Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

Welcome! We are grateful you stopped by and are considering our services during a vulnerable time in your life. At Brave Companion Family Counseling, we practice from a strength-based perspective. We believe you possess all you need to make the improvements you want to see in your life. We are here to facilitate your personal growth through tools, perspective and guidance. We believe that you are shaped by each experience you have, the systems you interact with, and the relationships you engage in. Every individual is unique in their identities (race, gender, sexual orientation, roles, culture, religion, etc.). Those identities are key factors in the individual’s view of the world and interaction within it. We are excited to begin this journey with you, and look forward to hearing from you.

Some clients arrive feeling the weight of their anxiety. Others are in the middle of a transition—navigating changes in relationships, family dynamics, or adjusting to a new diagnosis or ongoing health condition. These transition moments can bring a level of uncertainty that’s hard to tolerate and often lead to second-guessing, especially when your body or health begins to feel unpredictable or outside of your control. I also work with individuals who experience intrusive thoughts or feel caught in patterns meant to prevent something bad from happening. These thoughts can feel unsettling or even at odds with who you are—making them confusing, distressing, and difficult to talk about. For some, these experiences are connected to obsessive-compulsive patterns (often referred to as OCD), even if that’s not a term you’ve used for yourself before. There are effective, evidence-based ways to work with OCD patterns, and we can talk through what that might look like for you. At the heart of my work is the belief that therapy is a collaborative process. You should want to talk to your therapist, and from the very beginning, I focus on creating a space where you can talk openly about what’s actually on your mind. The relationship between therapist and client matters deeply. Meaningful change tends to happen when people feel understood, respected, and able to show up honestly— even when what they’re bringing to session feels messy, confusing, or hard to put into words. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and no single approach works for every person or every situation. I draw from a range of approaches and tailor the work to each client’s needs, goals, and experiences. Depending on what feels most helpful, this might include building a clearer understanding of the patterns you’re caught in, exploring where those patterns come from, or finding new ways to respond to them. Across all of this, my focus is on helping you make sense of what you’re experiencing and shift the patterns that are keeping you stuck so they begin to have less of a hold on you over time.

In my therapy work, it's important that I first learn who you are, and what strengths and values you possess. We then work together to identify how patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior may be holding you back from being the best version of yourself. I use evidence-based interventions (strategies proven successful through research) within a cognitive behavioral model. My style as a therapist is warm, nonjudgmental, and active. Whether you are hoping to improve your mood, develop more meaningful relationships, or learn skills to manage emotions, I'm here to support you through the ups and downs.

Grounded in empathy, compassion and inclusion, Embracing Wellness is committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming care that empowers individuals and communities. Given the challenges of our times including COVID-19, inflation, digital overload, and social unrest, we strive to promote wellness through vulnerability, authenticity, healing, rest, community, and joy. We aim to ensure that each session is an inclusive, safe, and supportive space that takes into account your identity, personal history, and the environments and systems in which you exist. We believe that true wellness encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. Together we will develop an individualized treatment plan using evidence based interventions to enhance your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Therapy Interventions include: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment-Based, Narrative, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, Solution Focused, and Strength-Based therapy.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I offer virtual, individual psychotherapy to clients located in Washington DC, Virginia, and Florida. All sessions are individually tailored to not only help you gain skills to relieve your symptoms, but also to develop insight into unhelpful patterns, so you can live a more fulfilling and peaceful life that aligns with your values. I am an intentional integrationist, which is a fancy way of saying I am trained in many therapeutic approaches to help you based on your needs, experiences, preferences, and style of learning. This allows me to offer a tailored approach that is just right for you. Often, clients don’t know exactly what they want or need from a therapist. I listen closely to how you describe the concerns bringing you to therapy, what you’ve tried, what you want to change about your life, and when you are at your best—all to determine the optimal approach to treatment. My experience with myriad interventions allows me to be highly flexible and pivot quickly based on your ongoing feedback. You can expect us to continually explore what is working well, how we are tracking toward your goals, and what, if anything, you want to change to optimize what you're getting from therapy. I see clients as the “pilot” of the metaphorical journey of therapy, and myself as an expert co-pilot and navigator. You decide where we go, our speed, and when to “refuel,” while I help provide the most efficient way to reach your chosen destination. Sometimes clients change their mind about their destination mid-journey. That’s okay! I am right there to help us change course smoothly. My goal is to help you to feel heard, empowered, supported, and above all to feel better. My technical approach to therapy is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), as well as relational and psychodynamic models of therapy. As a clinical social worker, my therapeutic style is client-centered, trauma-informed, and is guided by the multicultural, strengths, and person-in-environment perspectives. Regardless of the customized treatment plan I employ, building and tending to a trusting therapeutic relationship with you is at the heart of what I do. In every session, you can expect a warm, collaborative, inclusive approach that honors your lived experiences, embraces your strengths, and is identity-affirming for clients of all backgrounds. I’m honored you’re considering me as a partner on your wellness journey. If you’re ready to take the first step toward positive change, email me today to schedule a free 15-30 minute consultation to see if I’m a good fit to be your therapist. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

