Paula Elitov, PhD in Baltimore: Individual and Couples Therapy for Adults
Paula Elitov is a licensed clinical psychologist offering individual and couples counseling from a private practice in Baltimore, with training in cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches. She works with adults navigating relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and life transitions, and operates on a fee-for-service model independent of any larger mental health system.
What she actually does
Dr. Elitov provides outpatient therapy as a PhD-level clinical psychologist. Unlike licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) or licensed professional counselors (LPC) in Baltimore, a PhD psychologist has completed doctoral training in psychological research and assessment alongside clinical practice. She does not prescribe medication; psychiatric referral is available when pharmacological treatment is indicated. The practice accepts self-pay clients and some insurance plans, though coverage and copay structures vary by policy. Most sessions are individual; couples work is available within the same framework.
Services and session pricing
Individual therapy and couples counseling are billed at a standard hourly rate; cost per session typically ranges from $150 to $250 depending on insurance status and engagement type. Initial intake appointments are usually 50 to 60 minutes; ongoing sessions run 45 to 50 minutes. Dr. Elitov does not offer crisis intervention or psychiatric hospitalization; clients in acute mental health emergencies are directed to hospital emergency departments or crisis hotlines. She does not diagnose or treat substance-use disorders as a primary focus. Verify current fees and insurance participation before scheduling, as these change periodically.
How this option compares to other Baltimore counseling providers
Baltimore has three main tiers of therapy providers: community mental health centers (offering low-cost or sliding-scale care through nonprofits like Behavioral Health System Baltimore), licensed therapists in private practice at standard market rates ($120–$200 per session), and psychiatrist-led clinics. Dr. Elitov sits in the second category. Relative to community mental health services, private practice offers shorter wait times (typically 1–4 weeks) and continuity with a single provider, though cost is higher. Relative to psychiatry, psychology-based therapy emphasizes talk therapy and behavioral intervention without medication as a first step. Couples therapists in Baltimore are distributed across private practice and some nonprofit agencies; couples work specifically is less universally available than individual therapy, making that specialization a differentiator.
Who it suits and who it should not
This practice suits working adults and couples with established mental health insurance, adequate income for copay or full out-of-pocket cost, and schedules accommodating evening or midday appointments. It also suits people seeking continuity and rapport over a longer course of therapy, rather than brief intervention. It does not suit uninsured clients with very low income (community mental health centers or sliding-scale nonprofits are better); people in acute psychiatric crisis (emergency department or crisis line); or those requiring medication management as the primary intervention. Adolescents and children are referred elsewhere.
First-session structure
The first appointment is an intake evaluation. Dr. Elitov gathers presenting concerns, mental health and medical history, current stressors, and treatment goals. She discusses confidentiality limits (exceptions for safety and legal mandates), fees and payment, cancellation policy, and session scheduling. Insurance verification is completed beforehand if coverage is claimed; self-pay clients confirm the session fee. Initial visits last 50 to 60 minutes; the process sets a foundation for ongoing work and establishes whether the therapeutic fit supports continued treatment.
Hours, location, and logistics
Dr. Elitov's practice is located in Baltimore; verification of exact address, parking availability, and current office hours is essential before your first appointment. Telehealth sessions are available for some clients, expanding access beyond in-person visits. Appointment scheduling is usually by phone or email; most practices keep waitlists for cancellations. Transportation and parking in Baltimore vary significantly by neighborhood, so confirm logistics when booking.
Why she belongs in this guide
Dr. Elitov represents the private-practice psychology option in Baltimore's therapy landscape, filling a niche between lower-cost community mental health and psychiatry-led treatment. Practitioners with PhD training and specialization in couples work are less saturated in Baltimore than individual-therapy-only providers, making her practice a useful reference for adults seeking that specific combination.
