Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

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.

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.

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

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!

Finding the right support is the first step, and you don't have to take it alone. As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I’m dedicated to helping people navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions with compassion and care. Whether you're working to manage difficult emotions, strengthen your coping skills, or move toward personal goals that feel out of reach, we'll build something meaningful together. My commitment is to meet you exactly where you are, as a steady and supportive partner throughout your care as you work toward greater clarity and confidence, while empowering lasting growth and a stronger sense of well-being. Fostering self-awareness and a real sense of agency in the people I work with is at the heart of what I do. In our time together, you can expect a warm, grounded environment where you feel genuinely heard. Sessions are collaborative by design, drawing on evidence-based techniques and thoughtful exploration to help you build insight and develop practical skills you can carry beyond our work together. My style is compassionate and flexible; every person brings a unique set of needs and goals, and the approach we take will reflect yours. A deep curiosity about people and a genuine desire to support others through life's challenges brought me to this work, and this foundation continues to shape the compassionate, patient-centered care I offer every day. To each session, I bring patience, empathy, and authentic presence, because you deserve a therapist who is truly invested in your progress, not just going through the motions. Outside the therapy room, you can usually find me curled up with a good book, exploring new restaurants, watching a great show, or heading to the movies. Running and ice skating are also fun outdoor hobbies that help me stay active and recharge.

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 Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I'm here to help women and girls navigate life's stressors, trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges. Whether you're working to better understand your emotions or exploring how your past experiences have shaped the way you move through the world, this is a space built on integrity, care, and a genuine commitment to your growth. You deserve a therapist who shows up for you fully, and that's exactly what I strive to be. Together, we'll work toward deeper self-understanding and the tools to help you live more fully and authentically. In our time together, you can expect a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where you feel genuinely heard and empowered to grow. Therapy with me is casual, conversational, and always centered on you. Drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy, we'll work together to unpack anxious thoughts, identify triggers, and explore how your history connects to your present experiences. Your autonomy throughout this process matters deeply to me, and every aspect of our work is tailored to your unique needs and goals. The road to becoming a therapist was shaped by my own meaningful experiences in therapy. The strong, trusting relationships I built with my therapists showed me firsthand what effective, ethical care can look like and deepened my commitment to offering that same experience to the people I work with. That foundation continues to inform every session. A conversational approach, a genuine investment in your well-being, and an unwavering dedication to compassionate care are what you'll find here. When I'm not in session, you can find me knitting, reading, hitting the gym, or diving into my newest hobby: spinning my own yarn.

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.

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.

I help individuals enhance their mental health. My approach is based on the premise that nutrition, physical activity, and how we recover are foundational to our well-being. We will optimize your life with thoughtful prescriptions, psychotherapy, nutritional and supplement counseling, and prescriptive exercise.

If you’re struggling in your relationships, navigating a major life transition, or feeling stuck in patterns related to substance or behavioral addictions, you’re not alone. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, capable adults who find themselves repeating painful relational dynamics or feeling disconnected from the life they want to be living. Therapy can be a powerful place to understand why—and to begin doing something different. I specialize in working with adults from diverse cultural backgrounds who want more fulfilling relationships and a stronger sense of self. Together, we explore the patterns that may be contributing to your needs not being met. I help you to increase awareness of how these patterns developed and how they continue to show up in your life today. My approach is deeply informed by my professional training and my personal experience as a consumer of high-quality therapy. I know what it’s like to sit on the other side of the room and wrestle with whether change is possible. If you’re ready to take the next step forward, I’d be honored to work with you.

