- Years in practice
- 11
- Credentials
- MD, LCSW-C
- Licensed in
- Maryland
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Family conflicts
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
About Lacey
Lacey Gaters, MD, LCSW-C helps people who are juggling parenting, stress, anxiety, and the ripple effects of trauma. She speaks plainly with parents and young adults about practical steps they can take. Her approach is steady and respectful, with a focus on listening and building useful skills.
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people change unhelpful thoughts and the actions that follow. Mindfulness and Client-Centered techniques are used to slow down strong emotions and make space for healthier choices.
Background and approach
Solution-Focused and Trauma-Focused methods are brought in when the situation calls for concrete problem solving or trauma care. Gaters trained in psychology at James Madison University and completed a Master of Social Work at the University of Maryland. She holds an MD and is licensed as a clinical social worker in Maryland.
Over 11 years she has practiced in hospitals and outpatient clinics and seen many different concerns. Parents often come with issues like behavior concerns, ADHD, mood changes, grief, or stress from caregiving. She supports people dealing with adoption and foster care questions, multicultural concerns, and communication problems.
The work can include setting clear goals, practicing new habits, and trying small experiments between sessions. Sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text messaging to fit busy family schedules. The structure and pace of therapy are tailored to each person, with an emphasis on respect and active listening.
What Lacey works with
Everything Lacey lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Lacey helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Parenting issues
- Depression
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Adoption and foster care
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Communication problems
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Family problems
- Mood disorders
- Multicultural concerns
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-harm
- Young adult issues
Approaches Lacey lists
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
Therapeutic approaches and online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding. The therapist follows each person's lead, offering support and reflection to help people clarify goals and feel heard. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it is useful for anxiety, mood concerns, and habit changes. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and support emotional regulation.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work with each person to choose which methods to try based on goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Sessions can involve short experiments, skills practice, and collaborative planning so adjustments can be made as progress is tracked.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to fit support into a busy life. Video calls let people meet face-to-face, phone sessions require less bandwidth, live chat can be a quick check-in, and text messaging supports ongoing reflection between visits. These options make it easier to schedule around school, work, or caregiving and to try different formats to see what works best.
Questions people ask about Lacey
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting struggles, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, anger, self-esteem, compassion fatigue, and ADHD among other issues.
How would you describe her therapy style?
The style is collaborative and respectful, centered on listening and practical skills. Techniques include thought work, mindfulness, and goal-focused problem solving.
What is her professional background?
She has 11 years of experience and has worked in hospitals and outpatient clinics with diverse client needs.
What credentials and location are on file?
She holds an MD and is licensed as a clinical social worker in Maryland.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does cost and starting therapy work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
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