Therapists for college students near 20057

Hello, I’m Marsha Charlton, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C (PSI), a board-certified Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about supporting college students as they navigate the unique challenges of academic life and personal growth. With extensive experience in both primary care and mental health, I provide comprehensive medication management and supportive psychotherapy tailored to the needs of young adults. I also hold advanced certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International. This credential reflects specialized training in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period, including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma-related concerns, and adjustment challenges. In my practice, I integrate this expertise through evidence-based screening, thoughtful medication management during pregnancy and lactation, and psychotherapy approaches designed to support individuals during the transition to parenthood. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered to achieve their mental health goals.

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.

If you’re struggling in your relationships, navigating a major life transition, or feeling stuck in patterns related to substance or behavioral addictions, you’re not alone. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, capable adults who find themselves repeating painful relational dynamics or feeling disconnected from the life they want to be living. Therapy can be a powerful place to understand why—and to begin doing something different. I specialize in working with adults from diverse cultural backgrounds who want more fulfilling relationships and a stronger sense of self. Together, we explore the patterns that may be contributing to your needs not being met. I help you to increase awareness of how these patterns developed and how they continue to show up in your life today. My approach is deeply informed by my professional training and my personal experience as a consumer of high-quality therapy. I know what it’s like to sit on the other side of the room and wrestle with whether change is possible. If you’re ready to take the next step forward, I’d be honored to work with you.

Adulting can feel exciting, overwhelming, confusing, and all things in between. Whether you're navigating college, career stress, family dynamics, relationships, or simply trying to figure out who you are and where you're headed, I'm here to provide support. I specialize in working with teens and young adults who are feeling stuck, anxious, disconnected, or unsure about their next steps. I have extensive experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideations, relationship challenges, low self esteem, and personality disorders. I recognize the importance of building a therapeutic relationship, as I believe it is the foundation for effective therapy. I aim to hold a space that's non-judgmental and real, where you can bring in what's hard, what's confusing, and what's hopeful. If you’re looking for a therapy space where you can both cry & laugh, I’m here when you’re ready!

What brings you here? What do you desire to better understand and improve, leveraging your unique strengths and values in the process? These questions drive my work as a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, DC. I accompany students, many of whom struggle with living away from home, balancing busy schedules, and navagating relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Often, clients enter therapy feeling "stuck" — repeating behaviors and relational patterns that they don’t fully understand. Our past often bears relevance to our present. Therapeutic reflection builds the insight that illuminates underlying emotions, the processing of which is often necessary to truly address root causes of current challenges. Accordingly, the clinical approaches I employ are evidenced-based and are largely: psychodynamic, meaning-oriented, narratively-structured, trauma/neuroscience-informed, and mindfully-grounded – with openness to cultural and spiritual conversations. I aim to meet you where you are on your life journey and help you learn more about yourself, to promote sustainable progress towards your goals. Please inquire for a free virtual 15-minute consultation to see if my style might be of service to you. I have in-person therapy session openings available in my NW DC office, as well as virtual/telehealth availability.

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 website is the best way to learn about me and how I work. My website is at www.lisakays.com. You may also complete my inquiry form on my website to learn more about my practice and so that I can determine if my practice is a good fit in terms of your scheduling and treatment needs. If you're not sure, please ask!

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

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.

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.

Healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) Mental Health Clinician, I provide a compassionate, judgment-free space where you can explore life's challenges and reconnect with your authentic self. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, grief, life transitions, ADHD, OCD, anger management, substance use, parenting concerns, and more. My approach is personalized, integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Couples Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Music Therapy.  You don't have to have it all figured out to begin. Wherever you are in your journey, I'm here to help you build resilience, find balance, and create meaningful, lasting change—one step at a time.  My passion for this work is deeply personal. Having navigated my own mental health journey, I understand the courage it takes to ask for help and the hope that healing can bring. That lived experience, combined with evidence-based clinical training, allows me to meet each client with empathy, authenticity, and genuine compassion.  Outside of the therapy room, I believe that taking care of yourself is an ongoing practice, not a destination. Reading, listening to music, and spending quality time with family and friends all help me stay connected and grounded.

