dr. Kelli Rugless
12+ years experience

Dr.Kelli Rugless

Psychologist

·PsyD
12+ years experience
Bethesda, MD, United States
Accepting clients

About

Do you feel the pressure to be perfect all the time?...with food, relationships, your job, and even your appearance? Do you look at yourself in old pictures with admiration…only to remember that even then, you didn't really like yourself? Maybe you’re tired of stressing over every bite you take and still feeling out of control with food. At this point, maybe it’s hard to even remember a time you didn’t feel like this. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to find joy in your day-to-day again. Most of all, you’re ready for a new "normal" and I can help you get there. I specialize in helping teens and women overcome negative body image and disordered eating to heal their relationship with their bodies and find peace with food. Therapy sessions are relational and are a combination of learning and unlearning. I’ll show up as a real person, challenge you when you need it, and be genuinely invested in your journey. As an experienced eating disorder specialist, I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a life free from the unforgiving beauty standards and food rules of diet culture. You don’t have to continue feeling as though your value lies in how you look or eat and you definitely don't have to do it alone. Call me today for a free 15-minute consult! Specialties: I offer a compassionate and inclusive space for teens young adults and women experiencing the symptoms of an eating disorder and negative body image. In our work together, you'll learn practical skills you can put into action in your day-to-day life as well as explore your identity outside of how you look or what you can do. Credentials & Experience: Supporting teens, women, and young women with specialized training in eating disorders, perinatal mental health, and chronic medical conditions.

"My approach to therapy is behavioral and relational. This allows for learning the connection between your behaviors and thoughts while at the same time fostering a deep connection with yourself and others. I am also trained in Family-Based Treatment, which prioritizes the role of the family in the healing process and is particularly effective for teens and adolescents."

I work with

Family
Family
Individual
Individual

Age groups

Adults
Adults
Teens
Teens

Photos & Media

Watch intro video

Specialties

Areas of Focus

AnxietyBody Positivity
Chronic IllnessCoping SkillsEating DisordersPregnancy, Prenatal, PostpartumRacial IdentityWomen's Issues

Therapeutic Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Culturally Sensitive
Emotionally Focused
Motivational Interviewing
Positive Psychology
Feminist
Dialectical (DBT)

Services & Pricing

Free Consultation

15 min · Online

Free

Qualifications

CALM AT HOME

Verified by Calm at Home

Licensed · PsyD

Kelli Rugless · Verified June 2026

Education and Years in Practice

Attended Loma Linda University, PsyD in , Graduated 2014

Additional Credentials

Membership from International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals

2021

Insurance & Policies

Accepts insurance

I am an in-network provider in Maryland (Aetna) and California (BCBS). I can also provide a superbill for my out-of-network clients and help with reimbursement. Please reach out with any questions, we're happy to work with you to keep therapy affordable.

Payment Methods

Amex
Cash
Check
Discover
HSA
Mastercard
PayPal
Visa

Location

Primary

Primary Office

Bethesda, MD, 20817

United States

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Secondary Office

Laurel, MD, 20708

United States

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UTC (UTC)

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My Practice at a Glance

Available for online sessions

Bethesda, MD, 20817 map

My website
"

My approach to therapy is behavioral and relational. This allows for learning the connection between your behaviors and thoughts while at the same time fostering a deep connection with yourself and others. I am also trained in Family-Based Treatment, which prioritizes the role of the family in the healing process and is particularly effective for teens and adolescents.

I see family and individual
Accepts insurance

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