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 18 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: 11/21/2025

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Dr. Melvis Asongwed

LICSW, 7 years of experience

New to Grow

Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Depression
Family Conflict
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I am a psychotherapist and forensic psychologist with seven years of clinical experience and a strong foundation in clinical social work. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based, and culturally responsive approaches that support healing across diverse groups. I provide psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults, helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, behavioral concerns, and major life transitions. I also have extensive experience working with justice-involved youth and adults, offering structured, compassionate, and holistic care to support stabilization, growth, and long-term wellness.
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Simon Walsh

LPC, 2 years of experience

New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
LGBTQ
Sex Therapy
+10
Hello! My name is Simon Walsh, and I am a fully licensed professional counselor and nationally certified counselor. 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.
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Mulvenia Bowden

LICSW, 10 years of experience

New to Grow

Specialties

Depression
Family Conflict
Spirituality
+5
My energy and creativity set me apart from others. I used evidence-based practices to guide my work. In addition to traditional talk-therapy, I take a holistic approach to therapy by incorporating all parts of the individual (mind, body, and spirit). Many find value in my holistic approach to therapy. The creative arts may also be integrated into the sessions as a form of expression to enhance the therapeutic experience.
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Nina Arroyo Santiago

LICSW, 3 years of experience

New to Grow

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.
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Denese Arvelo

LP, 8 years of experience

New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+6
I am a licensed psychologist who provides evidence-based, compassionate care for adults and adolescents. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and clinical hypnotherapy to support meaningful and lasting change. I focus on helping clients develop practical coping skills, deepen self-understanding, and strengthen emotional resilience. I strive to create a collaborative, non-judgmental environment where clients feel supported as they work toward their goals.
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Jodi Walsh

LICSW, 12 years of experience

Solution oriented
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
I’m Jodi Walsh, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and ASRM-certified Reproductive Mental Health Practitioner with over 12 years of experience. I help women navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and reproductive mental health concerns such as infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum struggles. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices and focused on empowering you to heal, grow and pivot if needed.
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Maura Mendes-Oxford

LICSW, 9 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Empowering
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Women's Issues
+4
Hello! I'm a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW.) I received my Master's from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and have been practicing therapy for the last 4 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.
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Katie P Gaitan

LICSW, 11 years of experience

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Hi! I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Washington, DC, with over 11 years of experience. I see clients in DC and FL. I see clients of all ages. I support clients navigating life transitions, emotional challenges, and relationship issues, helping them build resilience and meaningful change through coping strategies. I will be your collaborative clinician in the pursuit of your goals.
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Kayena Pierre-Louis

LICSW, 23 years of experience

Authentic
Empowering

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.
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Willard Vaughn

LPC, 17 years of experience

Authentic
Intelligent
Direct

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Personality Disorders
Self Esteem
+10
My name is Willard and I am a licensed counselor in several states. My practice primarily focuses on helping others deal with ambiguity. Often our thoughts and subsequently what we teach ourselves becomes rigid and fairly black and white. Using a pragmatic and authentic approach to therapy I help others to be okay with things that are beyond their control and work with them to establish themselves as the protagonist in their own story. This is primarily accomplished through conversation and allowing you the client to guide the therapy in the direction it needs to go.
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Pablo Rodriguez

LICSW, 8 years of experience

Solution oriented
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Personality Disorders
Self-Harming
Suicidal Ideation
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.
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Kassandra Barry

LICSW, 4 years of experience

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Greetings, I'm Kassandra Barry, a licensed clinical social worker available in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Specializing in trauma, I help individuals navigate life's challenges, addressing concerns like mood, anxiety, relationships, and self-care. While many clients face PTSD, my support extends to anyone seeking understanding, seeking to enhance their lives, and fostering a sense of value and respect. I prioritize creating a space where you can be heard and supported. Your journey to improved well-being begins here.
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Constance Raines

LICSW, 12 years of experience

Solution oriented
Empowering
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hello my name is Constance,
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the states of Virginia, Maryland, DC and Florida. I have 12 years of experience employed in behavioral health facilities, outpatient therapy clinics, correctional centers, and also providing medical social work/ therapy to oncology, emergent, and crisis patients in the hospital setting. Focusing on the client through a strength-based approach, building resilience and rapport is key in obtaining a therapeutic relationship and striving for successfully outcome.
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Janet Muta

LICSW, 15 years of experience

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...
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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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Vanessa Okechukwu

LICSW, 15 years of experience

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.
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Aneesa King

LPC, 20 years of experience

Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+8
I am passionate about helping others explore emotional, spiritual, and behavioral wellness in a way that connects mind, body, and soul. With years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and outpatient settings, I’ve dedicated my career to encouraging and empowering individuals on their journey toward healing and recovery. My goal is to help clients leave sessions with a sense of relief, greater clarity, and renewed hope for their journey ahead.
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Sharryl Jackson

LICSW, 27 years of experience

New to Grow

Humorous
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Family Therapy
Mood Disorders
+4
I have over 27 years of experience as a therapist. I’ve seen the incredible potential for healing and self-discovery that can emerge when young people feel understood and supported. My goal is to help each client find their voice, strengthen their sense of self, and move forward with confidence and clarity. My approach is warm, compassionate, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I strive to create a safe space where clients can explore who they are, express their feelings freely, and develop practical tools for coping and growth.
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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 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.

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.