Therapists for college students near 20057

As a trauma-informed clinician with nine years of experience in mental wellness, I support adolescents and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, safety concerns, trauma, social injustice, and LGBTQ+ identities. My experience spans some of the most underserved communities, including runaway and homeless youth, BIPOC communities, survivors of sexual violence, and queer and transgender folks, and I've found that many young people who were initially resistant to traditional therapy have found real success through nontraditional, experiential approaches. I believe in meeting you where you are, working toward goals together to achieve emotional regulation, trauma processing, and healthier relationships. Central to how I practice is the understanding that many of the thoughts, emotions, or behaviors we most want to change initially helped us survive — and that deserves acknowledgment, not judgment. I look forward to the honor of building trust and a safe, or even brave, space in our work together. Cultural humility, social justice, and breaking down systemic barriers to basic needs and mental wellness are things I'm deeply passionate about. I believe that simply validating others' experiences holds the power to de-escalate, empower, and enlighten, which is why I always ensure a nonjudgmental, authentic, and strengths-based approach to your care. You can expect our sessions to feel open and genuinely validating, drawing on elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychotherapy to help you reduce anxiety, process trauma, improve depression symptoms, build self-esteem, decrease post-traumatic symptoms, and practice healthy relationships. My path to becoming a therapist began with my own mental wellness challenges in adolescence. But, it was when I graduated college and worked on a residential unit for adolescents with mood disorders that I discovered the joy of working with youth. These experiences deepened my commitment to providing unconditional positive, validating, and strengths-based support to teenagers simply needing someone in their corner. Now, I remain dedicated to bringing an openness and sense of humor to each session that allow for space to share truth and create healing. I fill my cup outside of work with live music, dancing, knitting, hiking, and spending time outside whenever possible.

As a starting therapist with graduate-level experience, I help teens and adults navigate life transitions and stressors, feelings of depression and anxiety, situations of trauma or crisis, and issues surrounding their self-esteem and close relationships. I believe in compassionate, patient-centered care through a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach, which helps me be a supportive, attentive partner in your healing process. I look forward to tailoring care to your unique needs, goals, and life circumstances, helping you feel heard, empowered, and connected to the resources and support you need in our work together. Working together, you can expect a warm and nonjudgmental environment that empowers you to build resilience and move toward meaningful change. This compassionate and collaborative approach focuses on building a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel supported and respected, as I’m passionate about creating a safe space that ensures you better understand your experiences, build resilience, and develop practical coping strategies. My path to becoming a therapist began with a deep interest in understanding how people navigate difficult life experiences and how support systems can make a meaningful difference in someone’s healing. Through my work supporting individuals facing crisis, trauma, and complex life stressors, I developed a strong commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that ensures such dedicated support. My practice now brings empathy, curiosity, and a strong belief in each person’s capacity for resilience and growth to every session. I enjoy a wide range of hobbies outside the office, including thrifting, sewing, reading fiction, and staying active, as well as being actively involved in D.C.'s diverse and unique community!

My specialty is working with people with anxiety, depression, and a history of interpersonal trauma. I bring over 20 years of clinical experience, including three university counseling centers, hospitals, and community clinics, including one specialized in caring for the LGBTQ+ community, before establishing my practice in 2011. I value working with those exploring the impact of gender and race on their identity and life experiences, and those living between cultures and languages. My goal is to help you understand yourself at a deep level, own your body, and live more fully and meaningfully. Please feel free to check out my website and contact me for more details.

