Welcome.
I’m Dr. Lauren Messina – Therapist, Educator, and Advocate specializing in Family & Parental Mental Health.
I’m so glad you made it here. Let’s connect to talk about how we can work together.
(240) 285-9195
My Expertise
Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy
Strengthen the connections that shape your life. Whether you’re navigating parenthood, looking to build healthier relationships, or breaking intergenerational patterns, I’ll guide you with tools for growth, healing, and resilience.
Health & Well-Being Coaching
Take control of your health with a whole-person approach. From stress and sleep to nutrition and activity, I’ll guide you in creating sustainable changes that support your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Prevention & Translation Science
I translate research and information into real-world impact. My focus is to bridge the gap between science and everyday practice, helping individuals, families, and communities benefit from the latest information on health and relationships.
Maternal & Family Policy Advocacy
I passionately advocate for policies that strengthen families and improve maternal health. By combining research, lived experience, and collaboration, I work to create systems that support parents, children, and communities.
My Approach
Building Resilience in Relationships
I offer relationship-focused psychotherapy for individuals of all ages, families, and couples in Maryland and Virginia. I’m particularly interested in supporting those transitioning to parenthood – whether pregnant or with young children.
Whole Person Approach
As a Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, I bring a whole person approach to my work in mental healthcare and health and wellness coaching. I integrate the pillars of lifestyle medicine – physical activity, nutrition, stress management, sleep, social connection, and avoiding risky substances – into sessions.
Social Connection + Parenting
Much of my work unfolds at the intersection of social connection and parenting. I’m interested in how we can better support parents in connecting with each other and their communities, to improve their mental health and their family’s well-being.
Some of my Testimonials
From Couples
“Lauren was very knowledgeable. She made some profound observations about our relationship and provided much-needed tools to build a healthy relationship.”
From Families
“Lauren is an amazing therapist! She has played an essential role in helping my daughter and I develop techniques in coping with anxiety. I would highly recommend her for anyone looking for a family therapist.”
From Individuals
“Lauren was really good, it was very easy to talk to her and she was very understanding and nonjudgmental. She did a good job talking me through my own process.”
My commitment to diversity and equity
I welcome all people to my practice including families and individuals of all abilities, faiths, national origin, race, gender, gender identity and family composition. I believe that Black Lives Matter and I strive to be a vocal supporter of the rights of those who are underrepresented.
Ready to Start?
Let’s Connect
Address
I see psychotherapy clients in-person on Wednesdays at 804 Pershing Dr #4, Silver Spring, MD 20910. I primarily serve Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, and the surrounding areas and practice at Evergreen Child & Family Therapy. I am licensed in Maryland and Virginia.
I offer Health and Well-being Coaching to anyone in the U.S.
My translation science educational work is available in person in the DMV area and virtually to other locations.
As an advocate, my focus is on both the needs of Maryland parents and change at the federal policy level.
Contact
Call at (240) 285-9195
Lauren A. Messina, PhD, LCMFT, DipACLM Lauren@laurenmessina.com
Hours
I am currently accepting clients for daytime, weekday appointments. I have availability Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10am-3pm and Tuesday/Thursday from 10am-5pm.
Make an Appointment
Or just drop me a line
I offer a free 15-minute consultation to new clients.
I look forward to hearing from you!