Skip to main content
Your message was sent successfully!

Therapists for college students near Howard University

Photo of Marsha Charlton
Marsha Charlton
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pittsfield, MA

Hello, I’m Marsha Charlton, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C (PSI), a board-certified Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about supporting college students as they navigate the unique challenges of academic life and personal growth. With extensive experience in both primary care and mental health, I provide comprehensive medication management and supportive psychotherapy tailored to the needs of young adults. I also hold advanced certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International. This credential reflects specialized training in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related concerns, and adjustment challenges. In my practice, I integrate this expertise through evidence-based screening, thoughtful medication management during pregnancy and lactation, and psychotherapy approaches designed to support individuals during the transition to parenthood. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered to achieve their mental health goals.

Photo of Jessica Dinan
Jessica Dinan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

Don’t let struggles with anxiety, depression, and/or self-discovery affect your quality of life. As a solutions-driven therapist, I work with teenagers and adults, taking the time to get to know you and your world, which will inform the work we do together. My goal is to help understand and disempower your anxiety or depression, navigate grief, or guide you to discover your authentic self. The solution isn't one size fits all, and we will find it together. Above all, I believe in the dignity and worth in a person, allowing me to be your comforting partner in care. I look forward to getting to know you in our work together. You deserve a therapist who is passionate about guiding you to live authentically. I strive to do just that, in a compassionate environment where you can always expect to be treated with respect and kindness. My style is warm, conversational, and grounded in curiosity, positivity, and respect while remaining flexible to your unique needs. This flexibility extends to my integrated therapeutic approach, which may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and narrative therapies to help you build tools to navigate your day to day and embrace your life story. I’ve always been drawn to developing personal and professional growth. In my business life, I’ve been a coach, a marketer, a salesperson, a communications expert, and a professional experience developer. This mix of skills is evident in my work with patients now, where I bring a creative and human perspective to each session. When I’m not in the office, I’m out and about, exploring my great city and traveling. I also enjoy yoga, dining in and out, and long walks with my adorable pup.

Photo of Akiko Motomura
Akiko Motomura
Psychologist
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

My specialty is working with people with anxiety, depression, and a history of interpersonal trauma. I bring over 20 years of clinical experience, including three university counseling centers, hospitals, and community clinics, including one specialized in caring for the LGBTQ+ community, before establishing my practice in 2011. I value working with those exploring the impact of gender and race on their identity and life experiences, and those living between cultures and languages. My goal is to help you understand yourself at a deep level, own your body, and live more fully and meaningfully. Please feel free to check out my website and contact me for more details.

Photo of Olivia Tisa
Olivia Tisa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I provide affirming, person-centered support to help you navigate whatever you're facing, whether that's a major life transition, relationship challenges, identity exploration, or simply a desire to grow and better understand yourself. My work centers on LGBTQIA+ individuals, young adults and life changes, and anyone exploring identity, relationships, self-fulfillment, and personal growth. Additionally, I have a deep personal and professional interest in reproductive mental health and perinatal wellbeing, supporting those facing infertility, fertility treatment, and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), including IVF and IUI. I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples on family-building paths such as donor conception, sperm or egg donation, gestational carriers, and third-party reproduction. Whether you're weighing donor options, navigating the emotional landscape of pregnancy and postpartum, or learning to advocate for yourself within the fertility clinic system, I offer informed, compassionate support every step of the way. No matter who you are or what you’re experiencing, my approach is collaborative and tailored to you, meeting you where you are and walking alongside you. At the heart of my work is a genuine commitment to making you feel truly seen. I believe that the most meaningful therapeutic work happens when you feel safe enough to be honest, so I prioritize creating a space that is nonjudgmental, warm, and unhurried from the very first session. Working together, we’ll use collaborative exploration, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and strengths-based techniques to help you reconnect with your values and move through life's most challenging moments with greater clarity. Because no two people – and no two journeys – are exactly alike, my approach is tailored to your unique story, goals, and pace, in an environment that is safe, affirming, and entirely yours. Therapy is your time, which is why I vow to always show up to each session ready to meet you exactly where you are. My path to becoming a therapist began at the St. Louis City Courthouse, where I had the privilege of supporting survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. That experience showed me, in vivid and lasting terms, how community resources, advocacy, and therapeutic care can genuinely change the course of someone's life. I went on to spend several years in Washington, D.C., working in international development and political advocacy. That work deepened my understanding of how the world's larger systems shape each of us at a profoundly personal level, a perspective I carry into every therapeutic relationship. As a queer person who has navigated complex systems, policies, and family-building pathways in the U.S., I bring both personal and professional insight to this work. I understand that these experiences are not just logistical; they are deeply emotional, and they deserve thoughtful, informed support. When I'm not in session, you'll find me exploring new destinations, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, or hosting friends around the table. I also enjoy crafting, getting lost in a good book, and keeping up with my Pilates practice.

