Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

Compassionate Therapy Center is a counseling center specializing in providing caring therapy for individuals and couples, high achieving professionals and students, gifted and highly sensitive individuals who are coping with issues such as anxiety, sadness, self-esteem, perfectionism, family/career concerns, and relationships. We currently offer psychotherapy services for adult individuals and couples located in DC, Virginia, and abroad. At Compassionate Therapy Center, we provide a warm, compassionate, and authentic therapeutic space for clients to explore meaning, cultivate acceptance, and recognize their own unique strengths, by embracing diverse identities and advocating for social justice. We are welcoming and affirming of clients of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, and religious/spiritual beliefs.

Do you feel overwhelmed by life’s constant demands or stressed by difficult relationships? If so, you matter to me. I love to see people thrive. I enjoy supporting people during difficult times and supplying them with the tools necessary to overcome challenges. Your issues do not define you. My approach recognizes the interconnectedness of our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Whether your journey calls for gentle encouragement, practical strategies, or a listening ear, my goal is to empower you to move forward with confidence and hope. I am passionate about fostering resilience, helping you transform hardships into steppingstones, and celebrating your progress along the way. I use evidence-based practices and Biblical perspectives to guide my work. As we work together, you can anticipate a therapy experience that is both collaborative and adaptive. I honor the wisdom and strengths you already possess, inviting you to draw upon your inner resources while equipping you with new insights and skills. No matter where you are in your story, I am committed to supporting you in cultivating greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and a sense of purpose.

I am licensed in DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA and provide flexible teletherapy to fit your busy schedule! I hold advanced certification in an evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model developed by Dr. David Burns at Stanford. I am also certified in CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) developed by Dr. Gregg Jacobs at Harvard. My approach is empathic, structured and active. I use brief mood surveys before and after sessions, to monitor progress and give you a chance to provide me with feedback. I will also expect you to practice new skills between sessions. When we start working together, I will learn about your unique situation to help us set goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. My clients typically start experiencing relief within a few sessions, and our work together results in lasting joy and fulfillment. If you are interested in seeing if we are a good fit, please visit my webpage to set up a free consultation. I look forward to meeting you!

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.

***VIRTUAL APPTS ONLY, WAITLIST AVAILABLE*** Are you hoping to better manage your mood, anxiety, health habits, or just day-to-day life? Do you ever feel challenged by certain relationships, cultural differences, personal gains or losses, or other significant life changes? All too often, you may find yourself involved in recurring conflicts, feeling repeatedly taken advantage of or misunderstood, or otherwise unsatisfied with your life for no obvious reason. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. I will help you identify and set appropriate boundaries with the people in your life - including yourself - and ultimately grow into yourself in a way that feels authentic & genuine to you. Likewise if you are struggling with medical issues, have battled chronic illness for years, or want to work on your behavioral health preventively, my services may be a good fit for you. Informed by a longstanding pre-medical training background as well as personal experience with chronic illness, I will work with you to repair your mind-body connection by reshaping unhealthy thought patterns, changing problematic health habits, and learning to accept and cope with the messages your body is sending to you. Whatever the case, I will collaborate with you in an open and empathetic way to build coping skills, self-actualize, and attain your mental, physical, emotional, and lifestyle goals.

Hello, Thank you for taking a moment to learn more about me. I am a licensed clinical social worker who has experience helping college students through relationship difficulties, academic challenges, as well as struggles with the overall adjustment to life as an adult. My practice is fully remote for the foreseeable future. I offer appointments Monday through Friday 8 am to 7 pm. Have a great day, Kathi Nardella

Hi there! My name is Amanda and I’m grateful for your courage in taking this step. The college years can be a very stressful time due to all of the changes and transitions happening in your life. Whether you're looking for just a few sessions or long-term therapy, I believe healing can happen with the right knowledge, hard work and laughter along the way. I use EMDR, DBT, mindfulness, and life coaching in my therapy sessions. If you've read this far, I encourage you to reach out to see if we are a good fit.

Offering exceptional mental health services to support your wellbeing and create meaningful change for you! Individualized, remote therapy to best meet your needs and schedule. Specialize in Trauma, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Challenges, Personality Disorders, and ADHD.

Inside all the suffering you are experiencing at this time, you know who you are at heart. I want to help you work with unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and return to yourself, a self that honors your core values. I am a compassionate therapist who provides goal-oriented therapy to adults dealing with anxiety, social anxiety disorder, depression, panic attacks, contamination and disgust OCD, trauma, complex family dynamics, and those working on long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder. Therapy should be goal-oriented and energizing! I am familiar with the most up-to-date therapy techniques from prior work in the Mass General Brigham healthcare system in Boston and training at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, utilizing strategies from CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT, ACT, and ERP (exposure and response prevention). I work with clients who are in Washington, DC, Massachusetts, and Virginia as I am licensed in all three locations and have lived and worked in all three. I look forward to supporting you on your journey! Please be aware that for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance I am only in network in Virginia.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like you're running on empty? Maybe you're anxious, down, or trying to heal from painful experiences that still echo into your present. Perhaps you’re struggling to find your rhythm in a fast-moving world, or questioning your direction altogether. Life can feel especially heavy when you’re carrying it alone. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to. It's okay to be unsure or even scared about starting this journey. What matters most is that you're here, looking for a new way forward. And we're here to walk alongside you. We provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and evidence-based therapy for adults navigating emotional and psychological challenges. We are a social justice oriented psychotherapy collective, committed to creating a safe, inclusive space for all clients to explore their lived experiences.

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in patterns of people-pleasing or perfectionism? As a licensed anxiety therapist in Baltimore, I provide in-person and virtual therapy for women, teens, and college students across Maryland and DC. I specialize in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, people-pleasing, and perfectionism, using CBT, ACT, and EMDR. Together, we’ll build tools for confidence, balance, and emotional well-being, helping you live a more authentic, fulfilling life.

I am so happy you are here! Starting therapy can be difficult, but you have already taken the first step! In my last 7+ years as a therapist, I have worked with teens and young adults who are experiencing anxiety, stress, and depression due to life transitions and/or trauma. In our first session, you will have the opportunity to share your story and we will work together to set realistic goals to meet your needs.

I work with adults (18+) who have difficulty managing their emotions and who struggle with depression, anxiety, impulsive behavior, thoughts of suicide and self-harm, interpersonal problems, or problems functioning at work or school. I provide evidence-based treatments including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients change ineffective behavioral patterns, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and accept difficult realities in order to build the lives they want. I see therapy as a collaboration between client and therapist to work towards their goals in treatment and in life. I specialize in DBT, a gold standard treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder and related problems with emotion regulation. I provide a range of DBT services for clients. I also use CBT to treat specific problems: panic, generalized anxiety, OCD, depression, and trauma. I can tailor treatment interventions to meet clients' individual needs. Through my validating and nonjudgmental style, I am committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based treatment to help you reach your most desired goals. I currently offer services including comprehensive DBT, individual therapy (DBT, CBT) and individual DBT skills coaching and consultation. Please reach out if you are interested in finding out more about therapy with me.

I value collaboration, trust, and mutual respect in the therapeutic relationship. Rather than positioning myself as the expert on your life, I help you engage your strengths and inner wisdom in the healing process. I take a holistic approach to wellness, honoring the mind, body, and spirit, while acknowledging the impact of societal and systemic forces on mental health. I create an affirming, intentional, and safe space for you to explore how your identities, values, past experiences, and fears shape your challenges. My practice integrates cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT), mindfulness, and mind-body practices, fostering deeper awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Rooted in a humanistic approach, I deeply believe in your wholeness and potential and help you reconnect with personal strength and clarity.

Are you navigating academic stress, burnout, perfectionism, or life transitions? At Neurodiverse Counseling, we provide neurodiversity-affirming therapy and adult ADHD and autism evaluations for students and young adults. We specialize in working with autistic individuals, ADHDers, and LGBTQIA+ clients. Clients often seek support for anxiety, depression, sensory processing differences, masking, executive functioning challenges, and difficulties with communication or relationships. Others come to us for help with low self-esteem, chronic illness, or processing trauma. We offer a compassionate space to heal, grow, and reconnect with your authentic self. Our team understands the unique pressures students face. We use evidence-based approaches including ACT, CBT, DBT, EFT, IFS, and trauma-informed care, alongside neurodiversity-affirming practices to support emotional regulation, executive functioning, and meaningful growth. We offer teletherapy across Massachusetts, Florida, and North Carolina. Our diverse team includes neurodivergent, BIPOC, multilingual, and LGBTQIA+ clinicians, bringing both clinical expertise and lived experience to our work. If you’re looking for therapy that is collaborative, affirming, and tailored to your needs, we invite you to schedule a free consultation.

I'm so glad you have taken the first step to reach out for support. My name is Jessie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in DC and Maryland. I received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. I offer individual and family therapy and work with teens and adults. In my last four years of clinical practice, I have worked with a wide range of populations and presenting problems. While I do utilize evidence-based therapeutic interventions that have demonstrated efficacy in fostering lasting change, I believe that establishing a genuine, authentic, and nonjudgmental relationship between the therapist and the client is the real key to successful therapy. I will meet you where you’re at, as every individual needs something different out of therapy. I believe that by working together, we can figure out what that will look like for you.

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.

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.

Have trained at college counseling centers, I often work well with students who feel caught between different expectations—school, family, relationships, culture, identity, or future plans. You may be LGBTQ+, international, first-generation, or simply feeling stressed and unsure where you fit. Therapy can help you feel less alone, understand yourself more clearly, and make choices that feel more like your own.

I am a clinical social worker with over a decade of experience. I practice affirming, allied, feminist therapy rooted in empowerment and strengths perspectives. I believe sleep, calories, and movement form the foundation for coping. My style of therapy is based in the knowledge that you are the best expert on your life. Your feelings may be unreliable narrators and together we will question their perspectives. I use behavioral activation, psychodynamic, and solution focused approaches to empower you to achieve your goals and tolerate your reality. I also believe that gummy peaches are the superior candy, music creates an entry to feeling, and belly laughs are as essential as hugs. I am a left-handed elder millennial. I am originally from Maine, and after years of travel, now live in rural Virginia with my husband and three young children (and giant dog).