Children Therapists in Washington DC

For children, a therapist who specializes in child-centered care and understands the unique needs of young minds can be instrumental in helping them and their parents/caregivers navigate emotions and challenges. With 9 child therapists in Washington DC, families can access expert support tailored to developmental needs, whether addressing behavioral concerns, trauma, or social skills. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is open to new clients and has availability in the coming weeks, providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can express themselves and grow.

Availability updated: 2/18/2026

Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
+2
My name is Cha Peterson and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 4 years of experience working with diverse populations. I have worked with different ages from older adults to children ages 3 and up, different cultures, religions, ethnicities, and sexual orientation. I have experience working with a wide ranch of problems such as anxiety, depression, anger management, and significant changes. I understand the significant step signing up for therapy is.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi there, I'm Ladonna, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker supporting clients in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. I have experience providing crisis intervention for a crisis line and providing psychotherapy services to children, adults, and families in private practice, schools, nonprofit outpatient clinics, and a local government agency. I meet my clients where they are at using an eclectic approach, pulling from multiple evidence-based therapy practices.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Autism
+10
Hi, I’m Jessi Gholami, a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland, Michigan, and Washington, DC. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, teens, and adults as they navigate challenges such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, parenting stress, and major life transitions. I like to keep therapy structured enough to give you direction, but flexible enough to meet you where you are. I pull from approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, organizational skill-building, and Internal Family Systems—but I won’t just hand you a textbook strategy. I want us to figure out what actually works for you. Our sessions aren’t just about talking; they’re about finding tools you can use in real life so you feel more confident outside of our time together. Being a parent can be both rewarding and overwhelming. As a certified PCIT therapist, I provide live-coaching positive parenting strategies to caregivers in order to boost their child’s self-esteem, attention span, parent-child attachment, prosocial behaviors, and listening and compliance. This treatment also decreases negative attention-seeking behaviors, tantrums, & aggression. At the heart of my work is a simple belief: every person has inherent worth and dignity. Life doesn’t come with a manual, families are messy, and everyone has struggles. I don’t believe therapy should come with judgment, rigid rules, or strings attached. Instead, I aim to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and equipped to grow. Patterns from the past often show up in our present—whether in relationships, families, or work. I believe healing is possible when we recognize our inner strengths, challenge unhelpful patterns, and practice skills. Outside of my work, I love hiking, swimming, baking, and walking my dog, Teddy.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Empowering

Specialties

Depression
Grief
Addiction
+9
Hello, i am EMDR trained, certified alcohol and other drugs (CADC) counselor and certified clinical trauma therapist based in Illinois. I received my master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois Chicago. I have 15 years experience providing evidence-based practice and care to a diverse group of clients. I work collaboratively with clients redefining mental healthcare and teaching skills to independently manage symptoms for long-term wellness.
VirtualAvailable

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Hi! I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in the DMV area ( Washington, DC, Maryland, VA) and Florida with over 11 years of experience. I provide telehealth only in the DMV and (both telehealth and in person) services in Florida. I specialize in working with children, teens, young adults and their parents. I support clients navigating life transitions, emotional challenges, and home school and family issues, helping them build resilience and meaningful change through coping strategies. I will be your collaborative clinician in the pursuit of your goals.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Solution oriented
Open-minded

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
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Coping Skills
Depression
+4
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. As a licensed therapist, my priority is to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel truly heard and understood. My approach is compassionate and culturally responsive, honoring your unique story and life experiences. I work with people of all ages, but I have a special passion and training in supporting youth and families. I help children and teens navigate the ups and downs of growing up, whether it’s stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, or behavioral challenges, while also supporting parents and caregivers along the way. No matter where you are on your journey, we’ll work together to build healthy coping skills, strengthen resilience, and create space for healing so you can find balance and well-being in your life. 💚 Click “Book Session” to take the first step toward healing and better mental health. I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
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
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
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 insurance?

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available 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.