cognitive Behavioral therapy in Baltimore, MD
Learn practical life changing skills to help manage anxiety and stress with structured CBT therapy. Get an appointment in-person at our Baltimore office or schedule a virtual teletherapy session in Maryland. Book a free call to get started.

Identify cognititve Distortions and make real behavioral change with CBT Therapy
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, or challenges in your personal or professional life cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop practical tools to regain control and improve your well-being. At Behavioral Health Direct, we provide specialized CBT therapy in-person at our Baltimore office and online in Maryland. With cognititve behavioral therapy you will identify and learn to change unhelpful ways of thinking, cognitive distortions, and behavioral patterns that keep you stuck.
Common Issues Addressed with CBT
Overcoming chronic worry, work burnout, health anxieties, and physical panic, while building actionable behavioral tools to reclaim your sense of calm.
Relationship Issues
Navigating complex family dynamics, boundary setting, communication breakdowns, and relationship-specific anxieties to foster secure, healthy connections.
Self esteem
Breaking free from relentless self-criticism, chronic people-pleasing (the need to please disease), and imposter syndrome to develop a grounded, resilient sense of self-trust.
Interrupting distressing intrusive thoughts, exhausting mental loops, and rigid behavioral rituals using targeted, evidence-based behavioral strategies like ERP and ACT.
Depression & Mood
Unpacking persistent low motivation, heavy mental fatigue, and negative thought patterns to safely re-engage with the people and activities you love.
Personal Growth
Deepening day-to-day self-awareness, identifying your core personal values, and working through underlying self-doubt to live more intentionally.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist in Baltimore
Yisrael Zev Schwartz, lcpc
Yisrael is a Maryland Licensed Professional Counselor (#LC12686) and owner of Behavioral Health Direct specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based psychological treatment for mental health issues and life stressors. My practice is a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients feel understood, respected, and empowered. I look forward to speaking with you!
Effective CBT Therapy in Baltimore and throughout Maryland
At Behavioral Health Direct we do more than talk therapy. We make sure that treatment is evidence-based, authentic, genuine, and respectful. Whether in Baltimore or other parts of Maryland like Montgomery County and Frederick, our clients appreciate our practical person-first approach that leads to real lasting change.
Yisrael was a great help to me when I was suffering from anxiety. I make use of some of the things he taught me often. I highly recommend him.
I cannot say enough good things about Yisrael Zev Schwartz and his incredible work at Behavioral Health Direct. If you or someone you care about is struggling with OCD or anxiety, you won’t find a more dedicated, compassionate, and skilled professional to guide you through the healing process. Yisrael has a rare gift—he not only understands the complexities of OCD and anxiety but also knows how to connect with his clients in a way that makes them feel truly seen and supported. His use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is both effective and empowering, helping clients break free from the cycles of intrusive thoughts and compulsions that can feel overwhelming. What stands out the most is his patience, warmth, and unwavering belief in his clients’ ability to improve. He has a way of balancing gentle encouragement with just the right amount of challenge, pushing clients toward real growth while making sure they never feel alone in the process. I’ve personally seen the tremendous impact his work has had, and it’s nothing short of life-changing. His approach isn’t just about symptom reduction—it’s about helping people reclaim their lives and find hope again. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares and delivers real results, Yisrael Zev Schwartz and Behavioral Health Direct are the best of the best.
He is a great therapist to have! He really helped me with anxiety. I enjoyed the report that we built over time and I’d highly recommend him!
I was client from January to June. I had many sessions that were helpful to overcome obstacles in life. He carefully listens and explores with you different alternatives until you find the best strategy that suite your need. He is very realistic and provide practical recommendations.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Yisrael for a long time personally and professionally. Yisrael brings an incredible level of professionalism, empathy, and insight to their work, undoubtyl making a profound difference in the lives of his clients. He have a unique ability to create a safe, welcoming space for individuals to explore and work through their challenges. I have no doubt that anyone who works with Yisrael will benefit from his expertise and genuine care. Highly recommend!
I am beyond grateful for the incredible support and guidance I received from Yisrael during a time when my anxiety was overwhelming. Yisrael's compassion, understanding, and expertise were evident from the very beginning. He created a safe and nurturing environment where I felt comfortable opening up about my struggles and fears. Yisrael's deep knowledge of anxiety management techniques and his ability to tailor them to my specific needs truly made a difference in my life. With his help, I learned valuable coping strategies that have empowered me to face my anxiety head-on. Yisrael's unwavering support and encouragement have been a constant source of strength for me. I cannot thank him enough for the positive impact he has had on my mental well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend Yisrael to anyone seeking support for anxiety or any other mental health concerns. Thank you, Yisrael, for being an incredible source of support when I needed it the most!
Yisrael is the best. Helped me through some difficult times in life and I couldn’t be more thankful. I give him my highest recommendation.
Yisrael was kind, understanding, and patient. He was able to help me navigate through one of the most challenging times of my life.
In 2024 I experienced an episode of health anxiety that completely took over my life. I felt afraid every day, I was constantly examining myself for new “symptoms”, and I was even making dramatic lifestyle changes to “treat” the conditions I was worried about. Over the course of a year working with Yisrael, I learned to understand and identify my anxious thoughts and received practical advice on how to live with them. Yisrael also helped me address other parts of my life where anxiety came into play, including fear of flying, social anxiety, and family dynamics. For most of my life, I thought I was stuck as an anxious person, but now I feel like I am equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage my anxieties as they arise. I am forever grateful to Yisrael for helping me get back into my life, and I would recommend him as a knowledgeable, compassionate and supportive resource for anyone dealing with anxiety!
