Janet Nealer , MD, LCMFT

Janet Nealer is a Maryland-licensed clinician with four decades of professional experience. She holds an MD, a medical degree, and an LCMFT, a license in marriage and family therapy. Over her 40-year career she has worked with people facing stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy and relationship concerns, and depression, and she brings a broad understanding of family and addiction issues to each case.

Janet approaches therapy with the belief that each person is the expert of their own story and already carries strengths that can support change. She blends that respect for personal insight with clinical skills to help individuals and families navigate challenges such as parenting struggles, sleep difficulties, anger and self-esteem problems, career transitions, and LGBT related concerns. Her additional focus includes attachment and abandonment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness, blended family dynamics, and problems with communication and commitment.

Beginning therapy is acknowledged as a courageous step, and Janet frames her role as one of support and empowerment. She aims to partner with people to identify meaningful goals, build on existing resources, and take practical steps toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Approach-Focused Care for Online Therapy

Janet integrates Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address relationship and emotional concerns in online settings. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns of connection and helps people understand how early bonds influence current relationships and trust. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes respect for the individual experience and creates a space where people are heard and guided to discover their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and building practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, and stress.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Janet works collaboratively to determine which methods best match a person’s needs, goals, and preferences. She combines clinical tools with client priorities so the plan evolves together rather than being prescribed from the outset.

Online therapy with Janet can take place by video call, phone session, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life transitions, coordinate family involvement when needed, and access support from locations outside Maryland while working with licensed professionals and therapists trained in these approaches.