Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

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

Everyone needs support during difficult times in their lives, whether they are dealing with relationship issues, stress at home or work, or feelings of depression and anxiety with or without a clear cause. It is during times like these that therapy can help. Through our work together I will provide a safe space for painful memories and emotions to be explored and work with you to gain a deeper understanding of how these experiences continue to shape you today. Together we will work to help you develop new coping skills and bring an enhanced level of self-awareness to your life. I have extensive experience working with both adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and cross-cultural challenges. In addition, my experience working within both acute and ambulatory care medical settings has expanded my expertise to include helping those coping with chronic illness, grief/loss, and end of life issues. Please feel free to contact me to schedule a consultation and to learn more about my approach to therapy. I look forward to hearing from you.

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.

This process of being and becoming that we engage with as humans can simultaneously be both beautiful and incredibly challenging. The decision to take part in therapy can begin a transformative process that allows you to develop greater insight as well as ignite necessary behavioral changes. This can help promote greater well-being, vitality, healing, growth, resiliency, and self-actualization. There is perhaps no greater gift to give yourself than to invest in a process of self-exploration. Such exploration will better enable you to develop a deeper connection with your authentic self so that you may reach your optimal potential. Ultimately, engaging in therapy can be an empowered step toward claiming a life that feels more fulfilling, intentional and aligned with your goals. In turn, there is no greater honor for me than to get to share a part of your journey. I believe therapy to be a collaborative and relational process. You can expecte me to treat you with compassion and respect. I am a licensed psychologist in private practice after working in university counseling centers since 2003. Most recently, I served as the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at George Washington University since June 2020 after serving as Director of Counseling at Ursinus College since 2013. Prior to that I’ve worked in the counseling centers at Drexel, Columbia and Princeton University after completing my pre-doctoral internship at the counseling center at Johns Hopkins University and receiving my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia in 2010. Prior to that, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington and Lee University and my master’s degree in psychological counseling from Teacher’s College, Columbia University Collectively, these roles allowed me to identify my passion for providing quality mental health services to the adult and young adult population, particularly in helping the undergraduate and graduate students navigate through identity, relational and transitional concerns and stressors. In these roles, I both provided direct therapy to university students as well as oversight for the delivery of counseling services- including staff supervision and management, evaluation and assessment of services and programs, establishing best practices for the centers that met the needs of the campus community and supported student development objectives as well as the academic mission. I most enjoyed working directly with students to address both clinical and developmental issues and frequently experienced that through therapy, they could better realize their potential. I am very excited to be returning to a purely clinical role to dedicate my energy to providing direct therapy. I provide a warm, compassionate, supportive and empowering environment in which I meet individuals where they are and help them to feel seen, heard, and affirmed in order to heal, learn and grow. I believe that each client must be understood as an individual whose sense of self has been informed through many social, cultural and relational interactions.

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

As a therapist, I will always meet my clients where they are at the moment. My approach to therapy is holistic. I believe that therapy is client-led and my job is to walk with you side-by-side in your journey toward healing and growth. During sessions, I will lead with sensitivity, curiosity, and support. Our initial process will involve getting to know each other and developing a strong foundation of trust and safety. My ideal client is someone who is open to creating a partnership and ready to take on their counseling journey. This individual is ready to dive into some deep work and willing to be honest and is open to trusting a direct therapist to help them navigate life. This individual might not be aware of their issues at this time, but they are open to exploring them and creating goals to become a healthier version of themselves.

Whatever life has thrown at you brings you here today! Although it feels hard I'm proud of you for taking a step towards healing by looking for a therapist. I know how daunting it can be to begin the therapy journey, so I want to reassure you that the journey will be challenging but very rewarding. If you are searching for a judgment free space to process past or current issues, ways to decrease your anxious thoughts, healthier methods to learn how to decrease your feelings of sadness or depression, or a relationship therapist then I am sure we can find the find therapist for you! We specialize in working with children, adolescents and young adults! I am a down to earth therapist who values transparency with my clients to help them achieve autonomy and empowerment. Here at Rooted In Healing Therapy Services, we are skilled in working with those struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, identity issues, managing stress and relationship struggles. We will work with you to help you enhance your toolbox with the tools needed to be the healthiest version of yourself. Scheduling: Please note, we will work with you to try to find an available time that fits your schedule.

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.

I value collaboration, trust, and mutual respect in the therapeutic relationship. Rather than positioning myself as the expert on your life, I help you engage your strengths and inner wisdom in the healing process. I take a holistic approach to wellness, honoring the mind, body, and spirit, while acknowledging the impact of societal and systemic forces on mental health. I create an affirming, intentional, and safe space for you to explore how your identities, values, past experiences, and fears shape your challenges. My practice integrates cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT), mindfulness, and mind-body practices, fostering deeper awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Rooted in a humanistic approach, I deeply believe in your wholeness and potential and help you reconnect with personal strength and clarity.

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

College life can feel like a high-speed juggling act. Classes, relationships, deadlines, family expectations, and trying to take care of yourself all compete for your attention. It can be hard to slow down and make sense of everything you are carrying. I work with students who want to pause, understand what is creating stress or disconnection, and refocus on what truly matters. If you want a therapist who will be your biggest cheerleader and also someone who will call you in when you need it, you are in the right place. My approach is trauma informed and grounded in CBT. Together we work to understand patterns, build clarity, and create real and lasting change. Finding the right therapist matters, especially when you are balancing a full schedule. If you are considering therapy, I invite you to visit my website and schedule a free consultation. This is your chance to ask questions, explore your goals, and get a sense of whether we are a good match. I offer virtual counseling for students located in PA, VA, and DC.