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.

As a trauma-informed clinician with nine years of experience in mental wellness, I support adolescents and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, safety concerns, trauma, social injustice, and LGBTQ+ identities. My experience spans some of the most underserved communities, including runaway and homeless youth, BIPOC communities, survivors of sexual violence, and queer and transgender folks, and I've found that many young people who were initially resistant to traditional therapy have found real success through nontraditional, experiential approaches. I believe in meeting you where you are, working toward goals together to achieve emotional regulation, trauma processing, and healthier relationships. Central to how I practice is the understanding that many of the thoughts, emotions, or behaviors we most want to change initially helped us survive — and that deserves acknowledgment, not judgment. I look forward to the honor of building trust and a safe, or even brave, space in our work together. Cultural humility, social justice, and breaking down systemic barriers to basic needs and mental wellness are things I'm deeply passionate about. I believe that simply validating others' experiences holds the power to de-escalate, empower, and enlighten, which is why I always ensure a nonjudgmental, authentic, and strengths-based approach to your care. You can expect our sessions to feel open and genuinely validating, drawing on elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychotherapy to help you reduce anxiety, process trauma, improve depression symptoms, build self-esteem, decrease post-traumatic symptoms, and practice healthy relationships. My path to becoming a therapist began with my own mental wellness challenges in adolescence. But, it was when I graduated college and worked on a residential unit for adolescents with mood disorders that I discovered the joy of working with youth. These experiences deepened my commitment to providing unconditional positive, validating, and strengths-based support to teenagers simply needing someone in their corner. Now, I remain dedicated to bringing an openness and sense of humor to each session that allow for space to share truth and create healing. I fill my cup outside of work with live music, dancing, knitting, hiking, and spending time outside whenever possible.

Feeling more like yourself is possible, and that's exactly what we'll work toward together. As an integrative therapist with three years of experience in mental health and career counseling, my work is rooted in helping people navigate the strong emotions, mood states, and behavioral concerns that can get in the way of living their most desired or authentic life. Whether you're an emerging adult finding your footing or a seasoned adult seeking a reset, I'm here to help you move through whatever is causing disruption or discontent in your life so you can feel more like yourself. With a specialization in nervous system regulation and discernment counseling, I’m passionate about providing counseling in a modern world. I believe in compassionate awareness, which helps me be fully present while supporting you in becoming more grounded and free. What I look forward to most are those “aha” moments, however brief yet meaningful, that last far beyond what is created in our weekly/bi-weekly sessions. Therapy, at its best, should feel like a space you can breathe in. My approach is built on balance: it doesn't need to be an experience that wrecks you, it shouldn't leave you emotionally exhausted, and it certainly doesn't need to stop you from moving forward. Being in touch with your more vulnerable parts doesn't mean becoming consumed by them. Rather, I am passionate about making counseling accessible, welcoming, safe, and, above all, balanced within the unique confines of your life. Together, we'll identify the patterns and biofeedback loops already present in your life, use parts work to understand how and why they show up, and draw on that understanding to guide a more integrated, grounded way of living. Drawing from Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness training, and an understanding of how body, mind, and environment work in tandem, sessions are designed to feel flowing, steady, and reliable. My style is like me – warm and compassionate, but not without confrontation once that feels helpful. Every approach is tailored to your unique life and circumstances, because while no therapist can know the full extent of a patient's experience, showing up each week to work with what you bring to the room is something I take seriously. My path to becoming a therapist began at summer camp. Though I come from an athletic and social family, I was never much for either! On one warm afternoon at recreation time, I found myself right where I wanted to be: sitting on the bench, watching, talking, and offering important verbal evidence on whether that ball was in or out at Four Square. That summer, and many more that followed, helped me understand something essential about myself. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to appreciate a person or experience for exactly what it is. Not for their potential. Not for their past. For precisely where they are right now. This perspective has shaped everything about how I show up as a therapist. The present moment holds more than enough to explore, and in my experience, that exploration is not just adequate, but unending. Movement and the outdoors are my strongholds. I enjoy yoga, weight-lifting, and long walks, and am also a passionate cook who loves to try out and create new recipes. And, I am a lifelong learner – I enjoy reading, history, and anything to do with the brain and body.

