Therapists for college students near Washington, DC

Do you feel overwhelmed by life’s constant demands or stressed by difficult relationships? If so, you matter to me. I love to see people thrive. I enjoy supporting people during difficult times and supplying them with the tools necessary to overcome challenges. Your issues do not define you. My approach recognizes the interconnectedness of our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Whether your journey calls for gentle encouragement, practical strategies, or a listening ear, my goal is to empower you to move forward with confidence and hope. I am passionate about fostering resilience, helping you transform hardships into steppingstones, and celebrating your progress along the way. I use evidence-based practices and Biblical perspectives to guide my work. As we work together, you can anticipate a therapy experience that is both collaborative and adaptive. I honor the wisdom and strengths you already possess, inviting you to draw upon your inner resources while equipping you with new insights and skills. No matter where you are in your story, I am committed to supporting you in cultivating greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and a sense of purpose.

The road to self discovery is scary, and you are taking the first steps in seeking out the right therapist for you. It’s an important investment and you want to make sure you find just the right connection. My approach is deeply personal. Working with each person to learn and identify how they are impacted by the stories of their life and their history. In doing so, we are able to bring out what is truly possible. I believe strongly in the power of our stories. From a very young age, we all start learning things about ourselves and our world. These “life lessons” start to turn into the stories we repeat to ourselves over and over again. They become who we are. Those stories are not always nice and they hold us back. But most importantly, they are often not true! They are the stories we created when we were young and we have retold them to ourselves over and over again in a weird game of telephone with one player.

Starting college or graduate school —or navigating your way through them—can be both exciting and overwhelming. Many students find themselves facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity questions, academic pressure, or major life transitions, often for the first time. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I specialize in working with college students and young adults, and I understand the unique pressures of university life—from managing expectations and finding your place, to coping with self-doubt, loneliness, or burnout. Whether you’re struggling or simply wanting to better understand yourself and grow, therapy can be a space where things begin to feel more manageable and more hopeful. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe that meaningful change happens in a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship, where you feel safe to be yourself and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Together, we’ll work at your pace to better understand your experiences, build resilience, and develop tools that help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity. I have over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, including working in university counseling centers, where I supported students through many of the challenges you may be facing now. I’ve worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities, and I am committed to creating an inclusive, affirming space where you feel seen and respected. I also have experience working with international students, students with disabilities and chronic health conditions, Deaf and hard of hearing students, and those navigating complex family or cultural dynamics. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step—but it can also be the beginning of feeling more like yourself again. You deserve support, understanding, and a space to grow. I would be honored to be part of that process with you.

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!

Hi, I'm Simran, and I work with college students and young adults who are navigating the challenges that come with this stage of life. College can bring a lot of change, pressure, and uncertainty, and sometimes it helps to have a space where you can talk openly and feel supported. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, overthinking, relationship concerns, stress, self-esteem, life transitions, or feeling stuck, therapy can help you better understand yourself and develop tools to handle life's challenges. My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself and where we can work together toward your goals. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. If you're looking for support, insight, or a place to process what you're going through, I'd be happy to work with you.

This process of being and becoming that we engage with as humans can simultaneously be both beautiful and incredibly challenging. The decision to take part in therapy can begin a transformative process that allows you to develop greater insight as well as ignite necessary behavioral changes. This can help promote greater well-being, vitality, healing, growth, resiliency, and self-actualization. There is perhaps no greater gift to give yourself than to invest in a process of self-exploration. Such exploration will better enable you to develop a deeper connection with your authentic self so that you may reach your optimal potential. Ultimately, engaging in therapy can be an empowered step toward claiming a life that feels more fulfilling, intentional and aligned with your goals. In turn, there is no greater honor for me than to get to share a part of your journey. I believe therapy to be a collaborative and relational process. You can expecte me to treat you with compassion and respect. I am a licensed psychologist in private practice after working in university counseling centers since 2003. Most recently, I served as the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at George Washington University since June 2020 after serving as Director of Counseling at Ursinus College since 2013. Prior to that I’ve worked in the counseling centers at Drexel, Columbia and Princeton University after completing my pre-doctoral internship at the counseling center at Johns Hopkins University and receiving my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia in 2010. Prior to that, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington and Lee University and my master’s degree in psychological counseling from Teacher’s College, Columbia University Collectively, these roles allowed me to identify my passion for providing quality mental health services to the adult and young adult population, particularly in helping the undergraduate and graduate students navigate through identity, relational and transitional concerns and stressors. In these roles, I both provided direct therapy to university students as well as oversight for the delivery of counseling services- including staff supervision and management, evaluation and assessment of services and programs, establishing best practices for the centers that met the needs of the campus community and supported student development objectives as well as the academic mission. I most enjoyed working directly with students to address both clinical and developmental issues and frequently experienced that through therapy, they could better realize their potential. I am very excited to be returning to a purely clinical role to dedicate my energy to providing direct therapy. I provide a warm, compassionate, supportive and empowering environment in which I meet individuals where they are and help them to feel seen, heard, and affirmed in order to heal, learn and grow. I believe that each client must be understood as an individual whose sense of self has been informed through many social, cultural and relational interactions.

The clients I work best with often share a readiness to engage deeply with their own personal growth and face life's challenges head-on. They typically come from diverse backgrounds but share common experiences such as navigating life transitions, dealing with anxiety or depression, and seeking to improve their communication and relationship skills. My clients are often those who value a reflective and supportive space where they can explore their thoughts and emotions to foster healing and personal development. They appreciate a collaborative approach where they are active participants in their therapeutic journey.

