Therapists for college students near 20064

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 anxious, depressed, or "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.

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.

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.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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.

The Dorm is a mission-driven mental health treatment organization that has been empowering young adults building independent, resilient and purposeful lives since 2009. We provide individualized, flexible and community-centered intensive outpatient care and serve a clinically-diverse and acute population (ages 18-30).

As a starting therapist with graduate-level experience, I help teens and adults navigate life transitions and stressors, feelings of depression and anxiety, situations of trauma or crisis, and issues surrounding their self-esteem and close relationships. I believe in compassionate, patient-centered care through a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach, which helps me be a supportive, attentive partner in your healing process. I look forward to tailoring care to your unique needs, goals, and life circumstances, helping you feel heard, empowered, and connected to the resources and support you need in our work together. Working together, you can expect a warm and nonjudgmental environment that empowers you to build resilience and move toward meaningful change. This compassionate and collaborative approach focuses on building a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel supported and respected, as I’m passionate about creating a safe space that ensures you better understand your experiences, build resilience, and develop practical coping strategies. My path to becoming a therapist began with a deep interest in understanding how people navigate difficult life experiences and how support systems can make a meaningful difference in someone’s healing. Through my work supporting individuals facing crisis, trauma, and complex life stressors, I developed a strong commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care that ensures such dedicated support. My practice now brings empathy, curiosity, and a strong belief in each person’s capacity for resilience and growth to every session. I enjoy a wide range of hobbies outside the office, including thrifting, sewing, reading fiction, and staying active, as well as being actively involved in D.C.'s diverse and unique community!

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.

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 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.

As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I'm here to help women and girls navigate life's stressors, trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges. Whether you're working to better understand your emotions or exploring how your past experiences have shaped the way you move through the world, this is a space built on integrity, care, and a genuine commitment to your growth. You deserve a therapist who shows up for you fully, and that's exactly what I strive to be. Together, we'll work toward deeper self-understanding and the tools to help you live more fully and authentically. In our time together, you can expect a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where you feel genuinely heard and empowered to grow. Therapy with me is casual, conversational, and always centered on you. Drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy, we'll work together to unpack anxious thoughts, identify triggers, and explore how your history connects to your present experiences. Your autonomy throughout this process matters deeply to me, and every aspect of our work is tailored to your unique needs and goals. The road to becoming a therapist was shaped by my own meaningful experiences in therapy. The strong, trusting relationships I built with my therapists showed me firsthand what effective, ethical care can look like and deepened my commitment to offering that same experience to the people I work with. That foundation continues to inform every session. A conversational approach, a genuine investment in your well-being, and an unwavering dedication to compassionate care are what you'll find here. When I'm not in session, you can find me knitting, reading, hitting the gym, or diving into my newest hobby: spinning my own yarn.

We are located near many colleges and univiersities in NW Washington, DC! Of note, we are very close to American University and their shuttle stops across the street from our practice. We are also across the street from The Washington College of Law. We are a short metro or bus ride from Georgetown University and The Catholic University of America. Our therapists enjoy working with college students and young professionals, and we frequently partner with students from our local colleges. If you’re interested in learning more about our therapy services for college and university students, you can find more details on our website, and our team members are always happy to answer questions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more!

Sometimes the transitions, pressures, and questions of life can feel overwhelming to navigate on your own. As a licensed graduate professional counselor, I help you do just that, specializing in mood disorders, life transitions, cultural impacts, and stress management for adolescents and adults. Whether you're stepping into a new environment, entering a new relationship, shifting careers, or working through something harder to name, I'm here to help you find your footing. Identity work is central to what I do, as I believe that understanding who you are, and how your experiences have shaped you, is some of the most meaningful work we can do together. I approach every session with genuine curiosity, because being a truly present counselor means seeking first to understand. Your goals and needs guide our work, and I look forward to collaborating with you every step of the way. When you work with me, you can expect warmth, openness, and a space that feels genuinely safe and inviting. Sessions are collaborative and nonjudgmental by design, shaped around your unique needs rather than a one-size-fits-all framework. Drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), I take an integrative approach to help you improve your mood, manage daily stressors, and build skills that carry beyond our sessions. Cultural identity and the way life experiences show up in your everyday world are areas I'm deeply passionate about. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to walk alongside you as you move closer to something more meaningful and fulfilling. Whatever you bring into the room, we'll work through it together. This path chose me as much as I chose it. My own experiences navigating stress, cultural impacts, and identity gave me an early and personal window into the weight those things can carry. Watching family and friends face their own mental health challenges deepened that understanding and strengthened my commitment to providing care that is both thorough and genuinely human. Every person I work with benefits from that perspective, and I bring it fully into each session. Outside of the therapy room, you can find me thrifting, getting lost in a good book, or seeking out any body of water I can find. At home, my cat Suki keeps things lively and reminds me that the small, simple moments matter too.

