Gayle Bradley-Starkes, MD, LCSW-C, LICSW

Gayle Bradley-Starkes is a licensed mental health professional with 27 years of experience helping adults navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, anger, addictions, trauma, and intimacy-related concerns. She holds the credentials MD, LCSW-C, and LICSW - MD indicating a Doctor of Medicine, LCSW-C denoting a licensed clinical social worker with clinical certification, and LICSW meaning licensed independent clinical social worker - and maintains licensure in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Gayle approaches therapy from a client-centered perspective, believing that each person is the expert on their own story and that their existing strengths provide the foundation for change. She integrates mindfulness techniques to help clients increase present-moment awareness, reduce reactivity, and develop practical skills for managing difficult emotions.

Clients work with Gayle on a broad range of concerns including sleep difficulties, self-esteem struggles, ADHD, bipolar disorder support, and issues related to adoption, caregiving, blended families, and family-of-origin dynamics. She also offers coaching around communication, commitment, and recovery from relationship rupture. Beginning therapy is framed as a courageous step toward personal growth, and Gayle emphasizes collaborative work that honors each clientâs goals and pace.

Available to people in Maryland, Gayle provides flexible, ongoing support designed to help clients move forward, build resilience, and strengthen meaningful connections in their lives.