I have really enjoyed working with Yisrael. I made a lot of progress in a very short amount of time in reducing my anxiety and improving my anxiety-related behaviors both in driving and in other domains. He provided both practical techniques as well as improving my self-awareness of how some of my thought processes impacted my life. Also from a practical side the billing, consent, and scheduling process with him was always very smooth. I would definitely recommend him to anyone struggling with panic, anxiety, depression, or other disorders that benefit from a cognitive-behavioral approach.
I found Dr. Schwartz after doing some research online. I came to him with issues related to OCD and anxiety. I had numerous in person sessions spaced out over several months. Dr. Schwartz was very understanding and helped me work through some very distressing thought patterns. I would absolutely recommend BHD to anyone seeking treatment for anxiety/OCD related issues. Sharing was very easy and I never felt any type of judgement or shame.
My experiences with Yisrael have been insightful and wonderful! What makes his approach to therapy unique is that he focuses on what is in our control and how to navigate intense emotions/thought patterns in the present. He is very flexible, understanding and kind. This is the first therapy experience I’ve had where I really could build my confidence in myself and continue working on the things I need on my own, using the tools he gave me. I highly recommend him and this approach!
Hillel is not only a highly skilled therapist but also one that has the intangible ability to create a real connection with his clients. Finding somebody that does both can be tricky but Hillel is your guy!
Yisrael is an effective and knowledgeable anxiety and OCD specialist. He is a trusted colleague and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for therapy.
Dr. Temima Schwartz is a real asset to students, parents, and teachers. In addition to her training in the area of neuropsychological evaluations, she also has hands-on-experience in the school setting working with students who faced numerous educational challenges and found school difficult. She has excellent problem-solving skills and very strong communication skills. Dr. Schwartz listens carefully to students, parents, and educators as she completes the testing process. She has a deep understanding of how the brain functions and she is a wonderful resource in the evaluation community. Her reports are clear and easy to understand with realistic recommendations.
I worked with Yisrael for about three months. We focused on how to raise children and resolving conflicts mindfully. Specifically, we addressed the role of anxiety and other phenomena that can detract from adherence to our values. Yisreal was quickly able to help me articulate my concerns, which made them less intimidating, and he was just as quick to recommend targeted, high-quality resources that I still reference. He introduced me to a helpful phrase that's become kind of a mantra to me: "Is this (behavior) serving me?" It's not a quick fix, but it does help me rapidly categorize my thinking as a helpful synthesis of new information or an unhelpful rehashing of habitual thoughts. From an administrative perspective, Yisreal used a helpful platform that handled insurance billing for me. That made billing pretty straightforward.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Unlike other therapy approaches that delve deeply into the past, CBT is goal-oriented and rooted in the present, making it an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health challenges.
CBT is based on the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By challenging cognitive distortions and adopting healthier thought patterns, clients can achieve meaningful changes in their emotional and behavioral responses.
How Does CBT Work?
CBT helps you recognize the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and actions. During therapy sessions, your therapist will:
Identify Problematic Thoughts: Work with you to uncover negative thought patterns or cognitive distortions, such as catastrophizing, black-and-white thinking, or overgeneralization.
Challenge Unhelpful Beliefs: Teach you strategies to evaluate and reframe these thoughts.
Develop New Skills: Introduce practical techniques like mindfulness, stress management, and behavioral experiments to help you respond more effectively to challenging situations.
Set Goals: Collaboratively create achievable goals to work toward positive changes.
Common CBT Terms to Know
Cognitive Distortions: Unhelpful thought patterns that can perpetuate anxiety and depression.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A specific CBT technique used for treating anxiety, OCD, and phobias by gradually facing fears without performing compulsions or avoidances.
Behavioral Activation: A strategy to increase engagement in meaningful activities to combat depression.
Thought Records: Worksheets used to track and challenge unhelpful thoughts.
Read more about Identifying Cognitive Distortions with CBT.
Online CBT Therapy in Maryland
Our online teletherapy services make CBT accessible to clients throughout Maryland, including those unable to attend in-person sessions in Baltimore. Teletherapy offers a flexible, secure, and convenient way to receive therapy from the comfort of your home or office.
Benefits of Online CBT:
Convenience and flexibility
Access to top-quality care from anywhere in Maryland
Evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique needs
Why Choose Behavioral Health Direct?
Expert Therapists: Our clinicians specialize in CBT and have extensive experience treating anxiety, OCD, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Flexible Options: Choose from in-person therapy in Baltimore or teletherapy anywhere in Maryland.
Immediate Availability: No waitlist means you can start your journey to better mental health without delay.
Personalized Care: We believe every person is unique and different and we work closely with you to create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
FAQ About CBT
1. What is CBT best for?
CBT is highly effective for treating anxiety, OCD, depression, stress, and many other mental health concerns. It’s also useful for improving coping skills, managing emotions, and addressing life challenges.
2. How many sessions will I need?
CBT is typically a short-term therapy, with many clients experiencing significant improvement within 12-20 sessions. The exact number of sessions depends on your unique goals and needs. Some clients prefer to stay with a therapist longer. We will work with you as as long as therapy is beneficial and helpful to you.
3. Can CBT be done online?
Yes! Online CBT is just as effective as in-person therapy. Behavioral Health Direct offers teletherapy services across Maryland to ensure you have access to high-quality care no matter where you’re located.
4. Does CBT work for OCD?
Yes, CBT, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is considered the gold standard for treating OCD.
5. Is CBT right for me?
If you’re looking for a practical, goal-oriented approach to therapy, CBT may be a great fit. Schedule a consultation with us to learn more.
Book a free consultation call to get started with cognitive behavioral therapy
Book a call to get started. We’ll discuss your goals, answer any questions you have, and book the first appointment.
