Therapists for college students near Howard University

Thank you for considering working with me. I understand how important it is to have the right support during difficult times. My approach is integrative and personalized, meeting you exactly where you are. Together, we’ll create a safe and supportive space to explore what’s on your mind, while also focusing on practical steps to help you feel more like yourself again. Whether you're feeling stuck in worry, overwhelmed by racing thoughts, or struggling with self-doubt, we’ll work together to build tools that help you feel more grounded and centered in the present.

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.

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.

Therapy is a space to untangle patterns, fears, and old narratives so you can decide what actually serves you. I'm a doctorally-trained, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) who works with adolescents and adults through depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, life transitions and relationship struggles. Together we'll trace what's been keeping you stuck, work through experiences that still weigh on you, and build tools you can use in your daily life, so you feel steadier, clearer, and more yourself. Every process is shaped around your individual preferences and needs. I draw on evidence-based approaches with strong track records for lasting change, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD; which ones we lean on depends on what you're working toward. What stays steady through all of it is a grounded space where you set the pace, receive guidance shaped to your circumstances, learn to trust your own judgment again, and start living by your own design. I see clients in person at my Bethesda, MD office and online across Maryland, Virginia, Vermont, Colorado, and Washington, DC. If any of this resonates, please reach out. I'd be glad to hear what's on your mind and find out whether we're the right fit.

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.

Are you someone who avoids social situations, seeks out reassurance from others, or describes yourself as a people pleaser or perfectionist? If so, you might be struggling with anxiety. Anxiety shows up in a variety of different ways. These challenges arise during major life transitions or may be associated with relationship, school, or work-related concerns. I have a special interest in working with young adults who experience anxiety and stress. I'm here to help you gain the tools you need to feel relief and to approach your life in a more authentic way. I utilize techniques from the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) perspective as well as from the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approach. Rather than work to remove anxiety altogether, I will help you learn ways to tolerate anxiety and discomfort and respond to anxiety in a healthier, more productive manner.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hello! I specialize in working with engineering and other STEM students that feel overwhelmed by their academic and personal lives. As a former mental health ambassador for two top engineering programs in the country, I have a wealth of experience working with students who are driven, highly intelligent and under intense pressure to succeed. I also work with engineers and engineering managers across STEM industries and can support students in their career exploration process. I am a neuro-divergent and LGBTQIA+ affirming provider that will take the time to tailor your therapy experience to exactly what you need. I am looking forward for the chance to meet you. Feel free to reach out for a free 15 min consultation to discuss how I can help you in your journey through and after school.

Inside all the suffering you are experiencing at this time, you know who you are at heart. I want to help you work with unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and return to yourself, a self that honors your core values. I am a compassionate therapist who provides goal-oriented therapy to adults dealing with anxiety, social anxiety disorder, depression, panic attacks, contamination and disgust OCD, trauma, complex family dynamics, and those working on long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder. Therapy should be goal-oriented and energizing! I am familiar with the most up-to-date therapy techniques from prior work in the Mass General Brigham healthcare system in Boston and training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, utilizing strategies from CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT, ACT, and ERP (exposure and response prevention). I work with clients who are in Washington, DC, Massachusetts, and Virginia as I am licensed in all three locations and have lived and worked in all three. I look forward to supporting you on your journey! Please be aware that for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance I am only in network in Virginia.

Clients come to me when they feel overwhelmed in life. The challenge is that the college experience can exacerbate these issues. It can be hard to navigate not only the academic expectations, but also the issues in our relationships. College is a unique and fleeting experience. I would be happy to support you in managing stressors to make this a positive experience. Our work together is based on radical kindness, cultural understanding, and empathy.

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.

Do you feel overwhelmed by life’s constant demands or stressed by difficult relationships? If so, you matter to me. I love to see people thrive. I enjoy supporting people during difficult times and supplying them with the tools necessary to overcome challenges. Your issues do not define you. My approach recognizes the interconnectedness of our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Whether your journey calls for gentle encouragement, practical strategies, or a listening ear, my goal is to empower you to move forward with confidence and hope. I am passionate about fostering resilience, helping you transform hardships into steppingstones, and celebrating your progress along the way. I use evidence-based practices and Biblical perspectives to guide my work. As we work together, you can anticipate a therapy experience that is both collaborative and adaptive. I honor the wisdom and strengths you already possess, inviting you to draw upon your inner resources while equipping you with new insights and skills. No matter where you are in your story, I am committed to supporting you in cultivating greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and a sense of purpose.

