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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in District of Columbia


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in District of Columbia
Headway connects District of Columbia residents with 289 licensed providers experienced in addiction recovery, offering evidence-based approaches like CBT, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction. Sessions are available virtually or in-person with flexible scheduling and copays as low as $0 through insurance.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and sense of wholeness in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for over 30 years with individuals and families, but in the last 2 decades, my main focus has been working with persons recovering or still struggling with drugs and/or alcohol abuse. Those who are struggling with anxiety and depression and feelings of failure.
Emil Pauling has 16 years of experience treating adolescents, young adults, adults, and families with varied challenges. Emil takes a holistic, strength-based approach to empower clients to meet their goals. Emil also has 34 years of combined experience in teaching, crisis intervention, and facilitating therapeutic and music programs. Life has its challenges. Finding joy in exploring your interests like music and humor can create a nice balance.
I believe that therapy is a step up for one's life.
I admire people who want to make a positive change in their lives. I meet people where they are in their lives. I work on positive, realistic goals with my clients.
I implement a strengths-based perspective methodology. This means I take a holistic and individualistic approach by working through your personal history, environment, lifestyle, and spirituality. Your past is not indicative of your future. Everyone has a personal story that needs to be heard; therefore, I hope to build a partnership that's rooted in a judgment-free environment.
When was the last time you felt truly heard? Life can feel as though you're stuck in a maze without a map or sense of purpose. You may feel broken, alone, or depressed, but you're not. I've successfully helped clients work through challenges, learn effective coping skills, and view life in a realistic, positive way. I've helped clients with chronic illness maximize their quality of life. We'll set up a plan that meets your current needs, then empower you to reach your goals, together.
I believe in the inherent wisdom and strength within all human beings and I utilize a number of approaches to reveal that wisdom and strength within my clients.
You should know that I take your concerns seriously, and I will meet you with compassion, respect, and zero judgment. I understand that reaching out for mental health support can feel intimidating, especially if you have faced stigma, felt dismissed in the past, or worried about what a diagnosis might mean. My goal is to help you feel safe and at ease from the very first conversation.
As a doctoral-prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over eight years of experience in psychiatric and mental health care, I work with individuals across the lifespan. I commonly support people navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress-related concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral health challenges. I approach each person as a whole, not a label, and I take the time to understand your symptoms in the context of your life, your stressors, your strengths, and your goals.
In our work together, you can expect a collaborative, patient-centered approach. I believe treatment works best when you feel heard and involved, so we will discuss what you are experiencing, what has helped or not helped in the past, and what you want to be different moving forward. If medication is part of your care, I prioritize thoughtful, evidence-based decisions, clear education about options, and ongoing adjustments based on your response and preferences. I also value practical strategies and supportive guidance that you can apply between sessions.
Most importantly, I am passionate about each person I serve because I know you are important, and I recognize the courage it takes to seek help. My role is to offer steady, professional support and a trusting relationship as you work toward clarity, stability, and lasting wellness.
Hey, I'm Antoinette — a psychiatric nurse practitioner who believes that healing isn't just about what's happening in your head, but what's happening in your whole body. I specialize in eating disorders, mood disorders, depression, and anxiety, and I bring over seven years of experience in some of the most specialized treatment settings in the country to every session.
I have had the opportunity and blessing to work with individuals from all dynamic backgrounds and in those endeavors have acquired a great appreciation and respect for what each individual struggle with. It is my hope and responsibility to get them through this
I am licensed in Virginia with 13 years of professional work experience. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use in District of Columbia



- 100%Substance use / addiction
- 99%Anxiety
- 96%Depression
- 89%Stress management
- 86%PTSD

- 99%Aetna
- 92%Cigna
- 86%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 68%CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- 40%United Healthcare

- 100%English
- 5%French
- 5%Spanish
- 3%Yoruba
- 2%Igbo

- 100%Online only

- 74%Woman
- 25%Man
- 1%Non-binary

- 39%Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- 35%Nurse Practitioner
- 23%Licensed Professional Counselor
- 1%Clinical Psychologist
- 1%Medical Doctor

- 99%Individual therapy
- 43%Family therapy
- 25%Couples therapy
- 11%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


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