Alison Gartner, PhD in Baltimore: Clinical Psychology with a Specialty in Anxiety and OCD

Alison Gartner, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Baltimore who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related conditions. She works with adolescents and adults in a one-on-one outpatient model and maintains a smaller caseload to allow extended appointment slots. Her practice operates independently, not as part of a hospital system or large group, which shapes both her scheduling approach and her direct involvement in each client's care.

What Dr. Gartner actually offers

Dr. Gartner holds a PhD in clinical psychology and is licensed to practice in Maryland. Her training emphasizes evidence-based treatment, specifically CBT and exposure and response prevention (ERP), which is the gold-standard behavioral intervention for OCD. She does not prescribe medication; she works alongside psychiatrists and primary-care physicians when medication is part of a client's plan. Sessions are 50 minutes and conducted in-person at her Baltimore office. She does not offer telehealth or drop-in appointments; all care is by scheduled appointment.

Her practice is not intake-heavy. She maintains a waitlist rather than accepting unlimited new clients, which typically means a lag of several weeks to a few months between a first inquiry and a first appointment, depending on availability and diagnosis complexity.

Services and typical cost structure

Individual therapy sessions cost between $120 and $150 per 50-minute appointment, depending on whether you pay out-of-pocket or submit to insurance. Dr. Gartner does accept most major insurance plans (including those through Maryland employers and the Maryland Health Care Commission marketplace), though copays and deductibles vary by plan. If you are insured, you should confirm your coverage before scheduling; most plans require a referral from a primary-care physician, though some do not.

For self-pay clients, Dr. Gartner offers a standard rate and does not publish a sliding scale on her website or initial materials. Payment is due at the time of service. Most therapy involves a commitment of at least weekly sessions for several months, though the length varies. OCD and severe anxiety often require intensive early treatment (12 to 20 weeks) followed by a transition to maintenance or tapering, while some clients pursue longer-term work.

She does not conduct psychological evaluations, ADHD assessment, or forensic work; her scope is strictly outpatient psychotherapy.

How she compares to other Baltimore therapists in her specialty

Finding a psychologist in Baltimore who specializes in OCD and CBT is competitive. The International OCD Foundation maintains a provider directory that lists a small number of PhD-level clinicians in the metro area; Dr. Gartner appears on that list. Many therapists in Baltimore advertise "anxiety" but lack specific ERP training; others carry full caseloads and have wait times of six months or longer.

Smaller practices like Dr. Gartner's are typically faster to reach once you are on the waitlist compared to large group practices or community mental health centers, where intake can take months and you may see a rotating team rather than one consistent clinician. University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins operate psychiatry and psychology clinics that accept most insurance, but these are higher-volume settings and may involve resident or fellow involvement in your care. If your priority is a PhD-trained specialist in OCD and CBT with consistent one-on-one care, independent practices like Dr. Gartner's offer that; if you need rapid intake or sliding-scale fees, a community mental health center or hospital-affiliated clinic may be a better fit.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

Dr. Gartner is well suited for adults or teens with a primary diagnosis of OCD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, or panic disorder who want evidence-based CBT from a senior clinician. She is also appropriate if you have insurance and expect consistent care from the same provider. She does not suit clients who need same-week appointments, crisis stabilization, medication management, or evaluation for other psychiatric conditions. If you are in acute crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, go to the nearest emergency department (Johns Hopkins Bayview, University of Maryland Medical Center, or Sinai Hospital) instead.

She also does not suit clients seeking sliding-scale or low-cost therapy; her rates are market-standard for private practice in Baltimore, and there is no formal reduced-fee option.

What your first appointment involves

When you contact Dr. Gartner's office to inquire about availability, you will be placed on a waitlist and given an estimated timeframe. Once an appointment slot opens, you will receive a call or email to confirm. Before your first session, you will complete intake paperwork including medical history, current symptoms, insurance information, and emergency contact. The first appointment is typically 60 to 75 minutes (longer than a standard session) and involves a detailed clinical interview; Dr. Gartner will ask about the onset and course of your symptoms, what you have tried before, and what your goals are. She will explain CBT and ERP if those are the likely treatment approach, and discuss frequency and estimated duration. At the end of the first session, you will have a clearer picture of the treatment plan and what to expect.

Hours, location, and logistics

Dr. Gartner's office is located in Baltimore proper (not a suburban or hospital campus). Sessions are by appointment only; there is no walk-in or same-day availability. Hours are Monday through Friday, with some early morning or late afternoon slots available. On-street or lot parking is available; confirm the specific address and parking details when you call or email to get on the waitlist.

Her office phone and email are the only way to reach her; she does not accept new clients through online portals or insurance directories. Expect a response within 1 to 2 business days.

Dr. Gartner's practice fills a specific need in Baltimore: specialist CBT for OCD from a senior clinician with a smaller caseload. For people whose primary barrier is finding training and consistent care rather than access or cost, she is one of the few options in the city.