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About Us and Nature

Outdoor Therapeutics is dedicated to improving mental health through clinical and wellness programs that realign connections between mind, body, spirit, and the natural world. We do this by integrating evidence-based therapeutic approaches with resources in nature that are scientifically proven to benefit human wellness, such as exposure to green space for nervous system stabilization. This dedication to returning humans to their natural habitat results in comprehensive and unique clinical offerings such as nature-integrated trauma treatment and wilderness-based wellness programs. We utilize the natural world to the degree clients are comfortable, such as introducing plant care into office sessions, having “walk and talk” sessions along the river, or having extended clinical sessions outdoors focusing on wildlife and the landscape as a source of metaphor, reflection, inspiration, and healthy attachment.

Enjoying the Nature
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Trauma-Informed & Responsive Practice

Outdoor Therapeutics is rooted in the values of trauma-informed and trauma-responsive practice. This means we are committed to a process of learning and applying knowledge of trauma to our thinking, behaviors, services, and workplace culture in order to increase capacity for safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in our relationship to others and ourselves. As part of this commitment, we seek ongoing guidance from outside professionals and resources, such as the Trauma Responsive Frederick (TRF), trauma-informed clinical supervisors, and anti-oppression frameworks to help us with organization-wide accountability and our continued journey to know better and do better.

Our Team

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Kris Bajgier, LCSW-C, MEd

Founder, Nature-Informed Trauma Therapist

Supports: Ages 14+

Specialty: Complex and acute trauma, attachment deficits, sexual abuse and survivor recovery

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Heather Smith, LCPC

Clinical Director, Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Supports: Ages 14+

Specialty: Treatment of complex and acute trauma, dissociative disorders, couples counseling

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Alyssia King, LMSW

Therapist, Social Worker

Supports: Ages 5+

Specialty: ODD, ADHD, LGBTQ+ affirming, complex and acute trauma, anxiety & depression

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Susanna Klingler, LGPC

Mental Health Counselor

Supports: Ages 10+

Specialty: Addiction, co-occurring diagnosis, complex & acute trauma, mood disorders

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Tess De Smedt, LMSW

Nature-Informed Therapist

Supports: Ages 14+

Areas: Complex and Acute Trauma, Anxiety and Depression, Equine Therapy

Accepting new clients

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Larissa Fitzgibbons

Counseling Graduate Intern

Supports: Ages 14+

Areas: Complex and Acute Trauma, Anxiety and Depression, Sliding scale services

Accepting new clients

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Bryan Bieniek, LGPC

Nature-Informed Therapist, Wilderness Guide

Supports: Ages 14+

Specialty: Wilderness and Rites of Passage, Guided Day Hikes

Accepting new clients​

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Logan Ross, LMSW

Nature-Informed Therapist

Supports: Ages 12+

Areas: Complex & acute trauma, anxiety and depression, addiction, relationship challenges

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Christine Nguyen

Graduate Counseling Intern

Supports: Ages 14+

Areas: Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Complex and Acute Trauma, OCD, LGBTQ+-Affirming Care

Accepting new clients

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Heather Seelye

Undergraduate Intern & Practice Assistant

Community outreach, administrative assistance, client intakes, research support

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OUTDOOR THERAPEUTICS, LLC

Office:    1707 Rosemont Avenue, Frederick, MD 21702

Mailing:  PO Box 711, Frederick, MD 21705

Email:      info@outdoortherapeutics.com

Phone:    301-200-1233

Fax:          866-703-0009

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©2021-2024 by Outdoor Therapeutics, LLC

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