Photo of Alexa Gitlitz
Alexa Gitlitz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my focus is on helping adults ages 18 and older navigate depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, and other mental health concerns. Whether you're looking for relief from persistent symptoms, greater emotional balance, or practical strategies to improve your daily life and relationships, you've come to the right place. Every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported, and that belief shapes everything about the care I provide. Together, we'll take the time to understand what you're experiencing, build a personalized treatment plan, and work toward lasting wellness that fits your life. Care that's compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based isn't just how I work; it's what I believe you deserve from the start. In your first appointment, I'll conduct a thorough psychiatric assessment so we can develop a treatment plan that's truly tailored to you, whether that involves medication management, ongoing support, or a combination of approaches. My style is warm and patient-centered, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being open about what you're going through. There's no judgment here, only a genuine commitment to understanding your goals and helping you move toward them. Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner was a natural path for me, because I've always been drawn to work that creates real, meaningful change in people's lives. Building authentic therapeutic relationships, seeing patients grow, and walking alongside someone as they move toward their goals is what makes my work so fulfilling. This passion continues to shape how I show up for every person I have the privilege of caring for. Yoga, reading, traveling, and exploring new cities are where I find balance and inspiration. Each keeps me curious, present, and connected to the world around me, qualities I bring with me into every patient relationship.

Photo of Ashley Alderette
Ashley Alderette
Psychologist
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

Ashley’s approach emphasizes the use of specific tools and strategies to help adolescents and adults reduce distress, develop more flexible thinking, feel more connected in relationships, and address tendencies towards perfectionism and rigidity. She has a warm, collaborative and empowering therapeutic style, with expertise in anxiety, depression, relationships, life transitions, work/life balance, perfectionism and eating disorders. Areas of specialization: -Stress and anxiety -Relationships and connection -Work-life balance -Life transitions -Self-esteem -Disordered eating -EMDR treatment I help clients who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck to bring about lasting change and peace of mind. I work particularly well with clients who are struggling to build meaningful connections with others, as well as those navigating the balance between pursuing success and paralyzing perfectionism. My approach is warm, empathic, collaborative and non-judgmental; I aim for you to feel understood and empowered in session, and to carry those feelings into your broader life. I have extensive training in skill-based techniques, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), radically open dialectical behavioral therapy (RO DBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and insight-oriented therapies. I also offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through extended sessions. My training allows me to craft a treatment strategy that meets your unique needs and provides you with the tools to increase your self-awareness, sense of control over your feelings, and satisfaction with your life, relationships and choices. I specialize in working with teens, college students, and young adults through experienced professionals, including those with demanding jobs who would like to increase their sense of connection to their families. I have particular expertise in anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, social connectedness, grief, life transitions, perfectionism and disordered eating, with a focus on helping clients to remain present and resilient in response to day-to-day demands. I also have extensive experience training other clinicians, having supervised the clinical work of doctoral level therapists at George Mason University and Potomac Behavioral Solutions. I work with clients via telehleath and welcome and am actively affirming of all sexualities, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds. Licensed Clinical Psychologist PsyD in Clinical Psychology Offering sessions via telehealth to clients based in: DC, Maryland, Virginia and all 40+ PSYPACT participating states.

Photo of Anna Chung
Anna Chung
Licensed Professional Counselor
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

Whether you suffer from anxiety or depression, if you’re angry or sad, when you experience low self-esteem, or your relationships do not work out — as a highly trained therapist, I can help you with these and other difficulties. I have helped many people to take charge of their lives, to reduce their symptoms, and to make positive and lasting changes. My approach is focused on helping you learn how your mind works and empowering you to identify and to change your emotional patterns. As a therapist who has worked in a variety of settings (non-profit clinic, college campus, crisis program, psychiatric setting) and with diverse populations (children, adolescents, young adults, older adults of different races and different cultures), I am more likely to be able to relate to your unique life situation and to help you with a wide array of issues. Having experienced immigration, I enjoy working with and have expertise with race- and culture-related individual and family matters. Another area of my expertise is lifespan development issues — from child and adolescent to young, middle, and older adulthood.

