Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Bethesda, MD

Meet Toni Session, LPC, LCPC—a steadfast servant and seasoned counselor, passionately advocating for mental health in both the District of Columbia and the state of Maryland. Born in Bridgeport, CT, and blossoming in Southern Maryland, Toni’s journey led her from a BA in Psychology with a Pre-Law minor at Johnson C. Smith University to mastering Marriage, Family, and Couples Therapy at Capella University in 2014. Toni is a proud member of Lambda Omicron Chi Christian Sorority, Inc and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Mrs Zainab Pierre, [MSN, PMHNP] is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Professional with extensive experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing a broad range of mental and behavioral health conditions across diverse populations. With a strong foundation in evidence-based practice and a passion for holistic care, she specializes in providing compassionate, patient-centered treatment for individuals coping with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use, and trauma-related conditions.

Mrs Zainab is skilled in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, crisis intervention, and care coordination, and works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal outcomes for clients. Committed to advancing mental health equity, she also advocates for community-based solutions, mental health education, and stigma reduction.

She currently practices with United healthcare Washington DC and TRIPLEZEES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LLC and holds a BSN and MSN, bringing a blend of clinical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and genuine empathy to every therapeutic encounter.

Life can quickly become overwhelming, often leaving us emotionally depleted and unable to cope effectively. In that state of mind, we can lose objectivity and compassion towards ourselves. My goal is to offer a safe place for you to express your feelings, and work together to promote self-exploration, identify damaging thoughts, implement coping strategies, and develop existing strengths for a healthier, happier you.

With over a decade of nursing experience, LaQuida “Love” Johnson, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, combines clinical expertise with a modern, whole-person approach to wellness.

I believe mental health care should feel personal, supportive, and free of judgment. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself and discussing what you’re experiencing openly. I take the time to listen, understand your concerns, and work with you, not just prescribe medication. I value education and shared decision-making, so you’ll understand your treatment options and have an active voice in your care. Most importantly, I recognize that healing looks different for everyone, and I’ll meet you where you are while supporting you along your journey.

I work with people who feel like life is happening to them—those carrying anxiety, depression, or overwhelming stress, still feeling the weight of past experiences or painful relationships, or noticing that old coping patterns like substance use no longer do what they used to. Most of the people I see arrive with a growing sense that something isn't working, and a willingness to try something different. My approach is collaborative, warm, and focused on understanding what's getting in the way and building a path forward together.