Stephen Murphy, LICSW, MD, LCSW-C
Compassionate therapist for life transitions
- Anxiety and depression
- Relationship and family
- International clients accepted
About Stephen Murphy
Stephen Murphy brings a compassionate, individualized approach to therapy, supporting people who are navigating complex emotional challenges and life transitions. He emphasizes practical strategies and evidence-based methods to help individuals manage depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and the stresses that accompany major changes in life.
Stephen creates a welcoming, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their concerns, build resilience, and pursue meaningful personal growth. His work attends to everyday struggles such as social anxiety, communication problems, workplace stress, and questions of personal identity, while also addressing deeper relational dynamics and emotional patterns.
Drawing on a range of therapeutic tools, Stephen helps clients develop coping skills, improve interpersonal connections, and clarify their values and goals. He is committed to meeting each person where they are and tailoring treatment to the individual journey rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
Stephen holds the credentials LICSW, MD, and LCSW-C. LICSW stands for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LCSW-C denotes a licensed clinical social worker with clinical certification, and MD indicates a Doctor of Medicine. These credentials reflect formal training and clinical experience used to guide compassionate, professional care.
Stephen creates a welcoming, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their concerns, build resilience, and pursue meaningful personal growth. His work attends to everyday struggles such as social anxiety, communication problems, workplace stress, and questions of personal identity, while also addressing deeper relational dynamics and emotional patterns.
Drawing on a range of therapeutic tools, Stephen helps clients develop coping skills, improve interpersonal connections, and clarify their values and goals. He is committed to meeting each person where they are and tailoring treatment to the individual journey rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
Stephen holds the credentials LICSW, MD, and LCSW-C. LICSW stands for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LCSW-C denotes a licensed clinical social worker with clinical certification, and MD indicates a Doctor of Medicine. These credentials reflect formal training and clinical experience used to guide compassionate, professional care.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Stephen Murphy have?
Stephen Murphy has 10 years of experience.
Is Stephen Murphy a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the credentials LICSW, MD, and LCSW-C. License details include DC LICSW LC200002451 and MD LCSW-C 29950.
In which languages does Stephen Murphy provide therapy?
Stephen Murphy provides therapy in English.
Where is Stephen Murphy located?
Stephen Murphy is located in Maryland.
How can I work with Stephen Murphy as my therapist?
You can work with Stephen Murphy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Stephen Murphy work with international clients?
Yes, Stephen Murphy works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Stephen Murphy cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It is useful for stress, anxiety, and situations where someone wants to live more in line with their priorities. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early and current relationships shape emotional patterns and connection; it can be especially helpful for challenges in intimate relationships, family dynamics, and attachment concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches concrete skills to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, making it a common choice for anxiety, depression, and coping with everyday stressors.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Stephen collaborates with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. This collaborative stance allows adaptation over time as priorities and challenges evolve.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access care from different locations. Licensed professionals can use these formats to deliver structured treatment, teach practical skills, and provide ongoing support in a way that complements each person’s life and commitments.