Photo of Eleanore Yarbrough
Eleanore Yarbrough
Licensed Professional Counselor
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

Feeling more like yourself is possible, and that's exactly what we'll work toward together. As an integrative therapist with three years of experience in mental health and career counseling, my work is rooted in helping people navigate the strong emotions, mood states, and behavioral concerns that can get in the way of living their most desired or authentic life. Whether you're an emerging adult finding your footing or a seasoned adult seeking a reset, I'm here to help you move through whatever is causing disruption or discontent in your life so you can feel more like yourself. With a specialization in nervous system regulation and discernment counseling, I’m passionate about providing counseling in a modern world. I believe in compassionate awareness, which helps me be fully present while supporting you in becoming more grounded and free. What I look forward to most are those “aha” moments, however brief yet meaningful, that last far beyond what is created in our weekly/bi-weekly sessions. Therapy, at its best, should feel like a space you can breathe in. My approach is built on balance: it doesn't need to be an experience that wrecks you, it shouldn't leave you emotionally exhausted, and it certainly doesn't need to stop you from moving forward. Being in touch with your more vulnerable parts doesn't mean becoming consumed by them. Rather, I am passionate about making counseling accessible, welcoming, safe, and, above all, balanced within the unique confines of your life. Together, we'll identify the patterns and biofeedback loops already present in your life, use parts work to understand how and why they show up, and draw on that understanding to guide a more integrated, grounded way of living. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness training, and an understanding of how body, mind, and environment work in tandem, sessions are designed to feel flowing, steady, and reliable. My style is like me – warm and compassionate, but not without confrontation once that feels helpful. Every approach is tailored to your unique life and circumstances, because while no therapist can know the full extent of a patient's experience, showing up each week to work with what you bring to the room is something I take seriously. My path to becoming a therapist began at summer camp. Though I come from an athletic and social family, I was never much for either! On one warm afternoon at recreation time, I found myself right where I wanted to be: sitting on the bench, watching, talking, and offering important verbal evidence on whether that ball was in or out at Four Square. That summer, and many more that followed, helped me understand something essential about myself. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to appreciate a person or experience for exactly what it is. Not for their potential. Not for their past. For precisely where they are right now. This perspective has shaped everything about how I show up as a therapist. The present moment holds more than enough to explore, and in my experience, that exploration is not just adequate, but unending. Movement and the outdoors are my strongholds. I enjoy yoga, weight-lifting, and long walks, and am also a passionate cook who loves to try out and create new recipes. And, I am a lifelong learner – I enjoy reading, history, and anything to do with the brain and body.

Generic avatar (Jessica Villatoro did not provide a photo)
Jessica Villatoro
Counselor
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

Healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) Mental Health Clinician, I provide a compassionate, judgment-free space where you can explore life's challenges and reconnect with your authentic self. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, grief, life transitions, ADHD, OCD, anger management, substance use, parenting concerns, and more. My approach is personalized, integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Couples Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Music Therapy.  You don't have to have it all figured out to begin. Wherever you are in your journey, I'm here to help you build resilience, find balance, and create meaningful, lasting change—one step at a time.  My passion for this work is deeply personal. Having navigated my own mental health journey, I understand the courage it takes to ask for help and the hope that healing can bring. That lived experience, combined with evidence-based clinical training, allows me to meet each client with empathy, authenticity, and genuine compassion.  Outside of the therapy room, I believe that taking care of yourself is an ongoing practice, not a destination. Reading, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends all help me stay connected and grounded.

Photo of Lisa Kays
Lisa Kays
Group practice
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

My website is the best way to learn about me and how I work. My website is at www.lisakays.com. You may also complete my inquiry form on my website to learn more about my practice and so that I can determine if my practice is a good fit in terms of your scheduling and treatment needs. If you're not sure, please ask!

