Working with a compassionate therapist can help you meet your mental health goals. If you’re looking for a therapist, DC has many online treatment options to consider. With BetterHelp, you attend therapy sessions with a qualified mental health professional from the comfort of your home at a time that fits your schedule. You don’t have to worry about commuting to an office or checking your out-of-network benefits. BetterHelp does not accept insurance at this time; subscriptions range from $65 to $100 weekly, billed every four weeks.

While BetterHelp does not currently offer group therapy, the professionals on the platform provide individual therapy sessions in a supportive environment that can help you with a broad range of challenges. With online treatment, a licensed therapist can guide you through the healing process and help you learn the coping skills you need to manage your unique challenges.

The convenience and flexibility of online treatment can be ideal for busy college students, professionals, and parents. Whether you’re interested in commitment therapy and want to learn to heal relational wounds or need help managing anxiety, connect with one of the licensed DC therapists below to learn more about online treatment.

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Willie Simmons

Offering therapy in District of Columbia
License: LICSW, LCSW-C
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

As far as I can remember, I have always been a counselor. As a kid, adults would seat next to me on the bus and tell me the problems of their day. I soon learned the value of listening and discovered this was the profession for me. I then went to college and got a BS Degree and later an MSW in Social Work. I became licensed in VA, Maryland and DC. With over thirty years doing crisis intervention, individual therapy, group therapy, and case management; I would like to help you through modern technology, to conquer your fears, discover why things are not working right and why you keep doing the same wrong things repeatedly.

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Alan Kahn

Offering therapy in District of Columbia
License: LCPC, ,CCMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

Hi, my name is Alan and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Georgia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. I have been Licensed as a Professional Counselor since 1996. I have a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut at Bridgeport CT, as well as course work in professional counseling from Georgia State University, Capella University and the William Alanson White institute for psychotherapy. Currently I run a Human Service Program at a college in Maryland where I teach students how to be “Helpers” I teach courses in individual, family, addiction and group counseling. I have over 40 years of counseling experience working with people from all walks of life as well all ages, (i.e. nationalities, race sex & sexual orientation etc.) I have worked in such diverse settings as prisons, community mental health centers, college counseling centers, state mental hospitals, drug treatment centers Veterans hospitals & Vet Centers, inpatient psychiatric hospitals and private practice What makes me a good clinician is rooted is my ability to connect with people in a genuine and egalitarian way. I am a firm believer that the “relationship” between client and therapist is the key to successful outcome in therapy. We all come to counseling with a “broken” narrative about our life. I see my task as helping people replace that broken narrative, with a healthy narrative where the client is the hero of their narrative. Unfortunately, some of us (me included) have faced “adverse experiences and even trauma “that can derail our “life narrative” and send us down the road of despair, depression, addiction and even criminality. By building a strong relationship with client’s I help them re-write their “narrative’ so they can a become a hero of their own story rather than a minor player in a drama in life they cannot escape. Whether I am a teacher or therapist “keeping it real” (as my students say) is my credo. If we work together I will always be honest, genuine, caring and help you address your issues in a practical, problem solving ways as well as help you understand the larger issues of depression, anxiety, isolation, loneliness and meaning in your life. I promise I will listen, support, care, help you problem solve and focus on helping you understand who you are and what you want in life, as if we were sitting together in a face to face consulting room. One final comment Although we will have a designated time to talk, I want you to feel free to contact me anytime day or night, I check my computer very frequently and I am never bothered by my clients who contact me out of genuine need and concern. I look forward to working with you in the future Sincerely Alan Specialty Trauma issues, especially Veterans issues Intimacy issues Life Span and Sexual identity issues Relationship Issues Depression, anxiety and alienation

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Yvette Marshall

Offering therapy in District of Columbia
License: LPC, ACS,CEAP
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
9 years of experience

My name is Yvette Marshall and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of Georgia and New Jersey. Making the choice to engage in a therapeutic relationship is sometimes difficult; but making this decision is the most courageous step in beginning the change process. I will listen with NON-JUDGMENTAL ears. Together we will work to help you accomplish your desired life changes; you set the goals and I support you in attaining them. Specialties / Focus: * Communication issues * Relationship issues * Building self-esteem * Depression * Anxiety * Career Counseling and Promoting Emotional Wellness. I help you learn to handle your emotional or psychological pain with compassion and teach you the necessary skills to make positive change in your life. I have more than 20 years of experience coaching individuals to eliminate career stagnation by assisting clients in eliminating barriers to their success. My counseling approach is working collaboratively to begin the healing process from past trauma and disappointments using Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness Therapies to help promote change. With an eclectic approach, I will assist you to eliminate obstacles, restructure troubled ways of thinking and adopting better communication styles.

