples and families. His areas of focus are behavioral problems, anxiety, and mood disorders. He also has a great deal of experience in serious persistent mental health issues and substance abuse. He uses primarily Cognitive Behavioral and Client-Focused (Rogerian) methods, and is trained in Motivational Interviewing. Noah is also trained in Neurofeedback therapy and uses it in conjunction with traditional talk therapy.
Noah earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from The University of West Florida. His graduate training was in Counseling Psychology at the University of West Florida, where he earned a Master's degree. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.
Provider Information: Noah Stevens, LCPC
Licensed Certified Professional Counselor, State Of Maryland, License #LC5110
NPI: 1013209154
Laura Zukowski, LCPC
Laura has over twelve years of experience specializing in the mental health treatment of adolescents, adults, and families. Laura has worked in a variety of clinical settings including residential, inpatient, outpatient, and school based services. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and stress management. Laura believes that the relationship between client and therapist is crucial to the success of treatment, and works to provide a safe and trusting dynamic with her clients. She tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the specific needs of the individual, emphasizing a strength based and person centered approach. Some interventions include talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
Laura completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology at Virginia Tech and her Masters Degree in Community Mental Health Counseling at McDaniel College.
Provider Information: Laura Zukowski, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, State of Maryland, License #: LC4337
NPI # 1508234873