United Healthcare Student Resources Therapists in Washington DC

I'm a licensed clinical social worker with almost 10 years of experience. I help people work toward self-understanding and self-love as part of facilitating change. I have particular experience working with people affected by anxiety, depression, and/or trauma history, as well as other mental health issues and complicated life experiences. I work to understand my clients through curiosity and compassion, and hope to collaboratively work toward change.

I am a highly skilled psychotherapist who has served the educational and mental health communities in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area for 20 years. “Mr. Mike” as I am affectionately known, brings a wealth of experience and professional acumen to the clients of Growtherapy. As an effective clinician, I understand the importance of treating each of you with respect. I specialize, but not limited to the treatment areas of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and strained relationships just to name a few. As a skilled life coach and behavioral transformationalist, I believe that prosocial paradigms fused with progressive initiatives produce the very best outcomes in people and in people-driven environments alike. I'm an avid reader, who loves nature, fine arts, international travel, and culinary delicacies. lastly, I hail from a large, loving family who supports this fine vocation. Further, I'm a big proponent of youth advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community service. I was educated in the states of California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

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.

Hi! I am a Licensed Individual Clinical Social Worker in DC (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. This past December, 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.

Hi, I’m Ashley—therapist, animal lover, creative soul, and lifelong daydreamer. I bring a warm and down-to-earth approach to my work, and I believe that connection, curiosity, and authenticity are at the heart of healing. When I’m not in session, you can usually find me lost in a good book—especially fantasy, romantasy, or dark romance (yes, I’m a proud BookTok girly). Some of my favorite reads have come straight from client recommendations, and I always love hearing what’s on your bookshelf. I’m also a big fan of all things crafty. Paper crafting is my go-to—especially junk journals and mini albums—but I’ve dabbled in wreaths, t-shirts, tumblers, and just about anything that lets me work with my hands. My creativity also spills into my love of music, which spans from Sleep Token to George Strait to Eminem. I’m always up for discovering new bands or catching a local show. On slower days, I love wandering through antique stores and thrift shops. Most of my home is decorated with pieces that have a story—either found secondhand or passed down through family. I find comfort in giving old things new life. Animals have always been a grounding force in my world. I’ve been riding horses since I was four, and my heart horse, Kirby, is my trail buddy and snack-sharing best friend (she’s a big fan of applesauce and cupcakes). My two dogs, Oliver and Dottie, are certified therapy dogs who’ve joined me in visits to hospices, hospitals, nursing homes, and children’s reading programs. Together, Kirby, Oliver, and Dottie inspired the name Free to Wander Counseling—a reflection of my belief that healing often begins when we allow ourselves to explore, play, and connect in gentle, open-hearted ways. Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here—just as you are.

My name is Cha Peterson and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 4 years of experience working with diverse populations. I have worked with different ages from older adults to children ages 3 and up, different cultures, religions, ethnicities, and sexual orientation. I have experience working with a wide ranch of problems such as anxiety, depression, anger management, and significant changes. I understand the significant step signing up for therapy is.

I am eclectic with my therapy approach and start with where you are at and what best suits you! I often work with clients dealing with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, or people coping with change. I’m body positive and LGBTQ+ friendly. I hope you will be able to find Ease to Flourish in your day to day experiences and find what can bring you joy.

I believe that meaningful healing begins in a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. My goal is to create a supportive and authentic environment where you can explore your inner world with openness and safety. I strive to meet each person with genuine empathy and respect, recognizing that each individual’s journey is unique. Together, we work at your pace to understand your experiences, build insight, and move toward lasting growth and healing. I practice from a trauma-informed and culturally responsive perspective, honoring the diverse backgrounds and life experiences that shape who we are. I believe therapy works best when it’s a collaborative partnership; one that empowers you to develop self-awareness, strengthen emotional resilience, and create meaningful change in your life. My therapeutic foundation is rooted in person-centered therapy, which emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. At the same time, I integrate evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Systems Therapy, and Mindfulness. This integrative approach allows me to adapt our work together to best fit your individual needs, values, and goals.

Hello, my name is Stephen Pleasant, and I'm a psychotherapist for men. Why therapy for men? Well, because sometimes a man just needs a pork shoulder to cry on. That being said, I will also work with women as well. It’s a recognized human tendency for men to get “stuck” in their lives and to end up “settling” for the status quo when deep down they know they are capable of a great deal more. Here’s the truth; You are never “stuck” with your present circumstances. The Game of Life is a psychological and spiritual journey and winning at this game requires you to change your play and learn to think differently and do things in a new way. I help men break out from being “stuck” in life, resigned to producing results that are disappointing to them and others. My goal is to see transformative progress in men’s confidence, clarity, and self-expression, so that they may gain the fuller personal and work life they thought was beyond them.

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.

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.

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.

Tiara McIntosh is Licensed Professional Counselor for VA, MD, DC and TX. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She received a Doctorate degree in Education and Community Care and Counseling with a cognate in Marriage and Family from Liberty University. Tiara serves adults in the following areas: anxiety, depression, and ADHD. For nearly 10 years, She empowers individuals to overcome personal challenges and to improve themselves, create healthy boundaries and relationship challenges.

Hi there and welcome! My name is Rebekah. I am a clinical social worker with over twenty years of experience in the field. I am honored to participate in the lives of so many interesting people and feel fortunate to have such fulfilling work. Much of my therapy practice involves clients with a history of traumatic experiences; this can include isolated experiences (assaults, accidents, natural disasters) or more ongoing issues (childhood abuse/neglect, domestic violence). Other times I am meeting with folks who have experienced losses or life changes; this may include things like deaths, loss of identity, relationship changes, new parenthood, etc.. In addition to providing talk therapy, I am also a university professor, provide supervision to new practitioners, and occasionally serve as an expert witness in child maltreatment matters. The rest of my life is comprised of friends, family and community. I enjoy spending time with my 5-year-old son as well as our extended family. I am a dog lover; our sweet pup is 16-years-old and a joy to have around. (You may occasionally hear her tapping around my office during our sessions.) In my spare time you might find me socializing with friends, spending time in nature (despite being a city dweller), being a tourist in my hometown (there's a LOT to do in Chicago!), or getting "crafty."

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!

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.

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.

Hi, I’m Dominique Austin! Outside of the therapy room, I find joy in creativity, connection, and lifelong learning. I love to explore new perspectives through travel, yoga, and museums in the city—and at home, I find peace in caring for my plants while enjoying a neo soul playlist. Friends and family often describe me as empathetic, loving, and comical at times, qualities I like to carry into all areas of my life. Professionally, I began my career in social work after receiving my bachelors from The University of North Texas. Initially serving as an advocate for underprivileged communities, I took pleasure in fundraising and connecting individuals to resources that improved their lifestyle. I furthered my education at Texas Woman's University where I received my Masters in Counseling and Human Development and continued my passion for healing work through trauma and grief therapy for individuals impacted by homelessness, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

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.

I am licensed in Hawai'i, Arizona, and Washington DC with over 30 years of professional work experience. I've been highly effective in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe you are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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.

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. I am from Brazil, and I speak Portuguese as well :) 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!

Hi, I am Dr. Sills-Tailor as your therapist I provide support, guidance, and encouragement on your journey to change. I work with you in the exploration of your life so that you can make sense of your past, experience your present and look hopefully toward the future. We will work on identifying patterns of thinking and behaviors outside of your awareness and use this knowledge to create lasting change. I received my training and education at Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University and Harvard Medical School .

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor, I have over 9 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.

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.