Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

Welcome! I help teens and adults with all types of eating disorders, disordered eating, mood and anxiety issues, and life transitions. Given the world we live in, it can be hard sometimes to sort out "normal" attempts to be healthy and fit vs disordered patterns of eating, exercising or thoughts about food and weight. Your eating issues may have suddenly become problematic or they may have been around "forever". Either way, you deserve to get help to bring balance and flexibility back into your eating and thoughts about food and your body. Learning how to manage mood changes, anxiety and stress during life changes is key. I'm also passionate about supporting women during mid-life transitions related to changes in roles and relationships due to separation/divorce, balancing demands of parenting, caring for aging parents, loss and seeking fulfillment in life. I'll help you process difficult emotions and support you as you consider personal concerns and decisions. Seeking help takes courage--know that there can be relief and calm especially with a partner by your side. Whether it's for yourself or your teen, please visit my website to learn more or reach out to discuss your situation. I work with individuals as well as families and offer flexible hours, in person sessions, and telehealth for MD and DC residents.

Many people I work with describe their struggles with self-doubt, persistent worries, irrational fears, and "overthinking" tendencies, saying that they second-guess themselves and struggle to quiet their anxious thoughts. Often, these struggles are a result of past traumatic events that have shaped how the brain perceives the world. Other times, these struggles may trace back to unhelpful messaging from outside sources, which can result in learned behaviors, patterns, and ways of thinking that promote anxiety, worry, and shame. I use modalities such as EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, and CBT to support clients with these struggles. Therapy can support us to uncover and understand the impacts that traumas and other past events have on how we navigate the world. This awareness, coupled with therapeutic interventions, can support us to heal from past hardships and make changes to the learned survival techniques that are no longer serving us. Those who work with me describe me as compassionate, accepting, and interactive in my approach, and I strive to create a comfortable and judgment-free environment for my clients. I offer online scheduling, specialized, evidence-based approaches, and brief, no-cost phone consultations. I encourage you to reach out to see if working together may be a good fit!

Starting college or graduate school —or navigating your way through them—can be both exciting and overwhelming. Many students find themselves facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, academic pressure, or major life transitions, often for the first time. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I specialize in working with college students and young adults, and I understand the unique pressures of university life—from managing expectations and finding your place, to coping with self-doubt, loneliness, or burnout. Whether you’re struggling or simply wanting to better understand yourself and grow, therapy can be a space where things begin to feel more manageable and more hopeful. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe that meaningful change happens in a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship, where you feel safe to be yourself and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Together, we’ll work at your pace to better understand your experiences, build resilience, and develop tools that help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including working in university counseling centers, where I supported students through many of the challenges you may be facing now. I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities, and I am committed to creating an inclusive, affirming space where you feel seen and respected. I also have experience working with international students, students with disabilities and chronic health conditions, Deaf and hard of hearing students, and those navigating complex family or cultural dynamics. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step—but it can also be the beginning of feeling more like yourself again. You deserve support, understanding, and a space to grow. I would be honored to be part of that process with you.

Are you consumed with worry? Struggling with a life transition? Suffering a loss? Trying to manage all the things, all the time? I can help! I specialize in supporting the wellness of individuals living with anxiety, adhd, life stage change, and grief. I will partner with you as you navigate life’s nuances, build resilience, practice kindness toward yourself, and find your joy!

Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals with a wide range of needs, including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mood Disorders, Self-Esteem challenges, School Refusal, and other complex concerns. I am especially passionate about working with neurodiverse individuals and take a strengths-based approach that empowers them to recognize their unique abilities while learning strategies to navigate challenges. I believe in creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel understood and valued. In addition to my work with neurodiverse clients, I am committed to helping individuals and families manage stress, build coping skills, and improve overall well-being. My approach is trauma-informed, compassionate, and tailored to meet each client’s unique goals. My treatment modalities include solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. I strive to equip clients not only with tools for today but also with long-term strategies that foster growth, resilience, and confidence.

When people come to treatment with problems, it is important to remember that they are trying to cope with them in the best way they can. With that in mind, I offer a reflective and engaging partnership with my clients, working toward the goal of helping them to be autonomous, authentic and compassionate in a world that can be extremely stressful. Although my work is solidly grounded in psychodynamic, cognitive/learning, and systems theories, my approach is client-centered, practical and strengths-based. I bring honesty, warmth, and humor to the therapy relationship. I am LGBTQ affirmative and invested in doing cross-cultural therapy which is culturally sensitive. I have a dog, Bracket, who works with me, and I have been doing AAT since 2002. There is a growing body of research which suggests that AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy) can be helpful with a range of diagnoses, including Depression, PTSD, and Autistic Spectrum. Many therapists know little about online games such as World of Warcraft and Second Life. They may dismiss it as unimportant, or assume it is a problem. I am a gamer-affirmative therapist, meaning I’m more interested in understanding your in-world experience and activity than pathologizing it.

Life Transition Counseling and Therapy: 25+ Years Experience Asian American Psychotherapist, LICSW Adjunct Professor at Boston College In Person in Brookline and Harvard Square and Virtually I work with people who have spent much of their lives managing expectations, carrying responsibility, and doing what they are supposed to do. When a major change occurs, the ways they've always navigated life may no longer fit. Together, we make sense of what you're experiencing, understand what's keeping you stuck, and figure out what comes next. I combine clinical support with practical tools to help you: Understand your emotions: Learn to relate to what you're feeling rather than ignoring, avoiding, or fighting it. Clarify your values: Identify what truly matters to you—not just what is expected of you. Reduce symptoms: Address any stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout you may be experiencing and develop skills to manage it. Build confidence: Gain the inner-strength and resilience to step forward into action.

Are you anxious or overwhelmed? Do you find yourself constantly worried about the state of the world, searching for a sense of calm in uncertain times? I support individuals who are experiencing burnout, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Together, we will create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, process your experiences, and reconnect with yourself. My goal is to help you feel grounded, empowered, & equipped with tools to move forward with clarity and confidence. Navigate stress, reduce anxiety and depression, strengthen relationships, and thrive through life changes.

The Trauma-Informed Campus Collective is a clinical practice serving college students exclusively. Our work focuses on trauma-informed care with students navigating complex family systems, identity development, emotional regulation, and belonging within the college environment.

College life can be exciting—and stressful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by classes, relationships, or the pressure to figure out your future, you’re not alone. Our practice provides supportive, student-centered care to help with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Together, we’ll build tools to manage stress and support your well-being so you can thrive on campus and beyond. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and taking care of your mental health is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself—today and for your future.

Hi there, I’m Kadija—welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. At Barrat Behavioral Health and Primary Care, we’re committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care that supports your whole health—both body and mind. Whether you’re seeking mental health support, weight management services, or a blend of both, you’ve already taken an important step toward wellness, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you. Our mission is to make you feel heard, respected, and empowered from day one. You can expect a safe, supportive space where your care is tailored to your unique needs and goals. Thank you for choosing us. We look forward to helping you live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Find Out More: 📞 Call or text: 571-543-4880 📧 Email: info@barratbhandconsulting.com

I am a board certified psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioner with over 20 years’ experience in the medical field. I have worked in a variety of settings including dual diagnosis substance use, residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospital, general mental health and medical units. My heart and passion are in caring for others and assisting my patients achieve their full potential through health and wellness. Being an attentive listener, paired with empathy and kindness allows me to build a therapeutic alliance with my clients. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, bipolar, PTSD among other mental health disorders coupled with talk therapy.

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.

Seeking therapy is often part of a painful journey. Things a person did on their own for their mental health & to connect with others have not worked. Sadness & fear interferes with their work & relationships. For some people seeking therapy, alcohol & drugs provide temporary relief from suffering; however, those behaviors sometimes cause further damage. It’s hard for them to accept compliments & they feel uncomfortable in their own skin, even after achieving things that are supposed to be fulfilling. They meet interesting, loving people, & they find it very hard to get close to them, leading to more isolation. I offer an opportunity for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, & past – to plan for things to be different in the future. I create a healing relationship with my clients, a refuge of clinically-sound & heart-driven support. Experience has taught me that people are much more than their symptoms – they are human beings dealing with human problems. If you’ve decided to try therapy, then I’m ready to work with you. In addition to working with people struggling with mental health & relationships, I am passionate about providing "outside help" to members of AA, DDA, NA, SMART Recovery, & other programs. Please call me today so we can schedule our first session and get you on the road to feeling better.

Of all the relationships we have in our lives, I believe that the one you have with yourself is the most important and impactful. Therapy allows a person to create an authentic relationship with oneself. Through the therapeutic process, a person is able to find and access their own innate ability to heal and grow within a supportive, compassionate, and empowering environment. My passion for this work comes from seeing my clients evolve to feel happier and healthier in their daily lives. What I do: Individual Psychotherapy- I provide both in-person and telehealth treatment for teenagers, young adults, and adults, focusing a wide array of concerns including: life transitions, traumatic life experiences, daily functioning impairment, anxiety, and depression ​Gender and Sexuality Affirming Mental Health Care- I provide a safe space for those of you within the LGBTQIA+ community to process concerns unique to your own lived experiences ​Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)- EMDR is a research-backed treatment developed to help you heal following traumatic events by processing memories and gaining control over the way the trauma history impacts the mind and body. ​Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)- CBT is used to help you understand and learn skills to challenge unhelpful or maladaptive thinking and behavioral patterns ​Mindfulness- Mindfulness techniques are used to teach you how to relate to your thoughts differently and to live in the moment

College life can feel like a high-speed juggling act. Classes, relationships, deadlines, family expectations, and trying to take care of yourself all compete for your attention. It can be hard to slow down and make sense of everything you are carrying. I work with students who want to pause, understand what is creating stress or disconnection, and refocus on what truly matters. If you want a therapist who will be your biggest cheerleader and also someone who will call you in when you need it, you are in the right place. My approach is trauma informed and grounded in CBT. Together we work to understand patterns, build clarity, and create real and lasting change. Finding the right therapist matters, especially when you are balancing a full schedule. If you are considering therapy, I invite you to visit my website and schedule a free consultation. This is your chance to ask questions, explore your goals, and get a sense of whether we are a good match. I offer virtual counseling for students located in PA, VA, and DC.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

SINCE 2011, I EXPERIENCE AS A CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER/THERAPIST, PROVIDING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS, CHILDREN, AND FAMILIES. I AM TRAINED TO PROVIDE A NUMBER OF SPECIALIZED THERAPEUTIC SERVICES BY USING EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENT MODALITIES WITH THOSE DEALING WITH CHALLENGING LIFE EXPERIENCES. CLIENT WELL-BEING IS MY NUMBER ONE PRIORITY, AND MY GOAL IS TO ASSIST YOU IN DEVELOPING THE TOOLS AND SKILLS YOU NEED TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES IN YOUR LIFE

Are you working on being successful but something doesn't quite feel right? Are you stressed by trying to balance the demands of college and your entry into career, relationships and...life? So many of us are told to go after our dreams but no one tells us that past traumas, imposter syndrome and self-esteem, and stress can feel like the biggest hindrance no matter how high we excel. But you can overcome those obstacles, and I'm here to help. Let’s work together so instead of only working to looking good on paper, you can feel good as well. My approach is direct but rooted in compassion, empathy, and the mind-body-soul connection. By incorporating trauma-informed therapeutic and holistic practices, my role is to guide and support you on your journey of wellness and transformation to have a life aligned with your values and the type of success you seek. I do this from, not only my personal journey of healing, but also my experience working with people with childhood traumas, depression, anxiety, addiction, health issues, spiritual struggles, and stress to name a few. My goal is to get clear on what is happening, what's in your way, what it is that you want. Then I'll work with you to dive deep and use practices and skills that can support you along the way so that you can get to a greater place of healing and renewed sense of self and success.  I look forward to us working together.  Contact me for a free consultation. Please note, I do not accept insurance but can provide a monthly superbill for you to submit to your insurance.

Dr. Justin Leak is a 2016 graduate of the American School of Professional Psychology @ Argosy University (ASPP). He received his BA in Speech Communication and African & African American Studies from the Pennsylvania State University in 2002. Dr. Leak completed his MA at Lewis & Clark College in Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy (MCFT) in 2008. Dr. Leak completed his APA-accredited internship at The John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents (JLG-RICA), where he continues to work full-time as the Director of the Evaluation Unit and Case Manager for the Facility for Children. His Clinical Research Project was entitled: The Pressure of Maintaining Excellence: The Impact and Challenges of Combining an Electronic Peer-Mentoring Program with University Sponsored Counseling Services to Support Low Income College Students. In between his studies, Dr. Leak has worked with students and families in a variety of educational and therapeutic settings. These include working in the offices of Multicultural Affairs, Academic Advising, Career Advising, and most notably, Residence Life. For fun, he enjoys playing tennis, swimming, travel, and entering cooking competitions. Dr. Leak's therapeutic style pulls from several approaches, including psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Family systems. He offers treatment for a variety of stressors including (but not limited to) mood, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship problems, and transitional life issues. He also specializes in psychological assessment, specifically diagnosing issues that impact behavior, mood, attention, and learning. He is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and the National Register of Health Psychologists.