Therapists for college students near Howard University

If you feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed or stuck, if you are frustrated by your family or relationships, or are worn out by disordered eating, my practice may be a good fit for you. My therapy style is collaborative, warm, and nonjudgmental, with room for humor. Together, we will work to improve your symptoms, gain a deeper understanding of your concerns and bring about lasting change. As a former clinician at George Washington University and the University of the District of Columbia, I have extensive experience with students, emerging adults and others navigating life transitions. With experience in global recruitment for the international development industry, I work well with clients who are working to establish or move up within their professional careers, struggle with work/life balance, or are considering a career change. My practice is open and affirming. I welcome clients of all sexualities, gender identities, ethnicities and national origins. My office is conveniently located on Farragut Square, directly above the Farragut West Metro stop (blue/orange/silver), across from Farragut North (Red Line) and walking distance to GWU. I also offer sessions via telehealth/video.

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.

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

As a 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.

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).

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

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.

Sydney works from an attachment perspective, helping clients to better understand themselves and their relationships. She combines insight-oriented approaches with CBT/DBT skills, and has expertise in anxiety and depression, life transitions, family of origin conflict, identity development, body image, self-esteem and relationships, including non-monogamy. Areas of specialization Anxiety Depression Relationships, including non-monogamy Family of origin conflict Life transitions Identity development Body image and self-esteem I help clients to create change through a better understanding of themselves and their relationships. You may be feeling dissatisfied or uncertain, disconnected from others or lacking a sense of control over your emotions or life choices, but I believe that you already have the ability and determination to help yourself. I work to draw out that ability through a combination of insight-expanding exploration and teaching specific tools to help you overcome challenges, all while utilizing my training to call out patterns and behaviors that may be getting in your way. I work from an attachment perspective, and strive to develop a strong therapeutic relationship that can help you to better understand and improve your relationships with family, romantic partners and friends. I aim to create an environment that feels safe, accepting, validating and empowering, and for you to feel happier, more stable and more autonomous through our work together. I have expertise in anxiety and depression, life transitions, family of origin conflict, identity development, body image, self-esteem and relationships, including clients established in or considering opening their relationships to non-monogamy. I have extensive training in psychodynamic and relational therapies, as well as skill-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. I work with college students, young adults and established professionals, including those contemplating retirement. I am actively affirming and welcoming to individuals of all gender identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations and religions. In particular, I have experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, individuals of various faith traditions, and those exploring or established in non-monogamy. Licensed Clinical Psychologist PsyD in Clinical Psychology Offering sessions both in person and via telehealth to clients based in: DC, Virginia, and all 40+ PSYPACT participating states.

Healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and understood. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) Mental Health Clinician, I provide a compassionate, judgment-free space where you can explore life's challenges and reconnect with your authentic self. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, grief, life transitions, ADHD, OCD, anger management, substance use, parenting concerns, and more. My approach is personalized, integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Couples Therapy, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Music Therapy.  You don't have to have it all figured out to begin. Wherever you are in your journey, I'm here to help you build resilience, find balance, and create meaningful, lasting change—one step at a time.  My passion for this work is deeply personal. Having navigated my own mental health journey, I understand the courage it takes to ask for help and the hope that healing can bring. That lived experience, combined with evidence-based clinical training, allows me to meet each client with empathy, authenticity, and genuine compassion.  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.

Ashley’s approach emphasizes the use of specific tools and strategies to help adolescents and adults reduce distress, develop more flexible thinking, feel more connected in relationships, and address tendencies towards perfectionism and rigidity. She has a warm, collaborative and empowering therapeutic style, with expertise in anxiety, depression, relationships, life transitions, work/life balance, perfectionism and eating disorders. Areas of specialization: -Stress and anxiety -Relationships and connection -Work-life balance -Life transitions -Self-esteem -Disordered eating -EMDR treatment I help clients who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected or stuck to bring about lasting change and peace of mind. I work particularly well with clients who are struggling to build meaningful connections with others, as well as those navigating the balance between pursuing success and paralyzing perfectionism. My approach is warm, empathic, collaborative and non-judgmental; I aim for you to feel understood and empowered in session, and to carry those feelings into your broader life. I have extensive training in skill-based techniques, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), radically open dialectical behavioral therapy (RO DBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and insight-oriented therapies. I also offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through extended sessions. My training allows me to craft a treatment strategy that meets your unique needs and provides you with the tools to increase your self-awareness, sense of control over your feelings, and satisfaction with your life, relationships and choices. I specialize in working with teens, college students, and young adults through experienced professionals, including those with demanding jobs who would like to increase their sense of connection to their families. I have particular expertise in anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, social connectedness, grief, life transitions, perfectionism and disordered eating, with a focus on helping clients to remain present and resilient in response to day-to-day demands. I also have extensive experience training other clinicians, having supervised the clinical work of doctoral level therapists at George Mason University and Potomac Behavioral Solutions. I work with clients via telehleath and welcome and am actively affirming of all sexualities, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds. Licensed Clinical Psychologist PsyD in Clinical Psychology Offering sessions via telehealth to clients based in: DC, Maryland, Virginia and all 40+ PSYPACT participating states.

