Myra Burgee, PhD in Baltimore: Individual Psychotherapy and Trauma-Informed Practice
Myra Burgee holds a PhD in clinical psychology and operates an independent private practice in Baltimore focused on individual psychotherapy, with particular expertise in trauma treatment and somatic approaches.
What the practice actually is
Burgee's practice is a small, independent clinical psychology office rather than a group practice or clinic setting. This structure means direct access to the psychologist without intermediary clinical staff or intake coordinators. The practice works primarily through individual, ongoing therapy relationships rather than crisis intervention, psychiatric medication management, or group programming. Burgee holds doctoral training in clinical psychology and is licensed by the state of Maryland, a credential distinct from therapists with master's-level training (MA, LCSW, or LPC). The focus on trauma and somatic psychology means the clinical approach often incorporates body-centered work alongside talk therapy, addressing how trauma lives in nervous system responses and physical sensations rather than cognition alone.
Services and typical session costs
The practice operates on a fee-for-service basis, which typically ranges from $140 to $220 per 45- to 50-minute session in Baltimore's current market, though exact fees should be confirmed directly. Most clients engage in weekly or biweekly appointments. The practice does not bill insurance, meaning clients pay out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement themselves from out-of-network mental health benefits if their plan offers it. This cash-pay model removes insurance approval delays and session limits but requires the client to manage their own claims and understand their deductible and out-of-network allowance. No sliding scale is standard in independent doctoral-level practices; clients needing reduced rates or payment plans should ask directly during initial contact.
How this compares to other Baltimore therapy options
Baltimore's mental health landscape divides into insurance-integrated clinic networks (Community Health Center, Greater Baltimore Medical Center behavioral health divisions), independent therapists and psychologists, and group psychology practices. Burgee's independent doctorate-level practice differs from clinic-based therapy in both structure and cost. A clinic typically charges less per session ($60–$120) but operates with intake assessments, managed care approval requirements, and scheduled clinicians rather than continuity with one provider. A master's-level independent therapist in Baltimore typically charges $100–$160 per session; the PhD credential and trauma specialization command the higher end. Burgee's somatic and trauma-informed focus contrasts with standard cognitive-behavioral or psychodynamic-only practices, suiting clients whose previous talk therapy felt incomplete or who respond to body-based interventions. Group practices of psychologists (such as practices affiliated with Johns Hopkins or Mercy Medical Center) offer faster availability and insurance billing but at the cost of less autonomy in provider choice and potential clinician changes between visits.
Who this practice suits and who it doesn't
Burgee's practice is best for clients with insurance that covers out-of-network care, stable income to support ongoing private-pay therapy, and trauma or somatic concerns they have not resolved through standard office-based therapy. The individual, private structure requires self-direction and the ability to call, email, or leave a message for scheduling; no receptionist manages the intake process. Clients must also tolerate potential waitlists, as an independent practice is not staffed to absorb rapid demand. This practice does not suit clients needing immediate crisis intervention, psychiatric medication, assessment for medication-assisted treatment, disability documentation, or intensive case management. Similarly, clients without out-of-network coverage or limited discretionary income will find the fee-for-service model prohibitive compared to clinic sliding scales.
What the first visit involves
Initial contact is typically by phone or email left at the practice number. Burgee usually conducts a brief phone screening before scheduling an intake appointment. The first in-person session involves a detailed history taking: childhood trauma or adverse experiences, current symptoms, previous therapy or psychiatric treatment, social and family context, and presenting problems. Trauma-informed intake means explicit attention to safety and consent; the psychologist will ask how the client prefers to be approached and what topics may require pacing. Expect discussion of the fee, payment logistics, confidentiality limits, and the structure of ongoing treatment. Follow-up scheduling is arranged at the close of the first visit.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Contact information and scheduling require direct inquiry; these details are not published widely online and vary according to the practice's current capacity. Baltimore's private practices often operate afternoons and some early evenings to accommodate working adults, though exact hours should be confirmed. Street parking or lot availability depends on the office location within Baltimore, a detail to verify when scheduling. Clients should plan to arrive 10 minutes early for the first session to complete any intake forms.
Burgee's independent practice and doctoral training offer consistency and specialized expertise in trauma that group clinics and master's-level therapists often reserve for referral or don't integrate into routine care. For clients with the financial means and out-of-network coverage, this model delivers continuity and depth.
