Martha J. Horn, PhD in Baltimore: Individual Therapy Focused on Cognitive Behavioral Treatment
Martha J. Horn holds a doctorate in psychology and operates an independent practice in Baltimore offering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults, with particular emphasis on anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions. She works by appointment in an office-based setting and is not affiliated with a hospital system or large group practice, meaning direct contact with her office is required to establish care.
What This Practice Is
Dr. Horn's practice functions as a solo clinical psychology practice. She holds a PhD in psychology and is licensed to practice independently in Maryland, which allows her to conduct psychotherapy and psychological evaluation without a physician referral. This differs from a psychiatrist's practice (which typically includes medication management) or a clinical social worker's office (which operates under a lower licensure tier). The setting is private, confidential, and arranged around a standard appointment model rather than a drop-in or crisis structure.
Services and Fees
Dr. Horn provides individual psychotherapy using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. CBT is a goal-focused, skills-based approach that typically targets specific problems—anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, panic, social anxiety—rather than open-ended exploratory work. Sessions are typically 50 minutes and scheduled weekly or biweekly. The practice does not advertise a public fee schedule online; confirm current rates and whether she accepts your insurance by calling her office directly. Many Baltimore-area doctoral-level psychologists charge between $120 and $180 per session for out-of-pocket rates, though in-network insurance copays usually range from $20 to $50 depending on your plan. Some practices offer sliding scales for uninsured patients; ask whether this option applies.
How This Practice Compares to Other Baltimore Counseling Options
Baltimore has three main tiers of individual mental health providers. Community health centers like Chase Brexton Health Care (multiple Baltimore locations) and Cornerstone Psychiatric Associates offer therapy at reduced cost on a sliding scale, making them a first choice for uninsured or low-income clients; expect to wait several weeks for appointments. Private-practice therapists with master's-level degrees (Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors) typically cost less than PhD psychologists ($80–$120 per session) and are widely available across Baltimore. Dr. Horn's doctoral-level training and CBT specialization position her as a higher-cost option suited for clients with insurance, a specific diagnosis that responds well to CBT (like panic disorder or social anxiety), and a preference for evidence-based treatment. If cost is the limiting factor, start with a community center; if your insurance covers her and you want structured, problem-focused therapy, a PhD-level psychologist is appropriate.
Who This Practice Suits
Dr. Horn's focus on CBT and anxiety and trauma disorders makes her best suited to clients with a clear, measurable problem (not vague dissatisfaction), willingness to engage in homework and behavioral exercises between sessions, and insurance coverage or ability to pay out-of-pocket. Adults seeking therapy for panic disorder, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or PTSD would fit her stated expertise. The practice is not a good match for clients who need psychiatric medication management (a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner is required for that), those seeking long-term exploratory psychotherapy, children or adolescents, or individuals in acute crisis (call the Baltimore Crisis Response Center or go to an emergency department instead).
What the First Visit Involves
Initial appointments with a psychologist typically last 60–90 minutes and include a detailed history, symptom screening, diagnostic assessment, and discussion of treatment approach and goals. Bring insurance information if you have it, any previous psychiatric or medical records, and a list of current medications. Dr. Horn will gather information about your symptoms, when they started, what triggers them, and how they affect your life. She will explain CBT, outline expected treatment duration (typically 12–20 sessions for anxiety disorders), and establish clear objectives. Sessions follow this initial assessment, usually on a weekly schedule for the first 4–8 weeks.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Dr. Horn's office location and hours are not published on widely available directories. Contact her office by phone to confirm location, evening or weekend availability, and parking arrangements. Many Baltimore therapists maintain offices in professional buildings in Canton, Federal Hill, Roland Park, or downtown, where street parking or metered lots are standard. Verify whether she offers telehealth appointments, which several Baltimore therapists adopted during and after the pandemic.
Dr. Horn's doctoral training and CBT credentials distinguish her within Baltimore's crowded therapy market, making her relevant for clients who have insurance and want specialized, evidence-supported treatment for anxiety or trauma.
