Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

My core values are faith, family, social and economic justice. My worldview is quite simple. You see, I believe that everyone has a right to be in a good place mentally physically and spiritually. I find that I have evolved into a change agent - which is a natural profession for a social worker. The same steps that I have taken to secure my life, mentally physically and emotionally, are the very same steps I am willing to assist my patients/clients in taking. My specialties lie in my abilities to move a person or a family from a place of dysfunction to functionality. I strive to improve the quality of life those whom I counsel. My theoretical framework a solution focused, interwoven with resiliency theory, using a strength-based approach. I am just a chat away if you need me – 'how may I help you?"

I am a clinical social worker with over a decade of experience. I practice affirming, allied, feminist therapy rooted in empowerment and strengths perspectives. I believe sleep, calories, and movement form the foundation for coping. My style of therapy is based in the knowledge that you are the best expert on your life. Your feelings may be unreliable narrators and together we will question their perspectives. I use behavioral activation, psychodynamic, and solution focused approaches to empower you to achieve your goals and tolerate your reality. I also believe that gummy peaches are the superior candy, music creates an entry to feeling, and belly laughs are as essential as hugs. I am a left-handed elder millennial. I am originally from Maine, and after years of travel, now live in rural Virginia with my husband and three young children (and giant dog).

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor with close to 20 years of experience. I am passionate and committed to helping others achieve their goals and to live a balanced and fulfilled life. I specialize in CBT (cognitive-behavior therapy), mindfulness and psychodynamic therapies. I help you clarify your values and goals, and then encourage you to live life based on those values and goals. I teach you how to best connect with self and others, and believe such connection increases your capacity and possibility for living a life of ease, contentment and passion. Connection leads to better health and well-being. Once you feel safe in connection the possibilities are endless. I have extensive experience working with clients who struggle with addiction and will help guide you on the road to recovery. Together we will focus on action plans that help you build and maintain the life you want. I believe the outcome of successful psychotherapy is more than the absence of symptoms and disorders. It is a life that has increased passion in work, play and relationships.

Welcome to Garden of Hearts Therapy 🌿 College and young adulthood can be exciting, overwhelming, confusing… and sometimes all three before lunch. You’re figuring out who you are, what you want, how to manage relationships, expectations, stress, and a future that may not look exactly how you imagined. At Garden of Hearts Therapy, LLC, you’ll find a warm, supportive space to talk it through without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. My approach blends compassion, real conversation, humor when we need it, and practical tools to help you better understand yourself, navigate challenges, and grow with confidence. You don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes you just need a safe place to plant the first seed. 🌱 Rooted in Compassion. Growing in Strength. Planting Seeds of Hope.

Welcome! I help teens and adults with all types of eating disorders, disordered eating, mood and anxiety issues, and life transitions. Given the world we live in, it can be hard sometimes to sort out "normal" attempts to be healthy and fit vs disordered patterns of eating, exercising or thoughts about food and weight. Your eating issues may have suddenly become problematic or they may have been around "forever". Either way, you deserve to get help to bring balance and flexibility back into your eating and thoughts about food and your body. Learning how to manage mood changes, anxiety and stress during life changes is key. I'm also passionate about supporting women during mid-life transitions related to changes in roles and relationships due to separation/divorce, balancing demands of parenting, caring for aging parents, loss and seeking fulfillment in life. I'll help you process difficult emotions and support you as you consider personal concerns and decisions. Seeking help takes courage--know that there can be relief and calm especially with a partner by your side. Whether it's for yourself or your teen, please visit my website to learn more or reach out to discuss your situation. I work with individuals as well as families and offer flexible hours, in person sessions, and telehealth for MD and DC residents.

I am licensed in DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA and provide flexible teletherapy to fit your busy schedule! I hold advanced certification in an evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model developed by Dr. David Burns at Stanford. I am also certified in CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) developed by Dr. Gregg Jacobs at Harvard. My approach is empathic, structured and active. I use brief mood surveys before and after sessions, to monitor progress and give you a chance to provide me with feedback. I will also expect you to practice new skills between sessions. When we start working together, I will learn about your unique situation to help us set goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. My clients typically start experiencing relief within a few sessions, and our work together results in lasting joy and fulfillment. If you are interested in seeing if we are a good fit, please visit my webpage to set up a free consultation. I look forward to meeting you!

