Welcome to your Safe Space

Safe Space Counseling Services is an online counseling service based in Maryland and run by a diverse group of multilingual mental health providers.Safe Space is founded with the hope of improving mental wellness among the people of Maryland and spread awareness of the different approaches to achieve mental health stability.

We understand that no two people are the same, and one single coping skill won’t necessarily work on the rest. That’s why we make sure to provide you with a safe space to share your stories and deep wounds and for you to understand what you’re going through and how it shapes your past, your present life, and your future, and to provide you with different techniques and approaches towards mental health.

We want to give equal access to mental wellness, to create a way for people to reach out, and not let your busy schedules get in the way to ask for help and achieve mental wellness.

At Safe Space, we value…

Inclusivity

We always make sure that there is equal access to mental health and wellness for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual preference, background, and color.

Connection

We just don't acknowledge diversity, we celebrate it. We stand firmly against any form of discrimination.

Genuineness

Our relationships with our patients go beyond business. We invest in understanding, listening, and genuinely connecting. It's a relationship built on trust, ensuring that every patient's journey is deeply felt and seen.

Resilience

Our business promotes resilience in diversity. We provide a wide range of ideas and insights, and ways on how to approach each situation and process.

You know you need help but don’t know where to start?

Safe Space Providers

Alice (XiaoRan) Zhao, LCPC

Founder of Safe Space Counseling Services

I am Alice Zhao LCPC, an Asian therapist, with 7 years of experience in the field. I am deeply committed to providing culturally sensitive support and guidance to individuals and couples.

When working with adults, I mainly use a lot of Brainspotting, Parts Work, and CBT to help work on your Parts, trauma, and patterns to help understand your issues as an adult.

I use the Gottman method to work with couples. I have completed level 2 training in Gottman Methods couples therapy.

Emily Lamoreaux M.S., LGPC

Provisional Therapist under supervision

I'm Emily Lamoreaux, a sex-positive therapist and yoga teacher (RYT 200) specializing in adults, relationships, and teens with a focus on mindfulness-based, trauma-informed care and holistic well-being.

I focus on ADHD and neurodivergence, trauma and post-traumatic growth, grief, non-traditional lifestyles, and kink-identity, LGBTQIA+ concerns gender exploration, poly/LGBTQIA couples and polycules, codependency and attachment, current and previous sex workers / boundaries within sex work and society, and life transitions.

Therapy with me is meant to be grounded in a deep respect for individual experiences and multicultural awareness.

Aanchal Mohanty, LGPC

Provisional Therapist under supervision

My approach to therapy is to meet clients with respect and curiosity to build a synergetic relationship that acts as a vehicle to improve and optimize clients' quality of life. I use an evidence-based, active style grounded in Relational Cultural Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment-based Therapy (ACT) to meet unique client needs.

I additionally use the Gottman Method for relational/couples work. I have experience working with a variety of mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, OCD, relational issues, and AuDHD in adults.

Mark (QingYuan) Wang, LGPC

Provisional Therapist under supervision

I utilize evidence-based therapies including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).

My core philosophy centers around the concept of "in-sight" — bringing new perceptions about yourself, others, and the world into your sight. By examining your life from different perspectives, you'll contact deeper emotional experiences and enriched self-understanding.

I have worked with young people, ages 5-18; however, I look forward to working with all ages. I want my clients to feel a sense of agency during therapy sessions.

As we build a safe space, my hope is that genuine trust is built between myself and my clients. As a woman of color, equity and cultural responsiveness has not only been a priority, but a lifestyle.

Brandi Grier, pending LGPC

Provisional Therapist under supervision

Taylor Shiver, LCPC

Board approved supervisor

As a trauma-informed psychotherapist, I’m passionate about helping individuals heal from past experiences and build a more fulfilling future. I specialize in working with people dealing with cultural challenges, body dysphoria, and body images; I offer culturally responsive care to diverse populations, including youth, adults, and families.

I believe in using evidence-based practices to get the best results. This means I might use techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), or person-centered therapy – all depending on what works best for you.

Meet our Administrative Team

  • Intake Coordinator

    Hello, I’m Precioues Johnson, a previous Holistic Health Professional and Clinical Herbalist with over 10 years of experience. I’ve transitioned into Operations Management and Executive Assistant roles while pursuing an Human Resources Management degree. 

    My approach is solution-based and people-centered, with a strong focus on service and analytical problem-solving. Remotely, I support clients and counselors by leveraging digital tools for clear communication and efficient workflow, ensuring responsiveness and organized information.

    My strengths lie in my analytical skills, attention to detail, and commitment to excellent service.

    Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, reading, dancing, and traveling. As an Enneagram Type 7, I bring enthusiasm and optimism to everything I do. I’m analytical, determined, intelligent, focused, service-minded, outgoing, resilient, joyful, helpful, and caring. With my holistic health background and current roles, I offer valuable support with a focus on achieving positive outcomes.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR INTAKE PROCESS

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Emily is in network with BCBS/Carefirst, soon to be in network with Cigna

    Alice is in network with BCBS, Cigna, UHC, and Aetna.

  • We are accepting clients from Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

  • Before their first therapy session, clients should consider their goals for therapy, make a note of any important personal issues or symptoms, and be prepared to discuss them openly. Their counselor will be exploring them with their clients.

  • Clients can expect their therapists to provide a supportive and confidential space, offer empathetic listening, and guide them through their issues with professionalism. Therapists should establish clear goals, respect boundaries, and may give homework to support progress. They will also regularly evaluate and adjust treatment plans to best meet the client's needs.

Step in to your safe space today and start your mental health journey with us.

Got questions we weren’t able to cover? Complete the form or type in any of your questions or concerns and one of our team will reach out to you.