DBT Therapists in Washington DC

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based approach designed to help individuals navigate intense emotions, strengthen relationships, and develop effective coping strategies. Originally created for those with borderline personality disorder, DBT is now widely used to support people facing mood disorders, self-harm, and other emotional challenges. With 14 DBT-trained therapists in Washington DC, you can access specialized care focused on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is welcoming new clients, with timely availability to help you build emotional resilience and lead a more balanced life.

Availability updated: 4/11/2026

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented
Intelligent
Open-minded
Direct
Holistic
Humorous
Open-Minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Women's Issues
+3
Hello! I'm a licensed independent clinical social worker. I received my Master's from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and have been practicing therapy for the last 5 years. I bring a client-centered approach to my work and help young adults struggling with anxiety, life transitions, and identity formation. I am committed to making a positive impact through compassionate, evidence-based practices and look forward to supporting others on their healing journey. As a Cape Verdean immigrant, I bring a culturally attuned and relational approach to therapy, with an understanding of the complexities of identity, family dynamics, and navigating multiple worlds.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, depression, or past trauma make it hard to cope or move forward. You don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re a teen, young adult, or someone feeling stuck, therapy can help you gain clarity, build resilience, and develop practical tools to manage stress and emotions. Together, we’ll work to understand your challenges and find lasting strategies that actually fit your life — not a one-size-fits-all solution.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented
Solution oriented
Intelligent
Direct
Challenging
Open-Minded
Holistic
Open-minded
Humorous

Specialties

Anger Management
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Board Certified Licensed Clinical Independent Social Worker ( LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, CCTP, C-DBT). I am Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT). I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) who provides client - centered psychotherapy. I am licensed in Maryland , Washington DC and North Carolina, and have 20+ years extensive experience serving in various behavioral and mental health settings. I offer a safe, warm, therapeutic, judgement- free space for Adults (18+) and Older Adults (65+). Each client will be met where she/he is, with acceptance and empathy. Life happens and we encounter challenges at one point or another. Negative thoughts and beliefs often control how we think, feel and relate. Over time, our negative emotions and pervasive thought patterns may become overwhelming and repressed. We will reflect upon any challenges you may have; including past and present. And as a team, we will get to a root cause, identify your trigger(s) and work collaboratively to develop insight, awareness, coping skills and tools to build your resilience, so you can arrive at answers within yourself. In essence, I'll support and empower you through your journey. I incorporate an eclectic approach to psychotherapy. My strengths lie with actively listening, client engagement, support, processing your feelings and empowering you to heal and thrive. I believe you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life, and to take the first steps towards change. I look forward to hearing your story and collaborating with you to explore choices, resources and options that will help you make positive and sustainable life changes.
VirtualAvailable

New to Grow

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Coping Skills
School Issues
+5
Greetings, and thank you for viewing my profile. I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California and the District of Columbia. My pronouns are she, her, ya, and I identify as a Black, cisgender female. I have been in clinical practice since 2021. I joined this platform to provide accessible therapeutic services to a diverse array of children, youth, and young adults.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
LGBTQ
Sex Therapy
+10
Hello! My name is Simon, and I am a fully licensed professional counselor and nationally certified counselor, with a doctorate in medical science and a certificate in sex therapy. In my clinical work, I support lasting change rather than quick symptom relief. We will work together to heal attachment wounds and rewrite relational scripts in collaborative, curiosity-driven sessions. I help clients navigate identity, sexuality, and relational issues, while offering an affirming space where Queer adults facing shame, anxiety, or depression feel genuinely supported.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Direct
Intelligent
Open-minded
Warm
Empowering
Holistic
Humorous

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
Solution oriented
Direct
Authentic
Intelligent
Empowering
Open-minded
Warm
Solution oriented
Challenging
Humorous
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.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Solution oriented
Direct
Intelligent
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Holistic
Open-Minded
Humorous

Specialties

Personality Disorders
Suicidal Ideation
Trauma and PTSD
+7
Welcome! I'm a DBT Therapist and treat teens/adults struggling to regulate intense emotions; abandonment; self-harm; suicidality; intense relationships; and impulsivity. I use a mindful, curious, and a feedback-informed approach to support outcomes and your goals. Mindful humor is also used and can be so helpful for balancing emotional intensity. As a certified trauma therapist, I also support teens/adults learn about trauma, process trauma, and reduce the suffering that comes with traumatic memories, emotions, and events. We are social beings and mental health is a social process. I invite you to reach out to the process of therapy to help improve the relationship between yourself, things, and others.
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

New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+3
My name is Zakiyyah Francisco and I am a clinical individual Psychotherapist and I have been providing therapeutic services for over 15 years. My warm, non-judgmental, and personal approach to the issues you bring forward will support you in developing your own resources and resilience in facing life's challenges. I know that finding a skillful therapist who is a good fit can be challenging because when it comes to therapy, one size does not fit all. Therefore, I integrate several therapeutic modalities in my work in order to offer the most effective treatment to you. I help to create a safe space to explore past and present experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, and build on existing strengths. My goal is to support you in finding clarity, strength, and growth as you move through life’s challenges.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Intelligent
Warm

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 helping kids, teens, young adults, and families. I provide telehealth only in the DMV and (both telehealth and in person) services in Florida. I love working with people who are figuring out school, friendships, family, big emotions, and all the tricky parts of growing up. I’m here to listen to what you’re going through and support you as you build confidence, learn coping skills, and take small steps toward feeling better. Together, we’ll figure out what works for YOU — in a calm, caring, and judgment-free space.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Humorous
Empowering
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Intelligent
Direct
Holistic
Open-Minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Men's Issues
+2
I am a psychotherapist and life coach with over 25 years of experience practicing in the Washington, DC, area. I specialize in human potential, relationship health, life transitions, and coping with stressful situations. I have trained extensively with professional and master coaches and I work with a diverse clientele that include young professionals at the beginning of their careers as well as executives and corporate leaders in the financial industry. I believe that clarity enables us to take a stand for what we want in life. It allows us to make a commitment to take action to create a meaningful and purposeful life.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic
Direct
Open-minded
Humorous
Intelligent
Empowering
Challenging
Holistic
Solution oriented

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
Solution oriented
Authentic
Open-minded
Direct
Humorous
Empowering
Intelligent
Holistic

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.