Michael Misterka, MD, LCSW-C

Michael Misterka is a Maryland-based therapist with 15 years of clinical experience who helps people make practical changes that reduce suffering and increase life satisfaction. He emphasizes a client-centered, client-motivated approach that encourages open discussion of treatment options and supports each person in deciding what they want to accomplish in therapy. Michael holds an MD, which indicates a medical doctorate, and an LCSW-C, a licensed clinical social work credential, and he draws on that combined training to address complex personal and family challenges.

His practice addresses a broad range of concerns, including stress and anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, parenting and fatherhood issues, addictions and substance use, trauma and abuse, grief and intimacy-related concerns, self-esteem and life purpose, anger and coping with life changes, and ADHD. Additional focus areas include attachment issues, blended family challenges, communication problems, divorce and separation, domestic violence, reentry after incarceration, family of origin issues, and men's issues. He has particular experience working with families affected by substance use, combat veterans readjusting to civilian life, and adults facing relationship conflict.

Therapeutically, Michael integrates developmental and psychodynamic perspectives with cognitive, reality, and experiential techniques. He also uses structured methods such as attachment-based therapy, client-centered therapy, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused strategies, and trauma-focused therapy to tailor interventions to each person's needs. He positions himself as a collaborative partner who walks with clients through the change process, offering practical strategies while respecting each individual's decisions about goals and timing.