Nasim Ameri-Cianaki in Baltimore: Individual Therapy for Adults with Licensed Guidance
Nasim Ameri-Cianaki is a licensed graduate professional counselor (LGPC) offering individual psychotherapy to adults in the Baltimore area, with a clinical focus on anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. She operates in private practice, which means sessions occur outside the hospital or community health center system and typically require direct payment or insurance billing on a per-session basis.
What she actually does
Ameri-Cianaki provides talk therapy using evidence-based approaches. As an LGPC, she holds a master's degree in a counseling-related field and has completed the clinical hours and examination required by Maryland's Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. This credential means she can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, though she cannot prescribe medication. She works with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns, and trauma, conducting sessions weekly or biweekly depending on clinical need and client preference.
Pricing and session structure
Individual therapy sessions typically run 45 to 60 minutes and cost between $80 and $150 per session in the Baltimore area, depending on the provider's experience and location. Verify the exact fee during your initial inquiry, as private practitioners may offer a range. Many therapists accept major insurance plans, which can reduce out-of-pocket cost to a copay (often $15 to $50 per session); confirm coverage before booking. Some counselors also offer sliding-scale fees for uninsured clients, though availability varies. Most private therapists request payment at the time of service, with insurance claims handled by the client or submitted directly to the insurance company after the visit.
How she compares to other Baltimore counseling options
Private LGPC practices like Ameri-Cianaki's differ from larger group practices, hospital-based counseling, and community health centers. Group practices (such as those advertising multiple therapists under one name) often have shorter wait times for first appointments, sometimes 1 to 3 weeks versus 4 to 8 weeks in solo practices. Hospital-affiliated counseling departments, often attached to Johns Hopkins or University of Maryland Medical System locations, may coordinate care with psychiatry for medication management if needed, but appointments can be slower and may require a physician referral. Community health centers in Baltimore offer sliding-scale or free services and accept Medicaid, making them accessible to uninsured or underinsured patients, though clinicians may have larger caseloads and fewer specialized trauma training options. A solo LGPC therapist typically offers continuity of care, longer appointment slots, and a slower intake process but requires you to navigate insurance reimbursement independently and may have longer wait times. Choose a private LGPC like Ameri-Cianaki if you have insurance or can afford out-of-pocket fees and value working with one clinician long-term. Opt for a community health center if cost is the primary barrier or you prefer care coordinated within a single health system.
Who this is for, and who it is not
This practice suits adults (not adolescents or children, typically) who have insurance or savings to cover $80 to $150 sessions and who prefer a small-scale, confidential therapeutic relationship. It works well for clients dealing with anxiety, depression, or past trauma who want ongoing individual therapy without the bureaucracy of a hospital system. It is not appropriate for people in acute crisis (suicidal ideation, active substance abuse) without crisis support; those situations require an emergency room or crisis line. It is also not ideal for families seeking couples or group therapy together, though some individual therapists refer clients elsewhere for those modalities. Adolescents and children typically need therapists with training in developmental psychology and play therapy, which private practices may not advertise.
The first appointment
Expect a phone or email inquiry during which you ask about availability and confirm insurance acceptance. The first visit is usually a 60-minute intake session covering your presenting concern, mental health history, medications, and therapy goals. Ameri-Cianaki will explain confidentiality limits (mandatory reporting of abuse or imminent danger to self or others) and ask you to complete intake paperwork. She will explain her theoretical approach and what to expect from ongoing sessions. At the end of the intake, you and the therapist decide together whether there is a good fit and schedule subsequent appointments.
Hours, location, and logistics
Confirm hours and exact location directly with Ameri-Cianaki's office before your first appointment. Private LGPC practitioners typically see clients by appointment only, Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some offering evening or weekend availability depending on demand. Parking varies by location; ask whether there is dedicated client parking or street parking nearby. Many Baltimore therapists operate from small office suites in residential or medical office buildings rather than large clinics.
A solo practitioner with established experience and a clinical focus on trauma and anxiety offers the continuity and personalized attention that Baltimore residents seeking long-term therapy value, particularly when insurance covers the cost or financial means allow for private payment.
