Dr. Denise Moreault in Baltimore: PhD Psychology and Clinical Practice
Dr. Denise Moreault holds a PhD in psychology and operates a clinical practice in Baltimore that provides individual psychotherapy and psychological assessment services to adults. She functions as a doctoral-level independent practitioner, distinct from psychiatrists (who prescribe medication) and from master's-level therapists, and distinct from psychology graduate students or post-doctoral residents still completing supervised hours. Her location within Baltimore's network of mental health providers positions her as an option for patients seeking doctoral-level expertise without necessarily requiring psychiatric medication management.
What Dr. Moreault's practice actually is
Dr. Moreault is a licensed psychologist with a PhD in psychology. In Maryland, this credential requires a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD in psychology), a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice, and successful completion of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). She does not prescribe medication; her scope is psychotherapy and behavioral health intervention. A PhD in psychology specifically reflects training in both clinical practice and psychological research, which shapes approach and informed consent language. This differs from a master's-level therapist (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker), who carries less formal research training but may serve similar clinical functions. It also differs from a psychiatrist, who holds an MD and prescribes medication but typically conducts less extensive individual psychotherapy.
Services and assessment offerings
Dr. Moreault provides individual psychotherapy and psychological evaluations. Psychotherapy with a doctoral-level psychologist typically addresses anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, and coping skills development. Psychological evaluations and testing can assess personality structure, cognitive function, emotional regulation, and diagnostic clarity; these are often requested by referring physicians, for disability determination, or as part of comprehensive treatment planning. Rates vary widely in Baltimore for doctoral-level practitioners; private-pay rates at doctoral level typically range from $150 to $250 per 50-minute session, though some providers work with specific insurances at contracted rates. Fees and insurance participation should be confirmed directly with the practice. If Dr. Moreault participates in insurance networks, in-network rates are substantially lower than out-of-pocket rates.
Comparison to other Baltimore psychologists and therapists
Baltimore hosts a range of doctoral and master's-level mental health providers. Doctoral-level psychologists like Dr. Moreault offer the credential-level equivalent of practitioners at organizations such as Johns Hopkins Behavioral Health or University of Maryland's psychology clinic, where PhD and PsyD psychologists lead clinical services. Master's-level clinicians (LCSWs and LCPCs) are more numerous, often have shorter wait times for new patients, and typically charge lower private-pay rates (commonly $100 to $180 per session). Psychiatrists in Baltimore are few relative to demand; they are best suited for patients who require medication evaluation or management alongside limited psychotherapy. Choose Dr. Moreault if doctoral-level expertise in assessment and evidence-based psychotherapy is a priority and cost or insurance participation is not a barrier; choose a master's-level provider if faster access, lower cost, or insurance coverage is the primary constraint.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
Dr. Moreault's practice is most appropriate for adults seeking long-term individual psychotherapy or comprehensive psychological testing from a doctoral-level clinician. It suits patients who prefer a provider trained in research methodology, who may benefit from sophisticated diagnostic assessment, or who have complex or treatment-resistant presentations. It does not suit patients seeking medication management alone; patients requiring emergency psychiatric care should contact Baltimore's psychiatric emergency service or go to the nearest ER. It also does not suit patients seeking couples therapy if her practice does not offer that modality, or those unable to access private-pay rates or navigate insurance participation. Pediatric or adolescent care requires pediatric-focused training beyond general doctoral psychology; verify whether Dr. Moreault's scope includes younger patients.
First visit: what to expect
An initial appointment with Dr. Moreault will include a comprehensive clinical interview covering psychiatric history, family history, current symptoms, substance use, and treatment goals. She will likely administer screening questionnaires or brief assessment tools to clarify diagnosis and treatment planning. If psychological testing is indicated, she will explain the types of tests, their purpose, and the timeline for results and feedback. Private-pay or insurance authorization may be discussed. Bring photo identification, insurance card (if applicable), and a list of current medications. The first visit typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and serves to establish rapport and form a treatment plan.
Hours, location, and logistics
Confirm current hours and office location directly with the practice, as these details change. Street parking is typical in most Baltimore neighborhoods; ask about dedicated lot availability during booking. Telehealth availability for ongoing sessions has become standard post-2020 in many Baltimore psychology practices; ask whether sessions can be conducted remotely. Insurance participation, co-pay amounts, and cancellation policies should be discussed at the first contact.
Dr. Moreault's doctoral credential and clinical focus make her a substantive option within Baltimore's market of mental health providers, particularly for adults seeking doctoral-level psychotherapy or comprehensive assessment in a private practice setting.