As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I specialize in stress, anxiety, and burnout for adults navigating life transitions and everyday pressures. I am dedicated to helping you uncover the strengths you need to move through life's core stressors with resilience, building the tools that help you show up as your most grounded and authentic self. My areas of focus include stress and anxiety management, and supporting you through the many transitions life brings. I approach every patient with compassion, curiosity, and respect, showing up as a collaborative partner in your healing process. I look forward to helping you build the confidence to navigate life with greater balance and clarity. Healing looks different for everyone, and I believe the most meaningful progress happens when you feel truly seen and supported. My approach is holistic, trauma-informed, and rooted in collaboration, because you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to help you access the wisdom and strengths already within you. In our work together, I draw on Mindfulness-based and strength-based practices to help you build a steady foundation beneath your feet. Sessions are warm and nonjudgmental, creating the kind of space where honest reflection feels possible. From there, we explore what balance, clarity, and resilience can look like for you specifically — because no two journeys are the same, and your care should reflect that. My path to becoming a therapist began with my own journey of unlearning and relearning how to prioritize my well-being during major life stressors. These experiences sparked a deep passion for helping others reconnect with themselves and reclaim their needs through a mindful, holistic lens. Now, I bring a collaborative spirit to every session, working with you as a true team and moving together toward your growth, healing, and sense of self. Outside the therapy space, I stay active by training for triathlons – swimming, biking, and running. I also love traveling to new destinations and discovering great restaurants along the way.

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

Do you feel overwhelmed, stuck in your own thoughts, or unsure of how to navigate changes in your life? As a Licensed Graduate Social Worker, I work with adolescents and adults to navigate anxiety, ADHD, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, build confidence, develop healthier ways of coping, and feel more present and in control of your life. I believe in meeting you exactly where you are, which allows me to be a supportive and collaborative partner throughout the therapy process. I look forward to helping you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and work toward meaningful changes that feel right for you. Creating a space where you feel comfortable being yourself while gaining a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns is something I care deeply about. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-based techniques, I help you build on that understanding while developing practical tools you can use outside of therapy. This conversational style carries into every session, where I tailor my collaborative, supportive, and individualized approach to your unique needs, personality, and goals. My journey toward therapy began with a genuine curiosity about people and a desire to understand the experiences that shape who we are. This grew into a commitment to providing compassionate, individualized care where patients feel truly heard and understood. Today, I bring warmth, curiosity, and authenticity to each session with you, believing that therapy can be both meaningful and human. I enjoy playing piano, drawing, and practicing Pilates, yoga, and meditation. Exploring new places and spending time with loved ones are just as important to me. I also love reading, going to the movies, and unwinding with a good reality TV show.

As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), my focus is on helping adults ages 18 and older navigate depression, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, and other mental health concerns. Whether you're looking for relief from persistent symptoms, greater emotional balance, or practical strategies to improve your daily life and relationships, you've come to the right place. Every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported, and that belief shapes everything about the care I provide. Together, we'll take the time to understand what you're experiencing, build a personalized treatment plan, and work toward lasting wellness that fits your life. Care that's compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based isn't just how I work; it's what I believe you deserve from the start. In your first appointment, I'll conduct a thorough psychiatric assessment so we can develop a treatment plan that's truly tailored to you, whether that involves medication management, ongoing support, or a combination of approaches. My style is warm and patient-centered, and I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being open about what you're going through. There's no judgment here, only a genuine commitment to understanding your goals and helping you move toward them. Becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner was a natural path for me, because I've always been drawn to work that creates real, meaningful change in people's lives. Building authentic therapeutic relationships, seeing patients grow, and walking alongside someone as they move toward their goals is what makes my work so fulfilling. This passion continues to shape how I show up for every person I have the privilege of caring for. Yoga, reading, traveling, and exploring new cities are where I find balance and inspiration. Each keeps me curious, present, and connected to the world around me, qualities I bring with me into every patient relationship.

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.

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.

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.