Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

This process of being and becoming that we engage with as humans can simultaneously be both beautiful and incredibly challenging. The decision to take part in therapy can begin a transformative process that allows you to develop greater insight as well as ignite necessary behavioral changes. This can help promote greater well-being, vitality, healing, growth, resiliency, and self-actualization. There is perhaps no greater gift to give yourself than to invest in a process of self-exploration. Such exploration will better enable you to develop a deeper connection with your authentic self so that you may reach your optimal potential. Ultimately, engaging in therapy can be an empowered step toward claiming a life that feels more fulfilling, intentional and aligned with your goals. In turn, there is no greater honor for me than to get to share a part of your journey. I believe therapy to be a collaborative and relational process. You can expecte me to treat you with compassion and respect. I am a licensed psychologist in private practice after working in university counseling centers since 2003. Most recently, I served as the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at George Washington University since June 2020 after serving as Director of Counseling at Ursinus College since 2013. Prior to that I’ve worked in the counseling centers at Drexel, Columbia and Princeton University after completing my pre-doctoral internship at the counseling center at Johns Hopkins University and receiving my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia in 2010. Prior to that, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington and Lee University and my master’s degree in psychological counseling from Teacher’s College, Columbia University Collectively, these roles allowed me to identify my passion for providing quality mental health services to the adult and young adult population, particularly in helping the undergraduate and graduate students navigate through identity, relational and transitional concerns and stressors. In these roles, I both provided direct therapy to university students as well as oversight for the delivery of counseling services- including staff supervision and management, evaluation and assessment of services and programs, establishing best practices for the centers that met the needs of the campus community and supported student development objectives as well as the academic mission. I most enjoyed working directly with students to address both clinical and developmental issues and frequently experienced that through therapy, they could better realize their potential. I am very excited to be returning to a purely clinical role to dedicate my energy to providing direct therapy. I provide a warm, compassionate, supportive and empowering environment in which I meet individuals where they are and help them to feel seen, heard, and affirmed in order to heal, learn and grow. I believe that each client must be understood as an individual whose sense of self has been informed through many social, cultural and relational interactions.

You built a life and career by being the reliable one. The strong and independent one. The high-performer. Now you wake up tired, restless, and questioning who you are beneath the grind. I work with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and Adult Children of Immigrants navigating burnout, complex trauma, perfectionism, anxious stress, and identity conflict who feel lost in this stage of life and want to reconnect with themselves. Clients often say they are overwhelmed, stuck in overthinking, shutting down in relationships, or carrying stress in their body. Through trauma focused therapy, we explore the parts of you shaped by survival, family expectations, culture, and attachment. I integrate somatic work, IFS, CBT, and liberation based therapy to build awareness, emotional inner balance, and boundaries that reflect your values. As a 1st generation Haitian and Black therapist I know reaching out can feel loaded when you are used to handling everything alone. You do not have to justify needing support. I offer a 20 minute phone or video consultation to explore fit and help you take a steady first step toward change.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, you're not alone. As a psychodynamic psychotherapist, I offer a safe and confidential space to explore these challenges and uncover the underlying patterns that may be impacting your well-being. Together, we can delve into your past experiences, understand your current emotional landscape, and build the resilience needed to thrive during this pivotal time in your life.

As a therapist, I will always meet my clients where they are at the moment. My approach to therapy is holistic. I believe that therapy is client-led and my job is to walk with you side-by-side in your journey toward healing and growth. During sessions, I will lead with sensitivity, curiosity, and support. Our initial process will involve getting to know each other and developing a strong foundation of trust and safety. My ideal client is someone who is open to creating a partnership and ready to take on their counseling journey. This individual is ready to dive into some deep work and willing to be honest and is open to trusting a direct therapist to help them navigate life. This individual might not be aware of their issues at this time, but they are open to exploring them and creating goals to become a healthier version of themselves.

Clients come to me when they feel overwhelmed in life. The challenge is that the college experience can exacerbate these issues. It can be hard to navigate not only the academic expectations, but also the issues in our relationships. College is a unique and fleeting experience. I would be happy to support you in managing stressors to make this a positive experience. Our work together is based on radical kindness, cultural understanding, and empathy.

