Mark Hedlund, PhD in Baltimore: Individual Therapy with a Clinical Psychology Doctorate

Mark Hedlund, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice serving individual adults in the Baltimore area. He holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and works primarily with talk therapy for anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues rather than prescribing medication or treating severe psychiatric disorders requiring intensive intervention.

What he does

Hedlund practices as an independent clinical psychologist offering weekly or twice-weekly outpatient psychotherapy. His credential—PhD in clinical psychology—means he completed doctoral research and passed licensing exams, which distinguishes him from counselors (Master's-level) and psychiatrists (medical doctors who prescribe). He does not manage medications; clients requiring pharmaceutical treatment work with a psychiatrist or primary care doctor in parallel. He does not handle psychiatric emergencies, crisis intervention, or acute mental health hospitalization. His scope is outpatient psychotherapy for working-age adults with non-crisis mental health concerns.

Services and pricing

Individual therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long and scheduled weekly or on a client's preferred frequency. Many private-practice psychologists in Baltimore charge between $125 and $200 per session for out-of-pocket clients; others participate in insurance panels and charge only the copay or coinsurance. Hedlund's specific fee structure and insurance participation should be confirmed directly. Some independent practitioners offer reduced rates on a sliding scale; availability varies by provider and is worth asking about during an initial consultation. Unlike large health systems, independent practices often have more flexibility on fee arrangements but fewer administrative staff to manage insurance claims, so clients may need to handle some reimbursement paperwork themselves.

How he compares locally

Baltimore has a mix of clinical psychologists in private practice, therapists at large health systems (Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Medical Center), and counselors working in community mental health centers. Private practitioners like Hedlund typically offer flexible scheduling and continuity with one therapist but may have longer wait times for initial appointments and require clients to manage insurance directly. Large health-system therapists often have shorter wait times and integrated medical records but less flexibility and higher copays. Community mental health agencies (such as those affiliated with Baltimore's public health department) charge on a sliding fee scale based on income, making them more affordable upfront but often involving waitlists. Choose a private practitioner if you value one-to-one continuity and have insurance that reimburses; choose a health-system provider if you need psychiatric medication management alongside therapy; choose a community center if cost is the primary constraint.

Who it suits and who it does not

Hedlund's practice suits working adults with adequate insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket who want consistent one-to-one therapy for anxiety, depression, grief, or life transitions. He does not suit clients in active suicidal crisis, those requiring daily psychiatric assessment, clients with untreated severe mental illness, or those unable to afford session fees without insurance. Parents seeking child or adolescent therapy should ask whether he accepts that age group; many adult-focused practices do not.

What the first visit involves

An initial appointment typically lasts 50 minutes to 1.5 hours, covering intake: psychiatric and medical history, current symptoms, what brought you in, substance use, family history, and previous treatment. Hedlund will explain his approach and confidentiality limits (danger to self or others, child or elder abuse, and court orders override confidentiality). He will discuss fee structure, cancellation policy, and how often you will meet. If you have insurance, bring your card and ask about his participation status beforehand. The session establishes whether ongoing therapy with him is appropriate or whether you need a specialist (psychiatry for medication, substance abuse treatment, etc.).

Scheduling and logistics

As an independent practice, Hedlund likely operates by appointment only with limited daytime and evening availability. Confirm his office location (Baltimore-area address), parking situation, and how far in advance to book initial appointments. Many private practitioners maintain waitlists and require phone or email contact to schedule; online portals are less common in smaller practices. Confirm cancellation policy—most require 24-hour notice to avoid a fee.

Mark Hedlund serves adults who value long-term therapeutic continuity and have the resources to pay for it, fitting the segment of Baltimore's mental health landscape where private psychology practices anchor individual treatment outside large hospital systems.