We are a mental health practice that specializes in providing quality therapeutic services. We strive to create a comfortable and supportive environment in which you can engage in a healing self-discovery. We provide individual, couples, and family therapy from a modern approach. Our clinicians are not only well-versed in their specialties and fields, but they are also from the same places you are from. The goal is for your mental health provider to be someone who looks like you and who does not sympathize, but can empathize with you life experiences.

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.

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!

Kristina sees teens, adults, couples, and families navigating: -stress -anxiety -depression -trauma -life changes and transitions -sexuality and/or gender issues -relationship challenges -pressure of the performing arts/sports worlds -acculturating and/or racial identity concerns -living with a chronic medical condition -grief Sessions take place in a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental tele-health atmosphere. Kristina: -uses compassion and kindness to cultivate the therapeutic relationship -empowers individuals to develop the skills/strategies needed to cope during challenging times -helps clients to build self-esteem while gaining personal insight -helps clients to recognize their strengths, value, and resilience -helps clients to start taking control and making positive changes in their life Kristina welcomes the opportunity to assist you on your journey, working together to relieve the challenges you face. Afterall, "emotional well-being is just as important to us as breathing is!"

Online Counseling for teens & adults in Washington, DC & Virginia I work with adolescents and adults with concerns such as anxiety, stress, perfectionism, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues (peer, spousal, dating, breakups), life transitions, academic and athletic pressures. My approach is based on my belief in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and having a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can feel understood, accepted, connected, can share and explore their experiences, strengthen and expand upon coping skills, and develop insights. I use a collaborative approach that includes working with clients in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner, utilizing evidence based practices that have scientific support for their effectiveness. I provide treatment that is compatible with my client’s strengths and goals in order to provide healing, growth and reduction of symptoms. My client’s have described me as: “very easy to talk to”, genuine, thorough, “down to earth”. I firmly believe that things can and will begin to get better. Please reach out to me directly and I'd be happy to set up a time to connect further to learn more about how I can most be helpful, provide additional information on scheduling and answer any questions.

Hi there! My name is Amanda and I’m grateful for your courage in taking this step. The college years can be a very stressful time due to all of the changes and transitions happening in your life. Whether you're looking for just a few sessions or long-term therapy, I believe healing can happen with the right knowledge, hard work and laughter along the way. I use EMDR, DBT, mindfulness, and life coaching in my therapy sessions. If you've read this far, I encourage you to reach out to see if we are a good fit.

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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor with close to 20 years of experience. I am passionate and committed to helping others achieve their goals and to live a balanced and fulfilled life. I specialize in CBT (cognitive-behavior therapy), mindfulness and psychodynamic therapies. I help you clarify your values and goals, and then encourage you to live life based on those values and goals. I teach you how to best connect with self and others, and believe such connection increases your capacity and possibility for living a life of ease, contentment and passion. Connection leads to better health and well-being. Once you feel safe in connection the possibilities are endless. I have extensive experience working with clients who struggle with addiction and will help guide you on the road to recovery. Together we will focus on action plans that help you build and maintain the life you want. I believe the outcome of successful psychotherapy is more than the absence of symptoms and disorders. It is a life that has increased passion in work, play and relationships.

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.

You built a life and career by being the reliable one. The strong and independent one. The high-performer. Now you wake up tired, restless, and questioning who you are beneath the grind. I work with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and Adult Children of Immigrants navigating burnout, complex trauma, perfectionism, anxious stress, and identity conflict who feel lost in this stage of life and want to reconnect with themselves. Clients often say they are overwhelmed, stuck in overthinking, shutting down in relationships, or carrying stress in their body. Through trauma focused therapy, we explore the parts of you shaped by survival, family expectations, culture, and attachment. I integrate somatic work, IFS, CBT, and liberation based therapy to build awareness, emotional inner balance, and boundaries that reflect your values. As a 1st generation Haitian and Black therapist I know reaching out can feel loaded when you are used to handling everything alone. You do not have to justify needing support. I offer a 20 minute phone or video consultation to explore fit and help you take a steady first step toward change.

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).

The Sterling Group is a team of therapists that specializes in supporting college students and young adults. Being an 'adult' and having it all 'figured out' can feel like a lot of pressure. What they don't tell you is the road to adulthood doesn't end in college, when we graduate, or even in the few years following! Life as a college student can be hard and complicated, but therapy doesn't have to be! Our team at The Sterling Group is made up of therapists who 'get it.' We understand today’s unique demands and pressures of being a young adult. We’ve been there ourselves and our expertise is in helping you get unstuck. It is possible to unlearn negative patterns and replace them with new tools to better handle the hard stuff. We’re here to help you regain a sense of empowerment and control over your life and better manage whatever challenges come your way. Therapy doesn’t have to be stuffy or intimidating. Whether meeting virtually or in our office, our priority is to create a space where you feel comfortable and at ease to be yourself. We’re made up of therapists who have been exactly where you are. And we are as goal-oriented and outcomes-driven as the clients we work with. We want you to see early results so you start to see change and gain confidence in yourself and your continued progress.

Hopkins Behavioral Health is a therapy practice dedicated to the healing and growth of individuals and couples from all walks of life. We offer compassionate, culturally responsive care that goes beneath the surface to address the deeper roots of pain, disconnection, and harmful patterns. Our goal is to help you reclaim meaning, deepen self-understanding, and move toward personal liberation—so you can live more fully, in alignment with who you truly are.