Washington, DC. The capital of the United States of America. Filled with beautiful monuments and government buildings, it’s a city worth visiting. Your mental health can be like a government. Sometimes, it feels like it’s running smoothly enough. Other times, you wonder who in the world is running your mind, because they aren’t doing a good job. 

A counselor can help you vote out the people who are making your mind a disaster, and replace them with those who are willing to work for you. Washington needs a sweeping of mental health, and a counselor based in Washington, DC can be able to help you.

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Efuntomiwa Adedeji

Offering therapy in DC
License: LICSW,LCSW-C,MSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker/therapist licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia with over 10 years of experience. I have been truly blessed to work with clients ranging from preteens to the elderly dealing with varying issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues to anger management, family issues and physical and emotional abuse to name a few. I have been especially proud of working with youth and young adults who were and formally in the foster care system transition emotionally and mentally to adulthood and society as a whole. These issues often interrupt our daily lives and can feel debilitating. However, when one has a trusting therapeutic relationship with someone who cares, one can work towards a path to freedom. My counseling style is interactive, empathetic and warm. It is my belief that listening is the key to success in a therapeutic relationship and every client that I am blessed to serve will feel heard. Being treated with dignity, respect and compassion are also the tenets that I abide by and will display that in every interaction and intervention. My approach combines strengths therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy and solution-focused therapy to ensure that the highest level of outcomes are achieved as outlined by a unique treatment plan that will be tailored to your needs. The courage it takes to decide to seek help to experience a healthier, happier life is no small feat but will derive high dividends through our work together. Throughout this process, and through your accomplished goals, you will soon realize that this was the best decision you ever made for yourself. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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C.E. English-El

Offering therapy in DC
License: LPC
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Hi. I'm C.E. English-El, known by most as Ce. I've been a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Therapist for over 25 years and a certified Life Coach for over 10 years. My counseling style is eclectic and whole person centered with a wellness orientation. Not only am I good at connecting with people I enjoy the process of engaging, learning, growing and moving . My wealth of experience and exposure is grounded in the addiction treatment milieu where I evolved from a fledgling counselor to a director of clinical services for adult and adolescent inpatient and outpatient programs. I have authored and lectured extensively in the addiction treatment arena. Other areas of expertise include Emotional Intelligence (EI) development, Mindfulness appreciation, coaching well-being, relaxation response, self-care and family connections. Academically, I have a Bachelors degree in Social Work from the University of DC, a Masters degree in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University, and a post graduate certification in Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. I'm thorough in assessment and delivery of services with integrity and commitment. On a personal level, I'm a people person by nature and involved in this helping profession by choice. I’m a country boy from Long Island who’s been living the addiction recovery platform for over 30 years with the Florida sand between my toes and living with meaning and purpose.

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Dr. Bernadette Boozer-Madison

Offering therapy in DC
License: PHD,MSW,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
25 years of experience

I am well versed and experienced in working with a variety of populations. My specialty focuses on adults who experienced trauma while in foster care; adults experiencing separation and divorce, depression, anxiety, caregiver, and compassion fatigue, newfound-COVID stressors, grief, and loss. My clinical approach encompasses several different evidence-based therapeutic modalities and is delivered in a compassionate and meaningful way. My extensive years of therapeutic experience in developing coping skills, managing stressors, and navigating through crises have led many to a path of emotional wellness. We can focus our work together on positive change and achieving your personal milestones. I will work with you to tailor a client-centered approach that specifically addresses your goals and needs! I am available for a consultation and have immediate options available to schedule new client appointments via video. I am excited about working together to help you begin your journey toward hope. DUE TO AN ABUNDANCE OF CLIENTS LOOKING FOR TREATMENT, I AM WILLING TO WORK WITH CLIENTS INTERESTED IN CHAT ONLY AT THIS TIME IN AN EFFORT TO GET CLIENTS INTO CARE QUICKLY.

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Juliana Sarkodee

Offering therapy in DC
License: LICSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in the District of Columbia and Maryland. I have provided services in the mental health and child welfare setting for more than 10 years. My clinical approach is client-centered, strength-based, and solution-focused. I use my skill set to assist clients to discover their strengths and improve on coping skills they have utilized and learn new approaches. I work with deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing clients. With hearing clients, we will use live chat or video with live captions. The clients will determine the options that are comfortable for them. I believe that the clients are experts on what works on the issues they face. I have worked with clients on anxiety. adjustment issues, trauma, and stress-related concerns, coping with life changes using the strength-based, solution-focused approach as well as motivational interviews.

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Stephen F Onley

Offering therapy in DC
Stress, Anxiety
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Nevada and Washington, DC with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Wendi Makus

Offering therapy in DC
License: LPC,SDP,AADC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

Hello! I'm so glad you are here! If you are ready to make some changes in life that are likely to result in improved mental health, improved quality of life, and general well being; you came to the right place! My approach in counseling is in general to look at the person as a whole; not as their symptoms of problems. I use holistic, solution focused, and trauma informed models to engage client's in the counseling process and achieve their goals. I have been trained in trauma informed approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); which uses several tools to help client's negative past events have less emotional impact on their lives. I am also certified in a counseling approach called seed digging therapy (SD), which is developed off the therapy developed in the 90's called theophostic therapy. The premise of seed digging therapy (SD) is that each individual is generally mostly good, has a desire to be good to others, and wants to have a happy and productive life. The model states that a person's heart is a "garden" which in analogy has "weeds" and "flowers". Traumatic/Sad events tend to produce weeds and Happy events tend to produce flowers. Weeds in a persons heart can cause many negative reactions in life ranging from interpersonal relationships, self esteem, negative view of the world. Weeds occur when a lie is believed about that sad/bad event. Examples of weeds: not feeling adequate, feeling unloved, feeling a lack of importance. Flowers are developed when something happens that is positive/ good, and the individual believes something good about themselves. Examples of flowers: I do matter, I am important, I am loved, I belong in this group, family, friendship etc. The process of seed digging therapy is to find where the root of the negative thoughts started, and create an alternate belief opposite of the negative. Using narrative techniques, the person has the opportunity to recreate meaning if they want to. I am very excited to meet you, get to know you and help see you to the other side of where you want to be. If you would like to work more with me, we can talk more about your goals and what steps to take to get there.

