Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

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.

I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, health anxiety and phobias, such as fear of needles, vomiting (emetophobia), flying, heights, illness or contamination. I also work with clients in challenging professional and academic environments, who may feel anxious or overwhelmed to the point of avoidance, struggle with self-criticism, or fear they won’t be successful without a punishing level of perfectionism. Many clients find themselves holding back from social situations, dating, public speaking, or professional opportunities due to a fear that something will go wrong, and uncertainty feels intolerable. My approach is warm, collaborative, and highly practical, helping you live a life not constrained by fear. I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—two of the most effective evidence-based treatments for anxiety, OCD, and phobias. I also integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic thinking, and supportive psychotherapy when helpful. Many clients understandably fear facing their worries or phobias. In our work together, you can expect to feel seen, supported and encouraged as we pursue your goals at a pace that feels manageable to you. I hold a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University, and have more than a decade of clinical experience with clients across the lifespan. I am board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, and have trained in a range of academic medical centers and university clinics, including the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Children’s National Hospital, the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and George Washington University. Licensed Clinical Psychologist PsyD in Clinical Psychology Offering sessions via telehealth to clients based in: DC, Maryland, Virginia and all 40+ PSYPACT participating states. I offer convenient morning and evening appointments.

Sharon combines solutions-focused and insight-oriented approaches. She strives for clients to feel heard and supported as they develop a sense of personal agency and self acceptance. Sharon specializes in anxiety, depression, infertility and perinatal concerns, family and relationships, life transitions, somatic concerns/chronic illness, and work/life stress. Areas of specialization: -Anxiety -Depression -Infertility and perinatal concerns -Life transitions -Stress and work-life balance -Family and relationships I help clients who are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or depleted to make sense of their struggles and create an actionable, accessible plan for change. My approach combines tactical skill building with broader insight, helping you to develop more clearly defined personal goals and boundaries, and an increased sense of personal agency and self acceptance. I strive for clients to feel seen, heard and supported as we build towards a greater sense of wellbeing, balance and more satisfying relationships. I specialize in college students through mature adults, with a particular emphasis on individuals navigating life transitions or complex roles as individuals, partners, employees and family members. My areas of specialty include anxiety and depression, stress and work-life balance, life transitions, and family and relationships. I have particular expertise in infertility and the perinatal period, and am the author of Struggling with Infertility, a book that aims to shed light on the experiences of those impacted by infertility and fertility treatment. I am actively affirming and welcoming to individuals of all gender identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations and religions. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I was a competitive swimmer at the national and provincial levels, lived in several countries, and worked in global consulting, government and industry. I draw on these experiences in my work with clients, and offer therapy via both telehealth and in-person. Psychology Associate, Licensed in Washington, DC; Resident in Psychology, Licensed in Virginia PhD in Clinical Psychology Clinical Supervisor, Dr. J. Dawn Johnson, PsyD Offering sessions both in person and via telehealth to clients based in: DC and Virginia.

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.

Feeling more like yourself is possible, and that's exactly what we'll work toward together. As an integrative therapist with three years of experience in mental health and career counseling, my work is rooted in helping people navigate the strong emotions, mood states, and behavioral concerns that can get in the way of living their most desired or authentic life. Whether you're an emerging adult finding your footing or a seasoned adult seeking a reset, I'm here to help you move through whatever is causing disruption or discontent in your life so you can feel more like yourself. With a specialization in nervous system regulation and discernment counseling, I’m passionate about providing counseling in a modern world. I believe in compassionate awareness, which helps me be fully present while supporting you in becoming more grounded and free. What I look forward to most are those “aha” moments, however brief yet meaningful, that last far beyond what is created in our weekly/bi-weekly sessions. Therapy, at its best, should feel like a space you can breathe in. My approach is built on balance: it doesn't need to be an experience that wrecks you, it shouldn't leave you emotionally exhausted, and it certainly doesn't need to stop you from moving forward. Being in touch with your more vulnerable parts doesn't mean becoming consumed by them. Rather, I am passionate about making counseling accessible, welcoming, safe, and, above all, balanced within the unique confines of your life. Together, we'll identify the patterns and biofeedback loops already present in your life, use parts work to understand how and why they show up, and draw on that understanding to guide a more integrated, grounded way of living. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness training, and an understanding of how body, mind, and environment work in tandem, sessions are designed to feel flowing, steady, and reliable. My style is like me – warm and compassionate, but not without confrontation once that feels helpful. Every approach is tailored to your unique life and circumstances, because while no therapist can know the full extent of a patient's experience, showing up each week to work with what you bring to the room is something I take seriously. My path to becoming a therapist began at summer camp. Though I come from an athletic and social family, I was never much for either! On one warm afternoon at recreation time, I found myself right where I wanted to be: sitting on the bench, watching, talking, and offering important verbal evidence on whether that ball was in or out at Four Square. That summer, and many more that followed, helped me understand something essential about myself. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to appreciate a person or experience for exactly what it is. Not for their potential. Not for their past. For precisely where they are right now. This perspective has shaped everything about how I show up as a therapist. The present moment holds more than enough to explore, and in my experience, that exploration is not just adequate, but unending. Movement and the outdoors are my strongholds. I enjoy yoga, weight-lifting, and long walks, and am also a passionate cook who loves to try out and create new recipes. And, I am a lifelong learner – I enjoy reading, history, and anything to do with the brain and body.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

What brings you here? What do you desire to better understand and improve, leveraging your unique strengths and values in the process? These questions drive my work as a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, DC. I accompany students, many of whom struggle with living away from home, balancing busy schedules, and navagating relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Often, clients enter therapy feeling "stuck" — repeating behaviors and relational patterns that they don’t fully understand. Our past often bears relevance to our present. Therapeutic reflection builds the insight that illuminates underlying emotions, the processing of which is often necessary to truly address root causes of current challenges. Accordingly, the clinical approaches I employ are evidenced-based and are largely: psychodynamic, meaning-oriented, narratively-structured, trauma/neuroscience-informed, and mindfully-grounded – with openness to cultural and spiritual conversations. I aim to meet you where you are on your life journey and help you learn more about yourself, to promote sustainable progress towards your goals. Please inquire for a free virtual 15-minute consultation to see if my style might be of service to you. I have in-person therapy session openings available in my NW DC office, as well as virtual/telehealth availability.

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.

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!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.