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Your Trusted Psychiatrist in Bethesda, MD
Barbara J. Novak, MD is a Board Certified psychiatrist with decades of experience providing individualized mental health care to patients in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Specializing in anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and relationship conflicts, Dr. Novak combines clinical expertise with compassionate support to help patients from tweens to older adults achieve lasting mental well-being. Her practice integrates evidence-based treatments including psychotherapy and medication management, informed by her academic background at the University of Virginia and residency at the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital.

With additional experience teaching at Georgetown University School of Medicine and working at the Washington Center for Eating Disorders, Dr. Novak maintains a patient-centered approach focused on creating a safe, welcoming environment for all clients.
Services
Anxiety Therapy Depression Treatment Adolescent Psychiatry Self Sabotage Therapy Relationship Counseling Self Esteem Therapy Career Counseling
Highlights and features
  • We offer board-certified psychiatric expertise with decades of clinical experience.
  • Our treatment plans are individualized to address each patient's unique needs.
  • We combine evidence-based psychotherapy with medication management when appropriate.
  • Our practice emphasizes a safe, welcoming environment for all patients.
  • We serve patients from tweens to older adults across the Washington, D.C. region.
Associations and certifications
  • American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
What people say
Understands and gives clear directions Always attentive during sessions Wonderful advice and support Part of treatment plan Well informed and pleasant
Services
Anxiety Therapy
Our anxiety therapy addresses symptoms like excessive worry, panic attacks, and physical manifestations of stress through personalized treatment plans. We combine cognitive behavioral techniques with medication management when appropriate to help patients regain control over their lives. Our approach focuses on identifying triggers and developing coping strategies to reduce anxiety's impact on daily functioning.
Depression Treatment
Depression treatment utilizes evidence-based psychotherapy and medication to address chemical imbalances and emotional distress. We help patients develop coping skills while addressing underlying causes through individualized care plans. Our approach integrates lifestyle modifications to support long-term recovery and improved quality of life.
Adolescent Psychiatry
Specialized care for adolescents addresses common challenges like bullying, self-esteem issues, and transitional stress. We provide a safe space for teens to explore identity development while helping families navigate mental health concerns through collaborative treatment approaches.
Relationship Counseling
Our relationship counseling helps patients navigate personal and professional relationship challenges through improved communication strategies. We address commitment issues, social conflicts, and workplace dynamics while promoting healthier interaction patterns and emotional understanding between partners.
Self Esteem Therapy
Self-esteem therapy focuses on overcoming negative self-perception through cognitive restructuring and behavioral exercises. We help patients develop self-awareness, address self-worth issues, and build confidence through practical exercises that promote positive self-image and healthier life choices.
People
Barbara J. Novak
Psychiatrist
Board-certified psychiatrist with decades of experience treating anxiety, depression, and mental health disorders. Completed residency at the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital and teaches at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We offer anxiety therapy, depression treatment, adolescent psychiatry, relationship counseling, self-esteem therapy, and career counseling for patients of all ages.
How does psychiatric treatment work?
Treatment combines psychotherapy to address psychological issues with medication management when needed, tailored to each patient's specific mental health needs.
Do you accept new patients?
Yes, we welcome new patients from tweens to older adults across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
What makes your practice unique?
Our board-certified psychiatrist provides individualized care combining clinical expertise with compassionate support in a safe, welcoming environment.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Contact our Bethesda office at (301) 229-5544 or request a consultation online to schedule your initial appointment.