Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 48 insurances. Specializes in Addiction, Trauma and PTSD, Military/Veterans and 9 more.

Douglas Starliper

LCSW-C, 4 years of experience

Clients say this provider is

Authentic
Intelligent
Warm
VirtualAvailable

About me

Hello! My name is Douglas Starliper and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) licensed to practice psychotherapy in both Maryland and Virginia! Before becoming a licensed therapist, I spent a career as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division where I deployed four times. The struggles many Veterans are facing today are what galvanized my interest and desire to begin my 2nd career as a therapist. I utilized my GI bill to complete my undergraduate degree at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD and my graduate degree at University of Maryland Baltimore. I recently completed the supervised portion of my career and am currently fully licensed to practice independently as a LCSW-C.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Your first session will fully cater to what we clinicians refer to as the "therapeutic alliance" or "rapport", while completing the bio-psycho-social assessment process (BPS).

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strengths come from my lived experiences. I have the ability to place myself in the shoes of many of my clients and am able to empathize more deeply with them, and their experiences.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work extremely well with military and veterans as a therapist with a prior career as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division who experienced four combat deployments. Furthermore, I have extensive experience in substance use disorder (SUD), trauma, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. I do not see clients under 18 years of age, nor do I work with couples.

Other specialties

Anxiety

Bipolar Disorder

Grief

Spirituality

Identifies as

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT is my overall approach in changing harmful thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

I don't often use DBT, but it has been helpful with clients I have seen for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and troubles with emotional regulation.

Motivational Interviewing

I began utilizing Motivational Interviewing (MI) during my graduate school internship and use it currently in my client-centered, strengths-based approaches to therapy.

Trauma-Focused CBT

I utilize numerous trauma-focused therapies with first responders and veterans and am specifically trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Prolonged Exposure Therapy--and general exposure therapy--is my primary modality for helping those who suffer from anxiety and panic disorders.

, 76 ratings

13 ratings with written reviews

August 12, 2026

Doug is an excellent counsellor. He is very easy to talk to and genuinely relatable, which makes it comfortable to be open and honest. He is knowledgeable about the areas I’m working through and, rather than just offering advice, provides practical, real-life solutions that I can actually apply. I truly appreciate his approach and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a counsellor who listens, understands, and offers helpful guidance.

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 2 with Douglas

July 25, 2026

Forgets vital parts of previous sessions, every session. Does not bring any structure or guidance to new or ongoing issues. Does not feel like a trained therapist, but more like a friend that forgets your issues and has no helpful paths forward either way. One simple example: I mentioned when I am frustrated, my sister tells me to "Calm down", which frustrates me more. Doug could not understand why I had any issue with this phrase. Any therapist who can't understand this is wasting your time.

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 12 with Douglas

June 1, 2026

Dr. Starliper's approach can be quite humorous as when discussing topics he can find a way to lighten the mood so conversations are more than just business. He is quite intelligent about many different subjects that makes him easy to relate to and can help give decent advice.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 5 with Douglas