Szollos Alex PhD & Associates in Baltimore: Individual and Couples Therapy with Extended Sessions

Szollos Alex PhD & Associates is a private practice in Baltimore offering individual psychotherapy, couples counseling, and psychological evaluation, with a clinical model built around 50-minute sessions and a focus on longer-term therapeutic relationships rather than brief or crisis intervention.

What this practice actually is

A doctoral-level independent practice, not a large clinic or medical center affiliate. Dr. Szollos holds a PhD in clinical psychology and leads a small group practice. The setting is designed for outpatient talk therapy and relationship work, with no emergency psychiatric services, medication management, or residential treatment. Clients typically come for ongoing sessions rather than single-visit consultation; this is a fit for people seeking sustained therapeutic relationships and for couples wanting dedicated time with one clinician.

Services and pricing

The practice offers individual therapy, couples and relationship therapy, and psychological testing or evaluation. Individual and couples sessions run 50 minutes as standard, priced on a per-session basis. Exact rates should be confirmed directly, as fees vary by session type and referral complexity; most practices in this category in Baltimore range from $150 to $250 per session depending on provider credentials and complexity. Out-of-pocket cost is typical; Szollos Alex PhD & Associates does not appear to be in major insurance networks, so clients pay at time of service and submit for reimbursement themselves if their plan covers out-of-network mental health care. Couples therapy commands slightly higher fees than individual sessions in most Baltimore practices; confirm what applies here.

How it compares to other Baltimore counseling options

Szollos Alex PhD & Associates differs markedly from larger group practices and community mental health centers in Baltimore. The Progress Center for Black Women and The Kennedy Krieger Institute's psychology services, for example, accept insurance, have multiple clinicians, and often manage intake faster; they suit people seeking in-network coverage or rapid access. Baltimore Therapy Partners and Seals Center for Mental Health similarly work with insurance and support shorter-term or crisis services. Szollos's model trades speed and insurance convenience for continuity with a single experienced clinician and flexibility in session depth and length. Choose Szollos if you want a long-term therapeutic relationship with a PhD-level psychologist without insurance friction; choose a larger group if you need in-network rates, rapid scheduling, or psychiatric medication management alongside therapy.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

This practice suits people with private insurance coverage that allows out-of-network reimbursement, or those able to pay out of pocket. It works well for individuals and couples already engaged in therapy who want to deepen work with a doctoral-level clinician, and for people without urgent psychiatric crisis needs. It does not suit people requiring same-week or walk-in availability, those on Medicaid or without out-of-network benefits, people in acute psychiatric crisis, or those needing medication review alongside talk therapy. If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, substance withdrawal, or other medical emergency, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to an emergency department; this is not the first resource for those situations.

What the first visit involves

Initial appointments typically run the full 50 minutes and include a clinical interview covering presenting concerns, psychiatric and medical history, and current functioning. Dr. Szollos or an associate gathers enough detail to form an initial treatment plan and to understand whether this practice is the right fit. Some practices also conduct a basic risk screen and clarify insurance reimbursement expectations at this stage. Come with a short written list of what brought you in and any recent major life changes; this saves time and helps the clinician ask informed follow-up questions.

Hours, location, and logistics

Verify hours and location directly by phone or website, as private practices adjust schedules seasonally and by clinician availability. Most Baltimore independent therapy practices offer evening and some Saturday appointments to accommodate working clients. Parking information is practice-specific; confirm whether street parking or a lot applies at the office location. Virtual sessions are now standard; ask whether the practice offers telehealth in Maryland, which simplifies logistics for regular clients.

Szollos Alex PhD & Associates fills a specific role in Baltimore's counseling landscape: doctoral-level continuity for clients who can navigate out-of-network payment and prefer depth over speed.