EAP:United Healthcare Optum Therapists in Washington DC

Utilizing mental health support through UnitedHealthcare/Optum’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide you with convenient and affordable access to care. With 36 verified therapists in Washington DC who accept UnitedHealthcare/Optum EAP, you have options across therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and supportive counseling to help address work-related stress, personal challenges, or life transitions. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is currently open to new clients and has availability in the coming weeks, ensuring timely access to quality, EAP-covered care tailored to your needs.

Availability updated: 7/27/2026

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
+5
Welcome! I am Stiphenee Flores Soto, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I received a Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) and Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Florida Atlantic University. I have been in the field since 2016 providing mental health treatment to children, teens, and adults in different setting. With my diverse practical and clinical experience, I have worked with clients to meet a wide array of needs.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Humorous

Specialties

Anger Management
Career Counseling
Depression
+8
My zeal is to equip individuals and families to be successful through collaboration of treatment goals and exploring innovative solutions, I am passionate about creating environments for individuals to excel by overcoming obstacles/barriers. My drive in practice comes from a quote by MLK “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Hello! My name is Garland Nichols and I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in Washington, DC and North Carolina. My journey began as a Foster Care Social Worker, where I used case management skills to rehabilitate and reunify families. My passion and belief in rehabilitation eventually led me to pursue Clinical Social Work, where I am now aim to empower my clients each session.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Career Counseling
Coping Skills
Couples Counseling
+10
Hi! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Maryland. I received my Masters from the Howard University and have been practicing for 5 years. I specialize in helping individuals and couples manage anxiety, anger, grief, and life stressors. My approach is straightforward and supportive—offering a non-judgmental space where you can explore challenges, gain new perspectives, and build healthier ways of coping.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Depression
Family Therapy
+9
I’m a licensed clinical therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life transitions, grief, and healing. My approach blends compassion, cultural awareness, and evidence-based strategies to help clients rediscover their voice and reclaim joy. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you can heal, grow, and feel empowered to live with purpose and peace
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Trauma and PTSD
+7
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Tennessee. I received my Masters from the Howard University and have been practicing for 5 years. My focus is on helping clients manage stress, anxiety, and identity development while encouraging them to live authentically and in alignment with their core values. Through our work together, I aim to create a safe and empowering space for personal growth and resilience.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Coping Skills
Depression
Life Transitions
+9
Greetings, I am a licensed mental health clinician licensed in Maryland, DC and Virginia with over seven years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. My approach to therapy is holistic and strength-based, focusing on helping clients navigate and resolve a wide range of life’s challenges. By drawing upon each individual’s unique strengths, I work to foster resilience and encourage a continuous journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. My goal is to create a supportive environment that empowers clients to uncover deeper insights, develop effective coping strategies, and enhance their overall well-being.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Empowering
Authentic

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
Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+5
I am a graduate of Virginia Union University with a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and I later went on to receive my Master's degree in Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health from Howard University. Throughout my studies, my practicum experience consisted of working with the Maryland Truancy Court Reduction Program and Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. I received post-graduate, intensive training at the Immigration Evaluation Training Center in the area of extreme hardship waivers, domestic violence (VAWA) & asylum immigration evaluations in Virginia and Washington, DC. Thereafter, I later went on to work in a variety of settings that have afforded me the opportunity to diversify my work and skill set with different populations and individual needs. This includes addiction, foster care & adoption, community support and residential treatment. My experience has afforded me the opportunity to learn from and support individuals who struggle with everyday life stressors, those that are impacted by mild, moderate, severe and chronic mental illness. My background includes adolescents, young adults, adults, and geriatrics who are struggling with mental health challenges. In 2017 I began working in leadership at Gateway Homes, Inc. where I gained expertise with serving individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. My practice opened in 2020 and I continue to provide direct services to individuals in the community who are struggling with different social, emotional and behavioral issues that are causing discomfort.
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
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+6
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
Warm
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Career Counseling
Depression
+9
Hello, I am Rokhaya and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Washington, DC, Alabama, and Georgia. I provide telehealth services to clients, working with young adults specializing in anxiety and depression. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Feminist Therapy to help clients challenge unhelpful thought patterns, explore the impact of societal influences, and make meaningful progress toward their goals.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+7
I’m a trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapist who works with adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and substance use. I specialize in supporting individuals during life transitions, including community reintegration and recovery. My goal is to create a safe, structured space where you feel heard, empowered, and supported as you work toward meaningful change. Together, we’ll build on your strengths, explore new strategies, and move toward the life you envision.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Direct
Authentic

