Nan Kaufman LCSWC in Baltimore: Individual Therapy and Couples Counseling for Adults

Nan Kaufman is a licensed clinical social worker with a private counseling practice in Baltimore serving adults in individual therapy and couples work. She operates independently, not as part of a larger group practice or clinic, which means direct scheduling with her rather than intake coordinators, and flexibility on timing that larger operations cannot always match.

What Kaufman's practice actually is

Kaufman holds an LCSWC credential (Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Clinical Practice designation), the Maryland-regulated qualification for independent mental health practice without a psychiatrist's supervision. She works with adults; the practice does not serve children or teenagers. Her focus is on individual psychotherapy and couples counseling, not psychiatric medication management or intensive outpatient programs. She operates from a private office, not a community health center or hospital system, which shapes both her availability model and her fee structure.

Services and fees

Kaufman offers individual therapy and couples sessions. Weekly individual therapy is the standard frame; some clients see her twice weekly or biweekly depending on clinical needs and scheduling. Couples sessions follow the same format. There is no published fee schedule online; pricing is discussed at intake. Like most independent LCSWC practitioners in Baltimore, fees typically fall in the $120 to $180 per 50-minute session range, though this should be confirmed directly. She accepts some insurance plans; verify whether your plan covers out-of-network LCSWC providers and at what reimbursement level before your first session. Many Baltimore therapists now ask clients to confirm their own insurance benefits rather than handle verification internally, a shift that affects your initial legwork.

How it compares to other Baltimore counseling options

Independent LCSWC practices like Kaufman's differ from larger group practices (such as Mindpath or Luminous Health in the greater Baltimore region) in appointment availability, fee transparency, and continuity. A group practice offers same-week or next-day appointments; Kaufman's availability depends on her current caseload and may have a wait. Group practices often post fees or insurance panels; independent practitioners require a phone conversation. The trade-off is continuity: you see the same clinician every session, not a rotating roster. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) like Chase Brexton Health Services in Baltimore offer sliding-scale fees and accept most insurance, but wait times run weeks longer and clinicians are often LCSWs or LMFTs in training or with less experience. Psychiatrists in private practice charge more (often $200 to $300 per intake) but provide medication management alongside therapy. Kaufman is best suited to adults seeking ongoing therapy with a single experienced clinician without the insurance overhead of a large group or the lower cost but longer wait of a public health center.

Who suits this practice and who does not

Kaufman's practice works well for adults with consistent insurance coverage or ability to self-pay; those who value predictability and one therapist over rapid access; and those seeking couples work at a practice scale where both partners meet the same clinician. It does not suit people in crisis needing next-day or same-day availability, those without insurance and no disposable income, or parents seeking child or family therapy. Someone trying a therapist for two sessions to test fit may experience a longer wait between appointments due to weekly scheduling.

What a first visit involves

Initial contact is typically a phone call to Kaufman's office (verify the phone number before calling, as routing may change). She or an answering service will collect basic information: your name, insurance, what brings you, and availability. You will be sent intake paperwork to complete before the first session, standard practice for LCSWC offices. The first session itself runs 50 minutes, covers your history and presenting concerns, and serves as mutual fit assessment. Fees apply to the first visit; most independent practitioners do not offer free consultations. Expect to discuss whether ongoing therapy or couples work is appropriate and whether she has an opening in her schedule to take you on as a regular client.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Hours and parking information should be confirmed directly with Kaufman's office, as independent practices vary widely and changes are common. Many Baltimore independent therapists operate Monday through Friday during business hours with some early evening slots, though less weekend availability than group practices. Parking depends on the office building; ask whether there is on-site parking, street parking, or parking validation. Some Baltimore therapists have moved practices during COVID and again in 2023–2024, so address confirmation at intake is essential.

Nan Kaufman belongs in a Baltimore city guide because she represents the private therapy model that serves insured, stable-income adults in the city, and because her independent practice offers a direct alternative to larger groups and community centers.