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: 4/26/2026

Authentic
Warm
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
Solution oriented
Direct
Empowering

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
Direct
Empowering

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
Solution oriented

Specialties

Grief
Spirituality
Anxiety
+2
My name is Rica Avery, I am a licensed professional counselor. I graduated from Trinity Washington University where I received a Master's of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; in addition to receiving a Bachelor's of Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Sciences from The Catholic University of America. My mission is to educate, empower and elevate individuals within my community to develop the necessary skills required to effectively promote community development, mental health awareness and spiritual growth.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
+4
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Individual Clinical Social Worker in DC (LICSW); and also a Clinical Social Worker in MD (LCSW-C). 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 DC in 2002. In December 2025, 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
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...
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Open-minded
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+8
I am a passionate and dedicated therapist with over 20 years of experience providing compassionate, client-centered care to individuals, couples, and families. Throughout my career, I’ve helped clients navigate a wide range of emotional, relational, and behavioral challenges by creating a safe, supportive space for healing and growth. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, with a strong focus on building trust, fostering resilience, and empowering clients to make meaningful changes in their lives.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I have dedicated my career to helping individuals and families find strength and resilience in the face of life's difficulties. With a background in clinical social work, I have worked extensively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, addressing an array of concerns such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disturbances. I understand that no two individuals are the same, and I am committed to tailoring my approach to meet your unique needs.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm

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
Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Sexual Abuse
Trauma and PTSD
+14
Great to meet you! I am Dr. Shannon Howard, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC, LPC) for the states of DC & MD, a Certified Life Coach, and an Author. I have been helping individuals, children, couples, and families navigate grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, adjustment, depression and more for over 24 years. My educational background consists of a dual Master's in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I received my first master's at Towson University in 2000, a second Masters and Doctorate in 2008 and 2010 from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I minored in Philosophy as well as Women's Studies. I possess specialized training in areas of trauma, specifically in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital, a day program for adults with chronic and acute mental illness, as well as on an outpatient basis as a private practitioner and with a group practice. I worked with Parole and Probation to help clients maintain compliance and management while on the registry. As a Certified Life Coach, I help coaching clients discover what they truly desire. We collaborate to create a roadmap to move you forward and build a future that feels grounded and authentic to you. At present, I offer a full range of services and am open to accepting new virtual clients. I am LGBTQIA+allied, sex-positive, kink-friendly and nurturing to clients within this community. I also help clients navigate open relationships (ENM), polyamory, and non-traditional relationships. **I CAN ONLY SEE CLIENTS WHO ARE IN THE STATES OF DC AND MD AT THE TIME OF THEIR SCHEDULED SESSION.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Intelligent
Solution oriented

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
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
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+8
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Washington, DC but I am also licensed in Maryland and Virginia. I received my Masters of Social Work from North Carolina State University in North Carolina. I have worked in mental health and substance abuse field since 2005. I enjoy working with young adults and up. My clinical focus is centered around those that have concerns with anxiety, depression, sexual aggression and substance use. My therapeutic orientation is psychodynamic which includes aspects of Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I tailor to the needs of each individual client.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi, I’m a bilingual (English and Spanish) social worker from Puerto Rico. I work with children, teens, and young adults, and I’m passionate about creating a safe and supportive space where my clients can feel seen, heard, and valued. I’ve had the privilege of working in both school and clinical settings, supporting clients facing challenges such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, self-esteem struggles, self-harm, and suicidality. I know that reaching out for help can be difficult, especially when life feels overwhelming. My goal is to walk alongside you through those tough moments and help you build the tools to heal, grow, and reconnect with your strengths. I believe that everyone has the capacity for change, and therapy can be a powerful space to rediscover hope and confidence. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and culturally sensitive. Being bilingual allows me to connect deeply with clients in both English and Spanish, helping you express yourself in the language that feels most natural to you. I draw from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, recovering from trauma, or simply trying to find your place in the world, I’m here to offer support, understanding, and guidance. Together, we’ll work toward healing and building the life you want — one step at a time.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Authentic
Solution oriented

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
Warm
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+7
My clinical experience has been providing individual therapy services to adolescents, adults and seniors. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief and family issues. My goal is to create a space where clients can authentically express themselves without fear of judgment or misunderstanding and to empower individuals to present their true selves confidently to the world. I aim to help clients embrace all parts of themselves as they heal and grow. You are the narrator of your story and I am here to guide and help support you through your journey.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Humorous

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

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
Solution oriented
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Career Counseling
Depression
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and California with a doctorate in Integrated Behavioral Health. I show up in therapy as a real person first. I know how important it is to have a space where you can be seen and understood without judgment. My doctoral training strengthens my clinical work by deepening how I integrate behavioral health, medical understanding, and whole-person care. My style is warm, honest, and down-to-earth. I don’t use labels to define you. I listen, reflect, and walk with you through whatever challenges you’re facing. While I am not a psychiatrist and do not prescribe medication, I work collaboratively and thoughtfully within the full scope of care. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, depression, or shame, I help you untangle what feels heavy so you can move toward healing, clarity, and peace.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Intelligent

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Parenting
Trauma and PTSD
+10
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.