As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I provide affirming, person-centered support to help you navigate whatever you're facing, whether that's a major life transition, relationship challenges, identity exploration, or simply a desire to grow and better understand yourself. My work centers on LGBTQIA+ individuals, young adults and life changes, and anyone exploring identity, relationships, self-fulfillment, and personal growth. Additionally, I have a deep personal and professional interest in reproductive mental health and perinatal wellbeing, supporting those facing infertility, fertility treatment, and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), including IVF and IUI. I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples on family-building paths such as donor conception, sperm or egg donation, gestational carriers, and third-party reproduction. Whether you're weighing donor options, navigating the emotional landscape of pregnancy and postpartum, or learning to advocate for yourself within the fertility clinic system, I offer informed, compassionate support every step of the way. No matter who you are or what you’re experiencing, my approach is collaborative and tailored to you, meeting you where you are and walking alongside you. At the heart of my work is a genuine commitment to making you feel truly seen. I believe that the most meaningful therapeutic work happens when you feel safe enough to be honest, so I prioritize creating a space that is nonjudgmental, warm, and unhurried from the very first session. Working together, we’ll use collaborative exploration, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and strengths-based techniques to help you reconnect with your values and move through life's most challenging moments with greater clarity. Because no two people – and no two journeys – are exactly alike, my approach is tailored to your unique story, goals, and pace, in an environment that is safe, affirming, and entirely yours. Therapy is your time, which is why I vow to always show up to each session ready to meet you exactly where you are. My path to becoming a therapist began at the St. Louis City Courthouse, where I had the privilege of supporting survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. That experience showed me, in vivid and lasting terms, how community resources, advocacy, and therapeutic care can genuinely change the course of someone's life. I went on to spend several years in Washington, D.C., working in international development and political advocacy. That work deepened my understanding of how the world's larger systems shape each of us at a profoundly personal level, a perspective I carry into every therapeutic relationship. As a queer person who has navigated complex systems, policies, and family-building pathways in the U.S., I bring both personal and professional insight to this work. I understand that these experiences are not just logistical; they are deeply emotional, and they deserve thoughtful, informed support. When I'm not in session, you'll find me exploring new destinations, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, or hosting friends around the table. I also enjoy crafting, getting lost in a good book, and keeping up with my Pilates practice.

Healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) Mental Health Clinician, I provide a compassionate, judgment-free space where you can explore life's challenges and reconnect with your authentic self. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, grief, life transitions, ADHD, OCD, anger management, substance use, parenting concerns, and more. My approach is personalized, integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Couples Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Music Therapy.  You don't have to have it all figured out to begin. Wherever you are in your journey, I'm here to help you build resilience, find balance, and create meaningful, lasting change—one step at a time.  My passion for this work is deeply personal. Having navigated my own mental health journey, I understand the courage it takes to ask for help and the hope that healing can bring. That lived experience, combined with evidence-based clinical training, allows me to meet each client with empathy, authenticity, and genuine compassion.  Outside of the therapy room, I believe that taking care of yourself is an ongoing practice, not a destination. Reading, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends all help me stay connected and grounded.

As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for tweens, teens, young adults, and LGBTQIA+ individuals who are navigating eating disorders, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, gender barriers, perfectionism, anger, and identity exploration. I believe that everyone deserves to be valued, treated with respect, to have their story honored, and to live a meaningful life. It would be a privilege to support and witness your growth and transformation. As a therapist grounded in feminism, social justice, and hope, I prioritize meeting each person where they are with consideration for their unique needs and lived experiences. I am passionate about helping patients recognize their worth and build fulfilling lives. Together, you can expect a safe and welcoming environment where you are supported as you navigate challenges while developing tools and strategies to help you make the changes you desire. My approach integrates EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), art-based interventions, psychodynamic therapy, and nervous system regulation tools, tailored to your specific needs and goals. My journey to becoming a therapist consisted of a thousand small moments. Throughout my life, I witnessed the impact of mental health challenges on those around me, and have recognized how quality mental health care can change someone's life, leading me to the firm conviction that one person believing in you can make a lasting impact. Furthermore, my own experiences of being a child with ADHD, and a teen who often felt anxious and alone, helped me develop a great depth of understanding and compassion for other youth and young adults who are suffering. Beyond the personal, my experience spans a range of mental health settings, including community mental health, a domestic violence center, an eating disorder recovery program, and an agency specializing in trauma recovery for justice-involved youth and their families. In these roles, I supported individuals navigating systemic barriers and complex life experiences. In my clinical work, I help patients process and reduce the impact of trauma-related symptoms, including anxiety, anger, perfectionism, overwhelm, hypervigilance, fears of abandonment and rejection, and low self-worth. In my practice now, I hope to offer others the kind of support I once needed, and am honored to walk alongside patients as they move toward healing and change. In my free time, I love trying new coffee shops, buying my cats too many toys, and rewatching Ted Lasso and the Jurassic Park movies. I also enjoy exploring new places, spending time in nature, and engaging in creative activities, including photography and creating art to decorate my space.

