Meet Rolando.

I understand that reaching out for help is often the hardest part of the healing process. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, and life transitions. They may feel stuck, uncertain of where to begin, or believe they have to face their struggles alone.

I take a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach to therapy, recognizing that every individual’s story is unique. I work collaboratively with clients to build on their strengths while integrating evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Narrative Therapy, and solution-focused techniques. My goal is to meet clients where they are and create a treatment plan that aligns with their values, goals, and lived experiences.

I strive to create a safe, authentic, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel respected, empowered, and understood. I help individuals develop coping skills, build resilience, process difficult experiences, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

Experience

Rolando Sidney is a Marine Corps veteran and Master of Social Work graduate from Columbia University with clinical experience serving veterans, adolescents, individuals experiencing homelessness, refugees, and individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorders. His clinical training includes work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the HUD-VASH program, where he provides psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, case management, and supportive psychotherapy for veterans experiencing chronic homelessness, PTSD, co-occurring substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, and severe mental illness. Prior to the VA, Rolando worked in community mental health and refugee services, supporting children, adolescents, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds, while also gaining experience in acute psychiatric care.

Rolando works with adults, veterans, young adults, couples, and families and believes that therapy should be collaborative, culturally responsive, and individualized to each person’s unique needs.

Client Focus:

Adolescents 16+, Young Adults, Adults

Types of therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Narrative Therapy, Strengths-Based Practice

Issues:

Trauma and PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction & Substance Use, Military & Veteran Issues, Life Transitions, Grief & Loss, Identity & Self-Esteem, Stress Management, Relationship Challenges, Homelessness & Housing Instability, Serious Mental Illness

More than just my work:

Outside of work, I’m a huge Baltimore Ravens fan and have been passionate about basketball since I was a kid. I love everything sports have to offer. The excitement, the heartbreak, the unforgettable moments, and the sense of community they create.

Notable Quote:

“We accept the reality of the world with which we are presented.” -The Truman Show

This quote resonates because it reflects how people often live within the limits of what they believe is possible until they begin to question those assumptions.