Washington, DC. The capital of the United States of America. Filled with beautiful monuments and government buildings, it’s a city worth visiting. Your mental health can be like a government. Sometimes, it feels like it’s running smoothly enough. Other times, you wonder who in the world is running your mind, because they aren’t doing a good job. 

A counselor can help you vote out the people who are making your mind a disaster, and replace them with those who are willing to work for you. Washington needs a sweeping of mental health, and a counselor based in Washington, DC can be able to help you.

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Sara Duckery

Offering therapy in DC
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience providing counseling services to adolescents, adults and families. I work a great deal with adolescents and young adults dealing with anxiety, learning issues, depression, ADHD, OCD, self-esteem, anger issues and experience working with military families. I have a Master's Degree from the University of Maryland-Baltimore in Social Work. I completed internships in the school system and hospital system working with children with complex medical needs. I currently am a school social worker in the Washington, DC area. I use a variety of therapy techniques helping my clients reach their goals that are set in a collaborative process. I strongly believe that it is a team approach in helping my client's achieve success in their treatment. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I strive on being honest with my clients and providing a safe environment to express their needs and feelings. My integrative approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy and solutions-focused approach. I will also ask for you open feedback about how you feel our sessions and goals are progressing. I have training in EMDR, TF-CBT and sand tray therapy. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, body combat and boot camp classes, searching for new instant pot recipes and traveling. It is hard to ask for help and you have taken the first step in doing so, so that is one step towards achieving your goals. I am here to support you in your journey to happiness. I look forward to working with you!

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Stephanie Nash

Offering therapy in DC
License: LICSW,LCSWC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
29 years of experience

Hello! My name is Stephanie. Thank you for your contact and your courage to take a first step toward your personal wellness. For over 25 years, I have provided therapeutic counseling to adults and children in the Washington DC and Maryland area.I have worked with clients that were experiencing a myriad of diagnoses and personal issues including anxiety, trauma and abuse, mood disorders, stress, and relationship conflicts. I understand that sometimes just navigating one's day to day circumstances may raise challenges that need talking through with someone who will listen with empathy and support and without judgement. My approach to treatment is to use a strength-based perspective that combines solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral interventions, use of trauma informed care, and mindfulness. The collaborative journey of therapy will allow us to gain insight from your choices, embrace your competence, contemplate tough questions, and set goals and intentions for new possibilities. I believe it is important to respect the person as well their perspective. With your help, I will tailor our work together to meet your unique and specific needs. I would value the opportunity to learn more about how I could encourage and empower you to persevere toward personal fulfillment and well being. When you are ready, I look forward to working with you!

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Karen Gano

Offering therapy in DC
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Anais Nin Hello. My name is Karen Gano, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in New Mexico, Colorado, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Australia. I received my Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and I have over 30 years of clinical counseling experience. My specialty is what I call Empowerment Counseling. I have a Motivational Interviewing style, and I use Compassion-Focused, Client-Centered, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Mindfulness, and Strength Based therapies to assist clients in improving their outlook and life. I have a holistic and goal oriented practice, working primarily with women who are going through some type of life transition whether it be separation, divorce, career changes, relocation, empty nest, illness, etc. I also provide counseling to healthcare workers as I have been a practicing medical social worker throughout my career, and I have worked in trauma, emergency medicine, critical care, oncology, palliative care, and domestic abuse. We can all benefit from talking to someone now and again. It is my primary goal to empower clients so that they can build and expand their "team," discover their voice, increase self-awareness and esteem, and make wanted changes in their life. My professional and personal mantra is "Self-Care + Time = Healing." I can help you with healthy coping strategies and tools to guide you from surviving to thriving. I very much look forward to working with you!

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Jessica Canty

Offering therapy in DC
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

Hey there! I am Jessica Canty, a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Washington DC with over 11 years of experience. If you have experienced generational trauma, grief and loss, career challenges, work life balance challenges, and self-esteem issues, you need a therapist who is committed to supporting you in changing the narrative of your life. When we work together you will discover and pursue your life’s passions. I believe that therapy is a partnership to unlock and what hurdles you may face to living a more satisfying life. My approach combines client centered therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused and trauma focused therapy. We will tailor our dialog, partnership, and your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Jennifer Rochel

Offering therapy in DC
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Jennifer Rochel and I am licensed clinical social worker. If you are exploring better help, it is likely that you are struggling with something significant in your life. I'd like to help. Finding the right counselor that you feel comfortable with is important to have a good alliance in meeting your goals. I believe that creating a safe environment for my client and developing a caring relationship is critical to successful therapy. I'd like to tell you about myself so you can see if we are a good fit. I have been a social worker for more than 15 years and have experience working with people from all different backgrounds who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. Much of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders. I have experience working with children and families in the child protection system, school system, and private practice setting. I use a person-centered, holistic, multicultural, and integrative approach in treatment. This means I begin where you are and tailor the treatment approach to your needs while being sensitive to how your individual cultural identities and lifestyle choices impact your experience. I primarily use evidence-based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused counseling.

