Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 61 insurances. Specializes in Anger Management, Depression, Family Conflict and 3 more.
Dr Diari Banigo
(NA)
About me
Hello, and welcome. I am Dr. Diari Banigo, Ph.D, LCSW, a Christian, doctoral‑trained clinician, and adjunct professor. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence‑informed therapy that honors the whole person. My approach emphasizes emotional resilience, meaningful connection, and healing from life’s stressors. I believe therapy is most effective as a collaborative process, and I encourage patients to actively engage in their care with me and with other providers who support their overall wellbeing. Important Notice: Dr. Banigo provides psychotherapeutic services. Requests for administrative documentation—such as disability certification, FMLA, or emotional support animal letters—will be referred to another mental health provider. This policy ensures that therapy sessions remain focused on clinical care and your healing process.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first intake session, I will welcome you into a friendly, safe, and non‑judgmental space. This appointment is a calm, collaborative conversation designed to help you feel supported from the very beginning. During the intake session, we will walk through the following topics: Introduction — A warm welcome and brief check‑in to help you settle in. Informed Consent — Review of policies, clarification of expectations, and time for your questions. Biopsychosocial Assessment — We will complete this together to understand your past experiences, current supports, stressors, and factors influencing your wellbeing. Exploration of Goals — We will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, what wellness means to you, and the changes you hope to see. Space for Questions — You can ask about the process, treatment approaches, or anything else you’d like to understand. Gentle Close — We will end with a brief summary of our discussion and agree on next steps so you leave feeling informed, supported, and clear about the direction of your care.
The treatment methods and tools I utilize
I use a blended, client-centered treatment approach, focused on ensuring that my interventions are supportive and effective. This means that sometimes I use an eclectic approach involving more than 2 theoretical techniques. Some of the integrative approaches that I use in treatment are Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy, Supportive therapy, Interpersonal therapy, and mindfulness.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My approach blends advanced clinical training, whole‑person wellness, and a warm, grounded therapeutic presence. I bring doctoral‑level expertise to every session, but I deliver care in a way that feels human, calm, and deeply supportive. I leverage the strength approach to explore the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual factors that shape your wellbeing. Here are some of the strengths that I bring to the sessions : A warm, grounded, and non‑judgmental therapeutic presence Openness to exploring Faith and spiritually focused on enhancing overall wellbeing Strong assessment and treatment‑planning skills An integrative wellness perspective that honors whole‑person healing Culturally responsive, ethical, and patient‑centered practice
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Adult patients in need of a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space to share thoughts and learn healthier coping strategies. Adults experiencing psychosocial stressors. Adults experiencing major life transitions and challenges in several domains of life, including acculturation. Veterans, active military and their families.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anger Management
Depression
Family Conflict
Other specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Self Esteem
Identifies as
Black / African American
Christian
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
California
Maryland
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Lucent Health
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
CareFirst
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Sutter Health Plan
IHSS Healthy Workers
Cash - $190 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
GTEB
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Kaiser Permanente - Medicare
Kaiser Permanente
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
Location
Virtual
16 ratings with written reviews
July 29, 2026
First structure therapy i had that not solely focused on what happened to me that week. I feel like I actually have a structured improvement plan for my mental health.
Verified client, age 25-34
July 6, 2026
Very pleased with my provider and her solution oriented sessions. I felt heard and understood. She is personable with a great smile and approach.
Verified client, age 65+
July 6, 2026
I really appreciate your ability to listen and then thought provoking, direct, intelligent feedback that leads me to solutions.