Dr. Jennifer Outlaw, LCSW-C

Welcome! I'm glad you've taken this step toward your growth and well-being. I'm here to support you through this process and look forward to working together. I’m Dr. Jennifer Outlaw, a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Licensed Independent Social Worker practicing in Maryland, Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas. With over a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of working with adolescents, adults, service members, and veterans in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. My primary goal is to foster well-being through comprehensive assessment, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment of mental health and substance use concerns. As a U.S. Army veteran, I have a deep understanding of the unique experiences and challenges faced by service members and veterans. This background fuels my passion for providing tailored support to this community. I am also dedicated to addressing multicultural and diversity issues, ensuring that care is culturally sensitive and respectful of each individual’s background. In our sessions, you can expect a warm, authentic, and compassionate environment where your experiences and feelings are truly valued. My approach is client-centered, prioritizing your goals and needs as we work together. I believe that genuine connection and support are vital to navigating life’s challenges and fostering personal growth. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy reading historical romance novels and watching zombie movies — hobbies that help me unwind and maintain a balanced perspective. I am here to support you on your journey toward healing and well-being. I look forward to working with you and helping you achieve your goals. In our first session together, here's what you can expect: In the first psychotherapy session, clients can expect a warm, welcoming, and confidential environment where we begin to build a trusting relationship. Here’s what typically happens: Introduction and Rapport Building: I’ll start by introducing myself and explaining the therapy process. I’ll invite you to share what brought you in and what you hope to achieve. Assessment and Exploration: We’ll discuss your current situation, mental health history, life circumstances, and goals. You might be asked about your mood, thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and any previous mental health treatment. Clarifying Expectations: We’ll talk about confidentiality, session logistics, and any questions you have about therapy. Goal Setting: Together, we’ll identify your main concerns and what you’d like to work on. This helps create a tailored plan that aligns with your needs. Finally, Next Steps: I’ll explain how we’ll proceed in future sessions, including any initial homework or reflection, and schedule your next appointment. Overall, your first session is about establishing a safe space, understanding your needs, and setting a foundation for your journey toward healing and growth. It’s a collaborative process, and I’ll be there to support and guide you every step of the way. The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions: My greatest strengths as a psychotherapist lie in my authentic compassion, active listening skills, and my ability to create a safe and supportive environment for my clients. I am deeply empathetic and non-judgmental, which helps clients feel valued and understood. My extensive experience working with diverse populations, including adolescents, adults, service members, and veterans, has strengthened my cultural sensitivity and adaptability. I am skilled in integrating evidence-based approaches, tailoring interventions to meet each individual's unique needs. Additionally, my strong communication skills and genuine warmth foster trust and openness, encouraging clients to explore their feelings and work toward meaningful change. Ultimately, my commitment to professional growth and my passion for helping others empower me to support clients effectively on their healing journeys. The clients I'm best positioned to serve: Throughout my career, I have provided psychotherapy and counseling to individuals dealing with severe and persistent mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression, and PTSD. I also support clients facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges.