Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

If you're struggling with persistent sadness, lack of energy, or difficulty concentrating, you're not alone. Perhaps anxiety leaves you breathless, or stress manifests physically. Maybe irritability is affecting your relationships, or daily tasks feel insurmountable. Whether you're trying to manage chronic issues, adjusting to a new environment, or seeking to improve your overall well-being, our services are tailored to support your unique journey.

Hello and welcome! My name is Arielle and I am a trauma-sensitive somatic psychotherapist and psychedelic consultant. I offer a warm, sincere, and supportive space for you to intentionally explore the roots of painful memories, emotions, sensations, and thoughts that you are ready to process and move beyond. I specialize in working with people seeking healing from complex trauma, childhood abuse and neglect, sexual and domestic violence, parental loss, and complex grief. I also support people who are intentionally preparing to sit with plant medicine for healing purposes or who have journeyed recently and are looking to integrate their experiences further. If you feel like your needs align with the spaces I hold, I invite you to reach out to me.

Compassionate Therapy Center is a counseling center specializing in providing caring therapy for individuals and couples, high achieving professionals and students, gifted and highly sensitive individuals who are coping with issues such as anxiety, sadness, self-esteem, perfectionism, family/career concerns, and relationships. We currently offer psychotherapy services for adult individuals and couples located in DC, Virginia, and abroad. At Compassionate Therapy Center, we provide a warm, compassionate, and authentic therapeutic space for clients to explore meaning, cultivate acceptance, and recognize their own unique strengths, by embracing diverse identities and advocating for social justice. We are welcoming and affirming of clients of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, and religious/spiritual beliefs.

Dr. Justin Leak is a 2016 graduate of the American School of Professional Psychology @ Argosy University (ASPP). He received his BA in Speech Communication and African & African American Studies from the Pennsylvania State University in 2002. Dr. Leak completed his MA at Lewis & Clark College in Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy (MCFT) in 2008. Dr. Leak completed his APA-accredited internship at The John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents (JLG-RICA), where he continues to work full-time as the Director of the Evaluation Unit and Case Manager for the Facility for Children. His Clinical Research Project was entitled: The Pressure of Maintaining Excellence: The Impact and Challenges of Combining an Electronic Peer-Mentoring Program with University Sponsored Counseling Services to Support Low Income College Students. In between his studies, Dr. Leak has worked with students and families in a variety of educational and therapeutic settings. These include working in the offices of Multicultural Affairs, Academic Advising, Career Advising, and most notably, Residence Life. For fun, he enjoys playing tennis, swimming, travel, and entering cooking competitions. Dr. Leak's therapeutic style pulls from several approaches, including psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Family systems. He offers treatment for a variety of stressors including (but not limited to) mood, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship problems, and transitional life issues. He also specializes in psychological assessment, specifically diagnosing issues that impact behavior, mood, attention, and learning. He is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and the National Register of Health Psychologists.

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.

You’re seeking to understand your past, reduce worries about the future, live authentically, AND hold onto your culture and values. You’re looking for someone who gets it from experience, someone you don’t have to count on to learn about your identity from the outside. Your culture, experiences, and even religion can impact your mental health, but can also help you heal. It’s a perfected dance in between all these identities and you walked the line delicately balanced until now. You’re not sure how to do it anymore without sacrificing yourself. You’re done feeling stuck, stagnant, and alone in trying to handle your struggles, so you’re ready to make some serious change that you know might rock the boat. It’s possible to have a therapist who understands who you are, what you need, and how to help you change your life in a way that doesn’t compromise any of this. You’re trying to balance your multiple identities and you want to understand how they can exist in harmony. You don’t want your culture overlooked in therapy. After all, your culture impacts everything - your thoughts, your feelings, your upbringing, your family interactions, and your worldview. Let’s explore your culture, upbringing, and identities to understand how they formed who you are, your worldview, and concerns. You are more than your problems and context matters! I support adult children of immigrants navigating anxiety & balancing culture and relationships.

I am licensed in DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA and provide flexible teletherapy to fit your busy schedule! I hold advanced certification in an evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model developed by Dr. David Burns at Stanford. I am also certified in CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) developed by Dr. Gregg Jacobs at Harvard. My approach is empathic, structured and active. I use brief mood surveys before and after sessions, to monitor progress and give you a chance to provide me with feedback. I will also expect you to practice new skills between sessions. When we start working together, I will learn about your unique situation to help us set goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. My clients typically start experiencing relief within a few sessions, and our work together results in lasting joy and fulfillment. If you are interested in seeing if we are a good fit, please visit my webpage to set up a free consultation. I look forward to meeting you!

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.

Hello! I specialize in working with engineering and other STEM students that feel overwhelmed by their academic and personal lives. As a former mental health ambassador for two top engineering programs in the country, I have a wealth of experience working with students who are driven, highly intelligent and under intense pressure to succeed. I also work with engineers and engineering managers across STEM industries and can support students in their career exploration process. I am a neuro-divergent and LGBTQIA+ affirming provider that will take the time to tailor your therapy experience to exactly what you need. I am looking forward for the chance to meet you. Feel free to reach out for a free 15 min consultation to discuss how I can help you in your journey through and after school.

