Diane R. Koslow, PhD in Baltimore: Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Specialist

Diane R. Koslow is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Baltimore who specializes in trauma, anxiety, and life transitions through individual psychotherapy. As a doctoral-level practitioner (PhD), she is credentialed to conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and provide evidence-based therapeutic intervention independent of referral from a medical doctor.

What this practice actually is

Koslow operates as an independent clinical psychology practice, meaning she diagnoses and treats mental health conditions without hospital or medical center affiliation. She holds a PhD (research and clinical doctoral degree) rather than a PsyD or master's level credential, which qualifies her to teach and supervise in addition to direct clinical care. Unlike a psychiatrist, she does not prescribe medication; she may refer patients to a physician for pharmacology if needed.

Services and what to expect in treatment

Koslow provides individual psychotherapy (talk therapy) for adults dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, grief, and adjustment following major life changes. Treatment is typically weekly sessions. She draws on trauma-informed and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Sessions are conducted in a private office setting.

Fees and insurance are essential specifics but must be confirmed directly with her office, as rates vary by insurance plan and insurance acceptance policies change. Patients should contact the practice to verify:

  • Hourly rate if paying out-of-pocket
  • In-network status with their specific insurance carrier
  • Whether the practice requires insurance pre-authorization for ongoing care
  • Co-pay or co-insurance amounts

Many Baltimore-area therapists charge $100 to $200 per 45-minute session out-of-pocket; insurance copays typically range from $20 to $50. Clarification on these figures is worth a brief phone call before the first appointment.

How Koslow compares to other Baltimore psychologists and therapists

Baltimore has a large number of licensed mental health providers across multiple credential levels: psychiatrists (MDs who prescribe), psychologists (PhD or PsyD with doctoral training and testing), clinical social workers (LCSW with master's degrees), and licensed counselors (LPC, also master's-level). Within psychology specifically, a PhD holder like Koslow has typically completed original research alongside clinical training, whereas PsyD graduates focus training more narrowly on clinical practice. Both are equally qualified to diagnose and treat; the PhD path takes longer and is more research-intensive.

For trauma treatment in Baltimore, practices like the University of Maryland Department of Psychiatry and private practitioners affiliated with Johns Hopkins also offer evidence-based trauma therapies (EMDR, cognitive processing therapy). However, independent practitioners like Koslow often have shorter wait times than academic centers because they operate outside institutional scheduling constraints. Solo practice also means continuity with the same clinician over time.

Choose Koslow if you want a psychologist with doctoral-level training who specializes in trauma and can offer individual, focused care in a private practice setting. Choose an academic center (Johns Hopkins, UMMC) if you need psychiatric medication management alongside therapy or want integrated team care.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

Koslow suits adults (roughly 18 and up) who benefit from individual therapy and have or suspect trauma, anxiety, or depression. She suits people with health insurance that covers out-of-network therapy (though confirmation is needed) or who can afford out-of-pocket care. She suits people who want consistent care with one clinician and do not need medication prescribing as part of treatment.

Koslow does not suit children or adolescents seeking specialized youth therapy. She does not suit patients who require psychiatric medication as the primary intervention or who need urgent crisis response; those patients should contact Baltimore's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or go to an emergency room.

First appointment and what to bring

Patients typically call to schedule an intake appointment. At the first session, expect a detailed history-taking: current problems, trauma history (if relevant), family background, previous therapy, and medical/psychiatric history. Bring:

  • Insurance card (if covered under a plan)
  • A list of current medications if any
  • Identification
  • Information about your employer or student status (for insurance purposes)

The psychologist will discuss confidentiality limits (mandatory reporting for abuse, danger to self or others) and treatment goals. Clarity on payment is critical at this point.

Hours, location, and logistics

Confirm office hours and location directly with the practice. Many Baltimore psychologists offer evening and early-morning hours to accommodate working professionals; some offer telehealth sessions. Parking in Baltimore varies by neighborhood; an initial call should clarify whether the office is near public transit or has dedicated or street parking.

Diane R. Koslow brings doctoral-level trauma expertise and continuity of care to a market where psychiatric referrals often mean long wait times at large systems. In a city where violence and loss intersect with clinical need, a independent practice that specializes in PTSD fills a straightforward niche.