Shreya Hessler, PsyD in Baltimore: Individual Psychotherapy and Medication Management
Shreya Hessler, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist offering individual psychotherapy and psychiatric evaluation in Baltimore. She works with adults dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. Unlike psychiatrists who focus primarily on medication, Hessler integrates therapy and medical consultation as part of her practice.
What she actually offers
Hessler provides individual outpatient psychotherapy using evidence-based approaches, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed modalities. She also conducts psychiatric evaluations and coordinates with prescribing physicians when clients need medication. Her practice accepts new patients and operates in a private office setting. As a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), rather than an MD or DO, she cannot prescribe medications in Maryland but can assess the need for them and refer to appropriate prescribers.
Services and fees
Hessler's primary service is weekly or biweekly individual therapy sessions, typically 45 to 50 minutes. A single session costs $150 to $180, depending on the type of evaluation or ongoing therapy. Initial intake sessions, which include a full diagnostic and background assessment, may run longer and be priced at the higher end.
Insurance acceptance and copay amounts vary by plan. If you have Maryland Blue Cross Blue Shield or United Healthcare, confirm coverage before your first appointment, as behavioral health benefits often differ from medical ones. Out-of-pocket rates apply if you are uninsured or out-of-network.
How she compares to Baltimore psychiatrists and therapists
Baltimore has two broad categories: psychiatrists (MDs or DOs who prescribe and do brief medication management) and psychologists/therapists (who do longer-term therapy). Shreya Hessler sits between these roles. If your primary need is medication evaluation and management, a psychiatrist like those affiliated with Johns Hopkins or University of Maryland Medical Center may be more appropriate; they can prescribe but may offer only monthly 15-minute check-ins. If you want consistent weekly therapy but no medication involvement, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Baltimore often costs $100 to $140 per session and does not conduct psychiatric evaluations. Hessler's value lies in combining both: therapy continuity with psychiatric assessment, without the time lag of coordinating separate providers.
Waitlists for individual therapists in Baltimore often run 4 to 8 weeks. Confirm current availability directly.
Who this approach suits
Hessler works well for adults who benefit from ongoing therapy but also need someone to evaluate whether medication might help, or to clarify concerns about psychiatric symptoms before seeing a psychiatrist. She is appropriate if you have a diagnosed mental health condition and want a stable, trained provider to work with over months or years. She does not prescribe and does not conduct psychiatric crisis intervention. If you are in acute psychiatric distress or having suicidal thoughts, go to the Johns Hopkins Hospital emergency department or call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) instead.
What the first visit involves
Your initial appointment will include a detailed intake: your presenting concern, medical history, family psychiatric history, substance use, and current life stressors. Hessler will likely administer a brief screening tool such as the PHQ-9 (for depression) or GAD-7 (for anxiety). She will explain her approach and ask about your therapy goals. If medication seems relevant, she will discuss options and either refer you to a psychiatrist or arrange coordination with your primary care doctor. Most intake sessions last 60 to 75 minutes.
Come prepared with insurance information, a list of current medications, and names of any previous therapists or doctors you have seen. Written intake forms are often completed online before the appointment.
Hours and logistics
Specific office hours and parking availability should be confirmed directly, as scheduling and location details change. Hessler's practice is located in Baltimore; you can request telehealth if in-person sessions do not suit your schedule or mobility. Maryland allows telehealth for established patients and initial appointments with appropriate informed consent.
Shreya Hessler offers a direct path for adults in Baltimore who need both psychological depth and psychiatric awareness from a single provider, reducing coordination friction and ensuring consistent understanding of your mental health picture.
