Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

When people come to treatment with problems, it is important to remember that they are trying to cope with them in the best way they can. With that in mind, I offer a reflective and engaging partnership with my clients, working toward the goal of helping them to be autonomous, authentic and compassionate in a world that can be extremely stressful. Although my work is solidly grounded in psychodynamic, cognitive/learning, and systems theories, my approach is client-centered, practical and strengths-based. I bring honesty, warmth, and humor to the therapy relationship. I am LGBTQ affirmative and invested in doing cross-cultural therapy which is culturally sensitive. I have a dog, Bracket, who works with me, and I have been doing AAT since 2002. There is a growing body of research which suggests that AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy) can be helpful with a range of diagnoses, including Depression, PTSD, and Autistic Spectrum. Many therapists know little about online games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life. They may dismiss it as unimportant, or assume it is a problem. I am a gamer-affirmative therapist, meaning I’m more interested in understanding your in-world experience and activity than pathologizing it.

I believe finding the right therapist is a major part of successful therapy. I love to work with individuals and couples in a solution focused way where I can support them as well as provide feedback and tools to help navigate towards each person's personal goals. I love to engage with people during sessions and to make sure that they feel comfortable being their authentic selves without any reservations or fear of judgement. I have a wide range of experience in a variety of mental health concerns and especially love working with people managing the stressors of any relationships, dating, marriage, anxiety, life changes and life adjustments. I want to make sure that anyone who sees me feels they are benefiting from therapy and working towards a better quality of life.

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.

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?"

Have trained at college counseling centers, I often work well with students who feel caught between different expectations—school, family, relationships, culture, identity, or future plans. You may be LGBTQ+, international, first-generation, or simply feeling stressed and unsure where you fit. Therapy can help you feel less alone, understand yourself more clearly, and make choices that feel more like your own.

Compassionate Therapy Center is a counseling center specializing in providing caring therapy for individuals and couples, high achieving professionals and students, gifted and highly sensitive individuals who are coping with issues such as anxiety, sadness, self-esteem, perfectionism, family/career concerns, and relationships. We currently offer psychotherapy services for adult individuals and couples located in DC, Virginia, and abroad. At Compassionate Therapy Center, we provide a warm, compassionate, and authentic therapeutic space for clients to explore meaning, cultivate acceptance, and recognize their own unique strengths, by embracing diverse identities and advocating for social justice. We are welcoming and affirming of clients of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, and religious/spiritual beliefs.

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.

Hello! My name is Jasmine Lang and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Building Beyond Therapy, inc. Thank you for considering me as your therapist! I have been providing clinical social work services to adolescents and adults since 2017. I received my MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and my undergraduate degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University. I specialize in providing mental health care to individuals and families navigating neurodivergence. This includes adolescents and adults who may suspect that they have autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental differences. This also includes parents, siblings, or family members supporting a loved one who is neurodivergent and who may need their own mental health support. I have the training, knowledge, and experience to help you wherever you are on that journey. I have also completed specialized training in Postpartum Mood Disorders to support both neurotypical and neurodivergent parents on their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. Lastly, I understand that trusting a stranger with your private life is not easy and it is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I feel very blessed to work as a therapist and aim to foster a safe and supportive space where healing and growth can take place. I am in network with CareFirst/BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna/Evernorth, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare. I am also licensed in Maryland, DC, and Virginia.

I am a board certified psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner with over 20 years’ experience in the medical field. I have worked in a variety of settings including dual diagnosis substance use, residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospital, general mental health and medical units. My heart and passion are in caring for others and assisting my patients achieve their full potential through health and wellness. Being an attentive listener, paired with empathy and kindness allows me to build a therapeutic alliance with my clients. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, bipolar, PTSD among other mental health disorders coupled with talk therapy.

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.

