Aetna - Medicare Therapists in Washington DC

Finding mental health care with Aetna Medicare can sometimes feel limiting due to provider availability and complex coverage options. With 21 verified therapists in Washington DC who accept Aetna Medicare, you have access to professionals skilled in working with Medicare clients, providing therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive counseling, and interpersonal therapy to address challenges like depression, anxiety, and grief. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is accepting new clients and has sessions available soon, offering timely, compassionate care tailored to your needs within your Aetna Medicare plan—without the common delays Medicare recipients often face.

Availability updated: 11/15/2025

Michael McLin

LPC, 15 years of experience

Authentic
Direct
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+3
I am a highly skilled psychotherapist who has served the educational and mental health communities in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area for 20 years. “Mr. Mike” as I am affectionately known, brings a wealth of experience and professional acumen to the clients her at Growtherapy. As an effective clinician, I understand the importance of treating each of you with respect. I specialize, but not limited to the treatment areas of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and strained relationships just to name a few. As a skilled life coach and behavioral transformationalist, I believe that prosocial paradigms fused with progressive initiatives produce the very best outcomes in people and in people-driven environments alike. I'm an avid reader, who loves nature, fine arts, international travel, and culinary delicacies. lastly, I hail from a large, loving family who supports this fine vocation. Further, I'm a big proponent of youth advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community service. I was educated in the states of California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Welcome to the practice of RedemptionTriple-C !
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Donnetta Washington

LICSW, 15 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Coping Skills
Spirituality
Women's Issues
+4
Welcome! I’m a licensed therapist with 15 years of experience and a passion for walking alongside individuals on their journey toward healing and transformation. I’m licensed in Alabama, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Indiana, and Virginia, and I specialize in helping clients navigate trauma, stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, and self-esteem struggles through a Christian-centered approach. I offer a compassionate, integrative healing process that combines proven therapeutic modalities, including Brainspotting, CBT, and EMDR, with spiritual guidance rooted in faith. My approach honors your unique journey, focusing not just on emotional and mental healing but also on spiritual and relational growth. Together, we’ll work to release past hurts, restore emotional balance, and renew your sense of purpose and connection. I believe you are the expert of your own story. My role is to walk beside you, offering the tools, support, and encouragement you need to heal and grow—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. It takes courage to seek out healing, and I’m here to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore, heal, and embrace the fullness of who you are in Christ.
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Stephen Pleasant

LICSW, 23 years of experience

Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Men's Issues
+6
Hello, my name is Stephen Pleasant, and I'm a psychotherapist for men. Why therapy for men? Well, because sometimes a man just needs a pork shoulder to cry on. That being said, I will also work with women as well. It’s a recognized human tendency for men to get “stuck” in their lives and to end up “settling” for the status quo when deep down they know they are capable of a great deal more. Here’s the truth; You are never “stuck” with your present circumstances. The Game of Life is a psychological and spiritual journey and winning at this game requires you to change your play and learn to think differently and do things in a new way. I help men break out from being “stuck” in life, resigned to producing results that are disappointing to them and others. My goal is to see transformative progress in men’s confidence, clarity, and self-expression, so that they may gain the fuller personal and work life they thought was beyond them.
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Heather Douglas

LICSW, 10 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Coping Skills
Health/Medical Issues
Mood Disorders
+10
Hello, Welcome, and Congratulations on taking the step to become your best self! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C and LICSW) with 10 years of experience working with teens, adults, and older adults in need of support in order to go from surviving to thriving! Using mindfulness-based and/or motivational interviewing techniques, I look forward to connecting and supporting you on your therapeutic journey!
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Rebekah Philippart

LICSW, 20 years of experience

Authentic
Humorous
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Parenting
Trauma and PTSD
+1
Hi there and welcome! My name is Rebekah. I am a clinical social worker with over twenty years of experience in the field. I am honored to participate in the lives of so many interesting people and feel fortunate to have such fulfilling work. Much of my therapy practice involves clients with a history of traumatic experiences; this can include isolated experiences (assaults, accidents, natural disasters) or more ongoing issues (childhood abuse/neglect, domestic violence). Other times I am meeting with folks who have experienced losses or life changes; this may include things like deaths, loss of identity, relationship changes, new parenthood, etc.. In addition to providing talk therapy, I am also a university professor, provide supervision to new practitioners, and occasionally serve as an expert witness in child maltreatment matters. The rest of my life is comprised of friends, family and community. I enjoy spending time with my 5-year-old son as well as our extended family. I am a dog lover; our sweet pup is 16-years-old and a joy to have around. (You may occasionally hear her tapping around my office during our sessions.) In my spare time you might find me socializing with friends, spending time in nature (despite being a city dweller), being a tourist in my hometown (there's a LOT to do in Chicago!), or getting "crafty."
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Michaelle Desruisseaux

