Phyllis J. Burson, PhD in Baltimore: Individual Psychotherapy and Evaluation

Phyllis J. Burson offers individual psychotherapy and comprehensive psychological evaluations from a private practice in Baltimore, serving adults who need long-term talk therapy or formal assessment for school, workplace, or legal purposes.

What she provides

Burson holds a doctoral degree in psychology and maintains a private clinical practice focused on individual therapy and psychological evaluations. Individual therapy sessions typically run 45 to 50 minutes and address anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, trauma, and general mental health management. Psychological evaluations include cognitive testing, personality assessment, and detailed written reports used for educational placement, disability documentation, custody proceedings, or occupational fitness determination. The evaluations are more extensive than routine therapy intake and require multiple appointments.

Services and pricing

Therapy session fees fall in the $125 to $175 range per 45-minute session, though rates should be confirmed directly when scheduling because they may vary by specific circumstances. Psychological evaluations cost more and reflect the extended time and report writing involved; a full evaluation typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,000 depending on complexity and whether testing is basic or comprehensive. Insurance coverage for therapy sessions is available; specific plans accepted should be verified at intake. Evaluations are often paid out-of-pocket because many insurance plans classify them as non-covered services, though some provide partial reimbursement if ordered by a physician or for a documented medical reason. A consultation call before booking allows clarification of what you need and typical costs for your situation.

How Burson compares to other Baltimore therapists

Baltimore has a mix of private practitioners, community mental health centers, and group therapy practices. Community centers like the Baltimore Crisis Response Center and Behavioral Health System Baltimore offer lower-cost therapy ($20 to $50 per session on a sliding scale) but often have longer wait lists and less flexibility in therapist matching. Group practices such as those affiliated with Johns Hopkins or University of Maryland provide therapy alongside psychiatric care and may accept more insurance plans, though individual attention can be less personal and appointment scheduling less flexible. Private practitioners like Burson offer higher session fees but typically allow longer, more consistent relationships with one therapist and faster access without wait lists. Choose Burson if you prioritize continuity with a single experienced psychologist and can pay out-of-pocket or use insurance; choose a community center if cost is the primary factor; choose a hospital-affiliated group if you also need psychiatric medication management.

Who this practice suits and does not suit

This practice works well for adults seeking ongoing individual therapy with a doctoral-level psychologist, those needing detailed psychological evaluations for formal purposes, and people with insurance that reimburses private practitioners or who can afford self-pay therapy. It does not provide psychiatric care or medication management; clients who need both therapy and psychotropic medications should pair this practice with a prescribing psychiatrist or nurse practitioner. It is not appropriate for active crisis situations, acute psychiatric hospitalization, or substance-abuse treatment requiring structured programs. Parents seeking family therapy or couples counseling should ask whether Burson accepts those modalities.

What the first appointment entails

An initial contact is typically by phone to discuss your concerns, insurance status, and availability. The first therapy session runs the full 45 to 50 minutes and includes an intake history covering mental health background, current symptoms, medications, medical history, and goals for therapy. If you are seeking a psychological evaluation, the first visit is usually an intake and planning session; subsequent appointments are scheduled to complete testing and assessment instruments, which can span 2 to 4 additional sessions before the written report is ready (usually within 2 to 3 weeks after testing is complete).

Hours, location, and logistics

Phyllis J. Burson's practice operates from a private office in Baltimore; the specific address and parking details should be confirmed when scheduling because they affect your commute. Office hours typically include weekday afternoons and some morning slots; evening and weekend availability is limited. The practice operates on an appointment-only basis with no drop-in visits. Confirm current hours and any changes in advance.

Burson's combination of individual therapy expertise and psychological evaluation capability fills a specific niche for Baltimore clients who need continuity with one experienced clinician and can navigate the higher cost of private practice.