Stephen Murphy, LICSW, MD, LCSW-C
Compassionate support for anxiety, relationships, and life transitions
- Evidence based strategies
- Supportive nonjudgmental space
- Growth through resilience
About Stephen Murphy
Stephen Murphy, LICSW, MD, LCSW-C, is a licensed clinical social worker who supports people navigating complex emotional experiences with a compassionate, individualized style. He works with clients who are feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, relationship strain, or major life transitions, and he helps them make sense of what they are going through while building practical ways to cope and move forward.
His work is grounded in creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore challenges openly, strengthen resilience, and pursue meaningful personal growth. Stephen values diversity and aims to offer a space where individuals from all backgrounds can reflect, heal, and develop new perspectives on their lives and relationships.
Stephen’s clinical focus includes concerns such as social anxiety, communication difficulties, self-love and self-esteem, workplace stress, and personal identity exploration. He draws from evidence-based therapy methods to help clients develop realistic strategies for emotional well-being and greater day-to-day empowerment.
Whether someone is feeling isolated, questioning life purpose, or working through complicated interpersonal dynamics, Stephen brings empathy, respect, and professional guidance to help clients take steady steps toward the changes they want to make.
His work is grounded in creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore challenges openly, strengthen resilience, and pursue meaningful personal growth. Stephen values diversity and aims to offer a space where individuals from all backgrounds can reflect, heal, and develop new perspectives on their lives and relationships.
Stephen’s clinical focus includes concerns such as social anxiety, communication difficulties, self-love and self-esteem, workplace stress, and personal identity exploration. He draws from evidence-based therapy methods to help clients develop realistic strategies for emotional well-being and greater day-to-day empowerment.
Whether someone is feeling isolated, questioning life purpose, or working through complicated interpersonal dynamics, Stephen brings empathy, respect, and professional guidance to help clients take steady steps toward the changes they want to make.
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 supporting clients through a range of emotional and life challenges.
Is Stephen Murphy a licensed therapist?
Yes. Stephen Murphy is licensed as an LICSW and an LCSW-C. License numbers 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. This flexibility can make it easier to get support in a way that fits your schedule and communication preferences.
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 based 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 is quick and straightforward. Click the “Start Therapy” button and complete a short questionnaire to help 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.
Therapy Approaches That Translate Well to Online Care
Stephen Murphy, LICSW, MD, LCSW-C, draws from evidence-based approaches that can be effective in an online setting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors and practicing new ways of responding. It is often used for concerns like anxiety, depression, stress, and challenges with self-esteem.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting pulled into them, while also clarifying personal values and taking steps that align with what matters most. This approach can be especially helpful during life transitions, relationship strain, or when feeling stuck and unsure of direction.
Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early and current relationships shape emotional needs, trust, and communication. It can support clients who want to improve relationship dynamics, work through feelings of isolation, or better understand patterns that repeat in close connections.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Stephen works collaboratively with clients to choose strategies that fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting over time as therapy unfolds.
Online therapy also offers practical flexibility. Sessions can happen through video calls or phone, and support can continue through live chat or text-based messaging, making it easier to stay engaged between sessions and fit therapy into a busy life.