Title: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Company: Elevated Therapy
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Vanessa Senatus, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at Elevated Therapy, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Healthcare Professionals for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Mental Healthcare.
Ms. Senatus has established herself as a licensed clinical professional counselor with a decade of experience in the mental health field. Since 2025, she has been at the helm of Elevated Therapy in Columbia, Maryland. As the sole practitioner at Elevated Therapy, Ms. Senatus has demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen by building her practice from the ground up. The transition from working for an established clinical environment to managing an independent practice has allowed her to develop not only as a clinician but also as a business owner, deepening her understanding of networking, professional relationship-building and strategic positioning within the industry.
Among numerous responsibilities as the owner of her own practice, Ms. Senatus is responsible for managing essential administrative tasks, as well as overseeing social media and marketing initiatives. She also schedules all client appointments, prepares for each session by reviewing materials and client homework, takes detailed notes, assesses progress and identifies any lack of advancement. Furthermore, Ms. Senatus makes sure to respond to client requests for documentation.
Before launching Elevated Therapy, Ms. Senatus spent over five years at Cedar Ridge Counseling Centers from 2017 to 2024. There, she primarily worked as a therapist within medical and pediatric offices, providing support to clients associated with those practices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Senatus adapted her approach to focus on virtual counseling, ensuring continuity of care for her clients during a period of heightened need.
Between 2015 and 2017, Ms. Senatus was a mental health therapist at Vesta Inc. At this private, nonprofit, comprehensive behavioral health care organization, she provided therapeutic services to individuals facing diverse mental health challenges. Ms. Senatus’s earlier experience included serving as a mental health professional at Hope Health Systems Inc. from 2014 to 2016 and working as a behavioral therapist at Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children from 2013 to 2014. In these roles, she gained valuable exposure to various therapeutic modalities and client populations.
Ms. Senatus’s academic background has been instrumental in shaping her professional trajectory. She has held a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and sociology from the University of Maryland since 2008, and a Master of Arts in counseling psychology from Washington Adventist University since 2013. During her undergraduate studies, Ms. Senatus served as a social services and admissions coordinator at Sunrise Senior Living from 2009 to 2010. She also gained experience as a graduate counseling intern at the Community Counseling Center at Washington Adventist University between 2012 and 2013.
In addition to her degrees, Ms. Senatus received credentials as a certified clinical trauma professional and certified integrative mental health professional. These designations underscore her commitment to evidence-based practice and holistic approaches to mental wellness.
Ms. Senatus’s commitment to advancing knowledge in her area of expertise is reflected in her active memberships with the American Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, the Association for Psychological Science and Rebati Santé Mentale. Beyond her professional commitments, she is civically engaged as a volunteer with both the Baptist Church and C2C Haïti (Community2Community).
Throughout her career, Ms. Senatus has developed expertise in trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. She attributes much of her success to the values instilled during her upbringing, particularly the belief that education is fundamental to unlocking opportunities and should be used not only for personal advancement but also for helping others achieve their potential.
Ms. Senatus is currently completing coursework toward a Doctor of Philosophy in international psychology at The Chicago School in Washington, D.C., further expanding her understanding of global mental health issues. Looking ahead, she is dedicated to raising awareness about burnout and mental health challenges. She aims to empower individuals with knowledge and practical tools so they can effectively manage their emotions and reclaim their mental health. Ms. Senatus’s vision centers on fostering supportive communities where people feel understood and equipped to navigate life’s challenges with resilience.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Ms. Senatus: