James Whalen, LCPC, MD | Psychotherapist

About James Whalen

Focus areas

Anger Management

Bipolar Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Anxiety

Depression

Stress

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Panic Attack

Clientele seen

Adults (25-64)

Individuals

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Cognitive Processing (CPT)

Attachment-based

Compassion Focused

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Culturally Sensitive

Identity

Gender

Male

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know James Whalen

I'm glad you're on here and looking for help. I know that's not always easy to do. I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults, especially those with ADHD, as well as men and people exploring masculinity and other men's issues. I’m passionate about helping people make sense of their experiences, build meaningful lives, and develop research-backed tools for navigating life’s challenges. I often work with folks dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, life transitions, and struggles around self-esteem or social connection. Whether you’re feeling stuck, scattered, or unsure of who you want to be, I’m here to help you sort through it and move forward with clarity and care. I take a collaborative, nonjudgmental approach rooted in curiosity and compassion. It's important to me that the treatment I provide is backed by research, but I'm not stuck in any one particular modality, and I use elements of several evidence-based practices and frameworks based on each individual client's needs. So for example, I may draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), elements of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) or others as needed to help you understand what's getting in the way of leading a fulfilling life, shift patterns that aren't working, and outline a path toward living a life that is as close to your goals as circumstances allow. My work is influenced by humanistic and existential traditions, with a focus on meaning-making, values-based living, and authentic connection.

What should a new client know about working with you?

I specialize in working with adults navigating ADHD, especially the emotional side: overwhelm, burnout, difficulty with consistency, shame, and the feeling that you “should” be doing more but just can’t seem to get there. I also work with men who are curious about therapy but may feel unsure about how to begin, including those struggling with isolation and lack of emotional support, difficulties with emotional processing and awareness, or questions around masculinity and identity. I am also comfortable working through challenges with men's sexual health. Many of my clients deal with social anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression, often feeling stuck between who they are and who they want to be. Whether you're feeling scattered and unmotivated, lost in self-doubt, or just tired of carrying it all alone, I provide a space where you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Together, we can untangle what’s been holding you back and build a life that feels more grounded, intentional, and true to you. Clients often tell me I bring a grounded, thoughtful, calming presence into the room, and that they feel safe, heard, and understood with me. I aim to create a space where you can be fully yourself, including the messy or uncertain parts. My style blends warmth and humor with depth and directness; I’ll meet you with empathy and validate your experience, but I’ll also gently challenge you when it helps you grow. I value being thoughtful about how I communicate and sometimes take a few moments to process what you've said before I respond. My sessions tend to be fairly free-flowing and won't follow a particular formula or meeting-by-meeting plan outside of making sure that we're addressing all relevant and important topics. I will also take time to understand your communication style and what works best for you in terms of learning and processing styles, so that we can find common ground in how we communicate with one another and work together.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

I got into this field because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful good therapy can be. In the past, I struggled with my own emotional world, sense of identity, and—at the time—unrecognized ADHD. I worked with both helpful and unhelpful therapists along the way, and the ones who truly saw and supported me changed my life. That experience inspired me to provide that kind of support for others, and continues to motivate me to do the best I can at this work. Since I was young, I’ve been drawn to understanding people, how our minds work, and the bigger questions, like what gives life meaning and how we find purpose. Therapy felt like a natural place where those questions could live alongside real, day-to-day struggles. My education, training, and lived experience have all deepened my ability to support others, and I try to always keep learning, so that I can continue growing and improving as a human and as a support for you. We'll work together to clarify what kind of change feels most meaningful to you: not just symptom relief, but what a satisfying, authentic life would actually look like. From there, I’ll help you sort out what’s within your control and what may depend on external factors, so we can focus on goals that are both achievable and aligned with your values. We’ll start by identifying your current patterns, including how you relate to your thoughts and emotions, how you engage with others, and the beliefs that shape your behavior. We’ll explore how these patterns developed and gently examine where they may no longer be serving you. As we go, I’ll offer research-supported strategies and tools to help you shift what needs shifting and move closer to the life you want to build.

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In-network insurances

Aetna

BlueCross BlueShield

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UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare Oxford

200+ more in-network plans

Popular visit reasons

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Pediatric Tics / Tourette Syndrome

Pre-Move In Couples Counseling

Psychosexual Evaluation

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit

Sleep Problems

New Patient Visit

Pain Management Consultation

Pediatric Tics / Tourette Syndrome

Pre-Move In Couples Counseling

Education and background

Practice names

Rula Health - Maryland

Education and training

Pacific University, Master's in Psychology

NPI number

1013526185

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with James Whalen?

Generally, James Whalen has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see James Whalen's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is James Whalen accepting new patients?

James Whalen generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see James Whalen's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does James Whalen accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if James Whalen is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with James Whalen online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with James Whalen using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does James Whalen work with?

James Whalen works with Rula Health - Maryland.

What are common reasons for patients to see James Whalen?

James Whalen frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for James Whalen on their profile.