DC, USA

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 22 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: 10/6/2025

Michael McLin

LPC, 15 years of experience

Authentic

Humorous

Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety

Grief

Trauma and PTSD

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 of 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 the 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.

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Garland Nichols

LICSW, 5 years of experience

Empowering

Solution oriented

Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Grief

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.

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Mary Durso

LICSW, 23 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Empowering

Warm

Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety

Depression

ADHD

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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Stephen Pleasant

LICSW, 23 years of experience

Authentic

Solution oriented

Direct

Specialties

Anxiety

Coping Skills

Men's Issues

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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Nzinga Lawrence

LPC, 10 years of experience

Authentic

Solution oriented

Humorous

Specialties

Addiction

Anxiety

Depression

+10

My name is Nzinga Lawrence. I am a licensed professional counselor who has worked with individuals who are struggling to manage intense emotions and impulsive behaviors. These can look different in each person. Some individuals struggle with their self esteem and other may be addicted to something. I create a safe and supportive space where we can explore the underlying causes of these feelings and work together to build healthier patterns. My goal is to empower you to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and clarity.

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Abdul Kargbo

LICSW, 14 years of experience

Intelligent

Authentic

Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Trauma and PTSD

+10

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Therapist with over 11 years of professional experience. I work with teens, adults, and seniors to address a wide range of issues, including alcohol use, addictions, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, poor coping skills, family conflict, men's issues, narcissism, racial identity issues, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and substance use issues.

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Yashica Amara

LICSW, 16 years of experience

Authentic

Direct

Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Trauma and PTSD

I am joining Grow Therapy coming from Mainspring Recovery, where I had been serving as the Clinical Supervisor. I have 17 years of experience in behavioral health, with a concentrated focus on mental health and substance abuse. My extensive experience in dealing with and treating substance abuse has placed me at the frontlines of mental health care. My career has been marked by clinical leadership positions, including roles as a Team Lead providing clinical supervision to behavioral health practitioners and as a highly sought-after mental health consultant and advisor. My leadership and expertise have been instrumental in improving the quality of care in various settings. I hold both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Central Missouri. Additionally, I possess numerous certificates and training in mental health, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia, Maryland, DC and Missouri.

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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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Miyoung Seo

LICSW, 13 years of experience

Warm

Authentic

Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Career Counseling

Welcome! I'm Mimi (Miyoung) Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, and/or self-care. 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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Rebekah Philippart

LICSW, 20 years of experience

Authentic

Humorous

Warm

Specialties

Anxiety

Parenting

Trauma and PTSD

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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Rashid Jalloh

LICSW, 13 years of experience

Solution oriented

Intelligent

Empowering

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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Madison Murphy

LICSW, 5 years of experience

Warm

Solution oriented

Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety

Coping Skills

Life Transitions

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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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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Ornella Hegbe

LICSW, 8 years of experience

Specialties

Peer Relationships

Self Esteem

Women's Issues

You took the hardest step today; your healing journey can begin. The space I hold for you is individualized to acknowledge you, support you, and encourage you to be your greatest advocate and to help you figure out what you need. My style is open and educative. I work to help you become independent in your healing journey. I am versatile in the range of clients that I take ( age and lifestyle, or issue). Persons with pelvic pain disorders please feel free to consult with me ( pain with sex, Pudendal Neuralgia, Vulvodynia, resistance/anxiety towards pelvic physical therapy exercises). I have sex therapy training specifically in this area.

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Bernard Mungin

LICSW, 18 years of experience

Solution oriented

Empowering

Direct

Specialties

Anxiety

Depression

LGBTQ

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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Beverly Toussaint

LICSW, 14 years of experience

Solution oriented

Empowering

Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety

Coping Skills

Mood Disorders

+10

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker in the District of Columbia and a licensed certified clinical social worker in the state of Maryland. I have over 15 years of independent clinical experience providing, private practice services, counseling services for the federal government and counseling individuals and families in non-profit and medical settings, military members and their families. I have provided psychoeducation groups, professional development consultations/presentations, psychosocial assessments and multi-therapeutic counseling to clients with a variety of mental health and substance abuse disorders.

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Janet Muta

LICSW, 15 years of experience

Solution oriented

Warm

Authentic

Specialties

ADHD

Anxiety

Depression

My name is Janet Muta and I am a Licensed Clinician with over 15 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

Humorous

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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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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Tileda Brown

LICSW, 8 years of experience

Empowering

Direct

Authentic

Specialties

Addiction

Anxiety

Depression

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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Sherby John Guillory Jr.

LICSW, 16 years of experience

Authentic

Solution oriented

Direct

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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Yvette Brown

LICSW, 17 years of experience

Authentic

Empowering

Warm

Specialties

Anger Management

Anxiety

Depression

With over 25 years of experience as an educated and trained social worker, I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals, couples, and families. As a licensed therapist for 17 years, I initially began working with children and families within the foster care and the educational system. Throughout my professional journey, I have taken pride in offering guidance and support to individuals, couples, and families, striving to empower them to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. In 2013, I transitioned to private practice with the goal of providing personalized empowerment through individual, couples, and family counseling. My commitment to serving the diverse needs of adults, children, and families remains at the forefront of my practice, as I continue to advocate for their well-being and facilitate positive change in their lives.

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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.