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
Intelligent
Direct
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
+18
I am a licensed professional counselor and a licensed clinical addictions specialist in the state of Colorado D.C., Virginia, New Mexico and North Carolina. I have been in the field of mental health since 2007. I have enjoyed working with a variety of clients including active-duty military, couples, teens, families, professionals, hospice and he medically compromised. Throughout my career, I have had the chance to help clients struggling with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, stress management, marital problems, parenting concerns, family issues, PTSD, military reintegration, addictions, abuse and trauma. Counseling is conducted for a variety of reasons, but everyone has one commonality in their reason for seeking counseling – change. counseling is the gateway to making personal changes and can assist in solving particular problems or learning to lead a healthier life. The counseling process can be interesting and exciting. It can also, at times, be very challenging, difficult and even painful. However, the goal will always be to bring about positive changes.
I look forward to taking this journey with you.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Addiction
Anger Management
Anxiety
+10
Hi there, I am a license mental health counselor licensed in Florida, Georgia, New York and DC. I obtained my degree from Troy University in Orlando, Florida. I have 15 years of experience working with clients. I have experience helping teens (13-17 years) and adults (18 years and older) manage their feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, career exploration/change, increase their self-esteem and others.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Depression
Military/Veterans
Racism
+1
My career began with a strong community focus, including service at the first free health clinic dedicated to supporting the HIV-impacted community and early work in community mental health. In my 28 years of clinical experience I have maintained a child and family-centered approach while broadening my expertise across a wide range of settings, including inpatient residential care, hospital social work, nephrology, crisis and trauma counseling for children and adults, military social work, and academia. My practice includes supporting individuals through transitions, grief, depression, chronic pain, and complex social service needs. I hold postgraduate training in social welfare and psychology, which has enriched my skills and informed my integrative, client-centered approach aimed at fostering resilience and healing.
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
Solution oriented
Direct
Open-minded

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
Direct
Solution oriented
Intelligent

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
Intelligent
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Suicidal Ideation
+3
Hello, I am a licensed therapist with more than 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I work with adults and teenagers who seek help with depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship concerns. I also have experience working with those in crisis and those looking for support in tough times. I also work with clients of diverse cultural backgrounds. I am a male therapist of Asian Indian background and work with clients from various backgrounds. My style of therapy is centered around your preferences and can be tailored to meet your needs. I work with you so that you can set the agenda and goals and pace of therapy.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
+3
Welcome! I'm Mimi (Miyoung) Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, and/or self-care. 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
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Grief
+8
Holding space is the practice of providing a safe and supportive environment for someone to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment or interruption. It involves being fully present and attentive, allowing the other person to explore their feelings and navigate their own process. My 20 years of experience have allowed for a diverse background of traditions and practices that clients can implement in their personal journey. I value transparency in the therapist/client relationship.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Direct
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+3
For more than twenty years, I’ve supported individuals and families across the Washington, DC region as a dedicated psychotherapist. Many clients know me as “Mr. Mike,” a name that reflects the trust, comfort, and partnership I work to build with every person who walks through my door. I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. My approach is grounded in respect, empathy, and a belief that meaningful change is possible at any stage of life. As both a therapist and a behavioral transformationalist, I focus on practical, prosocial strategies that help clients move forward with clarity and confidence. Outside the therapy room, I’m energized by reading, nature, the fine arts, travel, and great food. My large, loving family fuels my passion for youth advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community service. My studies across California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Virginia have shaped a therapeutic style that is both compassionate and deeply informed. If you’re seeking a space where you can be heard, understood, and supported as you work toward healing and growth, welcome to RedemptionTriple‑C. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
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
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Coping Skills
I am a dedicated Clinical Social Worker with experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relational challenges. I am committed to providing structured, goal-oriented care that promotes emotional wellness, resilience, and long-term growth. I utilize evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients build insight, regulate emotions, process trauma, and develop practical coping skills. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. With experience in clinical supervision and program oversight, I am passionate about maintaining high standards of care while empowering both my clients and clinical teams to grow with confidence and clarity.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Holistic
Intelligent

