Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor with close to 20 years of experience. I am passionate and committed to helping others achieve their goals and to live a balanced and fulfilled life. I specialize in CBT (cognitive-behavior therapy), mindfulness and psychodynamic therapies. I help you clarify your values and goals, and then encourage you to live life based on those values and goals. I teach you how to best connect with self and others, and believe such connection increases your capacity and possibility for living a life of ease, contentment and passion. Connection leads to better health and well-being. Once you feel safe in connection the possibilities are endless. I have extensive experience working with clients who struggle with addiction and will help guide you on the road to recovery. Together we will focus on action plans that help you build and maintain the life you want. I believe the outcome of successful psychotherapy is more than the absence of symptoms and disorders. It is a life that has increased passion in work, play and relationships.

I strongly believe in building a collaborative relationship with my clients in helping them overcome their personal struggles. As a clinical psychologist, I strive to create a safe and warm environment that is compassionate, person-centered, and promotes a person's unique individual strengths. I prescribe to an integrative approach to therapy that includes elements of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, person-centered, interpersonal, and strength-based approaches. More importantly, my approaches are tailored to the specific needs of individuals to help them achieve balance in their lives and overcome their struggles. My specialties include working with children, adolescents, and young adults dealing with anxiety, trauma, adjustment, grief, depression, and other mood disorders. I have a particular interest working with young adults who are experiencing difficulty adjusting with life transitions that often accompany emerging adulthood. Also, I have specialized training in complex trauma and trauma-focused interventions. My experience includes working extensively with diverse patient populations in a variety of settings including, hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and private practice. I am credentialed as a national registered Health Service Psychologist and a member of the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists, Northern Virginia Clinical Psychologists, and the American Psychological Association.

Hello! I specialize in working with engineering and other STEM students that feel overwhelmed by their academic and personal lives. As a former mental health ambassador for two top engineering programs in the country, I have a wealth of experience working with students who are driven, highly intelligent and under intense pressure to succeed. I also work with engineers and engineering managers across STEM industries and can support students in their career exploration process. I am a neuro-divergent and LGBTQIA+ affirming provider that will take the time to tailor your therapy experience to exactly what you need. I am looking forward for the chance to meet you. Feel free to reach out for a free 15 min consultation to discuss how I can help you in your journey through and after school.

Are you someone who avoids social situations, seeks out reassurance from others, or describes yourself as a people pleaser or perfectionist? If so, you might be struggling with anxiety. Anxiety shows up in a variety of different ways. These challenges arise during major life transitions or may be associated with relationship, school, or work-related concerns. I have a special interest in working with young adults who experience anxiety and stress. I'm here to help you gain the tools you need to feel relief and to approach your life in a more authentic way. I utilize techniques from the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) perspective as well as from the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) approach. Rather than work to remove anxiety altogether, I will help you learn ways to tolerate anxiety and discomfort and respond to anxiety in a healthier, more productive manner.

I am a Harvard-trained, Harvard-affiliated, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I strongly believe that the best psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or a specific medication. I provide weekly therapy and work with patients to determine if medications can be of help. I do not believe that everyone needs a medication, but they can be useful in treating particular psychiatric symptoms; I will work with you in order to find the best treatment modality that meets your goals and needs. My training in psychotherapy includes psychodynamic psychotherapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), Exposure/Response Prevention (Ex/RP) and Prolonged Exposure (PE). I provide psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. In order to offer comprehensive treatment, I do not accept insurance in my private practice. I am currently conducting sessions via telemedicine only. Please feel free to send me an email to set up a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation so I can answer any questions and see if I can be of help.

Mildred “Milly” Altamira, LCSW, has over six years of experience providing therapy. She specializes in helping young adults and college students navigate life transitions, anxiety, stress, relationships, and identity exploration. Milly also supports the neurodivergent community with care that is affirming, collaborative, and tailored to each person’s unique needs.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience supporting children, adults, and families navigating complex and often overwhelming life circumstances. My professional background includes work in child welfare, domestic violence services, and with families raising children or caring for loved ones with disabilities. These experiences have shaped my deep respect for resilience and my commitment to providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.

