Laura Steensen MA in Baltimore: Individual and Family Counseling for Adults and Adolescents

Laura Steensen is a counselor in private practice offering individual and family therapy to adolescents and adults in the Baltimore area, with a particular focus on managing life transitions, relationship challenges, and anxiety.

What this practice actually is

Steensen operates as a solo mental health counselor holding a Master of Arts degree. She works with clients on a one-to-one or family basis in the counseling subcategory, which sits below psychiatry (no medication management) but above peer support or coaching. Her scope encompasses talk therapy for adolescents aged roughly 12 and up, adult clients, and family systems work. She does not advertise a specialized credential like LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) or LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), which matters for insurance coverage and crisis capability.

Services and pricing

Steensen offers individual counseling and family sessions. Session fees for counseling in private practice in Baltimore range from $75 to $150 per hour depending on the provider and setting; verify her specific rate when contacting. She likely accepts some insurance plans but may also work on a self-pay basis. As with most solo practitioners, your coverage and out-of-pocket cost depend on your policy's mental health benefits and whether she contracts with your plan. Call to confirm whether she is in-network for your insurer and what your copay would be.

How this compares to other Baltimore counselors

Baltimore has many counselors and therapists working in solo practice (like Steensen), group practices (which often have faster appointment availability), and nonprofit mental health agencies like Bon Secours Behavioral Health and Kennedy Krieger Institute (which typically see uninsured or low-income clients at sliding-scale rates). Solo practitioners often offer more flexibility in scheduling and a consistent therapeutic relationship; group practices may reduce wait time for an initial appointment. If you need crisis intervention, psychiatric medication, or rapid access to a psychiatrist, an agency-based setting is stronger. If you want continuity and a particular therapist's approach, private practice is the model.

Who this suits and who it does not

Steensen's practice suits adults and adolescents seeking ongoing individual therapy or family counseling with a consistent provider. It works well for people navigating transitions, anxiety, or relationship dynamics who have insurance or can pay out-of-pocket. It does not suit people in crisis (where you need immediate psychiatry, a crisis line, or an ER), those without insurance who need a sliding scale (call nonprofits like Behavioral Health System Baltimore or the Maryland Department of Health's referral line), or families needing psychiatric evaluation. Adolescents under age 12 would typically need a child-specific therapist.

What the first visit involves

When contacting Steensen or her office, expect to answer basic intake questions: your name, age, insurance, what brings you in, and your mental health history. You may fill out forms before your first appointment. That first session is typically 50 to 60 minutes and involves her gathering more detail, your describing your situation, and her outlining her approach. She will discuss fee, frequency (typically weekly), and what to expect going forward. You should leave that first meeting with a sense of whether her style fits you; if it does not, it is normal to try another provider.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Specific office hours and parking availability depend on her office location, which you should confirm when you call. Most solo counselors in Baltimore operate Monday through Friday daytime and early evening; some offer weekend slots. Parking varies by neighborhood. If you are looking for evening or Saturday availability beyond what she offers, mention that in your first call so you can plan accordingly or consider a group practice.

Why Steensen fits Baltimore's counseling landscape

Baltimore residents navigating urban stress, family change, or anxiety benefit from a range of counseling models, from solo practitioners to large health systems. Steensen represents the private-practice end of that spectrum, offering continuity and specialization for people with insurance or self-pay means. Her MA-level credential and individual and family focus make her one option among many; knowing her specific focus, fee, and insurance status lets you decide whether she aligns with your needs and circumstances.