I am a board certified psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner with over 20 years’ experience in the medical field. I have worked in a variety of settings including dual diagnosis substance use, residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospital, general mental health and medical units. My heart and passion are in caring for others and assisting my patients achieve their full potential through health and wellness. Being an attentive listener, paired with empathy and kindness allows me to build a therapeutic alliance with my clients. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, bipolar, PTSD among other mental health disorders coupled with talk therapy.

Do you have a sense that people don’t get you? Do you travel a different path than everybody else? Are you living your life very differently from what other people expect you to? Do people tell you that sometimes you are thinking way outside the box? Are your parents different from you and do they want you to be someone else? Life can be tough when you feel different. Different can also mean isolated, lonely, and misunderstood. It can also mean constantly asking yourself: Will I ever fit in? Can anybody understand me? Why can’t people accept me for who I am? Am I doing the right thing? Will I be happy? That’s what I can help you with. BE DIFFERENT AND STILL FIT IN. The therapist-client relationship is a collaborative one, where you are an expert on yourself and we work together towards your goals. I believe that you should be satisfied with the services you are receiving and thus I frequently assess the clients' progress and satisfaction with my services during the duration of therapy. I strive to tailor therapy to best fit your needs. My approach to working with clients is practical and straightforward, yet warm, genuine, and supportive.

Welcome to The Hawthorne Center! We are a private practice run by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Chelsea Mazzotta. We offer in-person services in Allison Park, PA, and virtual services throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and The District of Columbia. Our practice specializes in working with folks who are interested in processing how their families, communities, and other systems have shaped them. We understand that trauma also includes "isms"- such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and other forms of oppression that impact us throughout our lives. We love working with college students, young adults beginning their careers, and specialize in working with polyamorous individuals/couples, LGBTQ folks, and women. We also specialize in working with first-responders- those working in fields or training to work in fields such as healthcare/medicine, law enforcement, therapy/counseling, and other first responders. We are in-network with most UPMC, Highmark/BCBS, Optum, United, and Aetna plans in Pennsylvania. In DC and Ohio, we may accept some of the above plans or may be out of network (depending on your location). We are able to offer superbills if you would like to utilize out-of-network or private pay options. Questions about superbills? Please ask! Please reach out with questions! We'd be happy to chat.

College can look exciting and successful from the outside while feeling overwhelming behind the scenes. You may be struggling with anxiety, academic pressure, perfectionism, relationship concerns, family expectations, or uncertainty about who you are and what comes next. Maybe others see you as responsible, driven, or strong, but you feel exhausted from trying to keep everything together. I work with college students who are used to putting pressure on themselves, taking care of others, or feeling as though they must always perform well. Therapy can be a space where you do not have to have all the answers. Together, we can explore the experiences and patterns contributing to your stress, strengthen your confidence, and help you develop healthier boundaries, relationships, and coping skills. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. Whether you are adjusting to college, navigating friendships or dating, questioning your identity, managing family stress, or preparing for life after graduation, I will support you in gaining clarity and feeling more grounded. Contact me for a free consultation to ask questions, learn more about my approach, and see whether working together feels like a good fit.

Dwayne Phillips-McNamee is a Licensed Social Worker who works to provide a culturally sensitive, inclusive, equitable internal and external space for all clients regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious background, or any other factor. Dwayne works with adult individuals surrounding a variety of issues, including issues related to race and ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, and relationships. He is particularly interested in working with black adults, those in and around the LGBTQ+ community, and those navigating issues related to building and maintaining relationships. Dwayne utilizes a variety of techniques informed by Relational-Cultural Therapy such as Motivational Interviewing, Family Therapy, EMDR, and influences of CBT/DBT and more. Dwayne is licensed to practice in Washington, DC. Through this work, Dwayne has learned that through discussion and emotional exploration, most issues can be resolved.

