David G. Epstein, PhD in Baltimore: Psychological Assessment and Individual Therapy for Adults
David G. Epstein is a clinical psychologist licensed in Maryland who practices individual psychotherapy and psychological testing from an office in the Fells Point area of Baltimore. His practice emphasizes evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and personality-related concerns, along with comprehensive neuropsychological and personality assessments for adults.
What Epstein actually is
Epstein holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and maintains an active Maryland license to practice. He is not a psychiatrist and does not prescribe medication; he works as a non-prescribing mental health provider who typically sees clients for weekly or biweekly therapy appointments. His practice is independent, not part of a larger medical system or clinic network, which means direct contact is made to his office rather than through a hospital's mental health department.
Psychological therapy and testing services
Epstein offers two primary service tracks. Psychotherapy addresses depression, anxiety, PTSD, relationship difficulties, and personality concerns through individual sessions; the structure and frequency are negotiated during the initial consultation. Psychological testing and assessment includes personality assessment (such as MMPI-2 or Rorschach), intelligence testing, and diagnostic interviews designed to clarify diagnostic questions or support treatment planning. Testing may be relevant when a client seeks clarity on longstanding patterns or when a therapist or physician has requested formal evaluation.
Pricing information is available directly from the office, as rates fluctuate with insurance contracts and changes in practice structure. Ask specifically whether Epstein is in-network with your insurance plan, as out-of-network therapy and testing can entail significantly higher out-of-pocket costs compared to in-network care.
How Epstein compares to Baltimore's other psychologists
Baltimore hosts a range of therapy and testing providers. Large hospital systems such as Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical System offer psychology departments where patients are assigned by referral; wait times for new patients can extend six to eight weeks, but care is integrated with medical records if hospitalization or medication management is already involved. Community Mental Health Centers operated by Baltimore City Health Department provide sliding-scale therapy and are designed for uninsured or low-income individuals. Private practitioners like Epstein offer more continuity with a single provider and potentially shorter wait times for initial appointments, but require direct navigation of insurance verification and are not part of a larger medical safety net if crisis intervention is needed.
For neuropsychological testing specifically, most community providers refer to hospital-based departments. An independent practitioner offering this service in-house eliminates a referral step and often reduces total out-of-pocket cost compared to hospitalbased testing centers that bill separately for evaluation, interpretation, and report.
Who Epstein suits and who should go elsewhere
Epstein's practice works well for adults seeking ongoing therapy with continuity and a single provider, those already medically stable who want psychology without concurrent psychiatry, and clients who need formal psychological testing without hospital-based processes. His independent practice is not appropriate for individuals in acute psychiatric crisis, those who need same-day crisis intake (call 988 or go to an emergency department instead), or patients requiring medication management, which would require a separate psychiatrist regardless.
What the first visit involves
New clients typically begin with a consultation in which Epstein gathers history, discusses the client's concerns, and determines the direction of care (therapy only, testing, or both). If testing is recommended, a separate schedule of appointments will be arranged for test administration, usually two to three sessions depending on the scope. Results and a written report follow, typically within two to three weeks. Bring insurance information, photo ID, and a list of any medications or current medical providers.
Hours, location, and logistics
Epstein's office is located in Fells Point. Hours and appointment availability are best confirmed by direct contact with his office. Parking in Fells Point is street-based or municipal lot; on-street spots are typically tighter during weekday business hours. The office is accessible by Baltimore's MTA bus system, particularly the routes serving the harbor area.
A clinical psychologist who maintains independent practice in Baltimore rather than defaulting to hospital-system referral pathways serves clients who value provider continuity and want to avoid the wait times common to larger institutions.
