James H. Kleiger, PsyD, ABPP in Baltimore: Clinical Psychologist for Adults and Couples

James H. Kleiger is a clinical psychologist in Baltimore who specializes in treating adults and couples, with expertise in personality assessment, trauma, and relational dynamics. Licensed in Maryland and board-certified through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), he operates a private practice that serves clients seeking individual or couples therapy without the structure of a hospital system or large group clinic. His work is grounded in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral approaches, making him relevant to Baltimoreans seeking depth-oriented therapy rather than medication management or brief crisis intervention.

What Kleiger's practice actually is

Kleiger runs a solo private practice focused on psychotherapy and psychological evaluation. Unlike psychiatrists, he does not prescribe medication; unlike therapists without the ABPP credential, his board certification indicates completion of rigorous postdoctoral training and examination in clinical psychology, signaling advanced competence in diagnosis and complex cases. His practice is not a clinic offering walk-in appointments or crisis stabilization; it is intake-based, with scheduled weekly or biweekly slots. The ABPP credential places him among a smaller subset of psychologists in Baltimore whose training has been independently verified at the doctoral and postdoctoral level.

Services and consultation process

Kleiger offers individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, and psychological evaluations. Individual therapy typically addresses depression, anxiety, trauma, personality patterns, and interpersonal conflict. Couples work focuses on communication, intimacy, infidelity recovery, and relational patterns. Psychological evaluations involve standardized testing and interview and are often used for diagnostic clarity, custody or competency questions, or differential diagnosis when clients and referring providers need detailed assessment.

Rates and insurance: Specific current fees are not published online and should be confirmed directly with the office. Most private practitioners in Baltimore charge between $150 and $250 per 45-50 minute session for out-of-pocket clients; many practices accept major insurance plans, though benefits and out-of-network reimbursement vary significantly by plan. New clients typically have a phone consultation before scheduling, during which the fit and logistics are discussed.

How Kleiger compares to other Baltimore clinical psychologists

Baltimore has two main categories of psychological service: large community mental health centers like Behavioral Health System Baltimore (BHSB) and Chesapeake Behavioral Health, which offer sliding-scale fees and accept Medicaid, and private practitioners like Kleiger. Centers prioritize access and volume; practitioners in private practice typically offer longer intake appointments, continuity, and depth-work, but have fewer insurance contracts and no sliding-scale option. For someone with strong insurance coverage, adequate session flexibility, and interest in long-term individual or couples work, a private practitioner like Kleiger is often a better fit. For someone uninsured or underinsured, or needing rapid crisis assessment, community mental health is the better first call. Kleiger's board certification also distinguishes him from many general-practice therapists; if psychological evaluation or complex diagnosis is the primary need, certification carries weight.

Who this suits and who it does not

Kleiger's practice suits adults and couples with insurance or out-of-pocket capacity, who want ongoing individual or couples therapy, and who are seeking expertise in trauma, personality, or relational depth. It suits people who have time for a weekly or biweekly commitment over months or years. It does not suit people in acute crisis (who need an ER or crisis line), those unable to afford out-of-pocket rates without insurance reimbursement, teenagers (his focus is adults), or those seeking medication consultation (psychiatry or psychiatric nurse practitioner services).

The first appointment and intake

A typical new-client process begins with a phone call to discuss presenting concerns, insurance, and availability. If there is mutual fit, an in-person intake appointment is scheduled, usually 60 to 90 minutes. The intake covers history, current symptoms, previous treatment, medical and psychiatric history, and goals. This extended first session allows Kleiger to assess complexity and determine the appropriate treatment modality (individual, couples, evaluation, or referral). After intake, the therapist and client jointly decide on frequency and focus. No structured waiting list is published, so appointment availability should be confirmed at the time of inquiry.

Hours, location, and logistics

Specific office address and hours should be confirmed by calling or checking his practice website and verified current listings, as private practitioners periodically change locations or adjust schedules. Most private practices in Baltimore operate Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with limited evening slots; some offer limited Saturday availability. Parking depends on location; off-street parking is typical in professional office buildings throughout Baltimore, but confirmation is necessary. Telehealth is increasingly common among private practitioners; confirm whether remote sessions are offered if travel is a barrier.

Kleiger's board certification and focus on complex assessment and depth psychotherapy make him a go-to resource for Baltimore adults and couples seeking long-term clinical work with a highly credentialed practitioner.