Do you feel overwhelmed, stuck in your own thoughts, or unsure of how to navigate changes in your life? As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I work with adolescents and adults to navigate anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, build confidence, develop healthier ways of coping, and feel more present and in control of your life. I believe in meeting you exactly where you are, which allows me to be a supportive and collaborative partner throughout the therapy process. I look forward to helping you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and work toward meaningful changes that feel right for you. Creating a space where you feel comfortable being yourself while gaining a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns is something I care deeply about. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-based techniques, I help you build on that understanding while developing practical tools you can use outside of therapy. This conversational style carries into every session, where I tailor my collaborative, supportive, and individualized approach to your unique needs, personality, and goals. My journey toward therapy began with a genuine curiosity about people and a desire to understand the experiences that shape who we are. This grew into a commitment to providing compassionate, individualized care where patients feel truly heard and understood. Today, I bring warmth, curiosity, and authenticity to each session with you, believing that therapy can be both meaningful and human. I enjoy playing piano, drawing, and practicing Pilates, yoga, and meditation. Exploring new places and spending time with loved ones are just as important to me. I also love reading, going to the movies, and unwinding with a good reality TV show.

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.

We are located near many colleges and univiersities in NW Washington, DC! Of note, we are very close to American University and their shuttle stops across the street from our practice. We are also across the street from The Washington College of Law. We are a short metro or bus ride from Georgetown University and The Catholic University of America. Our therapists enjoy working with college students and young professionals, and we frequently partner with students from our local colleges. If you’re interested in learning more about our therapy services for college and university students, you can find more details on our website, and our team members are always happy to answer questions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Some clients arrive feeling the weight of their anxiety. Others are in the middle of a transition—navigating changes in relationships, family dynamics, or adjusting to a new diagnosis or ongoing health condition. These transition moments can bring a level of uncertainty that’s hard to tolerate and often lead to second-guessing, especially when your body or health begins to feel unpredictable or outside of your control. I also work with individuals who experience intrusive thoughts or feel caught in patterns meant to prevent something bad from happening. These thoughts can feel unsettling or even at odds with who you are—making them confusing, distressing, and difficult to talk about. For some, these experiences are connected to obsessive-compulsive patterns (often referred to as OCD), even if that’s not a term you’ve used for yourself before. There are effective, evidence-based ways to work with OCD patterns, and we can talk through what that might look like for you. At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy is a collaborative process. You should want to talk to your therapist, and from the very beginning, I focus on creating a space where you can talk openly about what’s actually on your mind. The relationship between therapist and client matters deeply. Meaningful change tends to happen when people feel understood, respected, and able to show up honestly— even when what they’re bringing to session feels messy, confusing, or hard to put into words. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and no single approach works for every person or every situation. I draw from a range of approaches and tailor the work to each client’s needs, goals, and experiences. Depending on what feels most helpful, this might include building a clearer understanding of the patterns you’re caught in, exploring where those patterns come from, or finding new ways to respond to them. Across all of this, my focus is on helping you make sense of what you’re experiencing and shift the patterns that are keeping you stuck so they begin to have less of a hold on you over time.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Adulting can feel exciting, overwhelming, confusing, and all things in between. Whether you're navigating college, career stress, family dynamics, relationships, or simply trying to figure out who you are and where you're headed, I'm here to provide support. I specialize in working with teens and young adults who are feeling stuck, anxious, disconnected, or unsure about their next steps. I have extensive experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideations, relationship challenges, low self esteem, and personality disorders. I recognize the importance of building a therapeutic relationship, as I believe it is the foundation for effective therapy. I aim to hold a space that's non-judgmental and real, where you can bring in what's hard, what's confusing, and what's hopeful. If you’re looking for a therapy space where you can both cry & laugh, I’m here when you’re ready!

Do you belong everywhere and nowhere? Do you question gender, sexuality & relationship norms? Are you struggling to feel connected or like you belong? Are you struggling with stress and pressure? Are you seeking an affirming, collaborative space to be seen, validated, problem-solve & ultimately heal? You are in the right place. I’m Ariel – a multi-ethnic, queer woman living between and amongst cultures while carving my own path to healing. I specialize in multicultural identity issues, anxiety, depression, intergenerational & other trauma, migration, eating disorders, suicide/self-harm, LGBTQIA+ needs and alternative relationship styles.

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.