Erin M. Claxton, LCSW-C in Baltimore: Individual Therapy for Adults and Couples
Erin M. Claxton is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Baltimore, offering individual psychotherapy and couples counseling to adults. She works on a fee-for-service basis without a brick-and-mortar office; telehealth appointments dominate her scheduling, with occasional in-person sessions available by arrangement. For residents seeking longer-term talk therapy outside a community mental health system or large group practice, she represents a solo provider model common in Baltimore but worth understanding before booking.
What Claxton's practice actually is
A solo, independent LCSW-C (Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified) private practice. Claxton holds the LCSW-C credential, which requires a master's degree in social work, supervised clinical hours, and a state licensure exam. The Certified designation in Maryland means she meets additional ongoing education and ethical standards. Unlike psychiatrists, LCSWs cannot prescribe medication; instead, they provide talk therapy and may refer for psychiatric evaluation if needed. Claxton's practice is small and non-institutional, meaning direct contact with the same clinician across all sessions, no front-desk staff in most cases, and scheduling handled through a patient portal or direct email.
Services and fee structure
Claxton offers two main service tracks: individual adult psychotherapy and couples counseling. Individual sessions typically run 45 to 60 minutes. Couples work involves both partners in a 60-minute session. Fees for private-practice LCSWs in Baltimore range from $100 to $180 per session; verify her exact rate directly. Some insurance plans reimburse LCSW services if Claxton is in-network; others do not, placing the full cost on the patient. If you use insurance, confirm her participation status before scheduling. Patients who pay out-of-pocket may sometimes request an invoice for out-of-network reimbursement, a step worth asking about upfront.
How Claxton compares to other Baltimore-area counseling options
Baltimore hosts a three-tier counseling landscape. Large community mental health systems like Kennedy Krieger Institute and Baltimore Behavioral Health serve uninsured and low-income patients with sliding-scale fees, often under $50 per session, but waits can reach several weeks. Mid-size group practices (Chesapeake Counseling, Harbor Psychiatric Services) employ multiple clinicians, offer some insurance flexibility, and move faster on scheduling but may rotate you between therapists. Solo practices like Claxton's charge higher out-of-pocket fees but guarantee continuity with one clinician. Choose Claxton if you have insurance that covers her rates or can pay privately and value therapeutic continuity; choose a community system if cost is primary; choose a group if you need faster access or flexibility.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
Claxton's practice suits employed adults with private insurance or disposable income, people comfortable with telehealth, those seeking ongoing individual therapy for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or life transitions, and couples willing to work on relational patterns over time. It does not suit uninsured patients needing low-cost care, individuals in acute psychiatric crisis (requiring immediate medical intervention), those without reliable internet or preference for in-person-only treatment, or people seeking medication management alongside therapy. If you require psychiatric evaluation or medication changes, Claxton will refer you to a psychiatrist or MD; coordinate separately.
What the first visit involves
Initial sessions typically last 60 minutes and serve as mutual assessment. Expect to discuss your presenting concern (why you're seeking therapy), relevant history, current stressors, any prior treatment, and goals for the work. Claxton will ask about psychiatric history, substance use, and safety (suicidal or homicidal ideation). She will explain her approach, fees, cancellation policy, confidentiality limits, and how to reach her in an emergency. Bring insurance information if applicable; many practices request this via the patient portal before the appointment. Cancellation policies vary; typical solo practices charge for sessions canceled less than 24 hours in advance. Confirm hers when you book.
Hours, location, and logistics
Claxton works primarily via secure video telehealth, which you can access from home on any device with internet. In-person appointments in Baltimore are available but limited; ask when scheduling if that is your preference. No parking or travel time is required for telehealth. She does not maintain a waiting room or shared office space. Session scheduling is typically done through an online portal or email. Evening and weekend slots are common in solo practices; verify availability when you contact her. For an emergency during non-business hours, most independent practitioners provide a crisis protocol in their intake materials, usually directing you to a hospital ER or crisis line.
Why Claxton fits Baltimore's counseling landscape
Therapy in Baltimore reflects the city's economic diversity and health-care infrastructure: community systems serve uninsured populations, large practices handle insured volume, and independent clinicians serve those seeking sustained, personalized care outside those structures. Claxton occupies the solo-practice space, offering continuity and flexibility for patients who can afford it and prefer it.