SINCE 2011, I EXPERIENCE AS A CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER/THERAPIST, PROVIDING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS, CHILDREN, AND FAMILIES. I AM TRAINED TO PROVIDE A NUMBER OF SPECIALIZED THERAPEUTIC SERVICES BY USING EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT MODALITIES WITH THOSE DEALING WITH CHALLENGING LIFE EXPERIENCES. CLIENT WELL-BEING IS MY NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, AND MY GOAL IS TO ASSIST YOU IN DEVELOPING THE TOOLS AND SKILLS YOU NEED TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES IN YOUR LIFE

Have trained at college counseling centers, I often work well with students who feel caught between different expectations—school, family, relationships, culture, identity, or future plans. You may be LGBTQ+, international, first-generation, or simply feeling stressed and unsure where you fit. Therapy can help you feel less alone, understand yourself more clearly, and make choices that feel more like your own.

At Mala Mantis Counseling, we have been trained to support individuals, couples and families in finding healthy ways to manage overwhelming emotions. We specialize in the treatment of: Postpartum Depression Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Military Veterans, Active Duty and First Responders LGBTQIA+ Teachers and Healthcare Professionals Childhood Abuse and Neglect Generalized Anxiety Depression It's our intention to build individualized care for each of our clients, establishing mutually-agreed upon goals, and spending time developing the skills necessary to implement change. We're here to guide and support, offering insight and feedback. As the client, and an expert on all things you, we ask that you bring an open mind to the process as we work together to support your path towards the future you envision.

Of all the relationships we have in our lives, I believe that the one you have with yourself is the most important and impactful. Therapy allows a person to create an authentic relationship with oneself. Through the therapeutic process, a person is able to find and access their own innate ability to heal and grow within a supportive, compassionate, and empowering environment. My passion for this work comes from seeing my clients evolve to feel happier and healthier in their daily lives. What I do: Individual Psychotherapy- I provide both in-person and telehealth treatment for teenagers, young adults, and adults, focusing a wide array of concerns including: life transitions, traumatic life experiences, daily functioning impairment, anxiety, and depression ​Gender and Sexuality Affirming Mental Health Care- I provide a safe space for those of you within the LGBTQIA+ community to process concerns unique to your own lived experiences ​Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)- EMDR is a research-backed treatment developed to help you heal following traumatic events by processing memories and gaining control over the way the trauma history impacts the mind and body. ​Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- CBT is used to help you understand and learn skills to challenge unhelpful or maladaptive thinking and behavioral patterns ​Mindfulness- Mindfulness techniques are used to teach you how to relate to your thoughts differently and to live in the moment

Are you trying to manage conflicting feelings, difficulty with relationships, trauma, grief, or simply facing the daily challenges of life? Sometimes a relationship with a skilled therapist can be a great place to explore these challenges and figure out how you can improve your quality of your life. I work with children, adolescents, and young adults who face struggles; some small, some big. Whether you’re looking for a therapist for yourself or for your child, I will tailor our work together to fit your needs. I have worked with kids of various ages, ranging from elementary to college age, and I have experience working in both school settings and in private practice. I specialize in working with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, and relationship and identity issues. Children and young adults face many challenges stemming from their family of origin, questioning their identity, figuring out their way to becoming fulfilled adults, and much more. Our work together centers around how to help my clients to better understand their feelings and the way they think about the world, and how this all impacts their everyday choices. My therapeutic approach is based on Internal Family Systems (also known as “Parts Work”). This work stems from the belief that we are all made up of a system of dynamic, caring, and capable parts. When we experience trauma, some facets of our parts have to adopt extreme roles to protect us. Later on, these parts may need help letting go of their past experiences so they don’t negatively impact us. IFS work gives you the space and tools you need to approach your parts with curiosity, gain insight into them and why they were formed, understand what roles they play in your beliefs, actions, and relationships, and ultimately be able to heal yourself. In this work, I also use elements of Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relational Therapy, and Mindfulness. For my younger or creatively-inclined clients, I include play and art therapy techniques to keep the sessions engaging and give clients creative modalities through which they can better express themselves. My success in treating clients lies in my ability to build trusting relationships with them. My goal is to create a warm, accepting, and encouraging therapeutic environment. I incorporate creativity and fun into my sessions while balancing the hard work that it takes to make meaningful life changes.