Photo of Amy Goldfrank, LCSW
Amy Goldfrank, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

Amy strives for clients to feel supported and guided as they work towards growth and change. She specializes in anxiety, depression, relationships, self-criticism, perfectionism, and life transitions (e.g., graduation, parenthood and career changes). Amy's style blends tangible tools with broader insight, all while strengthening a sense of agency so that clients can feel empowered to make and sustain meaningful change. Areas of specialization: -Anxiety -Depression -Low self-esteem -Perfectionism -Family and relationship challenges -Life and career transitions I specialize in working with clients who feel anxious, depressed, or disempowered, and struggle with cycles of self-criticism, perfectionism, difficult relationships, or life transitions (e.g., graduation, parenthood or career changes). My therapeutic approach blends evidence-based methods from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, ACT, and DBT, with goals to help clients understand and tangibly improve their symptoms. I aim for therapy to be a place where they can feel supported and guided as we work together towards growth. I seek to help strengthen clients' sense of agency, so they feel empowered to make and sustain meaningful life changes. I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work, and have advanced postgraduate training in perinatal mental health care, including postpartum anxiety and depression, as well as training in trauma-informed clinical care. Prior to becoming a therapist, I previously worked as an attorney with the US Department of Justice, and draw upon this experience in my work with clients in demanding professional and academic careers. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, and am committed to creating a collaborative, non-judgmental therapeutic experience where both practical strategies and emotional understanding can flourish. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Master of Social Work, The Catholic University of America Juris Doctorate, The University of Chicago Law School Offering sessions in person in Washington, DC, and via telehealth to clients based in: DC, Maryland, and Virginia

Photo of Lily Nadel
Lily Nadel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I'm here to help women and girls navigate life's stressors, trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges. Whether you're working to better understand your emotions or exploring how your past experiences have shaped the way you move through the world, this is a space built on integrity, care, and a genuine commitment to your growth. You deserve a therapist who shows up for you fully, and that's exactly what I strive to be. Together, we'll work toward deeper self-understanding and the tools to help you live more fully and authentically. In our time together, you can expect a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where you feel genuinely heard and empowered to grow. Therapy with me is casual, conversational, and always centered on you. Drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy, we'll work together to unpack anxious thoughts, identify triggers, and explore how your history connects to your present experiences. Your autonomy throughout this process matters deeply to me, and every aspect of our work is tailored to your unique needs and goals. The road to becoming a therapist was shaped by my own meaningful experiences in therapy. The strong, trusting relationships I built with my therapists showed me firsthand what effective, ethical care can look like and deepened my commitment to offering that same experience to the people I work with. That foundation continues to inform every session. A conversational approach, a genuine investment in your well-being, and an unwavering dedication to compassionate care are what you'll find here. When I'm not in session, you can find me knitting, reading, hitting the gym, or diving into my newest hobby: spinning my own yarn.

Photo of Molly Kessler
Molly Kessler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for tweens, teens, young adults, and LGBTQIA+ individuals who are navigating eating disorders, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, gender barriers, perfectionism, anger, and identity exploration. I believe that everyone deserves to be valued, treated with respect, to have their story honored, and to live a meaningful life. It would be a privilege to support and witness your growth and transformation. As a therapist grounded in feminism, social justice, and hope, I prioritize meeting each person where they are with consideration for their unique needs and lived experiences. I am passionate about helping patients recognize their worth and build fulfilling lives. Together, you can expect a safe and welcoming environment where you are supported as you navigate challenges while developing tools and strategies to help you make the changes you desire. My approach integrates EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), art-based interventions, psychodynamic therapy, and nervous system regulation tools, tailored to your specific needs and goals. My journey to becoming a therapist consisted of a thousand small moments. Throughout my life, I witnessed the impact of mental health challenges on those around me, and have recognized how quality mental health care can change someone's life, leading me to the firm conviction that one person believing in you can make a lasting impact. Furthermore, my own experiences of being a child with ADHD, and a teen who often felt anxious and alone, helped me develop a great depth of understanding and compassion for other youth and young adults who are suffering. Beyond the personal, my experience spans a range of mental health settings, including community mental health, a domestic violence center, an eating disorder recovery program, and an agency specializing in trauma recovery for justice-involved youth and their families. In these roles, I supported individuals navigating systemic barriers and complex life experiences. In my clinical work, I help patients process and reduce the impact of trauma-related symptoms, including anxiety, anger, perfectionism, overwhelm, hypervigilance, fears of abandonment and rejection, and low self-worth. In my practice now, I hope to offer others the kind of support I once needed, and am honored to walk alongside patients as they move toward healing and change. In my free time, I love trying new coffee shops, buying my cats too many toys, and rewatching Ted Lasso and the Jurassic Park movies. I also enjoy exploring new places, spending time in nature, and engaging in creative activities, including photography and creating art to decorate my space.

