Therapist for Doctors & Physicians | Physician Therapy in Maryland & Washington DC
Specialized Counseling for Physicians and Healthcare Professionals
Therapy for physicians and healthcare workers by somebody who gets it
As a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and physician spouse in Maryland, I provide therapy specifically for doctors, physicians, and healthcare professionals who face the unique pressures of medical training and practice. I understand the toll residency, medical school, and attending life can take on your career, relationships, and personal well-being.
I help physicians manage burnout, stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges while supporting them in reclaiming a sense of self beyond medicine. When you work with me, you’re working with a therapist who truly understands the journey of doctors and physicians.
Who I Work With
I have provided therapy to medical students, residents, and attending physicians across specialties including internal medicine, general surgery, urology, interventional radiology, pediatrics, OBGYN, cardiology, emergency medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, psychiatry, and more. My work also extends to healthcare professionals such as nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse managers, charge nurses, and veterinarians.
What I Help Physician Clients Address
Overcome burnout and reclaim parts of themselves lost during medical training
Manage anxiety, depression, and stress related to medical practice
Navigate relationship and marriage challenges when one or both partners are doctors
Balance the competing demands of patient care, paperwork, and family life
Address gender dynamics and workplace challenges in medicine
Manage the impact of metrics and institutional pressures on patient care
Sarah’s Featured Writing on Physician Well-Being
As part of my work supporting physicians and healthcare professionals, I regularly contribute articles to KevinMD.com. My writing explores physician burnout, relationship challenges, and the emotional side of practicing medicine.
Recent Articles
The Unseen Emotional Toll of Being a Physician
4 traits every new attending physician needs to thrive
Successful life after residency: 6 key ways to recover and thrive
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer in-person therapy for doctors and physicians in Maryland and Washington DC?
Yes. I’m a licensed LMFT offering in-person therapy in Silver Spring, MD (as of September) and currently offering virtual sessions to clients across Maryland and Washington, DC. Many clients I work with are physicians or other medical professionals with high-pressure schedules. My practice offers understanding and flexibility to schedule as works best.
What makes you different from other therapists that address things like anxiety and burnout?
Because I work with many doctors, residents, and other healthcare professionals, often comprising almost half of my caseload, I already understand the medical system, training pressures and indiosyncracies, and the unique pressures of corporate medicine. Many of my doctor clients express relief that they don’t have to explain things to me that they had to explain to other therapists. And because I see what has helped others in the same field, I’m well equipped to help new clients.
Is therapy confidential for doctors, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals?
Yes. Confidentiality is legally protected and taken seriously in therapy. I work with physicians, surgeons, and other professionals who often fear their vulnerability could affect their reputation or licensing. Therapy is a private space, and nothing is shared without your written consent unless there's a legal requirement to do so (such as safety concerns). I also offer secure telehealth options for added discretion.
I don’t have consistent availability because my schedule shifts week to week or month to month. Is that ok?
Yup! I understand that doctors, especially those in hospitals or surgical specialties, have unpredictable and inconsistent schedules. We can take scheduling week by week.
I work at a big medical center outside of the immediate DMV area, can I still see you privately for therapy?
Yes, I’m licensed in the entire state of Maryland as well as DC, so I can work with those located in Baltimore and other cities. I also work with physicians based in Pennsylvania and Texas.
I’m doing fine at my job. Nothing is lagging, but lately I feel burned out. Would therapy actually help?
Yes—therapy can help even when everything “looks fine” on the outside. You can reach a breaking point internally without any obvious signs to the outside world. Therapy helps you reconnect with yourself, identify what's driving the burnout, and make changes without having to give up your identity or success. And ideally, you don’t wait until things fall apart.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule therapy here.
Read Sarah’s articles on therapy in Psychology Today:
The discourse around family relationships has become all or nothing. Either we need to accept family members exactly as they are, or we have to cut them off entirely. Either they need to be met with gratitude, or they need to be held accountable.