Thank you for taking the essential step of seeking help. My passion for mental health and wellness consists of the demystifying stigma associated with mental health, symptom management, healthy living, healing, and resiliency. I believe in the whole person’s treatment, so I enjoy collaborating with additional professionals to provide the most optimal treatment and recovery for individuals receiving support from me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained in diverse treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy - suicide prevention. I use several skills and client collaboration to tailor treatment. I have used my skills to provide treatment for specialty populations, including LGBTQ, Trauma, Anxiety, BIPOC, Co-Occurring, and Problem Sexual Behavior. I currently offer telehealth, individual, couples, and family therapy. As well as clinical supervision, training, and consultations for professionals and organizations.

I was raised in Oregon and returned a year ago after spending decades in the Washington, DC area. My first career was in international education, where I worked as an Assistant Director in the International Services Office. I have extensive experience and interest in working with immigrants, POC, and first-generation U.S. Americans. I worked in college counseling centers during my doctoral training and I continue to enjoy seeing undergraduate and graduate students in addition to people throughout the lifespan. I've worked with a lot of law students & lawyers. I offer individual, couple, group and family therapy. I will meet you where you are with compassion and seek to help you manage difficult life situations, transitions, and mental health struggles so you can live more fully and joyfully. I work in an in-depth, relational way, employing curiosity and gentle, intuitive feedback that often helps people to begin to make positive changes.

Specialties: Transgender Psychiatry, LGBTQ+ Psychiatry, Anxiety, Panic, and Agoraphobia, Post-Traumatic Stress and Related Disorders, and ADHD, Depression. From the comfort of your home or a place that feels relaxing to you, we will connect via video and make sure you have the help you need. We believe that there is immense value to telepsychiatry, which is why we offer that service in over 20 states (see full list at www.balancepsych.org). Telehealth allows LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care to reach more people. Anxiety, depression, and more – so many of these are treatable conditions. Telepsychiatry makes it possible to get support from anywhere. We can work together when you are traveling or on work breaks. We take PacificSource Student Health Insurance, a primary student health insurer in Oregon, for both therapy and medication management.

I am a Harvard-trained, Harvard-affiliated, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I strongly believe that the best psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or a specific medication. I provide weekly therapy and work with patients to determine if medications can be of help. I do not believe that everyone needs a medication, but they can be useful in treating particular psychiatric symptoms; I will work with you in order to find the best treatment modality that meets your goals and needs. My training in psychotherapy includes psychodynamic psychotherapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Exposure/Response Prevention (Ex/RP) and Prolonged Exposure (PE). I provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. In order to offer comprehensive treatment, I do not accept insurance in my private practice. I am currently conducting sessions via telemedicine only. Please feel free to send me an email to set up a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation so I can answer any questions and see if I can be of help.

Greenhouse Psychotherapy is a boutique mental health practice offering virtual services to clients in DC, MD & VA and in-person services at our office in the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. ​ We provide multidisciplinary care including individual and family therapy, nutrition counseling, and speech language pathology to adolescent and adult clients of all genders. ​ Some of our areas of focus at Greenhouse Psychotherapy include eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and life transitions. We have a special interest in working with college students and young professionals. ​ We are a values-driven group practice striving to promote high quality mental health services within a social justice framework.

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.

Our dedicated therapists are honored to walk alongside you on your individual journey to personal wellness. Let us be a part of your healing process through personalized therapy, offering unwavering support and specialized care as you navigate life’s challenges. Together, we can create an individual therapy plan that empowers you to reach your mental wellness goals and strengthen your relationships. Your path to healing is unique, and our therapists are here with open hearts and compassionate care for all. Embrace this journey with us, and let’s foster growth and resilience together.

I’m Sarah Beth (she/they), a White, genderqueer therapist. I am passionate about co-creating another world collectively, where all of our lives and inner worlds are precious. As a therapist for both children and adults, my hope is to provide a safe, affirming, and age-appropriate space for nurturing, acceptance, and self-exploration. I understand therapy as one tool, among many, for supporting youth and adults to find more joy and resilience in their daily lives. I provide individual, family, and couples therapy, with a specialization in supporting queer and transgender adults, youth, and their families.

As a practice, we are committed to Black excellence and helping clients address the concerns that are creating interruptions in their lives. Our focus is to help our clients address their needs and overcome challenges associated with the Black lived experience. We believe in creating the safest space possible while also helping clients utilize their strengths to cultivate personal growth and change. By using an interdisciplinary therapy-coaching model, we are able to guide our clients through a holistic approach to improvement and empowerment. Our staff works with clients to establish achievable goals that will help alleviate areas of distress and improve their overall well-being. Our clinicians specialize in trauma, stress and anxiety management, mood stabilization through a variety of different approaches while our coaches offer services ranging from executive to lifestyle to wellness coaching. As a practice, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide specialized care to clients who have felt and continue to feel negatively impacted by the experiences that have been and continue to be unique to our community. We welcome the opportunity to walk with you on your journey towards improving your relationship with yourself.