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 15 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: 1/20/2026

Rated 5.0 stars out of 52 ratings
Rated 5.0 stars out of 52 ratings
Warm
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
No reviews yet
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New to Grow

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
No reviews yet
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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
No reviews yet
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New to Grow

Intelligent
Direct

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.
VirtualAvailable
Rated 4.7 stars out of 582 ratings
Rated 4.7 stars out of 582 ratings
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.
VirtualAvailable
Rated 5.0 stars out of 5129 ratings
Rated 5.0 stars out of 5129 ratings
Authentic
Warm
Direct

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
+8
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and complex relational and attachment wounds. My work is grounded in a nervous system awareness and a deeply relational approach that prioritizes safety, emotional truth, and meaningful change over symptom management alone. Over the course of my career, including years in large healthcare systems and leadership roles, I witnessed how often well-intentioned treatment models fall short by focusing on compliance, pathology, or short-term stabilization rather than root causes. That experience fundamentally shaped how I practice today. I specialize in working with people who feel stuck, unseen, or disconnected from themselves and others, particularly those with long standing patterns rooted in developmental trauma, attachment injury, or chronic stress. My clinical style is structured yet human, direct yet compassionate. I integrate evidence-based approaches, including IFS, ACT, CBT, DBT, and somatic practices, with a strong emphasis on insight, integration, and real-world application. I also offer expanded states of consciousness psychotherapy where appropriate, always within an ethical, intentional, and integration-focused framework. I believe effective therapy is not about changing who someone is. It is about helping them understand shaped them and their nervous system responses, reclaim agency, repair relationships with themselves and others, and live with greater clarity and integrity. My role is to provide a steady, grounded space where difficult truths can be explored safely and where meaningful, lasting change becomes possible.
VirtualAvailable
Rated 5.0 stars out of 577 ratings
Rated 5.0 stars out of 577 ratings
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
Rated 4.2 stars out of 5159 ratings
Rated 4.2 stars out of 5159 ratings
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
Rated 4.8 stars out of 589 ratings
Rated 4.8 stars out of 589 ratings
Warm
Open-minded
Humorous

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
Rated 5.0 stars out of 52 ratings
Rated 5.0 stars out of 52 ratings

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 specialize in working with children, teens, young adults and parent. 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
Rated 5.0 stars out of 512 ratings
Rated 5.0 stars out of 512 ratings
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.
VirtualAvailable
Rated 5.0 stars out of 526 ratings
Rated 5.0 stars out of 526 ratings
Challenging
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Spirituality
+6
Hi, I’m Darlene Alexia Gardner, LCSW-C, LICSW, and founder of Destined for Healing. I’m a licensed therapist with nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals and couples through life transitions, emotional pain, trauma recovery, and relational struggles. My work is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in clinical best practices. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, identity concerns, faith-related pain, childhood trauma, and emotionally unavailable relationships. While I welcome clients of all backgrounds, I also offer Christian-integrated therapy for those who wish to include their faith. I specialize in trauma informed, faith-sensitive therapy that honors your story and makes space for healing at your pace. Together, we'll explore how early family dynamics, spiritual wounds, or unhealed relational patterns may be shaping your present struggles and help you break free from cycles of silence, performance, or self-neglect. I believe healing is sacred work and I see therapy as a safe and collaborative space to process grief, anxiety, complex family ties, and major life transitions without shame. If you're looking for a therapist who honors both your clinical needs and your spiritual journey, I invite you to connect. Let's build something rooted in truth, safety and restoration.
VirtualAvailable
Rated 4.3 stars out of 59 ratings
Rated 4.3 stars out of 59 ratings

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.
VirtualAvailable
Rated 4.8 stars out of 590 ratings
Rated 4.8 stars out of 590 ratings
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
Rated 4.7 stars out of 57 ratings
Rated 4.7 stars out of 57 ratings
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 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 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.