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Wendi Makus

Offering therapy in District of Columbia
License: LPC,SDP,AADC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

Hello! I'm so glad you are here! If you are ready to make some changes in life that are likely to result in improved mental health, improved quality of life, and general well being; you came to the right place! My approach in counseling is in general to look at the person as a whole; not as their symptoms of problems. I use holistic, solution focused, and trauma informed models to engage client's in the counseling process and achieve their goals. I have been trained in trauma informed approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); which uses several tools to help client's negative past events have less emotional impact on their lives. I am also certified in a counseling approach called seed digging therapy (SD), which is developed off the therapy developed in the 90's called theophostic therapy. The premise of seed digging therapy (SD) is that each individual is generally mostly good, has a desire to be good to others, and wants to have a happy and productive life. The model states that a person's heart is a "garden" which in analogy has "weeds" and "flowers". Traumatic/Sad events tend to produce weeds and Happy events tend to produce flowers. Weeds in a persons heart can cause many negative reactions in life ranging from interpersonal relationships, self esteem, negative view of the world. Weeds occur when a lie is believed about that sad/bad event. Examples of weeds: not feeling adequate, feeling unloved, feeling a lack of importance. Flowers are developed when something happens that is positive/ good, and the individual believes something good about themselves. Examples of flowers: I do matter, I am important, I am loved, I belong in this group, family, friendship etc. The process of seed digging therapy is to find where the root of the negative thoughts started, and create an alternate belief opposite of the negative. Using narrative techniques, the person has the opportunity to recreate meaning if they want to. I am very excited to meet you, get to know you and help see you to the other side of where you want to be. If you would like to work more with me, we can talk more about your goals and what steps to take to get there.

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Tina Allen

Offering therapy in District of Columbia
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland, DC and Virginia with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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KaShawna Watson

Offering therapy in District of Columbia
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed therapist in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

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Justin Scott

Offering therapy in District of Columbia
AddictionsBipolar disorder
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions & bipolar disorder. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Coranda Wims

Offering therapy in District of Columbia
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Jonelle Browne-Finley

Offering therapy in District of Columbia
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Welcome! I am clinical therapist licensed in District of Columbia and Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I graduated from University of Southern California and have been embedded within the military community as a service member, as a spouse and as a civilian service worker. I have helped many clients with varying concerns including depression and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting challenges and trauma. I have also worked with individuals and couples who have experienced physical and emotional abuse. As a life and career coach, I mentored budding professionals as well as seasoned executives toward their self identified purpose. Providing motivation and support to increase their confidence in their role. Our sessions will be warm and inviting. My approach combines a dialectic and cognitive-behavioral aspects as well as a humanistic element which I will tailor to meet your specific need. You have taken the most difficult step, you are here. I ask you to come just as you are and allow me to provide the support needed to empower you toward your goal. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and I am proud of your steps towards change. I look forward to supporting and encouraging you and I am excited about this venture we will take together.

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Renee Perrier

Offering therapy in District of Columbia
LGBTFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
24 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in the District of Columbia and Virginia with 24 years of professional work experience. I have expertise in helping clients with occupational and life stressors, trauma, fertility concerns and family planning, anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, family dynamics, finding purpose and connection, etc. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, solution focused, psychoeducational and didactic. I partner with you to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment or expectations. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage, and I am looking forward to helping you discover a path forward. Let’s get started.

How can therapists in District of Columbia support you?

Therapists in District of Columbia can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.

Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 681,170 people live in District of Columbia, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in District of Columbia may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.  

The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.

Please note that BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why are many residents in the state of District of Columbia working with a licensed counselor?

People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county in District of Columbia, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in District of Columbia support clients with varying issues, which can include:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression or depressive conditions
  • Adjustment issues
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma
  • Relationship conflicts and concerns

Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.

If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.

Emergency services

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some commonly asked questions can be found below.

How much does a therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.

Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.

How do I know if I should get a therapist?

Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions in District of Columbia can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover therapy?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.

Is online therapy safe?

Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.

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