Whether you suffer from anxiety or depression, if you’re angry or sad, when you experience low self-esteem, or your relationships do not work out — as a highly trained therapist, I can help you with these and other difficulties. I have helped many people to take charge of their lives, to reduce their symptoms, and to make positive and lasting changes. My approach is focused on helping you learn how your mind works and empowering you to identify and to change your emotional patterns. As a therapist who has worked in a variety of settings (non-profit clinic, college campus, crisis program, psychiatric setting) and with diverse populations (children, adolescents, young adults, older adults of different races and different cultures), I am more likely to be able to relate to your unique life situation and to help you with a wide array of issues. Having experienced immigration, I enjoy working with and have expertise with race- and culture-related individual and family matters. Another area of my expertise is lifespan development issues — from child and adolescent to young, middle, and older adulthood.

Ashley’s approach emphasizes the use of specific tools and strategies to help adolescents and adults reduce distress, develop more flexible thinking, feel more connected in relationships, and address tendencies towards perfectionism and rigidity. She has a warm, collaborative and empowering therapeutic style, with expertise in anxiety, depression, relationships, life transitions, work/life balance, perfectionism and eating disorders. Areas of specialization: -Stress and anxiety -Relationships and connection -Work-life balance -Life transitions -Self-esteem -Disordered eating -EMDR treatment I help clients who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck to bring about lasting change and peace of mind. I work particularly well with clients who are struggling to build meaningful connections with others, as well as those navigating the balance between pursuing success and paralyzing perfectionism. My approach is warm, empathic, collaborative and non-judgmental; I aim for you to feel understood and empowered in session, and to carry those feelings into your broader life. I have extensive training in skill-based techniques, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), radically open dialectical behavioral therapy (RO DBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and insight-oriented therapies. I also offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through extended sessions. My training allows me to craft a treatment strategy that meets your unique needs and provides you with the tools to increase your self-awareness, sense of control over your feelings, and satisfaction with your life, relationships and choices. I specialize in working with teens, college students, and young adults through experienced professionals, including those with demanding jobs who would like to increase their sense of connection to their families. I have particular expertise in anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, social connectedness, grief, life transitions, perfectionism and disordered eating, with a focus on helping clients to remain present and resilient in response to day-to-day demands. I also have extensive experience training other clinicians, having supervised the clinical work of doctoral level therapists at George Mason University and Potomac Behavioral Solutions. I work with clients via telehleath and welcome and am actively affirming of all sexualities, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds. Licensed Clinical Psychologist PsyD in Clinical Psychology Offering sessions via telehealth to clients based in: DC, Maryland, Virginia and all 40+ PSYPACT participating states.

Amy strives for clients to feel supported and guided as they work towards growth and change. She specializes in anxiety, depression, relationships, self-criticism, perfectionism, and life transitions (e.g., graduation, parenthood and career changes). Amy's style blends tangible tools with broader insight, all while strengthening a sense of agency so that clients can feel empowered to make and sustain meaningful change. Areas of specialization: -Anxiety -Depression -Low self-esteem -Perfectionism -Family and relationship challenges -Life and career transitions I specialize in working with clients who feel anxious, depressed, or disempowered, and struggle with cycles of self-criticism, perfectionism, difficult relationships, or life transitions (e.g., graduation, parenthood or career changes). My therapeutic approach blends evidence-based methods from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, ACT, and DBT, with goals to help clients understand and tangibly improve their symptoms. I aim for therapy to be a place where they can feel supported and guided as we work together towards growth. I seek to help strengthen clients' sense of agency, so they feel empowered to make and sustain meaningful life changes. I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work, and have advanced postgraduate training in perinatal mental health care, including postpartum anxiety and depression, as well as training in trauma-informed clinical care. Prior to becoming a therapist, I previously worked as an attorney with the US Department of Justice, and draw upon this experience in my work with clients in demanding professional and academic careers. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, and am committed to creating a collaborative, non-judgmental therapeutic experience where both practical strategies and emotional understanding can flourish. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Master of Social Work, The Catholic University of America Juris Doctorate, The University of Chicago Law School Offering sessions in person in Washington, DC, and via telehealth to clients based in: DC, Maryland, and Virginia

