EAP:United Healthcare Optum Therapists in Washington DC

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.

I’m a bilingual Latina therapist with over 15 years of experience helping adults work through anxiety, depression, and the emotional challenges that often come with life transitions—whether it’s starting over in a new country, becoming a parent, ending a relationship, grieving a loss, or navigating career changes. I provide a supportive and culturally responsive space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These approaches can help you better understand yourself, develop healthier coping strategies, and create lasting changes that align with your values and goals. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply need someone to walk alongside you during a difficult time, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Greetings! My name is Dr. Nya and I use a holistic, eclectic, strengths based approach when working with clients. This entails embracing the "whole person" and making efforts to understand how all aspects of each person's life impacts their daily functioning. It is important to identify strengths and interest in order to draw upon these components, enabling the development of a comprehensive approach to treatment, which is custom and unique for each individual. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC and VA. ✅ I am also an Internationally Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), Certified Case Manager (CCM) and DOT SAP. ✅ I am able to provide consultation to assist with; FMLA, ADA accommodations, STD/LTD and EEOC claims. ✅ I am a disability advocate as well as employee rights advocate✅ I have worked with diverse populations to include; military members and their families via Military OneSource EAP, survivors of sexual assault/domestic violence, addiction (SAP) and various life transitions. Individuals should feel empowered to live their best lives, while continuing to build skills to help them overcome life's challenges with confidence. It would be my honor to assist you in further defining your goals as well as supporting you as you work towards achieving your best life!

I am Dr. Tee, a licensed clinical social worker with a Doctor of Social Work degree from Simmons University. With 25 years of experience in the field of social work, I have a diverse background that includes significant work in criminal justice as a probation/parole officer and more recent experience as an intervention specialist. In my current roles, I am the CEO of Renewing Minds, Restoring Hope, and the co-founder of Riley Hatch Consulting. I am dedicated to helping African American women, and others, navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, and the complexities of everyday life through a holistic and solution-focused approach. My work is deeply rooted in both mental health and social justice, allowing me to provide comprehensive care that addresses both individual and societal factors impacting your clients' well-being.

Hi! I am a Licensed Individual Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). 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 2002. 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.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) whose motto is " Encouraged to heal; Empowered to change". I work with individuals that have become stagnant due to trauma, depression/anxiety, grief/loss, or have come to "phase of life changes" that they need assistance with navigating. I help clients to tap into their resilience, redeem their power and identify new goals to create a new narrative.

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.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Maryland but currently serving clients in multiple states. I received my Bachelor's degree from North Carolina A&T State University and Masters at Hunter College School of Social Work. I have been practicing for over 10 years. I help women and young adults work through stress, anxiety, depression, conflict, goal setting, and life transitions.

Hello, my name is Luiza and I am the owner/therapist of FIT MIND counseling services. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in FL and a Licensed Professional Counselor in DC, GA & VA. FIT MIND counseling services enjoys empowering clients finding a more meaningful way to live their lives and assisting them learning about the importance of self-love. Helping clients to focus on themselves and on their self-care is a precious thing. When they learn to embrace and unconditionally love for being themselves, they become stronger in the face of negativity and more able to hold onto positive thoughts when faced with challenges. Mental illness is as real as any physical illness. We talk normally about cancer and diabetes, although the same should apply to mental illness. Emotional and mental health are just as important as the physical health of a human being. The emotional trauma that a brain endures in various of the human life cycle can be damaging and in the long run, just as detrimental as a psychical illness. People donate their organs, but they cannot donate their brains. Some people live with human-made hearts, but there is no such thing as human-made brains. I believe that our brain is the most important organ in our human body, so why don’t we start taking good care of it? Therapy is not only for people with mental illness. Therapy is for everyone. We all have faced or currently face some hardships in life. Talking to a therapist can help you deeply in improving your mental health, decrease your stress and live with more joy and intention! Make your appointment today!

If you're dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship challenges, know that you're not alone. I work with people from all walks of life, including those navigating life transitions, relationships, ADHD (ADHD-CSSP certified), Autism Spectrum Disorder, LGBTQ+ issues, and more. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and together, we’ll find what works best for you. My goal is to understand you deeply, uncover any patterns holding you back, and explore the root causes of your challenges. Using research-backed approaches like CBT and PCT, we’ll work on building self-awareness, enhancing skills and confidence, and creating lasting change that empowers you to move forward.

