Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 48 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Grief
Garland Nichols
Hello! My name is Garland Nichols and I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in Washington, DC and North Carolina. My journey began as a Foster Care Social Worker, where I used case management skills to rehabilitate and reunify families. My passion and belief in rehabilitation eventually led me to pursue Clinical Social Work, where I am now aim to empower my clients each session.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In the first session, my goal is to build rapport and also create an open space for you to share the origin and progression of the issue(s) you are facing. This allows me to assess what we will need to focus on in our time together going forward. I am also intentional about beginning and ending sessions with gratitude or positivity, as these are core values of mine.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I believe my greatest strength as a provider is my lack of judgement and belief in the value of each individual. My experience in Social Work has taught me that most people are just trying to find a way to be happy and belong. I use this to normalize whatever my client is going through.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve clients struggling with acute anxious and depressive symptoms. I also enjoy working with clients seeking to explore purpose and balance in life.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
I identify as
Black / African American
Man
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
District of Columbia
North Carolina
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
CareFirst
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Cash - $100 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
NC State Health Plan
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
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
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is at the foundation of my practice. Often times, negative or intrusive thoughts are incomplete or presumptive. I like to use CBT techniques to help clients reframe negative thoughts and identify healthier ways to perceive an uncomfortable reality.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
After processing the issue and barriers, I love helping clients identify reasonable solutions. Sometimes clients need encouragement to act on their inclinations. Other times, I am able to use my experience and knowledge of resources to suggest options.
Strength-Based
What you have is often good enough to get the job done! In my practice, I place a huge emphasis on positivity and strengths. Often times, these can be leaned upon while we are working through an adverse time.
12 ratings with written reviews
June 11, 2026
Garland is exceptionally gifted as a therapist. I am able to trust him with being able to easily identify my concerns and come up with actionable solutions. He is highly intelligent to ask the right questions. Every time I meet with him, the value he provides with his accurate insights provides the most satisfying and powerful impact than any other therapist I have encountered.
Verified client, age 45-54
March 3, 2026
I'm so glad I decided to work with Garland after a breakup with my wife. I found his style very open, friendly, and understanding, but also direct, which I appreciated. He let me go on and on, going on tangents for 15 minutes sharing as much context as possible, and yet he would always pull out the one insight or perspective I hadn't considered, and help me see a way forward. I highly recommend him to anyone else experiencing grief, going through a breakup, or navigating difficult transitions.
Verified client, age 25-34
October 8, 2025
Garland always considers what I'm sharing, makes sure to repeat what I'm saying back to ensure it was understood correctly and offers good guidance afterward. Can't say enough good things.