ANMH's services are 100% free, every session, every time! ACTNow for Mental health (ANMH) is a non-profit (501(c)(3)) organization dedicated to expanding access to mental health services and support, while fighting mental & behavioral health stigma for all young adults (ages 17-32). ANMH focuses on communities that have been historically underserved by the health system including LGBTQIA+ and POC populations, people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and people who are uninsured or underinsured. ACTNow for Mental Health (ANMH) prides itself on being a teaching organization that utilizes and trains Master's level graduate students in various therapy treatments including CBT, DBT, ACT, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Art Therapy, and Trauma Informed Care. Many of our therapists at ANMH are Master's level graduate students from various accredited colleges and universities, and though they are with ANMH for a limited time, the services they provide are just as robust and comprehensive as licensed therapists. In fact, a study from 2013 found that the clients of student therapists improved just as significantly as clients of licensed professionals while in treatment for anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Our student therapists have historically been with ANMH from August to May, allowing our clients to access services for an average of 36 weeks! On occasion, our student therapists will be available for less time, however, it is our policy that all new potential clients are informed of this before they begin services so they may make an informed decision on whether they would like to begin services or wait for a new cohort of interns with greater availability. To access services, please visit our website and fill out an intake form!

Don’t let struggles with anxiety, depression, and/or self-discovery affect your quality of life. As a solutions-driven therapist, I work with teenagers and adults, taking the time to get to know you and your world, which will inform the work we do together. My goal is to help understand and disempower your anxiety or depression, navigate grief, or guide you to discover your authentic self. The solution isn't one size fits all, and we will find it together. Above all, I believe in the dignity and worth in a person, allowing me to be your comforting partner in care. I look forward to getting to know you in our work together. You deserve a therapist who is passionate about guiding you to live authentically. I strive to do just that, in a compassionate environment where you can always expect to be treated with respect and kindness. My style is warm, conversational, and grounded in curiosity, positivity, and respect while remaining flexible to your unique needs. This flexibility extends to my integrated therapeutic approach, which may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and narrative therapies to help you build tools to navigate your day to day and embrace your life story. I’ve always been drawn to developing personal and professional growth. In my business life, I’ve been a coach, a marketer, a salesperson, a communications expert, and a professional experience developer. This mix of skills is evident in my work with patients now, where I bring a creative and human perspective to each session. When I’m not in the office, I’m out and about, exploring my great city and traveling. I also enjoy yoga, dining in and out, and long walks with my adorable pup.

Welcome! I’m Dr. Constance Zou, and I’m honored to be a part of your journey towards mental well-being. My academic and professional path has been dedicated to understanding and treating a wide range of mental health challenges. I graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University with a BA in Biology and earned an MA in Bioethics from New York University. I received my MD from Yale School of Medicine and completed my general psychiatry residency at the National Institute of Mental Health, where I also completed a clinical fellowship focused on studying the connections between hormones and mood. My extensive training has equipped me to effectively treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, trauma, women’s reproductive mental health, and sleep-related issues. I utilize both psychoanalytic and cognitive-based psychotherapy modalities to provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs. With over a decade of continuous engagement in medical research, I am passionate about delivering evidence based care and advancing the field of psychiatry. Part of my previous work highlighted biases and inaccuracies in the publication of clinical trials by pharmaceutical companies, emphasizing the importance of informed and safe treatment choices. At our practice, you will find a compassionate and knowledgeable partner in your mental health journey. Together, we will work towards achieving your personal goals and enhancing your overall well-being.

I'm here to meet you where you are and get you to where you want to be. I believe therapy is most effective when it feels like a partnership, and I truly enjoy helping people grow into the best version of themselves. My role is to guide and support you as we explore your experiences, deepen your self-understanding, and work toward meaningful change. I'm honored and excited to walk alongside you on your journey. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 6 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I specialize in working with clients who are struggling with depression and anxiety, and I’m passionate about helping people create meaningful change in their lives.

