Carolyn S. Shaffer, PhD in Baltimore: Individual Therapy for Adults with Trauma and Anxiety

Carolyn S. Shaffer, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist in Baltimore who provides individual psychotherapy to adults, with a particular focus on trauma, anxiety disorders, and depression. She operates a small private practice, seeing clients weekly in a clinical office setting and also offers telehealth sessions for established clients. Her work is grounded in evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused interventions, making her a specialist resource for adults seeking longer-term outpatient care rather than crisis intervention or medication management.

What Shuffer actually does

Shaffer holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and maintains a licensed practice treating individual adults. She does not prescribe medication (that role belongs to psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners), nor does she provide crisis services or hospitalization. Her scope is weekly or twice-weekly therapy sessions for people working through specific diagnoses or life transitions. She accepts new patients and typically offers an initial consultation to assess whether her approach matches a client's needs.

Services and fees

Sessions are one hour and typically scheduled weekly. Exact session fees should be confirmed directly with the practice, as psychologist fees in Baltimore's private sector range from $150 to $300 per hour depending on credentials, specialization, and whether the practice operates within or outside insurance networks. Shaffer's practice is likely to participate in some insurance panels but may also see uninsured or out-of-network clients who pay out of pocket. Clients should ask during intake whether she accepts their specific plan, as in-network status often determines out-of-pocket costs (copay, deductible, coinsurance). Many practices require advance notice for cancellations (typically 24 to 48 hours) to avoid a missed-appointment fee.

How Shaffer compares to other Baltimore-area psychologists

Baltimore hosts dozens of licensed psychologists; many concentrate in specialized areas like ADHD evaluation, couples therapy, or substance-use disorders. Therapists at larger group practices such as the University of Maryland Medical System's psychiatry and psychology departments or private group clinics typically offer faster appointment availability (sometimes 2-4 weeks for new intake) but may rotate clients among multiple clinicians. Shaffer's solo practice model means continuity of care with one clinician but potentially longer waitlists for new patients (four to eight weeks is not unusual for established therapists in Baltimore). Solo practitioners often provide more flexibility in session scheduling and telehealth options than large practices. If you need psychiatric evaluation or medication management alongside therapy, a group practice or clinic-based psychologist may be better suited because they have psychiatrists on staff; Shaffer's practice would require an outside psychiatric referral.

Who Shaffer suits and who it does not

Shaffer is best for adults with specific, identifiable concerns (trauma history, generalized anxiety, depression, specific phobias) who can commit to weekly sessions and can pay out of pocket or navigate insurance reimbursement. She is not appropriate for child or adolescent clients (adult-only practice), couples seeking joint therapy, or people in acute psychiatric crisis requiring inpatient assessment. She is also not a suitable first step for people who suspect undiagnosed ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions, since diagnostic testing typically requires a clinical psychologist with evaluation training and may not be her primary focus.

What the first visit involves

A new client typically completes intake paperwork (demographic, medical, psychiatric history, emergency contact, insurance information if applying) at or before the first session. The initial appointment is a consultation where Shaffer assesses the presenting problem, relevant history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. She will likely discuss her approach and fee structure and answer questions about the working relationship. At the end of that session or shortly after, she will offer feedback on whether ongoing therapy with her is appropriate or whether a referral elsewhere might be better. The goal is not to commit long-term in one hour but to establish whether the fit is sound.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Shaffer operates a private practice office in Baltimore; the specific address and hours should be confirmed through direct contact or her practice website. Most private psychologists in Baltimore operate standard business hours (roughly 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday) with occasional early-morning or evening slots. Parking varies by neighborhood; street parking and lots are available in most Baltimore commercial areas but should be verified for the specific location. Telehealth is increasingly standard in psychology practices and is particularly valuable if you live or work far from her office or have mobility constraints.

Shaffer's practice offers continuity of care with a single clinician experienced in trauma and anxiety, a real advantage for long-term therapy. She represents a credible, evidence-based option for adults in Baltimore seeking individual outpatient care without the administrative overhead of a large group practice.