Patrice is a licensed clinical social worker with experience providing mental health services to children, teenagers, and adults affected by psychological trauma, HIV/AIDS, and chronic mental illness. Patrice received further training in trauma-focused CBT for children and adolescents while a therapist at a DC mental health agency. She also was trained in mental health practice for human trafficking survivors through the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force.

My name is Dr. Olushola Bakare, and I'm a board-certified Psychotherapist. I attended St Joseph College. I'm happy to help you today with any of your concerns. I enjoy empowering people and digging out their strengths. I don't ask fish to fly, neither do I ask birds to swim. I respect everyone's strengths and help my client recognize them. I love to highlight my client's strengths. I offer a safe, warm, therapeutic, judgment-free space for Adults (18+) and Older Adults (65+). I am sorry, but I do not accept clients who pay in cash. Also, every late cancellation or no-show accrues a late charge fee. It is my ethical duty to officially terminate our therapeutic relationship when it is reasonably clear that the client is no longer beneficent, services are no longer required, counseling no longer serves the client's needs and interests, or Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT limits do not allow the provision of further counseling services. It is the policy of Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT, that our professional relationship will be terminated after a one-month consistent lapse of meeting with a client. Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT, will attempt to notify you of this change in status as soon as possible after one month. My ethical duty is identifying, being available, and caring for current clients. It could feel awkward for our relationship to end, yet it is not meant to be discourteous in any way. I do not complete disability forms (Social Security, work excuse, FMLA, Court papers/legal papers, emotional support letters, etc). NO COUPLE THERAPY OR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, PLEASE!

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.

I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). As a cognitive-behavioral therapist, I specialize in helping individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through evidence-based techniques, I work with clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and make meaningful changes in their lives. My goal is to create a supportive and collaborative environment where you can gain insight, build resilience, and achieve your personal goals. Whether you're seeking to manage stress, overcome addiction, anxiety or depression, or improve your overall well-being, I am here to support you on your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

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.

Welcome, I'm Kia! Life can present you with a million and one ups, downs, flips, and turns. All of this, understandably so, can take a toll on your mental health and relationships. Although we have these challenges, seeking support can be difficult. So, congrats on taking this step! You deserve a safe space to express yourself, heal, and grow to your full potential. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Free Your Mind Therapy LLC. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Interpersonal Practice, through The University of Tennessee. I started my career working with At-Risk Youth and fell in love with the field. Since then, I have worked with clients of different demographics, backgrounds, and ages. I'm eager to join you on this journey. Let's work together to restore YOU.

My name is Janet Muta and I am a Licensed Clinician with over 15 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...

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker in the District of Columbia and a licensed certified clinical social worker in the state of Maryland. I have over ten years of independent clinical experience providing EAP counseling services for the federal government, case management services and counseling individuals and families in non-profit and medical settings, and also with military members and their families.   I provided psychoeducation, consultations, and solution-focused counseling to clients with a variety of mental health and substance abuse disorders. Additionally, I have expertise in performing psychosocial assessments, a crucial step in providing effective counseling.

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.

I hold a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work. I have over 15 years of experience service individuals, adolescence, and families. I have experience working in private practice as well as the public sector. I specialize in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and parenting. I strive to assist my clients to embrace change, accept, and heal. I utilize a wholistic approach when treating the clients tha I serve.

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.

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.

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.

I believe in collaboration and I don't have a set agenda for each session. My specialties are religious trauma and relationships. I use a solution focused approach to help you identify the steps needed for wellness and growth. I believe that therapy should be a space to have hard conversations and my clients always have my full attention. Life is tough and sometimes you just need a space where you can talk freely without being judged or talked down to. I don't have any set agenda and I want clients to feel comfortable sharing what they're thinking.

I spent many years as an educator in public schools and as a counselor. Now I have the privilege to devote my full time to mental health counseling. My focus is to help families and individuals navigate through life's challenges. I'd love to be your counselor - whether you would like to do pre-marital/couples counseling, to consciously uncouple/improve co-parenting dynamic, or focus on self-work.

