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MD, LCPC

Al Balaa, MD, LCPC

  • Experience12 years
  • LocationMaryland
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Trauma and abuse
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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About Al

Al Balaa is an MD and licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) practicing in Maryland with 12 years of experience. He blends evidence-informed techniques with a client-centered stance to help people move through stress, anxiety, grief, depression, bipolar mood concerns, and trauma.

Background and approach

His work emphasizes developing self-compassion and addressing deep-seated feelings of guilt and shame while supporting clients in clarifying life purpose and cultivating self-love. Therapeutic goals often include rebuilding self-esteem, learning tools to cope with overwhelming emotions, and navigating significant life changes.

Al pairs cognitive and behavioral methods with skills-based approaches and, when appropriate, dialectical strategies to teach practical coping skills. He also integrates existential reflection and hypnotherapy to explore meaning, values, and held patterns that contribute to suffering.

Clients who work with Al can expect a collaborative, nonjudgmental environment designed to release emotional burdens and strengthen resilience. He focuses on helping people translate insight into everyday changes, offering a steady, compassionate presence while tailoring interventions to each person’s needs and preferences.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care



Al integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) into online work. CBT focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and difficulties with focus. DBT emphasizes building emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills to manage intense emotions and improve day-to-day functioning.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative and unfolds over the first few sessions. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and how techniques fit each person’s needs, adjusting the plan as insight and progress guide the work. This collaborative process helps ensure that methods align with individual priorities and practical concerns.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These formats allow for consistent continuity of care amid busy schedules or geographic distance, making it easier to practice skills between meetings and maintain momentum toward therapeutic goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
He works with a range of issues including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, bipolar symptoms, relationship and anger challenges, addictions, and ADHD among other concerns.
What is the therapist's general approach in sessions?
The therapist uses a client-centered foundation combined with cognitive behavioral techniques and dialectical skills when helpful, focusing on practical strategies and emotional exploration.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
He brings 12 years of clinical experience to his practice, applying a mix of evidence-based therapies and integrative approaches.
What credentials and location are associated with this clinician?
He holds MD and LCPC credentials and is licensed with the designation MD LCPC LC11565, practicing from Maryland.
Can I work with this clinician if I live outside the United States?
Yes, he accepts international clients and offers services in English to people located outside the U.S.
Which session formats are available for remote care?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are fees and payment structured for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions operate through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are required to begin working with this therapist?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a brief matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCompassion fatigue

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

ForgivenessGuilt and shameLife purposeSelf-love

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyHypnotherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

12+ years

Licensed

Maryland

Languages

English