Hi, I’m Clayton, a licensed mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist. I believe that healing begins when we feel seen, heard, and accepted for who we are. My goal is to create a space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment — whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, identity concerns, relationship challenges, or simply trying to understand yourself on a deeper level. I work with individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, students adjusting to new transitions, and anyone striving to improve their emotional well-being. My approach is collaborative and compassionate — blending evidence-based techniques with genuine curiosity about your story. Together, we’ll work toward developing insight, strengthening coping skills, and helping you feel more grounded and confident in who you are. Therapy is not about “fixing” you; it’s about understanding, growth, and learning to embrace your own perfect imperfections. If you’re ready to begin that process, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

The Healing Suite provides therapeutic interventions to adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress due to trauma and life transitions. We specialize in supporting young people with various challenges that they'll encounter as they mature. We practice from a place of cultural sensitivity and we are LGBTQ+ affirming. It is our belief that each person is an expert on themselves and should be able to make choices that are in their own best interest. Call, text, or email us to set up a free consultation.

College life can be exciting—and stressful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by classes, relationships, or the pressure to figure out your future, you’re not alone. Our practice provides supportive, student-centered care to help with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Together, we’ll build tools to manage stress and support your well-being so you can thrive on campus and beyond. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and taking care of your mental health is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself—today and for your future.

I look forward to working with people who are ready to make changes in their lives and engage in the therapeutic process. Much of my sessions include discussing goal setting and thinking of various tools and techniques to achieve those goals. I utilize CBT methods, person-centered, and strengths-based approaches to help all clients realize their ability for change and understand they can achieve happiness and alleviate things like anxiety and depression.

You know something needs to change. You're tired of the way you've been feeling. Maybe you're struggling to identify what would help, or you already know what to do, but can't seem to find the motivation to follow through. Maybe you can imagine just what you want for yourself, but you get stuck when it comes to making changes you can stick with, leaving you frustrated, embarrassed, or disheartened. I'm here to help you identify what's working in your life and enhance it, and to find what isn’t working so you can determine, with clarity and kindness, what you want to change and how to develop the life you really want.

Congratulations on taking the step to invest in your mental health. Together, we will tend to the wounds that have weighed heavy on you, gently unraveling things that no longer serve you. Through intentional skill building and healing, you will reconnect with the parts of yourself that have been forgotten, silenced, or sacrificed. As your therapist my goal is to guide you and walk with you through your journey of change. I will teach you the psychology of what you are experiencing, assist you with gaining and applying effective tools, hold you accountable to the goals you set, and provide you with an unbiased perspective to the situation you are facing.

Online Counseling for teens & adults in Washington, DC & Virginia I work with adolescents and adults with concerns such as anxiety, stress, perfectionism, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues (peer, spousal, dating, breakups), life transitions, academic and athletic pressures. My approach is based on my belief in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and having a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can feel understood, accepted, connected, can share and explore their experiences, strengthen and expand upon coping skills, and develop insights. I use a collaborative approach that includes working with clients in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner, utilizing evidence based practices that have scientific support for their effectiveness. I provide treatment that is compatible with my client’s strengths and goals in order to provide healing, growth and reduction of symptoms. My client’s have described me as: “very easy to talk to”, genuine, thorough, “down to earth”. I firmly believe that things can and will begin to get better. Please reach out to me directly and I'd be happy to set up a time to connect further to learn more about how I can most be helpful, provide additional information on scheduling and answer any questions.

Are you consumed with worry? Struggling with a life transition? Suffering a loss? Trying to manage all the things, all the time? I can help! I specialize in supporting the wellness of individuals living with anxiety, adhd, life stage change, and grief. I will partner with you as you navigate life’s nuances, build resilience, practice kindness toward yourself, and find your joy!