About Dr. Shugarman
Dr. Yaakov Shugarman is a highly experienced and compassionate licensed clinical psychologist serving the Baltimore metropolitan area. With a focus on empathy, clinical excellence, and evidence-based care, Dr. Shugarman offers a warm, individualized approach to supporting mental health and emotional resilience. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, depression, or life transitions, his therapeutic guidance helps patients build clarity, confidence, and growth.
- Virtual and in-person appointments available
Currently welcoming new patients. In-network with: CareFirst, Cigna, Johns Hopkins, and Medicaid.
Comprehensive Psychological Services
We proudly offer secure virtual counseling (TeleHealth) and in-person therapy—flexible, confidential care available to all Maryland residents.
Our Therapeutic Approach: Compassionate, Effective, Results-Focused
Healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. At our practice, we walk with you—step by step—through the journey of understanding, growth, and change. We begin by creating a safe, supportive space where you can speak freely. Together, we uncover what’s holding you back, learn new tools to manage challenges, and gradually shift thought patterns and behaviors that no longer serve you. Whether we’re targeting anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm, every technique is thoughtfully chosen to empower you with insight and lasting strength.
CBT Techniques
- Cognitive Restructuring:
- Challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with healthier ones.
- Exposure Therapy:
- Safely facing fears to reduce avoidance and anxiety responses.
- Relaxation Techniques:
- Deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation.
- Journaling:
- Tracking thoughts and triggers to build self-awareness.
- Behavioral Activation:
- Engaging in fulfilling activities to improve mood and motivation.
DBT Techniques
- Mindfulness:
- Cultivating present-moment awareness and emotional clarity.
- Distress Tolerance:
- Coping with crises using safe and effective methods.
- Emotion Regulation:
- Managing intense feelings with practical strategies.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness:
- Navigating relationships with assertiveness and empathy.
- Self-Soothing:
- Using sensory techniques to calm the nervous system.
- Coping Ahead:
- Preparing mentally and emotionally for future challenges.
- PLEASE Skill:
- Promoting physical health through diet, sleep, and exercise.
Dr. Shugarman is in-network with CareFirst, Cigna, Johns Hopkins, and Medicaid, making effective and supportive therapy accessible for you and your family.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is also a highly effective treatment for depression and other mood disorders. Often as effective as medication for mild to moderate depression—and a powerful complement to medication for more severe cases—CBT helps individuals recognize and reshape unhelpful thought patterns, build emotional resilience, and regain a sense of control. Our approach combines empathy with evidence-based techniques, empowering you with the tools to manage mood fluctuations, navigate challenges, and support long-term healing.
Therapeutic Services
Our therapy is designed to meet you where you are—with empathy, proven methods, and a genuine commitment to your well-being. Whether you’re navigating stress, life transitions, or emotional challenges, we’re here to support your journey forward.
Services include individual therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy—guided by evidence-based methods like CBT, DBT, ACT, and more—to help you find clarity, connection, and strength.
Psychological Evaluations
Gaining insight into your emotional or cognitive patterns can be a powerful step toward growth and healing. Our evaluations are clear, thoughtful, and tailored—supporting diagnosis, treatment planning, and accommodations for school or work.
We offer cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and personality assessments. All sessions are conducted securely via HIPAA-compliant platforms with no downloads or accounts required.
Specialized Care for Your Needs & Local Service Areas
Serving the community of Baltimore, MD, including Pikesville (21209), Towson, Owings Mills, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Anxiety & Stress Management
We help individuals learn practical strategies to reframe unhelpful thoughts, reduce avoidance behaviors, and build emotional resilience—supporting confidence and calm under pressure.
Depression & Mood Disorders
We guide clients in identifying negative thought patterns, promoting daily engagement, and building positive habits that support lasting emotional stability and motivation.
Trauma & PTSD Support
Our approach helps patients process distressing memories, regain a sense of safety, and strengthen coping techniques that promote healing and empowerment.
Self-Esteem & Personal Growth
We support personal development by fostering balanced self-talk, increasing self-awareness, and encouraging action-oriented goals that reinforce confidence and self-worth.
Psychological Testing
Evaluations offer insight into thinking patterns, emotional functioning, and behavior, helping to inform targeted therapeutic strategies for effective growth and healing.
General Mental Health Care
We help clients develop clarity and emotional regulation through practical skills that address everyday challenges and long-term mental wellness goals.
Have questions or ready to begin? You can call directly or reach out using the form below.