Specialties

Coping Skills
Older Adults
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I am a licensed clinical social worker in the DMV area. I am a trauma-informed therapist, trained in several modalities including grief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR), solution-focused-brief-treatment, and mindfulness. With a background in crisis intervention, aging, supporting caregivers and adults with disabilities, my therapeutic approach is always comprehensive and person-centered. I believe clients are the experts in their experiences and therapy can be a supportive space for Clients to learn about themselves, process, and find healing.
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
Empowering
Direct

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+7
Tileda Brown, LCSW, CSAC Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Certified Substance Abuse Counsel | Individual Therapy Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s most challenging transitions. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, substance abuse and self-esteem. My approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based practices, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. I work with adults navigating issues such as: Struggling with Depression Anxiety and panic disorders Grief and loss Relationship and attachment issues Life transitions (divorce, career change, etc.) In our work together, I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and empowered. Healing isn’t linear, and I believe therapy should move at your pace. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seeking deeper self-understanding, I’m here to support you.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Self Esteem
+10
I am a Brooklyn-born Haitian, and have been inspired and encouraged by many people in my life to pursue a major in Social Work.I attended Yeshiva University in NYC and received my Master of Social Work degree in 2009. I am licensed in Maryland and DC, and am a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. I’ve worked at John Hopkins Bayview Medical Center as a psychotherapist and provided individual therapy to transitional youths, families, adults, and those with special needs. Being a recent liver transplant survivor, I understand and appreciate how much therapy can help by providing mental and emotional support during difficult and stressful times. Family and community are everything to me. I am married with two children and have an amazing, supportive local community and extended family. I can’t wait to build a supportive, caring and effective therapeutic relationship with you.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+10
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor, I have over 10 years of experience treating mental health issues. My background includes inpatient, outpatient, and individual therapy. Also, I have worked in the medical field as a BSN RN and feel comfortable treating individuals with physical conditions. I am based in Texas and have licenses in Washington and DC. I have worked with children to geriatrics.
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
Mood Disorders
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
Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Perinatal Mental Health
Postpartum
Women's Issues
+2
Hi, I'm Tiffany. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 18 years of experience helping women navigate the emotional complexities of life, relationships and motherhood. My passion lies in walking alongside women as they move through personal transitions-especially the powerful, often overwhelming journey into and through motherhood. This is a safe and judgement free space. I specialize in perinatal and postpartum mental health— Whether you're preparing for a baby, adjusting to postpartum life, managing anxiety, or feeling lost in your identity, my goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to reconnect with yourself. I specialize in perinatal and postpartum mental health, but I also work with women navigating: -Relationship challenges -Parenting stress and burnout -Career shifts and identity confusion -Everyday anxiety and emotional overwhelm My approach is grounded in empathy, clinical expertise and practical strategies. My engagement is warm, real, and rooted in understanding of the unique pressures' women face. I create a space where you can be fully yourself-messy, vulnerable, questioning, strong-and know you are not alone. You're not "too emotional." You're not "too much." You're human-and I'm here to help you make sense of it all. Let's find your footing together.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Direct
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders
+10
Welcome! My name is Marian Robinson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia with over 20 years of professional mental health experience. I have experience in helping clients with low motivation, relationship issues (individual), self-esteem and confidence, career difficulties, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, grief, and end of life issues. I take an eclectic, person-centered approach, CBT and psychodynamic approach where you are in the driver seat in your own recovery. I am here to support you in that process and will meet you where you’re at, without judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I would be proud to help you get started.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
+2
Hi, I'm Erin! The one thing I love about being a therapist is being able to help individuals break the cycles in their lives that cause them feelings of "being stuck." I utilize a mix of tools/ interventions from Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy that allow clients to explore unresolved issues, challenge their thoughts, and develop insight into barriers that can be blocking their growth. My main job as a therapist is to teach my clients how to regain control over their lives whether it's from anxiety, depression or stress; we will work together to come up with a therapeutic style that helps clients progress towards their goals.
VirtualAvailable
Frequently asked questions

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.

Yes! If you use EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

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.

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.

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.