Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

I specialize in working with adolescents and adults struggling with trauma, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder. My work is rooted in compassion, honesty, and authenticity, and I try to show up as my authentic self in therapy sessions. That means there are lots of feels, digging deep, being honest, confronting the tough stuff, and humor. Definitely humor. I will work collaboratively with you to establish personalized therapy goals tailored to your specific needs, and create an environment in which you feel safe, accepted, seen, heard, and never judged.

If you feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed or stuck, if you are frustrated by your family or relationships, or are worn out by disordered eating, my practice may be a good fit for you. My therapy style is collaborative, warm, and nonjudgmental, with room for humor. Together, we will work to improve your symptoms, gain a deeper understanding of your concerns and bring about lasting change. As a former clinician at George Washington University and the University of the District of Columbia, I have extensive experience with students, emerging adults and others navigating life transitions. With experience in global recruitment for the international development industry, I work well with clients who are working to establish or move up within their professional careers, struggle with work/life balance, or are considering a career change. My practice is open and affirming. I welcome clients of all sexualities, gender identities, ethnicities and national origins. My office is conveniently located on Farragut Square, directly above the Farragut West Metro stop (blue/orange/silver), across from Farragut North (Red Line) and walking distance to GWU. I also offer sessions via telehealth/video.

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.

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.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Washington, DC and Iowa, my work centers on helping people of all ages work through depression, anxiety, and trauma with compassion and purpose. At the heart of my practice is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a gentle, evidence-based approach that invites you to explore the different "parts" of yourself with curiosity rather than judgment. Whether you're navigating anxiety, processing trauma, working through relationship challenges, or simply trying to understand yourself more deeply, IFS offers a path to healing that honors every aspect of your inner world. Authenticity, collaboration, and empowerment guide everything we do together. My commitment is to you feeling seen, heard, and respected throughout your care through an approach that emphasizes empathy, respect for autonomy, and the importance of building trusting therapeutic relationships. In our sessions, you'll learn to recognize and un-blend from the parts of yourself that may be reactive, avoidant, or self-critical, and gently reconnect with your core Self: the calm, confident center that already lives within you. This work isn't about fixing you; it's about helping you come home to yourself while gently guiding you toward greater clarity, balance, and Self-leadership. To support that journey, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care alongside Internal Family Systems (IFS), providing tools for deeper emotional regulation and lasting personal growth. Our work together will be shaped by your unique needs and goals, always within a safe, nonjudgmental space where you are met with warmth, respect, and genuine care. Many patients describe our sessions as insightful and collaborative, and that is exactly the experience I strive to create for you. Originally from Haiti, I immigrated to the United States at age nine and grew up in Queens, New York. The experience of navigating a new country, culture, and language shaped who I am and how I show up for the people I work with. Fluent in Haitian Creole, I bring a culturally responsive lens to every session, informed by my own lived understanding of childhood trauma, xenophobia, and the complex challenges of acculturation. This background also fuels my commitment to creating a therapeutic space that is truly inclusive and supportive, one where patients from all walks of life can explore their experiences, build resilience, and move toward healing with confidence. A love of animals has always been part of who I am. Volunteering with the Humane Society Wildlife in Miami was a meaningful way to extend that care beyond the therapy room. Outside of work, I find joy in time spent with family and with my six-year-old pocket bully, who brings plenty of personality and laughter to everyday life.

Whether you cry a lot but are still productive, you're faking it till you make it, or you’re miserable and no one knows, you don’t have to keep doing it with a broken heart. It takes courage to reach out for support. Like other students, you may be struggling with adjusting to school, feeling anxious about performing well, worrying about family expectations, and choosing a satisfying career path. Figuring out how to juggle academic demands, friends, family, and self-care can be tough. With a non-judgmental and caring listener, you can overcome obstacles and accomplish the changes you want to see. Therapy can help you manage intense emotions, feel more confident, foster deeper connections in relationships, and thrive in your academic or career pursuits. From working at Georgetown University and American University, I developed a deep understanding of the specific challenges college students and young professionals encounter. Using a therapeutic approach centered on empathy, respect, and validation, I help my clients feel less alone in their struggles and more understood. In therapy, I collaborate with clients to help them gain insight into themselves, reconnect to strengths, clarify personal values, and make meaningful improvements in their lives and relationships. As an experienced therapist who works with college and graduate students, I am passionate about helping my clients get to a place in life where they feel like they are thriving. I am currently training a therapy dog to provide emotional support to clients during sessions. You don’t have to keep struggling alone. Reach out today for a free consultation. Follow Dr. Emma and Carlie on Instagram @therapydogcarlie for mental health information, tips, and encouragement.

Visit my website below for additional available therapists. Welcome! I am a psychotherapist/Clinical Social Worker and have been in practice for 17 years. I received my Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University. I believe that everyone deserves someone to talk to who is non-judgmental or biased. You are the expert on you! I am here to work as a team with you to establish and meet your goals. Together we can create change and improve your symptoms. I have experience working with individuals who are having difficulty adjusting to new life situations/transitions, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and grief/loss.

