Leslie Cross , MD, LCPC

Leslie Cross is a Maryland-licensed therapist with 25 years of experience. She holds an MD and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She focuses on practical, compassionate care for people facing stress, anxiety, addiction concerns, relationship struggles, parenting strain, and depression.

Leslie's approach centers on clear conversation and concrete steps. She listens for what matters most and adapts sessions to each person's needs. She aims to make therapy understandable and usable, not full of jargon.

Many clients come with communication problems, loneliness, or questions about life purpose and midlife change. Leslie also supports people dealing with obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, panic attacks, seasonal mood shifts, and issues often experienced by women. She explains options plainly and helps people weigh what will likely fit their lives.

Sessions are collaborative and goal-focused. Leslie works with clients to set small, achievable steps and reviews progress regularly. She emphasizes sensitivity and respect while helping people build new habits and coping tools.

Starting therapy can feel daunting and Leslie acknowledges that first step. She guides people through the process and tailors the pacing to each person's comfort. Her style is steady, practical, and encouraging.

Evidence-based approaches and online care

Leslie draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and on building coping skills. One common approach helps people identify patterns of thinking that increase anxiety or low mood, then practices more balanced responses to those thoughts. This approach is useful for anxiety, panic, and depressive symptoms.

Another approach focuses on behavior change through step-by-step practice and scheduling. It breaks larger goals into small, concrete tasks to reduce avoidance and reclaim daily activities, which can help with depression, addictions, and compulsive behaviors. Both approaches emphasize measurable progress and skill-building rather than vague advice.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Leslie collaborates with each person to choose and adjust methods based on their needs, goals, and preferences. She checks in on what is or isn't working and adapts the plan together.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different lifestyles. Video works well for longer therapy sessions and face-to-face conversation. Phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or messaging can serve for brief check-ins, written reflection, or when fitting therapy into a busy day. These options make it easier to connect regularly and keep therapy consistent.