Jennifer Ryan, LCSW, MD | Psychotherapist

About Jennifer Ryan

Focus areas

Anxiety

Bipolar Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Depression

Stress

Bereavement / Grief Counseling

Panic Attack

Clientele seen

Children (<13)

Adults (25-64)

Teenagers (13-17)

Individuals

Young adults (18-24)

Families

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

Dialectical (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Emotionally Focused

Compassion Focused

Exposure Response Prevention

Identity

Gender

Female

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Jennifer Ryan

Taking the first step toward healing can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. I work with children, teens, and young adults navigating challenges like anxiety, identity exploration, school stress, and family conflict. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and grounded in creating a safe space where you feel heard, valued, and supported. When you’re ready, I’m here to walk alongside you on your path to clarity, confidence, and emotional wellness. I believe therapy is most impactful when it honors the whole person—and, when working with youth, the whole family system. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I use evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused approaches, narrative therapy, and mindfulness to help clients of all ages gain insight, develop coping strategies, and make meaningful progress toward their goals. When working with children and teens, I incorporate the full family unit—partnering with caregivers and collaborating with schools to ensure consistent, supportive care across home and community environments. For adults, I create a safe space to explore life stressors, relationship challenges, identity, and emotional health, always tailoring our work to your unique needs and values. Whether you’re a parent seeking support for your child, or an individual navigating your own path, I’m here to walk with you—offering empathy, structure, and tools to help you feel more grounded, connected, and empowered.

What should a new client know about working with you?

Do you or your child need support navigating emotions, relationships, or life’s daily challenges? I work with children, teens, and adults facing a range of concerns—including anxiety, mood disorders, autism, ADHD, and intellectual or developmental disabilities (ID/DD). Many of my clients are seeking a therapist who understands neurodiversity, offers practical tools, and creates a space where they or their child can feel seen and supported. I take a whole-person and whole-family approach, often partnering with caregivers, schools, and other supports to ensure consistent, collaborative care. Whether you’re a parent seeking guidance, a teen struggling with stress, or an adult working to build coping strategies or improve your emotional wellbeing, I’m here to walk alongside you. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that honors your strengths and supports your goals. I strive to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and supported—whether you’re a child, teen, adult, or caregiver. My communication style is warm, clear, and collaborative. I practice active listening and work hard to understand your perspective before offering feedback or guidance. I value transparency and will always let you know what we're working on and why, so you feel empowered throughout the process. In sessions, I aim to strike a balance between empathy and structure. For youth, that might mean using creative tools or visuals to support expression. With adults, it often includes open dialogue, gentle challenges, and goal-focused reflection. Whether we’re celebrating progress or navigating something difficult, you can expect me to remain calm, curious, and committed to your growth.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

My journey into mental health care began with a passion for working directly with youth and families—especially those facing complex challenges with limited support. Early in my career, I worked with individuals with developmental disabilities and found myself inspired by their resilience, creativity, and capacity for growth. That experience lit a spark in me to pursue a path in clinical social work, where I could combine advocacy, therapeutic support, and systems-level impact. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, teens, and adults through life transitions, emotional struggles, and identity exploration—always with a focus on culturally responsive, strengths-based care. I’m especially passionate about supporting individuals with autism, ID/DD, and mood or anxiety disorders, and helping families feel more connected and empowered. What continues to motivate me is the transformation I witness in my clients: a young person finding their voice, a parent reconnecting with their child, or an adult discovering new ways to cope and thrive. Being part of that process is both humbling and deeply rewarding. I believe that meaningful goals are co-created—rooted in what matters most to you or your child. Whether you're seeking to build emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, strengthen relationships, or increase daily functioning, we’ll work together to set goals that feel achievable and relevant to your life. When working with youth, I often include caregivers in this process to ensure alignment at home, in school, and in therapy. As therapy progresses, your goals may shift—and that’s expected. I regularly check in to see what’s working and what needs to be adjusted. Some days, reaching a goal might look like using a new coping skill; other days, it might simply be showing up and sharing openly. No matter the pace, I’m here to offer steady support, practical tools, and a non-judgmental space to help you or your child keep moving forward.

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In-network insurances

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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

George Mason University, Master's in Clinical Social Work

NPI number

1902481997

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Jennifer Ryan?

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

Is Jennifer Ryan accepting new patients?

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

Does Jennifer Ryan accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Jennifer Ryan is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Jennifer Ryan online?

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

What practice does Jennifer Ryan work with?

Jennifer Ryan works with Rula Health - Maryland.

What are common reasons for patients to see Jennifer Ryan?

Jennifer Ryan 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 Jennifer Ryan on their profile.