As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for tweens, teens, young adults, and LGBTQIA+ individuals who are navigating eating disorders, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, gender barriers, perfectionism, anger, and identity exploration. I believe that everyone deserves to be valued, treated with respect, to have their story honored, and to live a meaningful life. It would be a privilege to support and witness your growth and transformation. As a therapist grounded in feminism, social justice, and hope, I prioritize meeting each person where they are with consideration for their unique needs and lived experiences. I am passionate about helping patients recognize their worth and build fulfilling lives. Together, you can expect a safe and welcoming environment where you are supported as you navigate challenges while developing tools and strategies to help you make the changes you desire. My approach integrates EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), art-based interventions, psychodynamic therapy, and nervous system regulation tools, tailored to your specific needs and goals. My journey to becoming a therapist consisted of a thousand small moments. Throughout my life, I witnessed the impact of mental health challenges on those around me, and have recognized how quality mental health care can change someone's life, leading me to the firm conviction that one person believing in you can make a lasting impact. Furthermore, my own experiences of being a child with ADHD, and a teen who often felt anxious and alone, helped me develop a great depth of understanding and compassion for other youth and young adults who are suffering. Beyond the personal, my experience spans a range of mental health settings, including community mental health, a domestic violence center, an eating disorder recovery program, and an agency specializing in trauma recovery for justice-involved youth and their families. In these roles, I supported individuals navigating systemic barriers and complex life experiences. In my clinical work, I help patients process and reduce the impact of trauma-related symptoms, including anxiety, anger, perfectionism, overwhelm, hypervigilance, fears of abandonment and rejection, and low self-worth. In my practice now, I hope to offer others the kind of support I once needed, and am honored to walk alongside patients as they move toward healing and change. In my free time, I love trying new coffee shops, buying my cats too many toys, and rewatching Ted Lasso and the Jurassic Park movies. I also enjoy exploring new places, spending time in nature, and engaging in creative activities, including photography and creating art to decorate my space.

Finding the right support is the first step, and you don't have to take it alone. As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I’m dedicated to helping people navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions with compassion and care. Whether you're working to manage difficult emotions, strengthen your coping skills, or move toward personal goals that feel out of reach, we'll build something meaningful together. My commitment is to meet you exactly where you are, as a steady and supportive partner throughout your care as you work toward greater clarity and confidence, while empowering lasting growth and a stronger sense of well-being. Fostering self-awareness and a real sense of agency in the people I work with is at the heart of what I do. In our time together, you can expect a warm, grounded environment where you feel genuinely heard. Sessions are collaborative by design, drawing on evidence-based techniques and thoughtful exploration to help you build insight and develop practical skills you can carry beyond our work together. My style is compassionate and flexible; every person brings a unique set of needs and goals, and the approach we take will reflect yours. A deep curiosity about people and a genuine desire to support others through life's challenges brought me to this work, and this foundation continues to shape the compassionate, patient-centered care I offer every day. To each session, I bring patience, empathy, and authentic presence, because you deserve a therapist who is truly invested in your progress, not just going through the motions. Outside the therapy room, you can usually find me curled up with a good book, exploring new restaurants, watching a great show, or heading to the movies. Running and ice skating are also fun outdoor hobbies that help me stay active and recharge.