LICSW, 10 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+3
Hello and welcome. My name is Michaelle Desruisseaux and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in the State of Florida, Washington DC and Massachusetts. Are you emotionally tired and just feel stuck? Life can get overwhelming so I commend you on taking this courageous step towards feeling better. My goal as your therapist is to join forces with you to develop new strategies and skills to help you cope with life stressors. I have over 15 years experience working with teens, adults and elderly. I am passionate about working with people who struggle with Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Low Self Esteem/Self Image, and Grief.
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Christina Fals

LICSW, 7 years of experience

Open-minded
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+1
Hi! I’m Christina Fals, LCSW (she/her/hers) — a bilingual Hispanic American Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Washington, D.C., offering virtual therapy for clients in D.C. and Maryland. I provide a compassionate, culturally affirming space for individuals navigating life’s transitions, identity exploration, and emotional healing. I work with older children and teens (ages 12–17), as well as young adults and professionals in their 20s to 40s who are balancing multiple roles — student, partner, caregiver, or professional — while striving to feel more grounded, confident, and emotionally balanced. Many of my clients identify as Latino/a/x, multicultural, or queer, seeking a therapist who truly understands the intersection of culture, identity, and emotional well-being.
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Safia Omar

LICSW, 9 years of experience

Direct
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+10
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor, I have over 9 years of experience treating mental health issues. My background includes inpatient, outpatient, and individual therapy. Also, I have worked in the medical field as a BSN RN and feel comfortable treating individuals with physical conditions. I am based in Texas and have licenses in Washington and DC. I have worked with children to geriatrics.
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Janet Muta

LICSW, 15 years of experience

Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+7
My name is Janet Muta and I am a Licensed Clinician with over 17 years of experience in mental health, behavioral issues and relationships. I treat individuals from diverse backgrounds. My approach is treating the whole person because most of the time our problems are the outcome of more than just one thing and when I get to know you I am able to address different issues that could be contributing to that one specific problem. We all experience some difficulties in our lives sometimes and we all cope differently. What works for one person/couple who are experiencing a similar situation may not work for another and so I personalize your treatment to fit you. Being in therapy is like being on a journey, I make sure you are in the driver’s seat and I become your great working GPS, guiding you to your desired destination. I also hold a degree in finance which sometimes comes handy when helping those who are stressed due to financial needs. Among the treatment modalities I use are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Positive Parenting, Contingency Management...
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Tiffany A. Richburg

LICSW, 5 years of experience

Authentic
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
+12
Hi, I'm Tiffany. I understand that talking about your personal challenges can be overwhelming! My therapy style is relaxed and very client-focused. I have experience helping clients learn healthy tools for managing stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and anger management. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through your "stuff" and offer you a safe place to be open and honest. We will work together to teach you coping skills to promote positive change!
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Rashid Jalloh

LICSW, 13 years of experience

Solution oriented
Intelligent
Open-minded

Specialties

Addiction
Depression
Hi!, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Maryland. I received my Masters from Howard University in Washington DC and have been practicing for the last 13 years. I help people struggling with life issues cope and overcome their struggles and continue to function as best as they can.
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Gary Gregory

LICSW, 27 years of experience

Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Trauma and PTSD
I work with clients to help restore balance, wellness by identifying troublesome patterns, dynamics, issues and work in a wholistic manner addressing cognitive, emotional and behavioral and historical/cultural factors. I also find body/somatic work as a necessary component of managing stress, quality of life and explore how lifestyles impact one's wellness. I have a long history of work with addictions, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, identity issues, health and aging issues.
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Madison Murphy

LICSW, 5 years of experience

Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
+4
Madison Murphy is an experienced clinician who prioritizes creating an open, safe environment while empowering clients on their therapeutic journeys. Madison takes a strengths-based approach while primarily utilizing CBT, DBT, and mindfulness skills. Madison enjoys working with people of all ages and backgrounds, although she is most experienced in working with young adults. One of Madison's passions is working with clients experiencing anxiety and life transitions.
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Vanessa Okechukwu

LICSW, 15 years of experience

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

ADHD
Anger Management
Anxiety
+10
Hello, My core belief is that all people are created equal; therefore, everyone has equal right to leave to their fullest potential. I earned my master’s in social work from University of Maryland, School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD in 2010. I have Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical (LCSW-C) in MD, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in DC and Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in VA. For more than 10 years, I have utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), humanistic, person-center, strength-focused therapy and other psychotherapy Intervention to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual or family in diverse therapy environment. I am commented to assist people to live life to their fullest potential because we all have one life to live, and we deserve to be in peace with ourselves. I have worked with people in LGBTQ+ community both in individual and couple session. I am WPATH qualify to write gender affirming surgery letter.
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Bernard Mungin

