Andrea Karfgin & Lanz, PhD in Baltimore: Psychology and Psychiatric Evaluation
Andrea Karfgin & Lanz, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist practice in Baltimore offering comprehensive psychiatric and psychological evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment referral. The practice specializes in complex diagnostic assessment across a wide age range, differentiating between psychiatric conditions, developmental disorders, and medical factors that may present as psychological symptoms. It operates as a boutique practice rather than a high-volume clinic, prioritizing depth of evaluation over rapid throughput.
What this practice actually is
Karfgin & Lanz, PhD provides clinical psychology services with an emphasis on diagnostic clarity. The psychologist holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, which permits independent practice, psychological testing, and clinical diagnosis in Maryland. The practice does not prescribe medication (that requires an MD or DO); rather, it evaluates patients, establishes diagnoses, and refers to psychiatrists or primary care physicians when medication is indicated. This model works well for patients who need to understand what is happening before beginning treatment, or who have been treated for years without a clear diagnosis.
The practice accepts patients ages 8 and older. Complex cases, including those with comorbid conditions or unclear symptom origins, comprise a significant portion of the caseload.
Services and evaluation scope
The practice conducts several types of evaluations. Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations involve a multi-hour intake process, detailed history-taking, symptom assessment across domains (mood, anxiety, psychosis, behavior, cognition), and standardized testing to rule out conditions that mimic psychiatric symptoms. Psychoeducational evaluations assess learning disabilities, ADHD, and cognitive strengths and weaknesses, commonly completed for school accommodation planning. Autism spectrum disorder evaluations incorporate structured clinical interviewing, behavioral observation, and standardized measures. Neuropsychological evaluations assess cognitive function when injury, illness, or medication effects are in question.
Pricing is not posted online; you will need to call for a fee schedule. Many insurance plans are accepted, though verification of coverage is essential before the first appointment. Out-of-pocket patients should ask about cash rates, which are often lower than the standard fee.
How it compares to Baltimore-area psychology practices
Baltimore has numerous psychologists offering individual therapy and evaluation services. Many practices, particularly in hospital systems like University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins, prioritize throughput and focus on short-term therapy following diagnosis by a referring physician. Karfgin & Lanz, PhD is structured differently: the evaluation itself is the primary service, not a gateway to therapy. This distinction matters. If you have been told by a primary care doctor that you have depression but antidepressants made your symptoms worse, or if you have been in therapy for anxiety for two years and nothing has improved, this practice's diagnostic-first approach differs from community mental health centers, where you see a therapist assigned by availability.
University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins both have robust psychiatry and psychology departments with faster appointment availability (often 2 to 4 weeks) but less specialization in complex diagnostic cases. Private therapists and counselors in Baltimore typically do not perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations; they focus on ongoing therapy. Karfgin & Lanz, PhD fills a specific gap for diagnostic clarity before treatment begins.
Who suits this practice; who does not
This practice is best for adults and adolescents seeking comprehensive diagnostic evaluation when standard assessment has been inconclusive, when prior treatment has not worked, or when symptoms could stem from multiple sources (psychiatric, neurological, medical). Parents seeking formal assessment of learning disabilities, ADHD, or autism for school planning find the detailed reports useful.
It is not appropriate for crisis situations; if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or acute psychosis, go to Johns Hopkins Hospital Emergency Department or University of Maryland Medical Center Emergency Department. It is also not ideal if you need ongoing therapy or medication management; referrals are necessary for those services.
What the first visit involves
Initial appointments typically run 2 to 3 hours. You will complete intake questionnaires on history, symptoms, medications, and family background. The psychologist conducts a clinical interview, asking detailed questions about when symptoms started, how they have changed, prior treatment, family history, substance use, medical history, and impact on work or school. Standardized tests may be administered depending on the type of evaluation. You will not receive a diagnosis or recommendations on the first day; evaluation often requires follow-up testing or consultation with referring physicians. A written report, usually completed within 2 to 3 weeks, provides diagnosis, interpretation of findings, and recommendations for next steps.
Hours, location, and logistics
The practice is located in Baltimore and operates by appointment only; walk-in visits are not available. Office hours are typically weekday business hours, though you will need to call for the exact schedule and to confirm current operations. Parking depends on the specific office location; confirmation when booking is necessary. Insurance verification should be done before your first appointment to avoid surprise costs.
Karfgin & Lanz, PhD addresses a concrete need in Baltimore: people whose psychiatric symptoms don't fit standard diagnostic categories and whose prior treatment has left them without answers. The investment of time in comprehensive evaluation often prevents years of ineffective treatment.