My core values are faith, family, social and economic justice. My worldview is quite simple. You see, I believe that everyone has a right to be in a good place mentally physically and spiritually. I find that I have evolved into a change agent - which is a natural profession for a social worker. The same steps that I have taken to secure my life, mentally physically and emotionally, are the very same steps I am willing to assist my patients/clients in taking. My specialties lie in my abilities to move a person or a family from a place of dysfunction to functionality. I strive to improve the quality of life those whom I counsel. My theoretical framework a solution focused, interwoven with resiliency theory, using a strength-based approach. I am just a chat away if you need me – 'how may I help you?"

I look forward to working with people who are ready to make changes in their lives and engage in the therapeutic process. Much of my sessions include discussing goal setting and thinking of various tools and techniques to achieve those goals. I utilize CBT methods, person-centered, and strengths-based approaches to help all clients realize their ability for change and understand they can achieve happiness and alleviate things like anxiety and depression.

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.

Lime Counseling is passionate about providing an accepting, welcoming, and supportive space for you to be able to talk through whatever stressor is troubling you at this time. The practice focuses on anxiety, OCD, trauma, abuse, life adjustments, stress, and LGBTQ+ specialties. I'm also happy to talk with you about any other area of concern you may not specifically see listed here. Please reach out to discuss further.

I believe finding the right therapist is a major part of successful therapy. I love to work with individuals and couples in a solution focused way where I can support them as well as provide feedback and tools to help navigate towards each person's personal goals. I love to engage with people during sessions and to make sure that they feel comfortable being their authentic selves without any reservations or fear of judgement. I have a wide range of experience in a variety of mental health concerns and especially love working with people managing the stressors of any relationships, dating, marriage, anxiety, life changes and life adjustments. I want to make sure that anyone who sees me feels they are benefiting from therapy and working towards a better quality of life.

Welcome to Garden of Hearts Therapy 🌿 College and young adulthood can be exciting, overwhelming, confusing… and sometimes all three before lunch. You’re figuring out who you are, what you want, how to manage relationships, expectations, stress, and a future that may not look exactly how you imagined. At Garden of Hearts Therapy, LLC, you’ll find a warm, supportive space to talk it through without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. My approach blends compassion, real conversation, humor when we need it, and practical tools to help you better understand yourself, navigate challenges, and grow with confidence. You don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes you just need a safe place to plant the first seed. 🌱 Rooted in Compassion. Growing in Strength. Planting Seeds of Hope.

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.

I am a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and somatic (body) based therapy. I enjoy working with young adults by supporting them find meaning and agency in their lives and understand the multitude of stressors we are collectively facing. I view the therapeutic process as collaborative and especially like to work with clients who are willing to engage I the process of growth and transformation.

College can look exciting and successful from the outside while feeling overwhelming behind the scenes. You may be struggling with anxiety, academic pressure, perfectionism, relationship concerns, family expectations, or uncertainty about who you are and what comes next. Maybe others see you as responsible, driven, or strong, but you feel exhausted from trying to keep everything together. I work with college students who are used to putting pressure on themselves, taking care of others, or feeling as though they must always perform well. Therapy can be a space where you do not have to have all the answers. Together, we can explore the experiences and patterns contributing to your stress, strengthen your confidence, and help you develop healthier boundaries, relationships, and coping skills. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. Whether you are adjusting to college, navigating friendships or dating, questioning your identity, managing family stress, or preparing for life after graduation, I will support you in gaining clarity and feeling more grounded. Contact me for a free consultation to ask questions, learn more about my approach, and see whether working together feels like a good fit.

Thank you for taking the essential step of seeking help. My passion for mental health and wellness consists of the demystifying stigma associated with mental health, symptom management, healthy living, healing, and resiliency. I believe in the whole person’s treatment, so I enjoy collaborating with additional professionals to provide the most optimal treatment and recovery for individuals receiving support from me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker trained in diverse treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy - suicide prevention. I use several skills and client collaboration to tailor treatment. I have used my skills to provide treatment for specialty populations, including LGBTQ, Trauma, Anxiety, BIPOC, Co-Occurring, and Problem Sexual Behavior. I currently offer telehealth, individual, couples, and family therapy. As well as clinical supervision, training, and consultations for professionals and organizations.

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.