I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, health anxiety and phobias, such as fear of needles, vomiting (emetophobia), flying, heights, illness or contamination. I also work with clients in challenging professional and academic environments, who may feel anxious or overwhelmed to the point of avoidance, struggle with self-criticism, or fear they won’t be successful without a punishing level of perfectionism. Many clients find themselves holding back from social situations, dating, public speaking, or professional opportunities due to a fear that something will go wrong, and uncertainty feels intolerable. My approach is warm, collaborative, and highly practical, helping you live a life not constrained by fear. I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—two of the most effective evidence-based treatments for anxiety, OCD, and phobias. I also integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic thinking, and supportive psychotherapy when helpful. Many clients understandably fear facing their worries or phobias. In our work together, you can expect to feel seen, supported and encouraged as we pursue your goals at a pace that feels manageable to you. I hold a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from George Washington University, and have more than a decade of clinical experience with clients across the lifespan. I am board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, and have trained in a range of academic medical centers and university clinics, including the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Children’s National Hospital, the Kennedy Krieger Institute, and George Washington University. Licensed Clinical Psychologist PsyD in Clinical Psychology Offering sessions via telehealth to clients based in: DC, Maryland, Virginia and all 40+ PSYPACT participating states. I offer convenient morning and evening appointments.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in supporting women through anxiety, relationship concerns, and life transitions. The college years can bring significant emotional growth alongside uncertainty and stress. I offer a collaborative, compassionate space to explore patterns, strengthen coping skills, and develop greater self-awareness so you can make intentional decisions and feel more secure in your relationships and future.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Washington, DC and Iowa, my work centers on helping people of all ages work through depression, anxiety, and trauma with compassion and purpose. At the heart of my practice is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a gentle, evidence-based approach that invites you to explore the different "parts" of yourself with curiosity rather than judgment. Whether you're navigating anxiety, processing trauma, working through relationship challenges, or simply trying to understand yourself more deeply, IFS offers a path to healing that honors every aspect of your inner world. Authenticity, collaboration, and empowerment guide everything we do together. My commitment is to you feeling seen, heard, and respected throughout your care through an approach that emphasizes empathy, respect for autonomy, and the importance of building trusting therapeutic relationships. In our sessions, you'll learn to recognize and un-blend from the parts of yourself that may be reactive, avoidant, or self-critical, and gently reconnect with your core Self: the calm, confident center that already lives within you. This work isn't about fixing you; it's about helping you come home to yourself while gently guiding you toward greater clarity, balance, and Self-leadership. To support that journey, I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care alongside Internal Family Systems (IFS), providing tools for deeper emotional regulation and lasting personal growth. Our work together will be shaped by your unique needs and goals, always within a safe, nonjudgmental space where you are met with warmth, respect, and genuine care. Many patients describe our sessions as insightful and collaborative, and that is exactly the experience I strive to create for you. Originally from Haiti, I immigrated to the United States at age nine and grew up in Queens, New York. The experience of navigating a new country, culture, and language shaped who I am and how I show up for the people I work with. Fluent in Haitian Creole, I bring a culturally responsive lens to every session, informed by my own lived understanding of childhood trauma, xenophobia, and the complex challenges of acculturation. This background also fuels my commitment to creating a therapeutic space that is truly inclusive and supportive, one where patients from all walks of life can explore their experiences, build resilience, and move toward healing with confidence. A love of animals has always been part of who I am. Volunteering with the Humane Society Wildlife in Miami was a meaningful way to extend that care beyond the therapy room. Outside of work, I find joy in time spent with family and with my six-year-old pocket bully, who brings plenty of personality and laughter to everyday life.

Visit my website below for additional available therapists. Welcome! I am a psychotherapist/Clinical Social Worker and have been in practice for 17 years. I received my Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University. I believe that everyone deserves someone to talk to who is non-judgmental or biased. You are the expert on you! I am here to work as a team with you to establish and meet your goals. Together we can create change and improve your symptoms. I have experience working with individuals who are having difficulty adjusting to new life situations/transitions, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and grief/loss.

My specialty is working with people with anxiety, depression, and a history of interpersonal trauma. I bring over 20 years of clinical experience, including three university counseling centers, hospitals, and community clinics, including one specialized in caring for the LGBTQ+ community, before establishing my practice in 2011. I value working with those exploring the impact of gender and race on their identity and life experiences, and those living between cultures and languages. My goal is to help you understand yourself at a deep level, own your body, and live more fully and meaningfully. Please feel free to check out my website and contact me for more details.

Renae Mittelmeier is a National Certified Counselor, Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider, and a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed in the District of Columbia. Renae treats individuals with bipolar, depressive, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, substance use, and personality disorders, as well stress disorders, life transitions, interpersonal issues, and self-esteem concerns. Renae provides a unique variety of interventions to support a client’s individual needs but specializes in the use of cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral approaches.

I specialize in working with adolescents and adults struggling with trauma, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder. My work is rooted in compassion, honesty, and authenticity, and I try to show up as my authentic self in therapy sessions. That means there are lots of feels, digging deep, being honest, confronting the tough stuff, and humor. Definitely humor. I will work collaboratively with you to establish personalized therapy goals tailored to your specific needs, and create an environment in which you feel safe, accepted, seen, heard, and never judged.

