Richard Podolin, PhD in Baltimore: Individual Therapy for Adults with Clinical Psychology Focus

Richard Podolin is an individual psychologist in Baltimore offering therapy for adults, holding a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. He operates as a solo private practice rather than as part of a larger clinic or hospital system, which shapes both his availability and his approach to ongoing care.

What Podolin actually does

Podolin provides one-on-one psychotherapy for adults. His practice is grounded in clinical psychology, meaning the work centers on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions rather than coaching, life advice, or relationship mediation. This distinction matters: clinical psychologists in Maryland must hold a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) and complete supervised clinical hours before licensure, a credential different from licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) or counselors (LPCs) who require master's degrees. Podolin holds the PhD credential, which typically involves a research component in addition to clinical training.

As a solo practitioner, Podolin does not employ other clinicians or offer group sessions through his practice. This means continuity with one therapist but also limited scheduling flexibility and no backup coverage if he is unavailable.

Therapeutic approach and services

Podolin's practice focuses on individual therapy, meaning he does not offer couples counseling, family therapy, or group sessions. The specific therapeutic orientation (cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, etc.) is not publicly documented, so prospective clients should ask about this during an initial consultation.

Like most psychologists in private practice in Baltimore, Podolin likely charges per session. Private-practice psychology fees in the Baltimore area typically range from $100 to $200 per 45- to 60-minute session, though rates vary by therapist training, experience, and neighborhood. Insurance reimbursement depends on your plan's out-of-network mental health benefits and whether Podolin accepts your specific insurance. Because he is a solo practice, his insurance participation may be more limited than a larger clinic. Verify insurance coverage and session cost directly before scheduling.

Comparison to other Baltimore psychology options

Baltimore has several paths to individual therapy. University of Maryland's Center for Mental Health Disparities and the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic both offer therapy at lower cost on a sliding-fee basis, though wait times can be longer and continuity is less guaranteed. Community mental health centers like the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD) also provide therapy scaled to income. Podolin's private practice sits on the opposite end: higher out-of-pocket cost but likely faster access, consistent therapist, and minimal bureaucracy. Choose a private psychologist like Podolin if you have insurance coverage or disposable income and value appointment flexibility and continuity; choose a clinic if cost is the primary barrier or if you need integrated psychiatric medication management.

Solo psychologists vs. group psychology practices: group practices (such as larger outpatient clinics) offer backup scheduling, more flexible appointment times, and sometimes multiple specialties in one location, but less independence in how your care is structured. Podolin's solo model gives you direct access to his clinical judgment and continuity but means cancellations can disrupt your schedule.

Who this practice suits and who it doesn't

Podolin's practice is appropriate for adults with access to private payment or out-of-network mental health insurance and who prefer working with a single clinical psychologist over a longer-term basis. His focus on individual therapy suits depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, personality concerns, and other conditions treated through talk therapy. If you need psychiatric medication management, you will need a separate psychiatrist; psychologists in Maryland are not licensed to prescribe medication. If you are in crisis or acutely suicidal, a hospital emergency department or crisis line (Baltimore Crisis Response Team: 410-433-5287) is more appropriate than a private psychology practice.

First visit and intake

Expect to schedule a consultation call or initial session before committing to ongoing therapy. The intake will include questions about presenting symptoms, psychiatric history, current stressors, substance use, and what you hope therapy will address. You will discuss fee, insurance, cancellation policy, and confidentiality limits (psychologists must report threats of harm, abuse, and certain other disclosures). Ask whether Podolin has availability for your preferred frequency (weekly, biweekly, etc.) and whether he accommodates telehealth if that matters to you.

Hours and logistics

As a solo practice, Podolin's hours and availability are determined by his schedule alone. Confirm specific hours and whether he offers evening or weekend sessions by contacting him directly. Parking in Baltimore varies by neighborhood; if his office is in a downtown or midtown location, street parking or nearby lots are typical.

Podolin provides therapy to adults seeking an ongoing clinical relationship with a doctoral-level psychologist, filling a niche between community mental health (lower cost, more wait time) and hospital-based psychiatry (medication-focused).