I am a bi-lingual and bi-cultural Licensed Certified Social Worker who received her Masters in Social Work from Boston College. I provide effective, transformative, and lasting life changes in children, adults, and families. I've worked with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, stress disorders, adjustment, relationship challenges, trauma, and mood disorders. I am passionate about providing a counseling environment that encourages respect, safety, trust, and honesty while tailoring each session to the clients' need.

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.

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.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with vast experience in mental health and health sciences in multiple settings for over sixteen years. I am licensed in the state of Virginia, Washington, District of Columbia, and Georgia. I obtained my Bachelor's in Psychology at North Carolina State University, and my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Crisis and Trauma from Walden University. My certifications are as follow; National Certification in Counseling (NCC), Sexual offender treatment provider (CSOTP), Clinical trauma adolescent provider (CTAP), Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCTAP) and Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS). Prior to establishing MentalMorphosis, LLC, I worked as a therapeutic independent contractor for multiple organizations. My experiences include the following: providing therapy in a residential psychiatric facility, intensive in-home counselor, clinical coordinator, forensic interviewer and foster care case manager. In addition to, I am a proud Veteran of the United States Armed Forces where I serviced honorably for 8 years as a Medical Laboratory Technician also known as a 68K.

Hello, I am Melisha Harris a licensed clinical social worker. As a therapist, I create a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your story, heal, and grow. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, or simply seeking greater clarity and peace, I’m here to support you. Counseling can help you rediscover your strengths and build the life you deeply deserve. If you’re ready to take that next step, I’ll walk with you to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore, heal and improve your quality of life.

I’m a licensed mental health counselor with over 30 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and grow into their best selves. My approach is compassionate, client-centered, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I specialize in supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, always with an emphasis on personal growth and resilience. I believe that with the right support and tools, everyone has the capacity to heal, thrive, and create a life that feels meaningful and authentic.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters from the University of Michigan and have been practicing for 10 years. I help adults struggling depression, anxiety and negative thoughts to become the best versions of themselves. I also provide resources such as handouts and introduce materials as needed to help you in our progress.

Carl Jung once said, “The world will ask you who you are. And if you don’t know, it will tell you.” Here’s the truth: the story you tell about yourself will shape the next chapter of your life—whether it’s full of courage and clarity, or stuck in old loops of powerlessness and shame. But you have the pen. You get to choose a new narrative—one built on healing, accountability, and real self-worth. I believe our active choices create our emotional confidence, our sense of belonging, and our capacity to thrive. When you change your story, you change your life. So the question becomes: Will you keep rehearsing survival? Or will you rise into a life you actually designed? Empower your voice. Redesign and refine. Choose freedom.

Greetings to you and all With a wish for good health and peace in your life. My name is Sherby John. I have been working and learning along this journey, we call life, just as you have. It can be a journey filled with joy and struggle. Have you reached a point where it seems there is more struggle than joy or feel stuck in the muck that seems to only get deeper or harder to transgress? Then maybe it is time to find new paths and options by having a guide on this journey. Therapy can be a vehicle for change and development of workable tools to assist in continuing with this journey. Whether you are dealing with Depression, Life changes, Anxiety, Relationships, Trauma, or a new medical or mental health diagnosis, therapy can be a useful mechanism for support, discernment, and information. I would like to provide you with a safe and welcoming environment and space to relieve yourself of these stressors through working on alternatives to current reactions to triggers or stressors in the way of continuing your journey, your way and at your own pace. Come in. Lets Talk. Lets get to work.

Hi! My name is Katrice Hollins and I am excited to support you in your journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia and the District of Columbia who has been in the helping profession for 20 years. I have worked in a variety of fields including social services, inpatient mental health, foster care, special education, and school mental health. I am passionate about helping people to reach their goals and develop life-long wellness. As a therapist, it is not my role or desire to give you advice or make decisions for you. What I offer is a place for you to feel valued for who you are, exactly as you are. I will ask questions and help you process the answers. I will reflect on your values and feelings that allow you to make the best choices for your life. *Please feel free to message for additional appointment availability.

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.