Sydney works from an attachment perspective, helping clients to better understand themselves and their relationships. She combines insight-oriented approaches with CBT/DBT skills, and has expertise in anxiety and depression, life transitions, family of origin conflict, identity development, body image, self-esteem and relationships, including non-monogamy. Areas of specialization Anxiety Depression Relationships, including non-monogamy Family of origin conflict Life transitions Identity development Body image and self-esteem I help clients to create change through a better understanding of themselves and their relationships. You may be feeling dissatisfied or uncertain, disconnected from others or lacking a sense of control over your emotions or life choices, but I believe that you already have the ability and determination to help yourself. I work to draw out that ability through a combination of insight-expanding exploration and teaching specific tools to help you overcome challenges, all while utilizing my training to call out patterns and behaviors that may be getting in your way. I work from an attachment perspective, and strive to develop a strong therapeutic relationship that can help you to better understand and improve your relationships with family, romantic partners and friends. I aim to create an environment that feels safe, accepting, validating and empowering, and for you to feel happier, more stable and more autonomous through our work together. I have expertise in anxiety and depression, life transitions, family of origin conflict, identity development, body image, self-esteem and relationships, including clients established in or considering opening their relationships to non-monogamy. I have extensive training in psychodynamic and relational therapies, as well as skill-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. I work with college students, young adults and established professionals, including those contemplating retirement. I am actively affirming and welcoming to individuals of all gender identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations and religions. In particular, I have experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, individuals of various faith traditions, and those exploring or established in non-monogamy. Licensed Clinical Psychologist PsyD in Clinical Psychology Offering sessions both in person and via telehealth to clients based in: DC, Virginia, and all 40+ PSYPACT participating states.

My website is the best way to learn about me and how I work. My website is at www.lisakays.com. You may also complete my inquiry form on my website to learn more about my practice and so that I can determine if my practice is a good fit in terms of your scheduling and treatment needs. If you're not sure, please ask!

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to take it alone. As a trauma-focused EMDR therapist, I work with teens, college students, young professionals, adults, parents, and menopausal women who are navigating relational trauma, sexual assault, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and questions of identity. I value honest communication and emotional safety, which help me to be fully present, respectful, and genuinely curious about your experiences. Our work is a collaborative partnership, one that allows me to get to know you deeply, see the patterns shaping your life, and help you make sense of the tapestry you’re weaving. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, compassionate environment to explore and heal, please reach out today. In our work together, you can expect a warm, accepting space where your emotional needs and self-selected objectives guide the process. I prioritize empathy, acceptance, and active listening, while thoughtfully integrating EMDR and trauma-informed Mindfulness to develop skills that help you access a rich emotional life that feels safe, grounded, and led by your core self. Through this relational and empathetic approach, you’ll learn to make meaningful, lasting changes as you move toward a healthier future. My path to becoming a therapist was shaped early on as a parentified child in a dysfunctional home, where I learned to create harmony in difficult circumstances. This experience fostered a natural empathy and flexibility that guide my work today, while strengthening my commitment to offering thoughtful, personalized care that honors each person’s unique story. I bring the fullness of myself into each session, meeting you with compassion, presence, and respect. Outside of the office, I enjoy a creative and active lifestyle. I’m a painter who loves spending time outdoors, whether that’s hiking, walking, or biking, and am also an avid plant enthusiast with more than 50 houseplants. I practice yoga regularly and previously worked as a yoga instructor, which continues to influence how I approach balance and well-being. At home, I share space with two cats and a dog, and value quality time with friends and family. I’m also a mom to four (now adult!) children.