Welcome to The Hawthorne Center! We are a private practice run by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Chelsea Mazzotta. We offer in-person services in Allison Park, PA, and virtual services throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, and The District of Columbia. Our practice specializes in working with folks who are interested in processing how their families, communities, and other systems have shaped them. We understand that trauma also includes "isms"- such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and other forms of oppression that impact us throughout our lives. We love working with college students, young adults beginning their careers, and specialize in working with polyamorous individuals/couples, LGBTQ folks, and women. We also specialize in working with first-responders- those working in fields or training to work in fields such as healthcare/medicine, law enforcement, therapy/counseling, and other first responders. We are in-network with most UPMC, Highmark/BCBS, Optum, United, and Aetna plans in Pennsylvania. In DC and Ohio, we may accept some of the above plans or may be out of network (depending on your location). We are able to offer superbills if you would like to utilize out-of-network or private pay options. Questions about superbills? Please ask! Please reach out with questions! We'd be happy to chat.

You’re seeking to understand your past, reduce worries about the future, live authentically, AND hold onto your culture and values. You’re looking for someone who gets it from experience, someone you don’t have to count on to learn about your identity from the outside. Your culture, experiences, and even religion can impact your mental health, but can also help you heal. It’s a perfected dance in between all these identities and you walked the line delicately balanced until now. You’re not sure how to do it anymore without sacrificing yourself. You’re done feeling stuck, stagnant, and alone in trying to handle your struggles, so you’re ready to make some serious change that you know might rock the boat. It’s possible to have a therapist who understands who you are, what you need, and how to help you change your life in a way that doesn’t compromise any of this. You’re trying to balance your multiple identities and you want to understand how they can exist in harmony. You don’t want your culture overlooked in therapy. After all, your culture impacts everything - your thoughts, your feelings, your upbringing, your family interactions, and your worldview. Let’s explore your culture, upbringing, and identities to understand how they formed who you are, your worldview, and concerns. You are more than your problems and context matters! I support adult children of immigrants navigating anxiety & balancing culture and relationships.

Therapy isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating the space to better understand yourself, navigate life's challenges, and move forward with intention. At The Boylan Effect, I work with young adults, adults, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, burnout, relationship challenges, grief, identity exploration, and major life transitions. Many of the clients I work with also want to improve communication, establish healthier boundaries, and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. My approach integrates evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, DBT-informed interventions, somatic techniques, and trauma-informed care. Together, we'll develop practical coping skills, strengthen emotional resilience, improve communication, establish healthy boundaries, and create meaningful, lasting change. In addition to individual, couples, and family therapy, I also offer psychoeducational and process groups that provide opportunities for connection, shared learning, and personal growth.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Therapy can be intimidating, I get it. Together, we will co-create a space in which you feel safe to be your full self, whatever that means to you. I bring a non-judgmental presence to every session, ready to be the witness to your unique journey. Regardless of how you feel as you read this, I am here to remind you that you are on the right path. After all, by researching the right therapist for you, you are already showing up for yourself. I work with students as they navigate the variety of challenges that come up in school and life in general. Such as, handling and reducing stress and anxiety, making and keeping friends, keeping up with tasks, transferring into a new school, gender transitions, trauma, grief, and institutional oppression. You might be dealing with a number of challenges, but you don't have to go at them alone. When you're ready, I am here and excited to support you.

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.

I am a holistic psychotherapist with over 12 years of experience treating trauma (PTSD/CPTSD), anxiety, depression, ADHD and grief and loss. I am licensed in DC and Virginia, with both virtual and in-person openings. My office is steps off the redline metro in Dupont Circle. While I work with teens and adults, I particularly enjoy working with college students who want to alleviate stress, adjust to college life demands, and improve their relationships. I have advanced training psychodynamic work, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Internal Family Systems. To start this work, you don’t need to know exactly what it is you are looking for or the words to identify what’s specifically going on in your life. All you need to know is you want something more. Together, we’ll process the past, discuss the present, and work toward the future you want and deserve. We’ll untangle emotions to gain more clarity and confidence. You’ll learn to listen to your body’s wisdom to guide your healing. And we’ll move at a pace that works for you. In our initial sessions, we will better understand your therapy goals collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first few weeks and sustained improvement thereafter. Please call or email to schedule a free 15 minute consultation to talk about whether I would be a good fit for you as a therapist. I look forward to meeting you!