Don’t let struggles with anxiety, depression, and/or self-discovery affect your quality of life. As a solutions-driven therapist, I work with teenagers and adults, taking the time to get to know you and your world, which will inform the work we do together. My goal is to help understand and disempower your anxiety or depression, navigate grief, or guide you to discover your authentic self. The solution isn't one size fits all, and we will find it together. Above all, I believe in the dignity and worth in a person, allowing me to be your comforting partner in care. I look forward to getting to know you in our work together. You deserve a therapist who is passionate about guiding you to live authentically. I strive to do just that, in a compassionate environment where you can always expect to be treated with respect and kindness. My style is warm, conversational, and grounded in curiosity, positivity, and respect while remaining flexible to your unique needs. This flexibility extends to my integrated therapeutic approach, which may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and narrative therapies to help you build tools to navigate your day to day and embrace your life story. I’ve always been drawn to developing personal and professional growth. In my business life, I’ve been a coach, a marketer, a salesperson, a communications expert, and a professional experience developer. This mix of skills is evident in my work with patients now, where I bring a creative and human perspective to each session. When I’m not in the office, I’m out and about, exploring my great city and traveling. I also enjoy yoga, dining in and out, and long walks with my adorable pup.

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

Therapy for college, graduate students, and student athletes - social justice oriented. Queer and genderqueer affirmative. A a therapist I specialize in working with first generation college students, athletes, acculturation, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and trauma. College is tough! I specialize in anxiety, imposter anxiety, perfectionism, sleep, and mood. Are you overwhelmed trying to figure out the future while managing life obligations and feel like no one understands you? Together we will figure out unhealthy behaviors and relationships that do not serve you, learn skills to manage stress, and make changes to live a balanced, more meaningful life. I strive Likewise, I strive to provide a safe space to process unique experiences of systemic racism, injustice, and inequity. What will therapy be like? It will be a blend of discussing stress and learning skills. Don't want to talk? That's cool too- let's learn skills. I use both relational and research informed approaches (meaning research studies have found these therapies help people feel better, so they work!) including Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills.

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.

Hi, I'm Eileen Persichetti, a clinical social worker based in Washington, D.C. I specialize in providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy to individuals navigating life's challenges, from anxiety and depression to relationship struggles, trauma, and life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life. My practice is rooted in a mix of evidenced based approaches, and mindfulness-based therapies, all of which can be tailored to your unique needs and goals.

In my therapy work, it's important that I first learn who you are, and what strengths and values you possess. We then work together to identify how patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior may be holding you back from being the best version of yourself. I use evidence-based interventions (strategies proven successful through research) within a cognitive behavioral model. My style as a therapist is warm, nonjudgmental, and active. Whether you are hoping to improve your mood, develop more meaningful relationships, or learn skills to manage emotions, I'm here to support you through the ups and downs.

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 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!

Welcome! We are grateful you stopped by and are considering our services during a vulnerable time in your life. At Brave Companion Family Counseling, we practice from a strength-based perspective. We believe you possess all you need to make the improvements you want to see in your life. We are here to facilitate your personal growth through tools, perspective and guidance. We believe that you are shaped by each experience you have, the systems you interact with, and the relationships you engage in. Every individual is unique in their identities (race, gender, sexual orientation, roles, culture, religion, etc.). Those identities are key factors in the individual’s view of the world and interaction within it. We are excited to begin this journey with you, and look forward to hearing from you.

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.

Welcome! My name is Shiann and I am a Licensed Therapist (LPC, NCC) in Washington, DC. I specialize in working with adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions. I also have a clinical interest in supporting Black mental health and offer culturally responsive care. I help by creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we explore your thoughts and emotions together. I am passionate about this work because I believe everyone deserves a space to feel understood and the tools to build a more balanced, confident, and fulfilling life. If you’re ready to work through challenges and invest in your well-being, I invite you to reach out and begin your journey.

As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals and couples navigating fertility treatment, infertility challenges, and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), including IVF and IUI. I also have a deep commitment to working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and same-sex couples on their family-building journeys, including donor conception, sperm or egg donation, gestational carriers, and third-party reproduction. Whether you’re discerning donor options, exploring co-parenting conversations, or learning how to advocate for yourself within the fertility clinic system, I offer affirming, informed support every step of the way. Beyond fertility care, I work with young adults and LGBTQIA+ individuals through life transitions, identity exploration, self-fulfillment, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My approach is person-centered, affirming, and collaborative, and I am here to walk alongside you as you navigate some of life's most meaningful and complex experiences. 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.

RD Emily & Team is a group nutrition practice in the DC Metro area. We specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and managing chronic conditions. We use a non-diet approach and the Health At Every Size (HAES®) model to help clients develop eating patterns that work for them and promote health, without focusing on size and weight. Learn more by visiting our website at http://www.rdemily.com.