geometry-shapes iconGrief, Seniors & Geriatric, Neurodiversity, Developmental Disorders, Trauma / PTSD, Relationships, Self Esteem
In Person & Online in Perry Hall, MD
14 years in practice
Ages served: 11-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Kasandra accepts 11 insurers
Optum Serve
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Compsych
JP Farley Corporation
Multi Plan PHCS
Oscar Health
Quest Behavioral Health
UMR
Uprise EAP
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$220
first session
$160
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Kasandra

Life can feel overwhelming, confusing, or isolating, and it’s normal to want guidance and support. I’m a relational clinical social worker who helps adults and young adults explore how relationships and life experiences shape emotions, behaviors, and patterns.

Many clients come to therapy feeling stuck, struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or difficult relationships. Others want to better understand themselves, improve communication, and develop healthier ways of coping.

In working together I provide a compassionate, collaborative space where you can feel heard and understood. Together, we’ll explore patterns in your relationships, uncover your strengths, and develop tools to help you manage challenges, build confidence, and create meaningful change.

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"I understand that life can feel heavy, confusing, or isolating, and I’m here to offer a safe, supportive space to work through it."

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Get to know Kasandra

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I became a clinical social worker because I believe our relationships and experiences shape who we are, and everyone deserves a safe, understanding space to explore them. I love helping clients feel heard, process challenges, and build stronger connections with themselves and others

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work well with children, adolescents, young adults, older adults, and families with teenagers. I enjoy supporting clients who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, or life transitions.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

Healing takes time, and it often involves exploring uncomfortable emotions, noticing patterns, and practicing new ways of relating to yourself and others. Progress can feel gradual, but every step—big or small—is part of growth. Therapy is a safe, collaborative space where you can be honest, explore challenges, and develop the tools and insight you need to feel more empowered, resilient, and connected.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

 In your first session with me, you can expect a welcoming, safe, and nonjudgmental space where we focus on understanding your concerns and what brought you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your experiences, relationships, and goals so I can get a sense of what matters most to you. This is also a time for you to ask questions, share what you hope to achieve, and get a feel for how therapy might support you.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider? What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider? 

Having grandparents as caregivers and a parent struggling with addiction showed me firsthand how vital a safe, caring environment is. School was my sanctuary, and it inspired my work as a therapist: creating a nonjudgmental, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs? 

I tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs by first getting to know them as a whole person—their experiences, relationships, strengths, and goals. I recognize that no two people process life or emotions the same way, so I take a flexible, individualized approach that meets clients where they are. Sometimes this involves traditional talk therapy, while other times I encourage clients to think outside the box, exploring creative strategies, activities, or exercises that help them process emotions, build insight, and practice new ways of coping.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesGrief, Seniors & Geriatric, Neurodiversity, Developmental Disorders, Trauma / PTSD, Relationships, Self Esteem, School Issues, Family Conflict, Alcohol Use, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Anger Management, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Gender Identity / Transgender, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Thinking Disorders, Teen Violence, Suicidal Ideation, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Social Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Panic Attack, Learning / Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional Disturbance, Dual Diagnosis, Caregivers, Adoption, Depression, Life Transition, Autism, Women’s Issues, Coping Skills, Behavioral Issues, LGBTQIA+
ApproachesMusic Therapy, Multicultural, Experiential Therapy, Culturally Sensitive, Transpersonal, Strength-Based Therapy, Trauma-Focused, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Discernment Counseling, Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Attachment-Based, Relational, Narrative, Gestalt, Feminist
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Education and training

Years in practice
14 years
Graduating institute
The University of Utah
Graduating degree
Master of Social Work
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1962030429
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State of practiceMD
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License number33779
Practice location

Practice information

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Kasandra Atkinson

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Candidate (LCSW-C)she/her