Whatever life has thrown at you brings you here today! Although it feels hard I'm proud of you for taking a step towards healing by looking for a therapist. I know how daunting it can be to begin the therapy journey, so I want to reassure you that the journey will be challenging but very rewarding. If you are searching for a judgment free space to process past or current issues, ways to decrease your anxious thoughts, healthier methods to learn how to decrease your feelings of sadness or depression, or a relationship therapist then I am sure we can find the find therapist for you! We specialize in working with children, adolescents and young adults! I am a down to earth therapist who values transparency with my clients to help them achieve autonomy and empowerment. Here at Rooted In Healing Therapy Services, we are skilled in working with those struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, identity issues, managing stress and relationship struggles. We will work with you to help you enhance your toolbox with the tools needed to be the healthiest version of yourself. Scheduling: Please note, we will work with you to try to find an available time that fits your schedule.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Life is sometimes overwhelming and therapy can help create possibilities! I am here to support you in identifying what is making you feel stuck and work with you to become the best version of yourself. I offer a warm and compassionate place for clients to talk about their pain and feel understood. I work with college students and young adults experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, family and personal relationship difficulties, and academic or occupational stress. I draw from a variety of theoretical frameworks to meet the needs of the person I am working with. I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming and fat-positive therapist. I strive to create an inclusive and safe space for all clients. Looking for a therapist is a great first step towards healing and growing! Feel free to email me and I will then let you know my availability and next steps to setting up an intake session for us to get to know each other better. I look forward to hearing from you!

Seeking therapy is often part of a painful journey. Things a person did on their own for their mental health & to connect with others have not worked. Sadness & fear interferes with their work & relationships. For some people seeking therapy, alcohol & drugs provide temporary relief from suffering; however, those behaviors sometimes cause further damage. It’s hard for them to accept compliments & they feel uncomfortable in their own skin, even after achieving things that are supposed to be fulfilling. They meet interesting, loving people, & they find it very hard to get close to them, leading to more isolation. I offer an opportunity for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, & past – to plan for things to be different in the future. I create a healing relationship with my clients, a refuge of clinically-sound & heart-driven support. Experience has taught me that people are much more than their symptoms – they are human beings dealing with human problems. If you’ve decided to try therapy, then I’m ready to work with you. In addition to working with people struggling with mental health & relationships, I am passionate about providing "outside help" to members of AA, DDA, NA, SMART Recovery, & other programs. Please call me today so we can schedule our first session and get you on the road to feeling better.

Are you anxious or overwhelmed? Do you find yourself constantly worried about the state of the world, searching for a sense of calm in uncertain times? I support individuals who are experiencing burnout, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Together, we will create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, process your experiences, and reconnect with yourself. My goal is to help you feel grounded, empowered, & equipped with tools to move forward with clarity and confidence. Navigate stress, reduce anxiety and depression, strengthen relationships, and thrive through life changes.

Life Transition Coaching & Counseling: Life is full of changes—personal challenges, relational shifts, career moves, health concerns, or major transitions such as graduating, getting married, parenting, becoming an empty nester, or retiring. Though it may bring some excitement and hope, these changes can also feel uncertain and overwhelming. Transitions aren’t just events; they are internal processes. While challenging, they can also be powerful turning points. They offer an opportunity to deepen self-awareness, build resilience, and reconnect with your sense of purpose. With the right support, you can do more than just get through these moments—you can be empowered and grow through them. Having a clinically informed, experienced professional by your side can make all the difference as you step into what’s next with greater clarity and confidence.

College can look exciting and successful from the outside while feeling overwhelming behind the scenes. You may be struggling with anxiety, academic pressure, perfectionism, relationship concerns, family expectations, or uncertainty about who you are and what comes next. Maybe others see you as responsible, driven, or strong, but you feel exhausted from trying to keep everything together. I work with college students who are used to putting pressure on themselves, taking care of others, or feeling as though they must always perform well. Therapy can be a space where you do not have to have all the answers. Together, we can explore the experiences and patterns contributing to your stress, strengthen your confidence, and help you develop healthier boundaries, relationships, and coping skills. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. Whether you are adjusting to college, navigating friendships or dating, questioning your identity, managing family stress, or preparing for life after graduation, I will support you in gaining clarity and feeling more grounded. Contact me for a free consultation to ask questions, learn more about my approach, and see whether working together feels like a good fit.

College life can feel like a high-speed juggling act. Classes, relationships, deadlines, family expectations, and trying to take care of yourself all compete for your attention. It can be hard to slow down and make sense of everything you are carrying. I work with students who want to pause, understand what is creating stress or disconnection, and refocus on what truly matters. If you want a therapist who will be your biggest cheerleader and also someone who will call you in when you need it, you are in the right place. My approach is trauma informed and grounded in CBT. Together we work to understand patterns, build clarity, and create real and lasting change. Finding the right therapist matters, especially when you are balancing a full schedule. If you are considering therapy, I invite you to visit my website and schedule a free consultation. This is your chance to ask questions, explore your goals, and get a sense of whether we are a good match. I offer virtual counseling for students located in PA, VA, and DC.

ADHD. Depression. Anxiety. Social Anxiety. We love helping students thrive. This is what we do best! We are a warm, safe, welcoming small group on a mission to help you discover your ideal health. We offer primarily medication management and evaluation. We offer convenient scheduling (in-person and tele-health), direct communication with providers and sufficient time to discuss your needs. We consider the whole person when considering your care needs. We know that college brings all kinds of unique challenges-balancing family, school, friends, work and fun can create all kinds of chaos. We will work to help you figure out the balance. Fill out an intro form as the first step before a quick intro call.

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in patterns of people-pleasing or perfectionism? As a licensed anxiety therapist in Baltimore, I provide in-person and virtual therapy for women, teens, and college students across Maryland and DC. I specialize in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, people-pleasing, and perfectionism, using CBT, ACT, and EMDR. Together, we’ll build tools for confidence, balance, and emotional well-being, helping you live a more authentic, fulfilling life.

Clients come to me when they feel overwhelmed in life. The challenge is that the college experience can exacerbate these issues. It can be hard to navigate not only the academic expectations, but also the issues in our relationships. College is a unique and fleeting experience. I would be happy to support you in managing stressors to make this a positive experience. Our work together is based on radical kindness, cultural understanding, and empathy.