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

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!

Adulting can feel exciting, overwhelming, confusing, and all things in between. Whether you're navigating college, career stress, family dynamics, relationships, or simply trying to figure out who you are and where you're headed, I'm here to provide support. I specialize in working with teens and young adults who are feeling stuck, anxious, disconnected, or unsure about their next steps. I have extensive experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideations, relationship challenges, low self esteem, and personality disorders. I recognize the importance of building a therapeutic relationship, as I believe it is the foundation for effective therapy. I aim to hold a space that's non-judgmental and real, where you can bring in what's hard, what's confusing, and what's hopeful. If you’re looking for a therapy space where you can both cry & laugh, I’m here when you’re ready!

What brings you here? What do you desire to better understand and improve, leveraging your unique strengths and values in the process? These questions drive my work as a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, DC. I accompany students, many of whom struggle with living away from home, balancing busy schedules, and navagating relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Often, clients enter therapy feeling "stuck" — repeating behaviors and relational patterns that they don’t fully understand. Our past often bears relevance to our present. Therapeutic reflection builds the insight that illuminates underlying emotions, the processing of which is often necessary to truly address root causes of current challenges. Accordingly, the clinical approaches I employ are evidenced-based and are largely: psychodynamic, meaning-oriented, narratively-structured, trauma/neuroscience-informed, and mindfully-grounded – with openness to cultural and spiritual conversations. I aim to meet you where you are on your life journey and help you learn more about yourself, to promote sustainable progress towards your goals. Please inquire for a free virtual 15-minute consultation to see if my style might be of service to you. I have in-person therapy session openings available in my NW DC office, as well as virtual/telehealth availability.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Ronke is a graduate counseling intern in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C., who works with adults 18+. She has prior experience providing coaching to college students seeking academic support and adults changing careers. She now works with people from all backgrounds, with a particular passion for first- and second-generation immigrants, bi/multicultural individuals, and BIPOC individuals. She believes that feeling listened to and heard is the first step to healing, and she strives to be someone clients feel safe to share anything with. Ronke’s counseling approach emphasizes drawing on clients’ inner strengths, discovering their values, and increasing their self-acceptance. She aims to help clients develop their self-care practices, live with greater clarity, and cultivate satisfying relationships. Her style is warm, non-judgmental, and open, allowing clients to feel safe exploring things that may feel uncomfortable to talk about. She also makes time to celebrate client wins and share laughs along the way because there’s a place for that in therapy too!

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.

Matthew provides a compassionate, genuine, and collaborative approach to therapy, helping children, adolescents, and young adults feel heard, supported, and empowered. Using evidence-based techniques tailored to each client's unique needs, he helps individuals build practical coping skills, strengthen resilience, and navigate life's challenges with confidence.

Welcome! I’m Dr. Constance Zou, and I’m honored to be a part of your journey towards mental well-being. My academic and professional path has been dedicated to understanding and treating a wide range of mental health challenges. I graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University with a BA in Biology and earned an MA in Bioethics from New York University. I received my MD from Yale School of Medicine and completed my general psychiatry residency at the National Institute of Mental Health, where I also completed a clinical fellowship focused on studying the connections between hormones and mood. My extensive training has equipped me to effectively treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, trauma, women’s reproductive mental health, and sleep-related issues. I utilize both psychoanalytic and cognitive-based psychotherapy modalities to provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs. With over a decade of continuous engagement in medical research, I am passionate about delivering evidence based care and advancing the field of psychiatry. Part of my previous work highlighted biases and inaccuracies in the publication of clinical trials by pharmaceutical companies, emphasizing the importance of informed and safe treatment choices. At our practice, you will find a compassionate and knowledgeable partner in your mental health journey. Together, we will work towards achieving your personal goals and enhancing your overall well-being.

I work with folks to navigate challenges with life transitions, self-image, relationships, anxiety, stress management, trauma, grief, perfectionism, and burnout.