Therapy isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating the space to better understand yourself, navigate life's challenges, and move forward with intention. At The Boylan Effect, I work with young adults, adults, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, burnout, relationship challenges, grief, identity exploration, and major life transitions. Many of the clients I work with also want to improve communication, establish healthier boundaries, and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. My approach integrates evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, DBT-informed interventions, somatic techniques, and trauma-informed care. Together, we'll develop practical coping skills, strengthen emotional resilience, improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, and create meaningful, lasting change. In addition to individual, couples, and family therapy, I also offer psychoeducational and process groups that provide opportunities for connection, shared learning, and personal growth.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

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! I help teens and adults with all types of eating disorders, disordered eating, mood and anxiety issues, and life transitions. Given the world we live in, it can be hard sometimes to sort out "normal" attempts to be healthy and fit vs disordered patterns of eating, exercising or thoughts about food and weight. Your eating issues may have suddenly become problematic or they may have been around "forever". Either way, you deserve to get help to bring balance and flexibility back into your eating and thoughts about food and your body. Learning how to manage mood changes, anxiety and stress during life changes is key. I'm also passionate about supporting women during mid-life transitions related to changes in roles and relationships due to separation/divorce, balancing demands of parenting, caring for aging parents, loss and seeking fulfillment in life. I'll help you process difficult emotions and support you as you consider personal concerns and decisions. Seeking help takes courage--know that there can be relief and calm especially with a partner by your side. Whether it's for yourself or your teen, please visit my website to learn more or reach out to discuss your situation. I work with individuals as well as families and offer flexible hours, in person sessions, and telehealth for MD and DC residents.

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.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're running on empty? Maybe you're anxious, down, or trying to heal from painful experiences that still echo into your present. Perhaps you’re struggling to find your rhythm in a fast-moving world, or questioning your direction altogether. Life can feel especially heavy when you’re carrying it alone. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to. It's okay to be unsure or even scared about starting this journey. What matters most is that you're here, looking for a new way forward. And we're here to walk alongside you. We provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and evidence-based therapy for adults navigating emotional and psychological challenges. We are a social justice oriented psychotherapy collective, committed to creating a safe, inclusive space for all clients to explore their lived experiences.

Starting college or graduate school —or navigating your way through them—can be both exciting and overwhelming. Many students find themselves facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, academic pressure, or major life transitions, often for the first time. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I specialize in working with college students and young adults, and I understand the unique pressures of university life—from managing expectations and finding your place, to coping with self-doubt, loneliness, or burnout. Whether you’re struggling or simply wanting to better understand yourself and grow, therapy can be a space where things begin to feel more manageable and more hopeful. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe that meaningful change happens in a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship, where you feel safe to be yourself and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Together, we’ll work at your pace to better understand your experiences, build resilience, and develop tools that help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including working in university counseling centers, where I supported students through many of the challenges you may be facing now. I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities, and I am committed to creating an inclusive, affirming space where you feel seen and respected. I also have experience working with international students, students with disabilities and chronic health conditions, Deaf and hard of hearing students, and those navigating complex family or cultural dynamics. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step—but it can also be the beginning of feeling more like yourself again. You deserve support, understanding, and a space to grow. I would be honored to be part of that process with you.

Are you working on being successful but something doesn't quite feel right? Are you stressed by trying to balance the demands of college and your entry into career, relationships and...life? So many of us are told to go after our dreams but no one tells us that past traumas, imposter syndrome and self-esteem, and stress can feel like the biggest hindrance no matter how high we excel. But you can overcome those obstacles, and I'm here to help. Let’s work together so instead of only working to looking good on paper, you can feel good as well. My approach is direct but rooted in compassion, empathy, and the mind-body-soul connection. By incorporating trauma-informed therapeutic and holistic practices, my role is to guide and support you on your journey of wellness and transformation to have a life aligned with your values and the type of success you seek. I do this from, not only my personal journey of healing, but also my experience working with people with childhood traumas, depression, anxiety, addiction, health issues, spiritual struggles, and stress to name a few. My goal is to get clear on what is happening, what's in your way, what it is that you want. Then I'll work with you to dive deep and use practices and skills that can support you along the way so that you can get to a greater place of healing and renewed sense of self and success.  I look forward to us working together.  Contact me for a free consultation. Please note, I do not accept insurance but can provide a monthly superbill for you to submit to your insurance.

Hello, Thank you for taking a moment to learn more about me. I am a licensed clinical social worker who has experience helping college students through relationship difficulties, academic challenges, as well as struggles with the overall adjustment to life as an adult. My practice is fully remote for the foreseeable future. I offer appointments Monday through Friday 8 am to 7 pm. Have a great day, Kathi Nardella