Photo of Katherine Wible
Katherine Wible
Pre-Licensed Professional
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

Do you feel overwhelmed, stuck in your own thoughts, or unsure of how to navigate changes in your life? As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I work with adolescents and adults to navigate anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, build confidence, develop healthier ways of coping, and feel more present and in control of your life. I believe in meeting you exactly where you are, which allows me to be a supportive and collaborative partner throughout the therapy process. I look forward to helping you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and work toward meaningful changes that feel right for you. Creating a space where you feel comfortable being yourself while gaining a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns is something I care deeply about. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-based techniques, I help you build on that understanding while developing practical tools you can use outside of therapy. This conversational style carries into every session, where I tailor my collaborative, supportive, and individualized approach to your unique needs, personality, and goals. My journey toward therapy began with a genuine curiosity about people and a desire to understand the experiences that shape who we are. This grew into a commitment to providing compassionate, individualized care where patients feel truly heard and understood. Today, I bring warmth, curiosity, and authenticity to each session with you, believing that therapy can be both meaningful and human. I enjoy playing piano, drawing, and practicing Pilates, yoga, and meditation. Exploring new places and spending time with loved ones are just as important to me. I also love reading, going to the movies, and unwinding with a good reality TV show.

Photo of Katherine Corsetti
Katherine Corsetti
Pre-Licensed Professional
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

Finding the right support is the first step, and you don't have to take it alone. As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I’m dedicated to helping people navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions with compassion and care. Whether you're working to manage difficult emotions, strengthen your coping skills, or move toward personal goals that feel out of reach, we'll build something meaningful together. My commitment is to meet you exactly where you are, as a steady and supportive partner throughout your care as you work toward greater clarity and confidence, while empowering lasting growth and a stronger sense of well-being. Fostering self-awareness and a real sense of agency in the people I work with is at the heart of what I do. In our time together, you can expect a warm, grounded environment where you feel genuinely heard. Sessions are collaborative by design, drawing on evidence-based techniques and thoughtful exploration to help you build insight and develop practical skills you can carry beyond our work together. My style is compassionate and flexible; every person brings a unique set of needs and goals, and the approach we take will reflect yours. A deep curiosity about people and a genuine desire to support others through life's challenges brought me to this work, and this foundation continues to shape the compassionate, patient-centered care I offer every day. To each session, I bring patience, empathy, and authentic presence, because you deserve a therapist who is truly invested in your progress, not just going through the motions. Outside the therapy room, you can usually find me curled up with a good book, exploring new restaurants, watching a great show, or heading to the movies. Running and ice skating are also fun outdoor hobbies that help me stay active and recharge.

Photo of Emily Kahn-Perry
Emily Kahn-Perry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I specialize in stress, anxiety, and burnout for adults navigating life transitions and everyday pressures. I am dedicated to helping you uncover the strengths you need to move through life's core stressors with resilience, building the tools that help you show up as your most grounded and authentic self. My areas of focus include stress and anxiety management, and supporting you through the many transitions life brings. I approach every patient with compassion, curiosity, and respect, showing up as a collaborative partner in your healing process. I look forward to helping you build the confidence to navigate life with greater balance and clarity. Healing looks different for everyone, and I believe the most meaningful progress happens when you feel truly seen and supported. My approach is holistic, trauma-informed, and rooted in collaboration, because you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you access the wisdom and strengths already within you. In our work together, I draw on Mindfulness-based and strength-based practices to help you build a steady foundation beneath your feet. Sessions are warm and nonjudgmental, creating the kind of space where honest reflection feels possible. From there, we explore what balance, clarity, and resilience can look like for you specifically — because no two journeys are the same, and your care should reflect that. My path to becoming a therapist began with my own journey of unlearning and relearning how to prioritize my well-being during major life stressors. These experiences sparked a deep passion for helping others reconnect with themselves and reclaim their needs through a mindful, holistic lens. Now, I bring a collaborative spirit to every session, working with you as a true team and moving together toward your growth, healing, and sense of self. Outside the therapy space, I stay active by training for triathlons – swimming, biking, and running. I also love traveling to new destinations and discovering great restaurants along the way.

