Katibian Psychology in Baltimore: Individual and Group Therapy with Specialized Training in OCD and Anxiety
Katibian Psychology is a therapist-led practice in Baltimore offering outpatient individual and group psychotherapy to adolescents and adults, with particular depth in obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety-related conditions. The practice operates from a single Baltimore location and emphasizes evidence-based approaches, primarily cognitive-behavioral and exposure-based treatments.
What Katibian Psychology actually is
Katibian Psychology functions as a small, independent mental health practice rather than a large medical system or franchise clinic. It is structured around direct care from licensed therapists rather than psychiatrists or primary-care physicians. The practice does not prescribe medication; referrals to psychiatrists or other prescribers are made when pharmacological treatment is appropriate. This separation of therapy and medication management means clients sometimes coordinate care across multiple providers, though Katibian facilitates communication where needed.
The practice has built a recognizable reputation in Baltimore specifically for OCD and anxiety treatment. This focus is not incidental marketing language but reflects actual clinical training and caseload composition. Therapists at Katibian employ exposure and response prevention (ERP), a behavioral intervention with strong research support for OCD, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) adapted to anxiety, panic, social anxiety, and related conditions.
Services and pricing
Katibian Psychology offers individual psychotherapy on a weekly or twice-weekly basis, depending on clinical need and client preference. Group therapy programs include a weekly anxiety group open to adults. Individual sessions are billed at $150 per 45-minute session as of recent engagement. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maryland, Cigna, and United Healthcare; however, coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by specific plan and deductible status. Clients are advised to confirm their coverage directly with Katibian or their insurance provider before the first appointment, as copay amounts and deductible requirements differ.
The practice does not publicly advertise sliding-scale or reduced fees; those seeking cost-based adjustments should inquire directly.
Group therapy is typically less expensive per session than individual therapy when expressed as cost per hour of clinical contact. Pricing for group programs should be confirmed with the practice.
How Katibian Psychology compares to other Baltimore therapy options
Baltimore's therapy landscape includes large hospital-based mental health departments, community mental health centers offering low-cost or sliding-scale care, and dozens of independent practitioners and small group practices. Katibian's niche is narrow and strategic.
University of Maryland Medical Center's psychiatry and behavioral health clinic offers outpatient therapy and psychiatric medication management integrated within a hospital system, with on-site psychiatrists, neuropsychological testing, and connections to inpatient psychiatric care. This suits clients with complex medical histories, active suicidality or psychosis, or a need for rapid psychiatric evaluation. It does not specialize in OCD or anxiety in the way Katibian does, and appointment wait times at large systems typically run 4 to 8 weeks.
Community mental health centers such as Behavioral Health System Baltimore (operated by the Baltimore City Health Department) serve uninsured and underinsured residents on a sliding fee scale, often with much shorter wait times for initial intake. Treatment there is general-practice psychotherapy rather than specialized in OCD or anxiety. They suit clients primarily motivated by cost or urgent access.
Independent therapists in Baltimore offering CBT or exposure therapy for anxiety are numerous but scattered. Katibian's advantage over a solo therapist is the presence of a group anxiety program, which provides therapeutic benefits (normalization, peer support, exposure practice in a controlled social setting) that individual therapy alone cannot replicate. The disadvantage is less flexibility in appointment scheduling and a narrower focus that may not suit clients with primary diagnoses outside its specialty area.
Who Katibian Psychology suits and who it does not suit
Katibian is well-suited to:
- Adolescents and adults with diagnosed or suspected OCD seeking evidence-based treatment. ERP delivered by a trained practitioner significantly reduces OCD symptoms; this is precisely what Katibian is equipped to provide.
- Adults with primary anxiety disorders (panic, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias) who respond well to CBT and exposure work.
- Clients with private insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket; the practice does not offer the low-cost or no-cost options that community mental health centers do.
- Individuals who benefit from group therapy; the weekly anxiety group provides affordability and community not available in individual therapy alone.
Katibian is not suited to:
- Clients in acute psychiatric crisis or with active suicidal ideation. A hospital-based emergency department or crisis line is appropriate; Katibian is outpatient only.
- Individuals seeking medication management or psychiatric evaluation. Separate referral to a psychiatrist is required.
- Clients without insurance and unable to pay session fees. Community mental health centers are the appropriate resource.
- Those with severe or complex comorbid conditions (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe trauma requiring specialized modalities) unless OCD or anxiety is the primary focus and other conditions are stable.
What the first visit involves
A client calling to schedule will complete an intake phone screening, typically 10 to 15 minutes, to assess fit and clarify presenting problems. A first in-person session is usually scheduled within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on therapist availability. During the first session, the therapist will conduct a detailed intake history covering psychiatric and medical background, current symptoms, medication (if any), and treatment goals. The session also includes an explanation of CBT or exposure therapy concepts and a preliminary assessment of whether Katibian's services match the client's needs.
Clients should bring insurance information and photo identification to the first appointment. If medication use is part of the picture, a summary of current prescriptions and prescriber names is helpful, though not required.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Katibian Psychology operates Monday through Friday; specific hours are typically 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though evening availability may vary by therapist. Verification is necessary, as individual clinician schedules occasionally shift. The practice is located in an urban Baltimore setting; street or lot parking is available in the vicinity, though availability varies by time of day. Public transportation access via the MTA Light Rail or bus system is a viable alternative; clients should check the exact address for proximity to the nearest stop.
Virtual sessions are offered and may be preferred by clients with transportation barriers or scheduling constraints. The practice accepts online appointment scheduling through its website, though phone scheduling is also available.
Why Katibian Psychology matters in Baltimore
Mental health treatment in Baltimore is distributed across large systems, nonprofit community clinics, and independent providers. A specialized practice focused on evidence-based treatment for OCD and anxiety fills a specific and often underserved gap; many general therapists in the city lack advanced training in ERP or the volume of OCD cases necessary to maintain clinical skill. Katibian's combination of clinical depth and accessibility through private insurance makes it a concrete option for a population of Baltimore residents who experience these conditions and have the means to pursue focused, evidence-supported care.
