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 27 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: 2/24/2026

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.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Open-minded
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Hi, and welcome! I'm Meagan. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania and Washington, DC with 6 years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem and self-harm, and anger management. I also specialize in working with individuals and couples struggling with communication and relationship issues, and infertility. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change, and you've already taken that first step just by being on this page! I am here to support & empower you throughout your journey to finding a happy and fulfilling life, and I am here to help you define what that means to you. I look forward to working with you and helping you grow!
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Direct
Warm

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.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Coping Skills
Crisis Intervention
Self Esteem
+8
With over 25 years of experience working with adult, seniors and children. I have worked in a variety of settings with clients from diverse background and experiences. My approach is strength base allowing my clients to build on their strengths. I believe everyone has some strengths. Together we will use training and experience in different modalities to make lasting changes.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Depression
Family Conflict
LGBTQ
+18
Welcome, I am Feven! Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I help individuals manage anxiety, depression and burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole self approach; addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the different challenges they face and build coping skills to create more fulfilling and holistic life experiences. From my journey, I can personally attest to the power of support, in its many forms. This support goes beyond clients I service but also to their families and communities. I believe that mental wellness isn’t just individualistic; but includes the ecosystem surrounding the person. My praxis acknowledges and aims to support the village needed by all.  I’m also passionate about the transformative impact of safe and brave spaces for those who often experience exclusion. My career has afforded me opportunities to build trust with LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Refugee communities across the nation. It is a personal privilege to center wellness and holistic care for all as ‘self-care is a radical form of resistance.’ Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, trauma, PTSD, self-acceptance, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion, empathy and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back. Let's work together!
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Intelligent

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...
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Direct
Authentic

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.
VirtualAvailable
Intelligent
Warm

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+10
I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). As a cognitive-behavioral therapist, I specialize in helping individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through evidence-based techniques, I work with clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and make meaningful changes in their lives. My goal is to create a supportive and collaborative environment where you can gain insight, build resilience, and achieve your personal goals. Whether you're seeking to manage stress, overcome addiction, anxiety or depression, or improve your overall well-being, I am here to support you on your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Intelligent
Authentic

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.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
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.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Humorous
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+8
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.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Authentic
Solution oriented

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.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Open-minded

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.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Career Counseling
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
+3
Hi! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virgina) area. I am a compassionate and dedicated therapist committed to helping you navigate life's challenges and achieve your personal goals. My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and collaboration, providing you with a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Recognizing that culture plays a significant role in shaping beliefs, behaviors, and coping mechanisms, I am dedicated to providing interventions that are culturally responsive as well. I deeply value diversity and understand that each individual's cultural background informs their worldview and healing journey. By integrating cultural perspectives into our work together, I aim to honor your unique identity and experiences, ensuring that our interventions resonate with your cultural context. Together, we will work towards fostering positive change, building resilience, and enhancing your overall well-being. My goal is to empower you to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, equipped with the tools and insights needed to thrive.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Open-minded
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
+12
Hi, I’m Tiffany. I work with individuals and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related stress, and relationship challenges, as well as those seeking structured support and accountability to reach their full potential. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed therapy, and Gottman Method–informed couples therapy to help clients better understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relational patterns. I provide a supportive, goal-oriented space with a strong focus on resilience, emotional regulation, and meaningful personal growth.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
+1
Hello! My name is Justin. I have been a licensed social worker for 8 years and I have over 10 years of experience serving our community. Social Work has always been my calling and I have a true passion to provide client/patient care in any capacity possible. The best ways to describe me would be patient, positive, and supportive. I am not here to judge you. I am not here to criticize you. I am here to help you recognize your value. You will get to know that I am here to provide support and also to learn from you in this process. Let's work together and create a new pathway to recovery!
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Direct
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+5
Hi, I’m Ashley therapist, animal lover, creative soul, and lifelong daydreamer. I bring a warm and down-to-earth approach to my work, and I believe that connection, curiosity, and authenticity are at the heart of healing. When I’m not in session, you can usually find me lost in a good book especially fantasy, romantasy, or dark romance (I’m a proud BookTok girly). Some of my favorite reads have come straight from client recommendations. I always love hearing what’s on your bookshelf. I’m also a big fan of all things crafty. Paper crafting is my go-to especially junk journals and mini albums but I’ve dabbled in wreaths, t-shirts, and tumblers. My creativity also spills into my love of music, which spans from Sleep Token to George Strait to Eminem. I’m always up for discovering new bands or catching a local show. On slower days, I love wandering through antique stores and thrift shops. Most of my home is decorated with pieces that have a story either found secondhand or passed down through family. I find comfort in giving old things new life. Animals have always been a grounding force in my world. I’ve been riding horses since I was four, and my heart horse, Kirby, is my trail buddy and snack-sharing best friend (she’s a big fan of applesauce and cupcakes). My two dogs, Oliver and Dottie, are certified therapy dogs who’ve joined me in visits to hospices, hospitals, nursing homes, and children’s reading programs. Together, Kirby, Oliver, and Dottie inspired the name Free to Wander Counseling, a reflection of my belief that healing often begins when we allow ourselves to explore, play, and connect in gentle, open-hearted ways. Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here just as you are.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Empowering

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.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Depression
Life Transitions
Women's Issues
+4
Hi! I'm Veronica, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) with over 11 years of experience providing therapy. Many of us yearn for a sense of peace, connection, and well-being in our lives. However, life circumstances and internal struggles can often hinder our ability to experience these deeply fulfilling states. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your challenges and emotional pain. My goal is to support your growth and healing journey, empowering you to cultivate greater self-awareness, develop effective coping mechanisms, and live a more fulfilling life. Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with my family (two teenagers and three dogs), practicing Pilates, and cheering on the Celtics. I am licensed in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Minnesota and Ohio.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Intelligent
Authentic

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.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

LGBTQ
Military/Veterans
Trauma and PTSD
+7
As a veteran and sought-after trauma and somatic expert, Andrea Cennington leverages the power of education and community outreach to bridge gaps and address disparities. Through storytelling, training, mindfulness, humor, and transparency, she aims to show minds, hearts, and organizations that they can heal and positively impact individuals, families, and communities. Her mission is to inspire others to embrace their inner strength, rewrite narratives, break down barriers, heal ancestral trauma, and cultivate resilience together. From a certified special education teacher to a licensed mobile crisis counselor, her diverse background allows her to approach therapy from multiple paradigms. Combining clinical expertise with a heart-driven and data-based approach, she aims to cultivate a safe space for beings to be vulnerable. As a trusted trainer for PESI®, she's also a licensed therapist, neurodiverse parent, prior Special Education Teacher, and an advocate for mental well-being. I intentionally create a therapeutic environment that fosters growth, insight, and transformation. Collaborating with forward-thinking, intellectual individuals ready to take their self-awareness to another level is deeply fulfilling and rewarding for myself and my clients.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Warm

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.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+8
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.
VirtualAvailable
Intelligent
Solution oriented

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Parenting
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Meet Tara Zandi, LICSW – a compassionate and highly skilled therapist with over a decade of experience supporting adults, children, and families. Tara holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and an MSW in Clinical Social Work, blending deep academic knowledge with practical expertise. She’s trained in a powerful range of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, PCIT, EMDR, and even yoga for children—offering a holistic and personalized approach to healing. Whether working through depression, anxiety, or behavioral health challenges, Tara meets her clients with empathy, insight, and culturally sensitive care. Fluent in English and Farsi, Tara creates a welcoming space for diverse communities to feel seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward wellness.
VirtualAvailable
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 District of Columbia. 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.

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 happens during the first therapy 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.