Therapists for college students near Howard University

Freedom from emotional hijack is found in noticing, naming, and knowing. This can be the gift of psychotherapy. Congratulations on looking for a therapist and trying to figure out what will be best for you! It can seem like it requires endurance, when all you’re trying to do is get your mental health needs met. The good news is there are lots and lots of great therapy practices! And a practice or a therapist that’s a great fit for one person, doesn’t mean that it is for you! All that matters is what works for you. Whether you feel nervous, doubtful, unsure, excited, and/or anything else, let’s chat, when/if you’re ready. Just because we talk, doesn’t mean you have to start therapy!

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!

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.

I help individuals enhance their mental health. My approach is based on the premise that nutrition, physical activity, and how we recover are foundational to our well-being. We will optimize your life with thoughtful prescriptions, psychotherapy, nutritional and supplement counseling, and prescriptive exercise.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Whether you suffer from anxiety or depression, if you’re angry or sad, when you experience low self-esteem, or your relationships do not work out — as a highly trained therapist, I can help you with these and other difficulties. I have helped many people to take charge of their lives, to reduce their symptoms, and to make positive and lasting changes. My approach is focused on helping you learn how your mind works and empowering you to identify and to change your emotional patterns. As a therapist who has worked in a variety of settings (non-profit clinic, college campus, crisis program, psychiatric setting) and with diverse populations (children, adolescents, young adults, older adults of different races and different cultures), I am more likely to be able to relate to your unique life situation and to help you with a wide array of issues. Having experienced immigration, I enjoy working with and have expertise with race- and culture-related individual and family matters. Another area of my expertise is lifespan development issues — from child and adolescent to young, middle, and older adulthood.

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 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.

Welcome! I help teens and adults with all types of eating disorders, disordered eating, mood and anxiety issues, and life transitions. Given the world we live in, it can be hard sometimes to sort out "normal" attempts to be healthy and fit vs disordered patterns of eating, exercising or thoughts about food and weight. Your eating issues may have suddenly become problematic or they may have been around "forever". Either way, you deserve to get help to bring balance and flexibility back into your eating and thoughts about food and your body. Learning how to manage mood changes, anxiety and stress during life changes is key. I'm also passionate about supporting women during mid-life transitions related to changes in roles and relationships due to separation/divorce, balancing demands of parenting, caring for aging parents, loss and seeking fulfillment in life. I'll help you process difficult emotions and support you as you consider personal concerns and decisions. Seeking help takes courage--know that there can be relief and calm especially with a partner by your side. Whether it's for yourself or your teen, please visit my website to learn more or reach out to discuss your situation. I work with individuals as well as families and offer flexible hours, in person sessions, and telehealth for MD and DC residents.

Finding the right support can be the turning point that changes everything. As a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor, my work centers on helping children, adolescents, adults, and older adults navigate anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and the emotional challenges that can make everyday life feel unmanageable. Whether you're struggling to regulate overwhelming emotions, coping with loss, or searching for a greater sense of clarity and control, I'm here to walk alongside you. Together, we'll work to build the coping strategies and emotional tools you need to feel more grounded, confident, and empowered as you move forward in your healing journey. Creating a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard and understood is at the heart of everything I do, because meaningful progress begins when you feel safe enough to be yourself. That’s why sessions are always tailored to your unique experiences and goals. Drawing on a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and person-centered techniques, we'll work together to help you better understand your emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and feel more in control of your life. Whatever you're carrying, my commitment is to meet you exactly where you are and support you with compassion and empowerment every step of the way. My path to becoming a therapist was shaped, in part, by my own lived experience with anxiety and depression. This journey gave me a firsthand understanding of how overwhelming mental health challenges can feel, and how transformative it is to have the right support in your corner. That perspective deepened my empathy and strengthened my passion for helping others navigate similar struggles. It's what drives me to show up for you with insight, genuine care, and a presence that is always open and free of judgment. 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.

Therapy is a space to untangle patterns, fears, and old narratives so you can decide what actually serves you. I'm a doctorally-trained, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) who works with adolescents and adults through depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, life transitions and relationship struggles. Together we'll trace what's been keeping you stuck, work through experiences that still weigh on you, and build tools you can use in your daily life, so you feel steadier, clearer, and more yourself. Every process is shaped around your individual preferences and needs. I draw on evidence-based approaches with strong track records for lasting change, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD; which ones we lean on depends on what you're working toward. What stays steady through all of it is a grounded space where you set the pace, receive guidance shaped to your circumstances, learn to trust your own judgment again, and start living by your own design. I see clients in person at my Bethesda, MD office and online across Maryland, Virginia, Vermont, Colorado, and Washington, DC. If any of this resonates, please reach out. I'd be glad to hear what's on your mind and find out whether we're the right fit.

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!

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.

Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to take it alone. As a trauma-focused EMDR therapist, I work with teens, college students, young professionals, adults, parents, and menopausal women who are navigating relational trauma, sexual assault, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and questions of identity. I value honest communication and emotional safety, which help me to be fully present, respectful, and genuinely curious about your experiences. Our work is a collaborative partnership, one that allows me to get to know you deeply, see the patterns shaping your life, and help you make sense of the tapestry you’re weaving. If you’re looking for a thoughtful, compassionate environment to explore and heal, please reach out today. In our work together, you can expect a warm, accepting space where your emotional needs and self-selected objectives guide the process. I prioritize empathy, acceptance, and active listening, while thoughtfully integrating EMDR and trauma-informed Mindfulness to develop skills that help you access a rich emotional life that feels safe, grounded, and led by your core self. Through this relational and empathetic approach, you’ll learn to make meaningful, lasting changes as you move toward a healthier future. My path to becoming a therapist was shaped early on as a parentified child in a dysfunctional home, where I learned to create harmony in difficult circumstances. This experience fostered a natural empathy and flexibility that guide my work today, while strengthening my commitment to offering thoughtful, personalized care that honors each person’s unique story. I bring the fullness of myself into each session, meeting you with compassion, presence, and respect. Outside of the office, I enjoy a creative and active lifestyle. I’m a painter who loves spending time outdoors, whether that’s hiking, walking, or biking, and am also an avid plant enthusiast with more than 50 houseplants. I practice yoga regularly and previously worked as a yoga instructor, which continues to influence how I approach balance and well-being. At home, I share space with two cats and a dog, and value quality time with friends and family. I’m also a mom to four (now adult!) children.

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.

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