Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Washington, DC covered by Aetna

As an Asian, Christian mom of two from Northern VA, with experiences in both big cities and the suburbs, I’ve navigated the challenging expectations stemming from diverse cultural, generational, and societal influences. I’ve learned that being confined by limiting beliefs and labels can create a narrative that leads to distress and isolation. I believe that openness, discipline, and compassion within a safe space foster both acceptance and meaningful change.

Tigisty Zerislassie (Tig), is a board certified Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with over 12 years as a clinician having worked in various settings with various populations to include families and children, in-patient psychiatric and forensic hospital patients as well as, independent and assisted living elderly populations. She obtained her BA from Hamilton College and MSSW degree from Columbia University. She is a certified intensive and complex trauma specialist.

I am a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in respect for each person’s story and strengths.

I integrate evidence-based practices—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Family Systems approaches—with a culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, gain clarity, and move toward lasting change.

I work with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship or family conflict, grief, identity transitions, and the effects of trauma. I also have extensive experience supporting people from diverse cultural and family backgrounds who are balancing multiple roles, expectations, and life transitions.

Clients often describe me as compassionate, down-to-earth, and empowering. Together, we’ll focus on uncovering your resilience, improving communication and connection, and finding practical strategies for growth and healing—so you can live with greater confidence, balance, and purpose.

I believe there is no one "right" way for therapy and healing, so I offer multiple pathways—talking, movement, art-making, and body-based practices, like EMDR and somatic therapies. Working together we will find what works for you.

Maria Miller Johnson is a dedicated social worker, therapist and life coach. Maria provides a listening ear, compassion and care to those facing life’s challenges. Whether, you are having challenges with chronic health diagnosis, familial problems, financial problems, or just life changes such as a divorce, I am here to help you to navigate through by means of counseling, educating and or life coaching.

I'm Francis Aneke, and I work with adults navigating mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. I believe healing happens when you feel genuinely heard — not rushed through a checklist. My practice is built on the idea that mental health doesn't exist in a vacuum: your relationships, work, sleep, body, and history all shape how you feel today. Whether you've been in therapy for years or are reaching out for the first time, my goal is to make this space feel like one where you can show up exactly as you are. Together, we'll work toward the kind of relief and clarity that lasts beyond our sessions.

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’m a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) with over five years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, ADHD, substance use, and relationship stress. My approach is practical and collaborative—I help you find real steps that make life feel steadier and more manageable. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in roles that taught me what real stress looks like, which helps me stay grounded and relatable in the room.

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.

I believe that each person is the expert of their own life. At times, however, navigating challenges, life transitions, relationships, or emotional struggles can feel overwhelming, and having a supportive, objective person to talk to can make a meaningful difference.

My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Together, I am committed to helping you build insight, resilience, and confidence while working toward your personal goals.

I am a licensed neuropsychologist who holds the perspective that everyone has a vibration that needs to be heard and understood. With that as a central principle, I invite you to explore your right to be well through the process of being heard. While various forms of psychological assessment have been a large part of my practice for more than 20 years, I have found that my experience in this area has been useful in helping provide practical solutions to problems as well as insights. In this way, I make use of various treatment approaches to foster a sense of acceptance, validation, and clarity.

I am a dedicated clinical professional with extensive background in patient care. My experience includes Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as Group Therapy and Seminars. My approach is solution focused, warm and relaxed, which is often non-directed. I believe in helping the client to arrive at their goal. My sessions are usually warm, engaging, non-judgemental and affirming.

Hi, I’m Joanna Fils-Aime, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker & therapist based in Washington, D.C. For over 10 years, I’ve supported teens and women from diverse backgrounds, especially those navigating complex trauma, relationship wounds, identity issues, anxiety, depression, and the pressure of showing up while feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.

Therapy with me is a partnership built on honest conversations, practical tools, and steady support as you do the work of healing and growth at your own pace.