Find a therapist in District of Columbia — covered by insurance
Top therapists in District of Columbia accepting new patients
Headway brings accessible mental health support to Washington, D.C. residents with 818 licensed providers specializing in talk therapy and medication management. With 70+ insurance plans accepted and average savings of 75% per session, finding the right fit for your mental health needs has never been easier.
Hello! If you are struggling to manage life; your day-to-day activities, your relationships, the needs of your family or work (or all!), I am here to support and guide you. Life can often feel overwhelming as so many of us strive to keep juggling an ever-growing list of things to do. The world moves fast, and we don't always take the time and space we need to care for ourselves. As a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) with over 16 years of experience, I have worked with adults, families and children with a very wide range of concerns from mild to severe; for example, anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral disorders are some of the issues I treat. I utilize a number of different therapeutic approaches to address the needs of clients. What is most important to me is to set a safe, calm therapeutic space to begin those first steps towards a life of peace and fulfillment. I'm easy to talk with, which is important when we're talking about tough things. I received my master's degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania, with a mission to make a difference in people's lives and I continue to let that mission guide my work with clients. Reach out to me to schedule an appointment and we'll get started on moving your life in a positive direction.
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 no matter where you’re starting from — transformation is possible. Within the safety of a therapeutic relationship, I will work with you to develop new ways to respond to life's challenges. Therapy is most successful within the context of a strong therapeutic relationship. This means that, as your therapist, I work to build an atmosphere that’s rooted in safety, openness, and mutual respect, in which you feel heard and understood. I am currently completing training in EMDR through the Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy, an approach that can help reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic experiences over time.
Many of the adults I work with are deeply thoughtful and self-aware. You may understand your story, your patterns, and even the roots of your pain; yet still feel disconnected, stuck, or unable to feel the relief you’re longing for. Knowing isn’t always the same as feeling, and that gap can be incredibly frustrating. My work centers on helping you reconnect with your inner world and build a more compassionate relationship with yourself. I support clients who carry the impact of childhood trauma, relational wounds, grief, and loss, as well as those who feel disconnected from their bodies or emotions.
Therapy with me is paced, relational, and grounded in somatic and trauma-informed care, allowing space for all parts of you to be seen and tended. I have extensive experience supporting adults who have survived childhood abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault, and I specialize in grief counseling for those navigating the complexities of loss. I also offer equine-assisted psychotherapy in Central Florida. This experiential approach is so meaningful for those who struggle to access their emotions through words alone. If something in you feels ready to be met with care and curiosity, I would be honored to walk alongside you toward more ease and connection.
My focus is to help you heal, energize, and become aware of how you want to define yourself. This is achieved through providing a client-centered environment while creating a treatment plan to move you toward feeling more self-love. I utilize techniques from solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, and narrative therapies to help you feel more comfortable and capable in your own skin.
Hey there! I'm Alex, a Baltimore-based trauma informed clinician. I have lots of experience in higher education working with talented people who are very hard on themselves. Together, I hope to help you build a life that feels aligned with your values and capacity.
Hello and welcome! I’m a board-certified Clinical Social Worker licensed in the District of Columbia and Virginia, with over 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s emotional ups and downs.
Whether you are struggling with the far-reaching impact of past trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other ongoing health issue or simply wanting to invest in a bit of self-exploration and growth, I am so glad that you have begun your search for the best facilitator in that journey. I believe in meeting people where they are and allowing you to set your own pace for healing. I look forward to assisting on your healing journey in any way that I can.
Starting therapy can be intimidating — I hope to help you feel less alone. As a licensed clinical social worker, my approach is grounded in meeting you where you are and helping you move toward empowerment. I support people who feel weighed down by stress or self-doubt to find more calm, confidence, and balance in their lives.
About our therapists serving District of Columbia
- 97%Anxiety
- 94%Depression
- 87%Stress management
- 75%Relationship issues
- 74%Trauma
- 97%Aetna
- 81%Cigna
- 80%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 66%CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- 42%Kaiser Permanente of the Mid Atlantic
- 99%English
- 6%Spanish
- 2%French
- 1%Igbo
- 1%Yoruba
- 100%Online only
- 83%Woman
- 17%Man
- 1%Non-binary
- 56%Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- 22%Licensed Professional Counselor
- 14%Nurse Practitioner
- 4%Clinical Psychologist
- 2%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 100%Individual therapy
- 34%Family therapy
- 20%Couples therapy
- 11%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mental Health Therapist in District of Columbia
Searching for therapists in DC starts with finding someone whose experience matches what you want to address. Across the District of Columbia, therapy needs and available therapists can vary by neighborhood, schedule, and care format. You may be looking for support with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, work stress, or life transitions. As you compare DC therapists, look for specialties, approaches, and training that match your needs, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, couples therapy, or experience supporting people through major life changes.
Location and logistics can shape whether a therapist is a strong fit. In Washington, Capitol Hill, and Georgetown, some people prefer an office that works with their commute, while others choose virtual sessions for more flexibility. It can also help to compare appointment availability, whether a therapist is accepting new clients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Reading therapist bios before booking can show you how each therapist describes their style, session structure, and areas of focus, so you can make a more informed choice.
Therapy in the District of Columbia can be expensive without insurance, and using in-network coverage is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway helps you search for therapists who match your preferences, verify your insurance, and see your estimated cost before you book. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, and your specific coverage depends on your plan and location. You can browse therapists, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're experiencing or worried about violence, threats, or coercion in your relationship, couples therapy isn't usually the right starting point — individual support is safer. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788\) can help you think through next steps.
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