I offer LGBTQIA+ affirming care for adults and young adults across over 40 states through PsyPact, with virtual therapy tailored to each client's unique needs. My practice is especially supportive of undergraduate/graduate students, healthcare professionals, and those managing anxiety/mood concerns, identity development, or academic/professional stress. I have also received advanced training in postpartum mood/anxiety disorders through Postpartum Support International, which allows me to help new parents dealing with perinatal concerns. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and relational psychotherapy, and provide documentation for out-of-network insurance reimbursement and sliding scale rates when needed.

Sharon combines solutions-focused and insight-oriented approaches. She strives for clients to feel heard and supported as they develop a sense of personal agency and self acceptance. Sharon specializes in anxiety, depression, infertility and perinatal concerns, family and relationships, life transitions, somatic concerns/chronic illness, and work/life stress. Areas of specialization: -Anxiety -Depression -Infertility and perinatal concerns -Life transitions -Stress and work-life balance -Family and relationships I help clients who are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or depleted to make sense of their struggles and create an actionable, accessible plan for change. My approach combines tactical skill building with broader insight, helping you to develop more clearly defined personal goals and boundaries, and an increased sense of personal agency and self acceptance. I strive for clients to feel seen, heard and supported as we build towards a greater sense of wellbeing, balance and more satisfying relationships. I specialize in college students through mature adults, with a particular emphasis on individuals navigating life transitions or complex roles as individuals, partners, employees and family members. My areas of specialty include anxiety and depression, stress and work-life balance, life transitions, and family and relationships. I have particular expertise in infertility and the perinatal period, and am the author of Struggling with Infertility, a book that aims to shed light on the experiences of those impacted by infertility and fertility treatment. I am actively affirming and welcoming to individuals of all gender identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations and religions. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I was a competitive swimmer at the national and provincial levels, lived in several countries, and worked in global consulting, government and industry. I draw on these experiences in my work with clients, and offer therapy via both telehealth and in-person. Psychology Associate, Licensed in Washington, DC; Resident in Psychology, Licensed in Virginia PhD in Clinical Psychology Clinical Supervisor, Dr. J. Dawn Johnson, PsyD Offering sessions both in person and via telehealth to clients based in: DC and Virginia.

Catherine has a warm and collaborative style, creating a space where you feel supported, yet gently challenged. Her approach prioritizes understanding you as a whole person, and incorporating your unique experiences, needs, values, and strengths into treatment. Catherine specializes in working with college students, professionals and executives struggling with depression, anxiety, confidence/self-esteem, career concerns, life transitions and trauma. She finds particular joy in untangling personal questions from systemic challenges and inequities. Areas of specialization: -Depression -Anxiety -Confidence and Self-esteem -Career Challenges -Life transitions -Trauma You may feel like those around you have it figured out, or wonder why everything just feels harder than it should. Maybe you feel confused and stuck when you want to be moving forward. Strategies that worked in the past may not be helping anymore, and fighting through things on your own has started to feel like a lot. Together, we'll sort through what's getting in the way, identify how to remove barriers, and find your spark again. I work in a warm and collaborative style, with a focus on helping you to feel safe, supported and gently challenged. While I draw from several treatment modalities, the core of my work is influenced by humanistic and person-centered perspectives that see you as a whole person with unique needs, values and experiences, and are grounded in the belief that we all have an innate drive and capacity for growth. I am comfortable sitting with people in some of their toughest times, both holding space for the current pain and finding ways forward into the light, so I hope you’ll show up exactly as you are. We may even find some humor, too, since it can be a lot to feel so heavy all the time. I specialize in working with college students through established adults, with a particular emphasis on individuals struggling with depression, anxiety or self-esteem, career or leadership challenges, navigating complex life transitions, or working to untangle personal questions from systemic challenges and inequities. In addition to my work as a psychotherapist, I am an experienced organizational development consultant, coach, facilitator and trainer. I regularly work with corporations, educational institutions and non-profits on leadership development, strategic planning, performance management, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. I hold a Masters in Psychology, and am working towards my PhD with a concentration in social justice and diversity with a research specialty in moral injury. I am actively affirming and welcoming to individuals of all gender identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and religions, and am committed to providing supportive, trauma-informed care. I look forward to working with you in-person, or with DC-based clients virtually via secure telehealth. Psychology Associate, Licensed in Washington, DC Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Psychology Clinical Supervisors: Dr. Ashley Alderette, PsyD; Dr. J. Dawn Johnson, PsyD Offering sessions both in person and via telehealth to clients based in: DC.