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Tabitha Mann

Offering therapy in DC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Juanita Stokes

Offering therapy in DC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and in Washington, DC. I have a MA degree in Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in Arlington, VA and a MA in Religious Studies from Howard university School of Divinity, Washington, DC. I have more than 10 years of experience in helping clients (Individuals and couples) with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I take a person-centered approach to therapy to help the client increase self-awareness, respecting the individuality and uniqueness of each client. I believe self-awareness is key to staying on top of your typical reactions to specific events, challenges, and people. As a retired US Government, GS-15 Deputy Director, I am also familiar with workforce issues. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Famebridge Gray

Offering therapy in DC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in the District of Columbia with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Dacia Hastings

Offering therapy in DC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoaching
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland and Washington, DC with over 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, workplace issues, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. My practice philosophy is treating the whole person (mind, body, and spirit). I also believe in meeting people where they are. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Wysonda Smith

Offering therapy in DC
Trauma and abuse
7 years of experience

***I AM ONLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS WHO ARE OPEN TO AND READY FOR EMDR THERAPY AT THIS TIME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.*** Hi! I’m Wysonda Smith, but everyone calls me Torri. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas, Oregon, Louisiana, and D.C. I’m so glad that you found your way here. You may feel overwhelmed right now and unable to imagine your life in a better place, but you have already taken the courageous first step of asking for help. I will be by your side as we navigate life’s challenges together and explore the brighter path ahead. I will create a supportive and non-judgmental space where you are safe and free to share your emotions, thoughts, and fears. I will be with you to encourage your growth and celebrate your successes along the way. You can expect an eclectic, integrative, and transpersonal approach to therapy. The combination of therapeutic modalities that I use with each client is individualized and tailored specifically for YOU. We will dive into thought patterns and behaviors that no longer serve you as well as mindfulness and dreamwork. I am especially passionate about trauma and our innate resilience. By looking into counseling, you are already demonstrating that beautiful resilience within. I aim to gain a holistic picture of who you are to better offer guidance and support. Let’s collaborate and create the happiness and inner peace that you’ve been searching for!

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How to find counseling in Washington

Finding the best therapist close by in Washington can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Washington. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Washington, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Washington or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Washington area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Washington, elsewhere in District of Columbia, or in the greater state of District of Columbia.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Washington area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Washington therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Washington due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Washington may not take health insurance, some in the state of District of Columbia may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of District of Columbia you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Washington, District of Columbia working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Washington above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Washington helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Washington therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Washington therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Washington therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in DC, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 20456 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Washington counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Washington licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Washington, District of Columbia can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Washington has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Washington.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Washington:

20001, 20002, 20003, 20004, 20005, 20006, 20007, 20008, 20009, 20010, 20011, 20012, 20013, 20015, 20016, 20017, 20018, 20019, 20020, 20022, 20024, 20026, 20027, 20029, 20030, 20032, 20033, 20035, 20036, 20037, 20038, 20039, 20040, 20041, 20042, 20043, 20044, 20045, 20047, 20049, 20050, 20052, 20053, 20055, 20056, 20057, 20058, 20059, 20060, 20061, 20062, 20063, 20064, 20065, 20066, 20067, 20068, 20069, 20070, 20071, 20073, 20074, 20075, 20076, 20077, 20078, 20080, 20081, 20082, 20090, 20091, 20189, 20201, 20202, 20203, 20204, 20206, 20207, 20208, 20210, 20211, 20212, 20213, 20214, 20215, 20216, 20217, 20218, 20219, 20220, 20221, 20222, 20223, 20224, 20226, 20227, 20228, 20229, 20230, 20232, 20233, 20235, 20237, 20238, 20239, 20240, 20241, 20242, 20244, 20245, 20250, 20251, 20252, 20254, 20260, 20261, 20262, 20265, 20266, 20268, 20270, 20277, 20289, 20299, 20301, 20303, 20306, 20307, 20310, 20314, 20317, 20318, 20319, 20330, 20340, 20350, 20355, 20370, 20372, 20373, 20374, 20375, 20376, 20380, 20388, 20389, 20390, 20391, 20392, 20393, 20394, 20395, 20398, 20401, 20402, 20403, 20404, 20405, 20406, 20407, 20408, 20409, 20410, 20411, 20412, 20413, 20414, 20415, 20416, 20417, 20418, 20419, 20420, 20421, 20422, 20423, 20424, 20425, 20426, 20427, 20428, 20429, 20431, 20433, 20434, 20435, 20436, 20437, 20439, 20440, 20441, 20442, 20444, 20447, 20451, 20453, 20456, 20460, 20463, 20468, 20469, 20470, 20472, 20500, 20501, 20502, 20503, 20504, 20505, 20506, 20507, 20508, 20509, 20510, 20511, 20515, 20520, 20521, 20522, 20523, 20524, 20525, 20526, 20527, 20528, 20529, 20530, 20531, 20533, 20534, 20535, 20536, 20537, 20538, 20539, 20540, 20541, 20542, 20543, 20544, 20546, 20547, 20548, 20549, 20551, 20552, 20553, 20554, 20555, 20557, 20559, 20560, 20565, 20566, 20570, 20571, 20572, 20573, 20575, 20576, 20577, 20578, 20579, 20580, 20581, 20585, 20586, 20588, 20590, 20591, 20593, 20594, 20597, 20599, 56901, 56902, 56904, 56908, 56915, 56920, 56933, 56935, 56944, 56945, 56950, 56965, 56967, 56972, 56998, 56999

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