Intercultural Counseling Connection | A resource for forced migrants in Maryland

Unfortunately, we are unable to accept new referrals at this time, as our program is full. Please check back in September 2024 to be added to the Connection waitlist.

Meantime, we suggest that you review the many counseling and mental health services/programs, including the Maryland Pro Bono Counseling Project, that are listed on our Resources page: https://www.interculturalcounseling.org/community-resources .

The Connection’s pro bono provider network includes more than fifty mental health professionals who contribute their skills and experience in support of forced migrant survivors of extreme harm. Here are a few of them:

Terrence Alspaugh, LCPC

As an integrative, cognitive behavioral psychotherapist, my treatment approach includes compassionate support and practical interventions to help clients navigate current challenges and longstanding issues. I have an established private practice in Baltimore, and have been affiliated with the Connection since its initiation in 2013. I support individuals and couples through journeys of hope and healing, enabling them to learn strategies and techniques for coping with a wide range of life challenges.

Annick Barker, LCSW-C, LLC

I have been a mental health therapist for over 14 years and have worked with people from a wide range of backgrounds. I provide assistance to adults 18 years and older who are experiencing sadness, fear, worry, grief and other painful emotions. I help people cope with these emotions and restore a sense of well being. I help them identify personal goals and provide support as they work toward those goals. Perhaps most importantly, I provide a comfortable and safe place for people to talk about the things that matter the most to them.

Services provided in English and French.

Anshu Basnyat, LCPC

I am the owner of The Empowered Parent and have 23+ years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I work with individuals, couples, and families coping with such issues as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and/or work-life balance. My special focus is on elementary-aged children, parenting, cross-cultural issues, and trauma informed therapy. I primarily work from the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Model, but incorporate other modalities whenever clinically appropriate, and enjoy helping people reach their highest potential and life satisfaction.

Services provided in English and Nepalese.

Maryam Elbalghiti-Williams, LCSW-C

I help diverse women who juggle multiple cultural identities heal. Maybe you’re the child of immigrants, multiracial or a racially ambiguous chameleon, an expat, “third culture kid”, bilingual (or sad you lost your parent’s language), feel culturally displaced, part of a religious minority, or just don’t quite fit into any one box. I get it. You might find it hard to get your own needs met and feel unsettled in yourself and your relationships. This is where I come in. I am here to walk beside you to co-create radically new ways of being, relating, and living. What you need matters. In our work together, we will get to the root cause of your protective patterns of over working and find more compassionate ways of showing up for yourself.

Services provided in English and Arabic.

Omaira Mejia Castaño, LCPC, NCC

Through my experience working with immigrants, I’ve learned about the power of resilience. If you provide people with the right resources, and the opportunity to be listened to, they will go through amazing transformations.

Services provided in English and Spanish.

Hannah Pfeifer, LCSW-C

Hi! I am a licensed therapist in the Baltimore, MD area. I will help you set goals and work towards meeting them using a strengths based approach.

Amy Rakusin, LCPC, BC-DMT, CAS, NCC

I am a licensed psychotherapist and have worked for over 25 years in non-profit agencies, hospitals and private practice with clients experiencing a range of psychosocial issues. My specialty is in the treatment of past or current abuse resulting from domestic violence, persecution, torture and war related trauma. I use my knowledge of psychodynamic approaches as well as creative nonverbal interventions, body mind therapies, movement psychotherapy, mindfulness and clinical hypnosis.

Therapy with refugees and asylum seekers involves guidance in the restoration of hope, empowerment and wholeness. My therapeutic work supports individuals experiencing trauma in accessing their inherent strength and ability to heal.

Estefania Simich, PhD, NCC, LCPC, CST, CST-S

I am a Doctor in Human Sexuality, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and Supervisor. My passion is working with migrant populations who have experienced violence and sexual trauma.

Services provided in English and Spanish.