I am a pragmatic practitioner who combines an extensive background in humanistic, interpersonal, and psychodynamic theory with cognitive behavioral techniques. My aim is to get to know each client as an individual and not rely on a pre-determined program for what works. Everyone is different. I especially enjoy working with clients who are curious about themselves and willing to take the risk of seeing and understanding themselves more clearly in order to make the behavioral changes they need to improve their lives. Of course, there are times when anyone may be in difficult situations that are not of our doing (for example, dysfunctional family systems, mistreatment by those who have power/authority, COVID restrictions) and the changes we need to institute are better self-care and more compassion. As a Ph.D. Psychologist with a post-doctoral fellowship in group and couples, my practice offers individual, couples, and group psychotherapy.

As a practice, we are committed to Black excellence and helping clients address the concerns that are creating interruptions in their lives. Our focus is to help our clients address their needs and overcome challenges associated with the Black lived experience. We believe in creating the safest space possible while also helping clients utilize their strengths to cultivate personal growth and change. By using an interdisciplinary therapy-coaching model, we are able to guide our clients through a holistic approach to improvement and empowerment. Our staff works with clients to establish achievable goals that will help alleviate areas of distress and improve their overall well-being. Our clinicians specialize in trauma, stress and anxiety management, mood stabilization through a variety of different approaches while our coaches offer services ranging from executive to lifestyle to wellness coaching. As a practice, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide specialized care to clients who have felt and continue to feel negatively impacted by the experiences that have been and continue to be unique to our community. We welcome the opportunity to walk with you on your journey towards improving your relationship with yourself.

Robyn takes a relational approach to therapy, taking time to build a strong therapeutic alliance with each client. She meets clients wherever they are in their healing process and seeks to empower them to discover their strengths and develop healthy approaches to address challenges in their lives. Robyn believes therapy is a partnership, not a dictatorship! If you’re looking for an engaging, responsive therapist who doesn’t “just sit there,” Robyn’s approach might be a good fit!

I’m Sarah Beth (she/they), a White, genderqueer therapist. I am passionate about co-creating another world collectively, where all of our lives and inner worlds are precious. As a therapist for both children and adults, my hope is to provide a safe, affirming, and age-appropriate space for nurturing, acceptance, and self-exploration. I understand therapy as one tool, among many, for supporting youth and adults to find more joy and resilience in their daily lives. I provide individual, family, and couples therapy, with a specialization in supporting queer and transgender adults, youth, and their families.

Our dedicated therapists are honored to walk alongside you on your individual journey to personal wellness. Let us be a part of your healing process through personalized therapy, offering unwavering support and specialized care as you navigate life’s challenges. Together, we can create an individual therapy plan that empowers you to reach your mental wellness goals and strengthen your relationships. Your path to healing is unique, and our therapists are here with open hearts and compassionate care for all. Embrace this journey with us, and let’s foster growth and resilience together.

The Dorm is a mission-driven mental health treatment organization that has been empowering young adults building independent, resilient and purposeful lives since 2009. We provide individualized, flexible and community-centered intensive outpatient care and serve a clinically-diverse and acute population (ages 18-30).

Hopkins Behavioral Health is a therapy practice dedicated to the healing and growth of individuals and couples from all walks of life. We offer compassionate, culturally responsive care that goes beneath the surface to address the deeper roots of pain, disconnection, and harmful patterns. Our goal is to help you reclaim meaning, deepen self-understanding, and move toward personal liberation—so you can live more fully, in alignment with who you truly are.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, holistic and individualized, meeting you where you are. I am passionate about the process of therapy and will help you to develop insight, identify and reach your goals and enhance wellness. I specialize in treating couples and individuals coping with mental health and relationship concerns. My aim is to engage in collaboration to illuminate, foster insight and clarify what is within as well as the path ahead. I have over fifteen years of psychotherapy experience working with individuals, couples and families utilizing a combination of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Psychodynamic and Relational techniques among other modalities. My goal is to provide a safe place for growth, development and healing. Please take the first step and schedule a free 15 min phone consultation to meet and discuss how to proceed.