LICSW, 18 years of experience

Solution oriented
Empowering
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
+8
I am a psychotherapist who works with a diverse population of people. My goal is to collaborate with individuals to assist them in achieving their therapy goal(S). My treatment modalities are cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and Ericksonian hypnotherapy approaches. Although I used these modalities, I do not use a one size fits all approach. I am a think-out-of-the-box clinician that will often challenge clients to try approaches that may be out of their comfort zone. Some examples of my experience include working with individual clients on developing skills in coping with mental health conditions/diagnosis, life stress, finding balance, and improving self-esteem. Although I use these approaches, my clients tell me it feels like we are having a conversation as opposed to feeling like they are in a therapy session. I have a specialization in working with Veterans, LGBTQI, men, and people of color populations. However, I work with all people who are seeking mental health services. I am licensed in DC (LICSW), VA (LCSW), MD (LCSW-C), and PA (LCSW). I have BS in Human Ecology, BA in Humanities from The Ohio State University, MSW from San Jose State University and Post Masters fellowship in mental health from Stanford University.
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Mary Durso

LICSW, 23 years of experience

Open-minded
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
+4
Hi! I am a Licensed Individual Clinical Social Worker in DC (LICSW). I received my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 1985 and my Master's degree in Social Work in 1999. I earned my LICSW in 2002. This past December, I earned my Clinical license in Maryland (LCSW-C). I like talking with people--but more importantly, listening to people. To me, therapy is a block of time. It is an opportunity for people to talk to someone who is not a parent, brother, sister, spouse or even best friend. My goal is to listen to you and to help you consider options in your life.
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Arega Gera

LICSW, 20 years of experience

Solution oriented
Direct
Open-minded

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+10
My name is Arega Gera. I always work to strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, and/or . I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication & boundaries with themselves and those around them that can help improve their quality of life. Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be seeking and help build the life you so deeply deserve. If that's what you're looking for, I'm here when you're ready to share.
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Kim Barsella

LICSW, 15 years of experience

Authentic
Direct
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Hello! I am a licensed mental health therapist in the jurisdictions of Maryland, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota and Washington, DC. I received my Master's from Howard University and have been practicing for over 15 years. I help youth and adults with life issues and transitions, relationship imbalance, pregnancy/infertility and child-rearing, grief and trauma events. I also have a background in addictions, working with veterans and the lgbtq community.
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Shenelle Jackson

LICSW, 10 years of experience

Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+10
As a licensed clinical social worker, my position is to help you work through the challenges that are affecting your ability to live a healthy lifestyle mentally, emotionally, psychically and mentally. As your clinical social worker, functioning as a therapist I will focus on how social factors and systems are affecting your wellness and help you create strategies to address them.
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Sherby John Guillory Jr.

LICSW, 16 years of experience

Solution oriented
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

Bipolar Disorder
Depression
LGBTQ
+10
Greetings to you and all With a wish for good health and peace in your life. My name is Sherby John. I have been working and learning along this journey, we call life, just as you have. It can be a journey filled with joy and struggle. Have you reached a point where it seems there is more struggle than joy or feel stuck in the muck that seems to only get deeper or harder to transgress? Then maybe it is time to find new paths and options by having a guide on this journey. Therapy can be a vehicle for change and development of workable tools to assist in continuing with this journey. Whether you are dealing with Depression, Life changes, Anxiety, Relationships, Trauma, or a new medical or mental health diagnosis, therapy can be a useful mechanism for support, discernment, and information. I would like to provide you with a safe and welcoming environment and space to relieve yourself of these stressors through working on alternatives to current reactions to triggers or stressors in the way of continuing your journey, your way and at your own pace. Come in. Lets Talk. Lets get to work.
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Tileda Brown

LICSW, 8 years of experience

Empowering
Direct
Authentic

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+7
Tileda Brown, LCSW, CSAC Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Certified Substance Abuse Counsel | Individual Therapy Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s most challenging transitions. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance abuse and self-esteem. My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based practices, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. I work with adults navigating issues such as: Struggling with Depression Anxiety and panic disorders Grief and loss Relationship and attachment issues Life transitions (divorce, career change, etc.) In our work together, I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and empowered. Healing isn’t linear, and I believe therapy should move at your pace. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seeking deeper self-understanding, I’m here to support you.
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Frequently asked questions

Why filter by District of Columbia rather than a neighborhood like Adams Morgan?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across District of Columbia from The Navy Yard to Georgetown! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in District of Columbia.

Will my therapist take Aetna - Medicare?

Yes! If you use Aetna - Medicare you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Aetna - Medicare you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.