Carl Benedict's Counseling Credentials

EDUCATION: I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. I received the prestigious award as the 1997 Outstanding Graduate Student at Shippensburg University.

LICENSURE: I am licensed by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors & Therapists to diagnose and treat mental disorders as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).  My license number is LC0202 with an expiration date of 1/31/25. You can verify my license by clicking on the following link and entering my last name: https://mdbnc.health.maryland.gov/pctverification/default.aspx.

COUNSELING EXPERIENCE: I worked at The Mental Health Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, as a therapist from 1996 until 2007 offering group, family, couples and individual therapy to adolescents and adults. I led an adult anger management group for five years and an adult dual diagnosis group for individuals with mental illness and addiction for nine years. Then I worked as a therapist at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland, from 2007 until 2017 where I helped create a co-occurring disorders treatment program for individuals suffering from mental illness and substance abuse, and for eight years I led a Concerned Persons Group for those who care about someone who is addicted. In addition, I have offered my counseling services through my online private practice, Serenity Online Therapy, since 2005.

THE MEDIA: I have appeared on radio and television to educate the public about panic disorder, agoraphobia, stress, anger, and dealing with a loved one who is addicted. My views on anger management have appeared in a local newspaper.

AREAS OF TREATMENT SPECIALIZATION:

-  codependency
-  mindfulness and meditation
-  depression
-  anxiety
-  grief and loss
-  panic attacks & agoraphobia
-  stress management
-  substance abuse and addiction
-  impulse control issues
-  anger management
-  dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance abuse)
-  adjustment to life changes
-  Adult Child of Alcoholic (ACOA) issues
-  posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
-  recovery from childhood physical and sexual abuse
-  relationship problems
-  parenting issues
-  couples issues
-  blended families issues
-  12 Step Program recovery issues

MY ONLINE PRINCIPLES: My online counseling practice adheres to the National Board of Certified Counselors' principles for online counseling put forth in the document Policy Regarding the Provision of Distance Professional Services.