Amy strives for clients to feel supported and guided as they work towards growth and change. She specializes in anxiety, depression, relationships, self-criticism, perfectionism, and life transitions (e.g., graduation, parenthood and career changes). Amy's style blends tangible tools with broader insight, all while strengthening a sense of agency so that clients can feel empowered to make and sustain meaningful change. Areas of specialization: -Anxiety -Depression -Low self-esteem -Perfectionism -Family and relationship challenges -Life and career transitions I specialize in working with clients who feel anxious, depressed, or disempowered, and struggle with cycles of self-criticism, perfectionism, difficult relationships, or life transitions (e.g., graduation, parenthood or career changes). My therapeutic approach blends evidence-based methods from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, ACT, and DBT, with goals to help clients understand and tangibly improve their symptoms. I aim for therapy to be a place where they can feel supported and guided as we work together towards growth. I seek to help strengthen clients' sense of agency, so they feel empowered to make and sustain meaningful life changes. I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work, and have advanced postgraduate training in perinatal mental health care, including postpartum anxiety and depression, as well as training in trauma-informed clinical care. Prior to becoming a therapist, I previously worked as an attorney with the US Department of Justice, and draw upon this experience in my work with clients in demanding professional and academic careers. I welcome clients from all backgrounds, and am committed to creating a collaborative, non-judgmental therapeutic experience where both practical strategies and emotional understanding can flourish. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Master of Social Work, The Catholic University of America Juris Doctorate, The University of Chicago Law School Offering sessions in person in Washington, DC, and via telehealth to clients based in: DC, Maryland, and Virginia

As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I provide affirming, person-centered support to help you navigate whatever you're facing, whether that's a major life transition, relationship challenges, identity exploration, or simply a desire to grow and better understand yourself. My work centers on LGBTQIA+ individuals, young adults and life changes, and anyone exploring identity, relationships, self-fulfillment, and personal growth. Additionally, I have a deep personal and professional interest in reproductive mental health and perinatal wellbeing, supporting those facing infertility, fertility treatment, and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), including IVF and IUI. I work with LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples on family-building paths such as donor conception, sperm or egg donation, gestational carriers, and third-party reproduction. Whether you're weighing donor options, navigating the emotional landscape of pregnancy and postpartum, or learning to advocate for yourself within the fertility clinic system, I offer informed, compassionate support every step of the way. No matter who you are or what you’re experiencing, my approach is collaborative and tailored to you, meeting you where you are and walking alongside you. At the heart of my work is a genuine commitment to making you feel truly seen. I believe that the most meaningful therapeutic work happens when you feel safe enough to be honest, so I prioritize creating a space that is nonjudgmental, warm, and unhurried from the very first session. Working together, we’ll use collaborative exploration, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and strengths-based techniques to help you reconnect with your values and move through life's most challenging moments with greater clarity. Because no two people – and no two journeys – are exactly alike, my approach is tailored to your unique story, goals, and pace, in an environment that is safe, affirming, and entirely yours. Therapy is your time, which is why I vow to always show up to each session ready to meet you exactly where you are. My path to becoming a therapist began at the St. Louis City Courthouse, where I had the privilege of supporting survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. That experience showed me, in vivid and lasting terms, how community resources, advocacy, and therapeutic care can genuinely change the course of someone's life. I went on to spend several years in Washington, D.C., working in international development and political advocacy. That work deepened my understanding of how the world's larger systems shape each of us at a profoundly personal level, a perspective I carry into every therapeutic relationship. As a queer person who has navigated complex systems, policies, and family-building pathways in the U.S., I bring both personal and professional insight to this work. I understand that these experiences are not just logistical; they are deeply emotional, and they deserve thoughtful, informed support. When I'm not in session, you'll find me exploring new destinations, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, or hosting friends around the table. I also enjoy crafting, getting lost in a good book, and keeping up with my Pilates practice.

I have a Client Centered Holistic Approach . My speciality is Prolonged Exposure for PTSD. I provide for a safe environment where my clients have the opportunity to explore what ever issues they may be facing. I Utilize Cognitive Therapy Address Psychosocial Adjustment Issues with Individual's, Couple's and Families.