Sometimes the transitions, pressures, and questions of life can feel overwhelming to navigate on your own. As a licensed graduate professional counselor, I help you do just that, specializing in mood disorders, life transitions, cultural impacts, and stress management for adolescents and adults. Whether you're stepping into a new environment, entering a new relationship, shifting careers, or working through something harder to name, I'm here to help you find your footing. Identity work is central to what I do, as I believe that understanding who you are, and how your experiences have shaped you, is some of the most meaningful work we can do together. I approach every session with genuine curiosity, because being a truly present counselor means seeking first to understand. Your goals and needs guide our work, and I look forward to collaborating with you every step of the way. When you work with me, you can expect warmth, openness, and a space that feels genuinely safe and inviting. Sessions are collaborative and nonjudgmental by design, shaped around your unique needs rather than a one-size-fits-all framework. Drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), I take an integrative approach to help you improve your mood, manage daily stressors, and build skills that carry beyond our sessions. Cultural identity and the way life experiences show up in your everyday world are areas I'm deeply passionate about. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you as you move closer to something more meaningful and fulfilling. Whatever you bring into the room, we'll work through it together. This path chose me as much as I chose it. My own experiences navigating stress, cultural impacts, and identity gave me an early and personal window into the weight those things can carry. Watching family and friends face their own mental health challenges deepened that understanding and strengthened my commitment to providing care that is both thorough and genuinely human. Every person I work with benefits from that perspective, and I bring it fully into each session. Outside of the therapy room, you can find me thrifting, getting lost in a good book, or seeking out any body of water I can find. At home, my cat Suki keeps things lively and reminds me that the small, simple moments matter too.

Renae Mittelmeier is a National Certified Counselor, Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider, and a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed in the District of Columbia. Renae treats individuals with bipolar, depressive, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, substance use, and personality disorders, as well stress disorders, life transitions, interpersonal issues, and self-esteem concerns. Renae provides a unique variety of interventions to support a client’s individual needs but specializes in the use of cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral approaches.

Dr. Solange Missibi is a dedicated and compassionate psychiatric nurse practitioner committed to providing exceptional care to individuals with varied mental health conditions and all ages. With a strong background in nursing and a passion for mental health advocacy, she aims to make a positive impact in the lives of her patients. Solange possesses a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health conditions and the importance of a holistic/comprehensive care approach.

The Sanchez Center is a group psychotherapy practice serving Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and California. OUR mission IS TO PROVIDE mental health services to young professionals in a culturally-sensitive, compassionate, and collaborative setting

Welcome! I’m Dr. Constance Zou, and I’m honored to be a part of your journey towards mental well-being. My academic and professional path has been dedicated to understanding and treating a wide range of mental health challenges. I graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University with a BA in Biology and earned an MA in Bioethics from New York University. I received my MD from Yale School of Medicine and completed my general psychiatry residency at the National Institute of Mental Health, where I also completed a clinical fellowship focused on studying the connections between hormones and mood. My extensive training has equipped me to effectively treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, trauma, women’s reproductive mental health, and sleep-related issues. I utilize both psychoanalytic and cognitive-based psychotherapy modalities to provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs. With over a decade of continuous engagement in medical research, I am passionate about delivering evidence based care and advancing the field of psychiatry. Part of my previous work highlighted biases and inaccuracies in the publication of clinical trials by pharmaceutical companies, emphasizing the importance of informed and safe treatment choices. At our practice, you will find a compassionate and knowledgeable partner in your mental health journey. Together, we will work towards achieving your personal goals and enhancing your overall well-being.

As a black queer woman working within both for-profit and non-profit spaces for over 10 years, I became increasingly aware of the need for dedicated restorative and affirming safe spaces for BIPOC and Queer folx. Thus, at Growth Explored my intention is to curate an environment that not only allows individuals to observe their own thoughts and feelings as relates to their behavior but additionally understand how external factors such as discrimination impact response to and perceptive of life experiences. If you find yourself feeling disconnected from the things around you, lacking motivation for the things that once excited you and going through the motions; there is room for you here. Let us collaborate to develop a plan that empowers you by evoking change through tapping into your emotions. Our hope is that in this space of healing you will learn the skills you need to live a fuller and richer life.

Matthew provides a compassionate, genuine, and collaborative approach to therapy, helping children, adolescents, and young adults feel heard, supported, and empowered. Using evidence-based techniques tailored to each client's unique needs, he helps individuals build practical coping skills, strengthen resilience, and navigate life's challenges with confidence.

I offer LGBTQIA+ affirming care for adults and young adults in New York and across over 40 states through PsyPact, with virtual therapy tailored to each client's unique needs. My practice is especially supportive of undergraduate/graduate students, healthcare professionals, and those managing anxiety/mood concerns, identity development, or academic/professional stress. I have also received advanced training in postpartum mood/anxiety disorders through Postpartum Support International, which allows me to help new parents dealing with perinatal concerns. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and relational psychotherapy, and provide documentation for out-of-network insurance reimbursement and sliding scale rates when needed.