Matthew   Leary
Vetted

Matthew Leary

Psychologist, PhD Specialties Insurance & Fees Locations
Maryland, Washington DC Accepting Online
Bethesda Not Accepting In-person
Updated May 22, 2023

Specialties & Expertise

  • Existential crises & challenges
  • Mood disorders
  • Chronic illness
  • Trauma
  • Child and adolescent therapy
  • Family issues
  • Couples counseling
  • Anxiety
  • Stress

Professional statement

Dr. Matthew Leary is a Clinical Psychologist in Bethesda, MD who specializes in trauma, chronic illnesses, identity issues, and shame. He sees couples, families, and conducts groups for adolescents and adults as well.

Clients who seek Dr. Leary’s counsel may be navigating repercussions from experiences of trauma, including abuse or ongoing recovery from a chronic illness. Others are struggling to manage their work-life balance, and may be internally questioning their sense of purpose and identity. Dr. Leary takes a sensorimotor approach to treatment, combining mind-body awareness with a mindfulness perspective. He also incorporates Gestalt therapy to help clients understand their experiences in the present in order to gain deeper self-awareness.  

Dr. Leary strives to help each of his clients develop a capacity for self-compassion. He also cares deeply about charting progress in treatment, and checks in collaboratively with clients to outline and track goals. His practice is open to all, and is LGBTQIA+ friendly. He looks forward to working with you.


Message to clients

We all need help sometimes dealing with life's struggles and challenges. You don't have to go through it alone. I find it takes courage for people to reach out for help and support, and that it is so valuable to invest in yourself to make the time to just be yourself for an hour a week and talk about whatever is important to you without needing to prove yourself or fearing being judged.

With almost two decades of experience as a psychologist and psychotherapist, we will work together to make deep, long-lasting changes to move through your pain and improve the quality of your life. You don't have to let stress, anxiety, anger, trauma, shame, or loss run your life or ruin your relationships. I have had countless clients share with me their appreciation about how much our therapy has improved their lives and made them feel more whole, brave, empowered, and authentic. I look forward to having the opportunity to partner with you in creating a more deep, rich, fulfilling life.


Specialties

Existential crises & challenges - Supportive exploration of meaning and purpose in one’s life; finding one’s path in the face of existential anxiety, dread, and feelings of meaninglessness

Mood disorders - Depression, dysthymia (mild depression), bipolar disorder, hormone-related mood issues, i.e. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and postpartum depression, adjustment disorder with depression

Chronic illness - Receiving a diagnosis; adjusting to lifestyle and medication changes; coping with related changes in mood, emotions, and relationships; managing symptoms and stress

Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse

Child and adolescent therapy - Specialized strategies for common childhood and adolescence challenges, including anxiety, family conflicts, peer relationships, school stress, transitions, social media pressures, self-esteem, hopelessness, emotional dysregulation

Family issues - Promoting communication and supporting family members to address challenges and reduce conflict and distress

Couples counseling - Addressing relationship challenges and life transitions; strengthening communication and feelings of security, desire, connection, and love

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Stress - Strengthening effective ways of coping with the stress of life and change; managing expectations of self and others




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Children (<12)
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Parents
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Insurance

Matthew Leary is not in-network with any insurances.

Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.


Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $260 (45min)
  • Initial session: $260 (45min)
  • Couples sessions: $260 (45min)
  • Group sessions: $140 (75min)
  • Family sessions: $260 (45min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Every other week
  • Multiple times a week

Location(s)

Bethesda practice
4809 Saint Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
Not accepting new clients in-person
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 7:00am-8:00pm
  • Tue 7:00am-8:00pm
  • Wed Online video sessions available by request
  • Thu Online video sessions available by request
  • Fri Online video sessions available by request
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Maryland)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 11:00am-8:00pm
  • Tue 8:30-5:00
  • Wed 7:30-5
  • Thu 7:30-5
  • Fri 7:30-5
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Washington DC)
Accepting new clients online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 11:00am-8:00pm
  • Tue 8:30-5:00
  • Wed 7:30-5
  • Thu 7:30-5
  • Fri 7:30-5
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Work and Education

Private Practice, 2013 - Present
Psychological Services of Charlotte, 2010 - 2013
Long Island University, Doctoral Clinical Psychology Adjunct Professor and Supervisor, 2009 - 2010
Hofstra University, Master in Counseling Psychology Adjunct Professor, 2009 - 2010
Council for Relationships, 2003 - 2008
Immaculate University, Assistant Professor of Graduate Psychology, 2003 - 1951

University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, PhD, 2003
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, MA, 2000
University of Chicago, BA, 1993


Licensure

Maryland: 06267


Languages

English


Therapy Groups

Matthew   Leary
Interpersonal Process Group

This group is for people to develop authenticity and vulnerability in relation to others. Members of the group work to support themselves and each other in learning to overcome obstacles to having more rich relationships.