Book bipolar disorder care, covered by insurance
Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in District of Columbia


Top bipolar disorder therapists and psychiatrists in District of Columbia
Managing bipolar disorder requires specialized support. Headway connects DC residents with 381 licensed providers experienced in mood stabilization, medication management, and evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT skills training. Many sessions are covered by insurance with copays as low as $0.
Great to meet you! I am Dr. Shannon D. Howard, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC, LPC) for the states of DC & MD, a Certified Life Coach, and an Author. I have been helping individuals, children, couples, and families navigate grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, adjustment, depression and more for over 24 years.
My educational background consists of a dual Master's in both Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I received my first Master's at Towson University in 2000, a second Masters and Doctorate in 2008 and 2010 from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. I minored in Philosophy as well as Women's Studies.
I possess specialized training in areas of trauma, specifically in the assessment and treatment of sex offenders and survivors of sexual assault. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric hospital, a day program for adults with chronic and acute mental illness, as well as on an outpatient basis as a private practitioner and with a group practice. I worked with Parole and Probation to help clients maintain compliance and management while on the registry. As a Certified Life Coach, I help coaching clients discover what they truly desire. We collaborate to create a roadmap to move you forward and build a future that feels grounded and authentic to you.
At present, I offer a full range of services and am open to accepting new virtual clients.
I am LGBTQIA+allied, sex-positive, kink-friendly and nurturing to clients within this community. I also help clients navigate open relationships (ENM), polyamory, and non-traditional relationships.
**I CAN ONLY SEE CLIENTS WHO ARE IN THE STATES OF DC AND MD AT THE TIME OF THEIR SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT.
*We offer a 10- minute grace period before logging off of the platform. Please reach out to reschedule your next appointment. There us a $150 fee for appointments no shows and for cancelations not made 24 hours in advance.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University and All but Dissertation (ABD) status in the Clinical Doctorate of Social Work program at the University of Pennsylvania. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, I bring extensive expertise in the assessment and treatment of individuals experiencing ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, developmental disorders, substance use, and trauma-related concerns. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and hold certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT).
My clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based, individualized interventions, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I am also trained in Social Thinking, Unstuck and On Target, and the PEERS curriculum. My areas of clinical expertise include supporting individuals in developing emotional regulation, cognitive and behavioral flexibility, executive functioning, and social-pragmatic skills. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, judgement free therapy space.
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 am a licensed professional counselor with over 10 years experience working as a therapist, life coach and pastoral counselor. I have worked with clients having a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship issues, parenting and family problems, career challenges, trauma, abuse and disabilities that include psychiatric and physical health issues. My therapy style is warm and interactive.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My background includes working in schools, military communities, and private practice settings, which has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face in different life stages and environments. I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported, respected, and empowered to grow.
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.
Oluchi Orajekwe is Licensed Therapist with a dual background in medicine and counseling combining over a decade of experience in medicine, mental health, behavioral support, and clinical leadership. Proven success in building excellent Therapist-client relationship. Demonstrated ability to implement person-centered treatment plans that improved client outcomes, compliance, and engagement. Skilled in DSM-5 diagnostics, psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and inter-agency collaboration. Recognized for improving access to behavioral health services, increasing client retention, and fostering culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care environments.
I am a Deaf LCSW and Neuropsychotherapist (NPT-C) with nearly 20 years of experience dedicated to high-achieving individuals facing systemic pressure. My clinical work integrates Neuropsychotherapy and Executive Management principles to cultivate cognitive resilience and self-mastery. My foundation includes four advanced degrees, culminating in my doctoral research which focused on systemic complexity and inclusive leadership. I bring extensive experience as a former leader in state government, non-profit, and private sectors. This background allows me to treat vocational stress, anxiety, and burnout with humble competence and real-world relevance. I communicate effectively via voice, video, and American Sign Language (ASL). I am committed to creating affirming, psychologically safe, and accessible spaces for all individuals to thrive.
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.
Hi there! I have been a therapist for about 25 years (MSW- Western Michigan University). I feel grateful to have such meaningful work and honored to walk alongside such a variety of people on their journeys. My clients have described me as irreverent, honest, and caring.
Many folks come to therapy in times of crisis and others come because they are looking for a neutral place to talk and process a wide range of life experiences including trauma, anxiety/depression, substance concerns, and relationship issues.
In my non-work hours you'd find me spending time with my elementary age kiddo and our dog, listening to live music, swimming in Lake Michigan, or finishing up a good jigsaw puzzle!
About our providers for bipolar disorder support in District of Columbia



- 100%Bipolar disorder
- 99%Anxiety
- 98%Depression
- 88%PTSD
- 85%Stress management

- 99%Aetna
- 90%Cigna
- 88%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 71%CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- 45%United Healthcare

- 100%English
- 4%French
- 3%Igbo
- 3%Spanish
- 3%Yoruba

- 99%Online only
- 1%In-person or online

- 82%Woman
- 18%Man
- 1%Non-binary

- 45%Nurse Practitioner
- 36%Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- 16%Licensed Professional Counselor
- 2%Clinical Psychologist
- 1%Medical Doctor

- 99%Individual therapy
- 37%Family therapy
- 22%Couples therapy
- 12%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions


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Headway helps you find expert-guided support for mood management — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
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