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Lisa Stanford

Offering therapy in DC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience with working with women. I provide support in helping clients with postpartum depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Destinee Smith

Offering therapy in DC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuse
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia and have experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, and trauma. Dancing was my escape from my adverse childhood experiences and adverse community environments, and upon graduating from college at UNC-Greensboro, I became a professional dancer in the DMV (DC, MD, VA). Movement, breath, and how toxic stress lives in the body were always within my awareness. I rely on my personal history to cultivate a safe, genuine, healing space for those on a wellness journey. I am a Black, Queer, Cis-gender counselor. Therefore, I utilize my intersectional identities to assist individuals and families in skill-building to manage anxiety, interpersonal concerns, transitions, adjustments, and striving for self-actualization. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

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Wright Doss

Offering therapy in DC
Stress, AnxietyBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

In 23 years of clinical experience, I have helped clients like you learn how to manage anxiety and depression due to work stress, cancer diagnosis, and significant life changes. Medical professionals including nurses, social workers, counselors, and other professionals who found themselves burned out because of their experiences during the pandemic have called me for help. The objective is to guide you successfully through these life changes and hardships, manage the impact they have on your closest relationships, and move you forward in life with a renewed perspective.

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Rhonda Wells-Wilbon

Offering therapy in DC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in District of Columbia and Maryland with over 10 years of professional social work experience as a social work professor and practitioner. I have expertise in working with adult survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault, domestic violence and other forms of interpersonal violence. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I work with individuals, couples, families and small groups. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I work well with Black populations and other people of color. But, I’m culturally sensitive to the diverse needs of all individuals. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Am also trained in Brain-spotting.

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How to find counseling in Washington

Finding the best therapist close by in Washington can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Washington. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Washington, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Washington or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Washington area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Washington, elsewhere in District of Columbia, or in the greater state of District of Columbia.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Washington area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Washington therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Washington due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Washington may not take health insurance, some in the state of District of Columbia may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of District of Columbia you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Washington, District of Columbia working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Washington above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Washington helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Washington therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Washington therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Washington therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in DC, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 20222 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Washington counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Washington licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Washington, District of Columbia can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Washington has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Washington.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Washington:

20001, 20002, 20003, 20004, 20005, 20006, 20007, 20008, 20009, 20010, 20011, 20012, 20013, 20015, 20016, 20017, 20018, 20019, 20020, 20022, 20024, 20026, 20027, 20029, 20030, 20032, 20033, 20035, 20036, 20037, 20038, 20039, 20040, 20041, 20042, 20043, 20044, 20045, 20047, 20049, 20050, 20052, 20053, 20055, 20056, 20057, 20058, 20059, 20060, 20061, 20062, 20063, 20064, 20065, 20066, 20067, 20068, 20069, 20070, 20071, 20073, 20074, 20075, 20076, 20077, 20078, 20080, 20081, 20082, 20090, 20091, 20189, 20201, 20202, 20203, 20204, 20206, 20207, 20208, 20210, 20211, 20212, 20213, 20214, 20215, 20216, 20217, 20218, 20219, 20220, 20221, 20222, 20223, 20224, 20226, 20227, 20228, 20229, 20230, 20232, 20233, 20235, 20237, 20238, 20239, 20240, 20241, 20242, 20244, 20245, 20250, 20251, 20252, 20254, 20260, 20261, 20262, 20265, 20266, 20268, 20270, 20277, 20289, 20299, 20301, 20303, 20306, 20307, 20310, 20314, 20317, 20318, 20319, 20330, 20340, 20350, 20355, 20370, 20372, 20373, 20374, 20375, 20376, 20380, 20388, 20389, 20390, 20391, 20392, 20393, 20394, 20395, 20398, 20401, 20402, 20403, 20404, 20405, 20406, 20407, 20408, 20409, 20410, 20411, 20412, 20413, 20414, 20415, 20416, 20417, 20418, 20419, 20420, 20421, 20422, 20423, 20424, 20425, 20426, 20427, 20428, 20429, 20431, 20433, 20434, 20435, 20436, 20437, 20439, 20440, 20441, 20442, 20444, 20447, 20451, 20453, 20456, 20460, 20463, 20468, 20469, 20470, 20472, 20500, 20501, 20502, 20503, 20504, 20505, 20506, 20507, 20508, 20509, 20510, 20511, 20515, 20520, 20521, 20522, 20523, 20524, 20525, 20526, 20527, 20528, 20529, 20530, 20531, 20533, 20534, 20535, 20536, 20537, 20538, 20539, 20540, 20541, 20542, 20543, 20544, 20546, 20547, 20548, 20549, 20551, 20552, 20553, 20554, 20555, 20557, 20559, 20560, 20565, 20566, 20570, 20571, 20572, 20573, 20575, 20576, 20577, 20578, 20579, 20580, 20581, 20585, 20586, 20588, 20590, 20591, 20593, 20594, 20597, 20599, 56901, 56902, 56904, 56908, 56915, 56920, 56933, 56935, 56944, 56945, 56950, 56965, 56967, 56972, 56998, 56999

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