Dr. Emily Samuelson in Baltimore: Psychology and Licensed Practice

Dr. Emily Samuelson holds a PhD in psychology and maintains an active clinical practice in Baltimore, offering mental health assessment and treatment to adults across a range of presenting concerns. Her credentials place her among a smaller pool of doctorate-level providers in the city; most practicing therapists hold master's degrees or lower credentials, making PhD-level expertise a practical distinction for patients seeking advanced diagnostic capability or specialized treatment.

What Dr. Samuelson's practice actually is

Samuelson operates as an independent practitioner providing individual psychotherapy and psychological evaluation. She holds licensure as a psychologist, which in Maryland requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) plus a supervised postdoctoral experience and state board examination. This credential permits her to conduct formal psychological testing, diagnose mental health conditions, and deliver evidence-based talk therapy. She does not prescribe medication; psychiatric referrals are made when pharmacotherapy is indicated. Her practice is not affiliated with a hospital system, urgent care clinic, or large medical group, which means intake and scheduling rely on direct contact with her office rather than a centralized appointment system.

Services and appointment structure

The initial appointment typically includes a clinical interview to understand presenting concerns, mental health history, current symptoms, and functional impact. Samuelson may recommend ongoing weekly or biweekly psychotherapy, or she may suggest a course of psychological testing before deciding on a treatment plan. Testing services (such as cognitive, personality, or diagnostic assessments) are billed separately from psychotherapy and often require additional sessions. Many patients use individual insurance benefits to offset session costs; rates and copay requirements vary by plan. Specific pricing and payment terms should be confirmed directly with her office, as psychology practice fees in Baltimore range widely depending on provider credentials, testing complexity, and insurance participation.

How Samuelson compares to other Baltimore psychology providers

Baltimore has a substantial mental health provider landscape. Larger group practices like Sheppard Pratt and Sinai Hospital operate psychology clinics with multiple therapists at varying credential levels (some with PhD degrees, many with master's credentials), lower wait times for initial appointments, and integrated psychiatric care on-site. These settings suit patients who prefer comprehensive medical coordination or who need faster access. Independent PhD-level practitioners like Samuelson typically offer longer, more focused appointments and direct access to a single provider without rotating to a different therapist; the trade-off is often a longer wait to get on their schedule and no ability to transfer to another clinician within the same office if needed. Federally qualified health centers in Baltimore (including Chase Brexton and Charm City Care) provide sliding-scale fees and accept most insurance but employ fewer doctorate-level psychologists, instead staffing master's-level therapists supervised by licensed clinical social workers. Those seeking reduced-cost care should prioritize federally qualified centers; those valuing specialized testing or a single highly credentialed therapist should contact independent PhD-level practitioners directly.

Who this practice suits and does not suit

Samuelson's practice is best for adults with complex diagnostic questions, a need for psychological testing (such as evaluation for attention disorders, cognitive decline, or personality assessment), or a preference for long-term psychotherapy with the same provider. She is well-suited for patients with good insurance coverage or the ability to pay out-of-pocket; those without insurance or with limited mental health benefits should explore federally qualified centers first. She does not provide child or adolescent care, substance abuse treatment, or psychiatric medication management; patients needing these services should contact Sheppard Pratt, Sinai Hospital, or community programs like Addiction & Psychiatric Services. She is not appropriate for anyone in crisis seeking immediate psychiatric hospitalization; dial 911 or visit the nearest ER (University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital both have 24-hour psychiatric emergency services).

What the first visit involves

Call or email her office to request an initial consultation. You will be asked about your reason for seeking care, current and past mental health treatment, and insurance information. The first appointment usually lasts 50 minutes to an hour and includes a detailed history-taking conversation, some mental status observation, and discussion of next steps. You may be offered a course of weekly therapy, recommended for psychological testing, or referred to a psychiatrist if medication is indicated. Bring your insurance card and a list of current medications (if any). Payment is usually collected at visit or billed to insurance afterward.

Hours and logistics

Dr. Samuelson's office hours and parking availability should be confirmed directly with her office; independent psychology practices often operate by appointment only without extended evening or weekend hours. Baltimore's public transit (MTA Light Rail and bus lines) serves most neighborhoods where private practitioners operate, though parking at individual offices is variable. Ask about telehealth options when scheduling if transportation or scheduling conflicts are barriers.

Dr. Samuelson's doctoral training and independent practice model meet the needs of Baltimore patients seeking in-depth psychological assessment and sustained therapeutic relationships with a highly credentialed provider in a setting less institutional than a hospital or clinic network.