Photo of Michelle Marroquin
Michelle Marroquin
Counselor
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

Sometimes the transitions, pressures, and questions of life can feel overwhelming to navigate on your own. As a licensed graduate professional counselor, I help you do just that, specializing in mood disorders, life transitions, cultural impacts, and stress management for adolescents and adults. Whether you're stepping into a new environment, entering a new relationship, shifting careers, or working through something harder to name, I'm here to help you find your footing. Identity work is central to what I do, as I believe that understanding who you are, and how your experiences have shaped you, is some of the most meaningful work we can do together. I approach every session with genuine curiosity, because being a truly present counselor means seeking first to understand. Your goals and needs guide our work, and I look forward to collaborating with you every step of the way. When you work with me, you can expect warmth, openness, and a space that feels genuinely safe and inviting. Sessions are collaborative and nonjudgmental by design, shaped around your unique needs rather than a one-size-fits-all framework. Drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), I take an integrative approach to help you improve your mood, manage daily stressors, and build skills that carry beyond our sessions. Cultural identity and the way life experiences show up in your everyday world are areas I'm deeply passionate about. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you as you move closer to something more meaningful and fulfilling. Whatever you bring into the room, we'll work through it together. This path chose me as much as I chose it. My own experiences navigating stress, cultural impacts, and identity gave me an early and personal window into the weight those things can carry. Watching family and friends face their own mental health challenges deepened that understanding and strengthened my commitment to providing care that is both thorough and genuinely human. Every person I work with benefits from that perspective, and I bring it fully into each session. Outside of the therapy room, you can find me thrifting, getting lost in a good book, or seeking out any body of water I can find. At home, my cat Suki keeps things lively and reminds me that the small, simple moments matter too.

Photo of Zachary Pyne, PLLC
Zachary Pyne, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

If you’re struggling in your relationships, navigating a major life transition, or feeling stuck in patterns related to substance or behavioral addictions, you’re not alone. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, capable adults who find themselves repeating painful relational dynamics or feeling disconnected from the life they want to be living. Therapy can be a powerful place to understand why—and to begin doing something different. I specialize in working with adults from diverse cultural backgrounds who want more fulfilling relationships and a stronger sense of self. Together, we explore the patterns that may be contributing to your needs not being met. I help you to increase awareness of how these patterns developed and how they continue to show up in your life today. My approach is deeply informed by my professional training and my personal experience as a consumer of high-quality therapy. I know what it’s like to sit on the other side of the room and wrestle with whether change is possible. If you’re ready to take the next step forward, I’d be honored to work with you.

Photo of Maisha Gainer
Maisha Gainer
Marriage & Family Therapist
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with more than 20 years of experience, I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, career transitions, coping, cultural stress, family conflict, racial identity, self-esteem, and life transitions. My goal is to help you tap into your personal essence and resources so you can build a more relational and creative life, one that feels genuinely yours. Whatever brought you here, I inspire and motivate you toward the life you actually want to be living. The therapeutic process is a personal one, and I don't take lightly the trust it takes to reach out. Thank you for considering me in supporting you to achieve your goals. I look forward to working with you. My counseling style is compassionate, warm, and empathetic while remaining behaviorally focused. Every person who comes to me has a different set of needs, experiences, and goals, so sessions are tailored accordingly. I use a collaborative and holistic approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family systems, solution-focused, strength-based, and Mindfulness-based modalities. Rather than applying a single method, I pull from these frameworks to meet you where you are and build something that works for your life. Over more than two decades in the mental health field, I've had the privilege of working alongside individuals, adolescents, and families navigating some of the most complex dynamics a person can face. That breadth of experience across generations and family systems has shaped both the therapist and the person I am today. I’m always in motion when not in session! Yoga and Pilates keep me grounded, HIIT classes push me, and hiking gets me out and into the world. When I want to slow down completely, I knit, taking pleasure in the quiet, focused craft.

Photo of Dawn Johnson
Dawn Johnson
Psychologist
Washington, DC
Accepting new clients

If you feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed or stuck, if you are frustrated by your family or relationships, or are worn out by disordered eating, my practice may be a good fit for you. My therapy style is collaborative, warm, and nonjudgmental, with room for humor. Together, we will work to improve your symptoms, gain a deeper understanding of your concerns and bring about lasting change. As a former clinician at George Washington University and the University of the District of Columbia, I have extensive experience with students, emerging adults and others navigating life transitions. With experience in global recruitment for the international development industry, I work well with clients who are working to establish or move up within their professional careers, struggle with work/life balance, or are considering a career change. My practice is open and affirming. I welcome clients of all sexualities, gender identities, ethnicities and national origins. My office is conveniently located on Farragut Square, directly above the Farragut West Metro stop (blue/orange/silver), across from Farragut North (Red Line) and walking distance to GWU. I also offer sessions via telehealth/video.

Filters