About Us
Welcome to Serenity Place, where healing begins, and hope grows. Our counseling and therapy practice guides individuals, couples, and families toward peace, clarity, and emotional well-being. We help you navigate life’s challenges through compassionate support and evidence-based care, empowering you to rediscover your inner strength.
We offer telehealth sessions across Maryland and Texas, as well as in-person therapy in Southern Maryland, San Antonio, Houston, and Lubbock, Texas. Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or relationship struggles, our skilled therapists are here to walk alongside you with empathy and expertise.
What sets Serenity Place apart is the depth of experience our clinicians bring. We have worked with individuals and families through all seasons- from birth to loss, transitions to transformations. Our team has extensive experience supporting those facing grief, traumatic loss, and life’s most difficult moments.
At Serenity Place, you are not alone. You are heard, supported, and valued. No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to help you find your serene place—a space of healing, resilience, and renewed hope.
A Letter from Our Founder
A Mission of Faith, Healing, and Hope
From the beginning, Serenity Place has been more than just a practice—it has been a God-led mission guided by a deep calling to serve the community with love, care, and compassion. What started as a part-time private practice soon became a full-time commitment to making quality mental health care accessible to as many people as possible.
A life-altering experience profoundly shaped my journey to founding Serenity Place. A devastating car accident left me with a severe head injury, rendering me unable to work for an entire year. Forced into stillness, I had no choice but to pause, reflect, and listen intently to God’s calling. In that difficult season of rest and healing, His plan for my life became undeniably clear. I often asked, “Lord, how can I do this? I’m not equipped.” But repeatedly, He reassured me: “You don’t need to be; I am.” That year became a season of transformation—one where I learned to let go of fear and fully lean into His guidance.
When I returned to work, I took a leap of faith, stepping into full-time private practice with complete trust in God’s plan. From those early days, Serenity Place began to grow, expanding to new locations, building a dedicated team, and serving more individuals and families than I could have imagined. Every step of this journey has been a testament to God’s faithfulness and provision.
Our Mission at Serenity Place
At Serenity Place, we are committed to:
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Providing high-quality, accessible mental health care for individuals, couples, and families.
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Creating a safe, judgment-free space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
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Drastically reducing wait times, ensuring that those in need receive timely care and support.
We honor every person’s unique story and believe that healing happens in a space filled with grace, dignity, and compassion. No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome here. Today, Serenity Place is a sanctuary for healing, hope, and growth. The path has not always been easy, but it has been deeply fulfilling. Every day, I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve, knowing with certainty that this is exactly where I am meant to be.
Thank you for trusting us and for your care. We are honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and wholeness.
Esther Vanderwal, LCSW-C
Founder, Serenity Place, LLC
More About Us
Explore the different services we offer at Serenity Place, or see what might work best for you.
See if your health insurance plan is in-network with our providers, and any associated fees with therapy.
Explore our team and meet our therapists! We have a wonderful team of therapists, admin, and more!