Dr. Justin Leak is a 2016 graduate of the American School of Professional Psychology @ Argosy University (ASPP). He received his BA in Speech Communication and African & African American Studies from the Pennsylvania State University in 2002. Dr. Leak completed his MA at Lewis & Clark College in Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy (MCFT) in 2008. Dr. Leak completed his APA-accredited internship at The John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents (JLG-RICA), where he continues to work full-time as the Director of the Evaluation Unit and Case Manager for the Facility for Children. His Clinical Research Project was entitled: The Pressure of Maintaining Excellence: The Impact and Challenges of Combining an Electronic Peer-Mentoring Program with University Sponsored Counseling Services to Support Low Income College Students. In between his studies, Dr. Leak has worked with students and families in a variety of educational and therapeutic settings. These include working in the offices of Multicultural Affairs, Academic Advising, Career Advising, and most notably, Residence Life. For fun, he enjoys playing tennis, swimming, travel, and entering cooking competitions. Dr. Leak's therapeutic style pulls from several approaches, including psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Family systems. He offers treatment for a variety of stressors including (but not limited to) mood, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship problems, and transitional life issues. He also specializes in psychological assessment, specifically diagnosing issues that impact behavior, mood, attention, and learning. He is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and the National Register of Health Psychologists.

Are you navigating academic stress, burnout, perfectionism, or life transitions? At Neurodiverse Counseling, we provide neurodiversity-affirming therapy and adult ADHD and autism evaluations for students and young adults. We specialize in working with autistic individuals, ADHDers, and LGBTQIA+ clients. Clients often seek support for anxiety, depression, sensory processing differences, masking, executive functioning challenges, and difficulties with communication or relationships. Others come to us for help with low self-esteem, chronic illness, or processing trauma. We offer a compassionate space to heal, grow, and reconnect with your authentic self. Our team understands the unique pressures students face. We use evidence-based approaches including ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, IFS, and trauma-informed care, alongside neurodiversity-affirming practices to support emotional regulation, executive functioning, and meaningful growth. We offer teletherapy across Massachusetts, Florida, and North Carolina. Our diverse team includes neurodivergent, BIPOC, multilingual, and LGBTQIA+ clinicians, bringing both clinical expertise and lived experience to our work. If you’re looking for therapy that is collaborative, affirming, and tailored to your needs, we invite you to schedule a free consultation.

Hello! I am Dr. Nainan Thomas, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker – therapist/ Mental Health Consultant (MSW, LICSW)-with advanced degree (Ph.D.) in Developmental Psychology. I provide tele-mental health ( online or by phone) for the residents of the District of Columbia. My clients include school-age children (ages 6-18) with serious emotional disorder and their parents, youth. college students with serious emotional, academic, and/or adjustment problems, individuals with co-occurring mental health/ substance abuse problems and relationship problems as well as families with marital and parent-child relationship problems. I work with my clients in areas such as depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, panic disorder, school, college, academic- adjustment, relationship problems, grief and loss. My expertise also includes counselling children who are victims of abuse and neglect, including children and youth who carry child sexual abuse-related trauma and their families. Further, I counsel families where adoption occurs and where court-ordered child custody, visitation issues emerge in divorce situations. I can help my clients navigate through these and many other transitional and life’s emerging challenges. I believe that each individual has a unique story to tell and deserves a customized treatment approach. Upon reaching a therapeutic agreement with my clients, I and my clients would consider ourselves as partners in my clients’ therapeutic path. I will be a good listener, providing practical guidance, suggestions and support all the way. My approach is authentic. I develop trust through my interactions with my clients. My communications with my clients are free of judgement, creating a safe space for expressing their thoughts and feelings. My approach is positive, focused on uplifting my client’s mental wellness in the midst of challenging situations. My therapeutic sessions will be tailored to my client’s unique situations and needs. I value progress over perfection.. It is wonderful to meet you. You are welcome for a free 15 minutes consultation to determine our best fit for your situation: 240-426-4355

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.