Therapists for college students near 20057
Are you trying to manage conflicting feelings, difficulty with relationships, trauma, grief, or simply facing the daily challenges of life? Sometimes a relationship with a skilled therapist can be a great place to explore these challenges and figure out how you can improve your quality of your life. I work with children, adolescents, and young adults who face struggles; some small, some big. Whether you’re looking for a therapist for yourself or for your child, I will tailor our work together to fit your needs. I have worked with kids of various ages, ranging from elementary to college age, and I have experience working in both school settings and in private practice. I specialize in working with trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, and relationship and identity issues. Children and young adults face many challenges stemming from their family of origin, questioning their identity, figuring out their way to becoming fulfilled adults, and much more. Our work together centers around how to help my clients to better understand their feelings and the way they think about the world, and how this all impacts their everyday choices. My therapeutic approach is based on Internal Family Systems (also known as “Parts Work”). This work stems from the belief that we are all made up of a system of dynamic, caring, and capable parts. When we experience trauma, some facets of our parts have to adopt extreme roles to protect us. Later on, these parts may need help letting go of their past experiences so they don’t negatively impact us. IFS work gives you the space and tools you need to approach your parts with curiosity, gain insight into them and why they were formed, understand what roles they play in your beliefs, actions, and relationships, and ultimately be able to heal yourself. In this work, I also use elements of Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relational Therapy, and Mindfulness. For my younger or creatively-inclined clients, I include play and art therapy techniques to keep the sessions engaging and give clients creative modalities through which they can better express themselves. My success in treating clients lies in my ability to build trusting relationships with them. My goal is to create a warm, accepting, and encouraging therapeutic environment. I incorporate creativity and fun into my sessions while balancing the hard work that it takes to make meaningful life changes.
This process of being and becoming that we engage with as humans can simultaneously be both beautiful and incredibly challenging. The decision to take part in therapy can begin a transformative process that allows you to develop greater insight as well as ignite necessary behavioral changes. This can help promote greater well-being, vitality, healing, growth, resiliency, and self-actualization. There is perhaps no greater gift to give yourself than to invest in a process of self-exploration. Such exploration will better enable you to develop a deeper connection with your authentic self so that you may reach your optimal potential. Ultimately, engaging in therapy can be an empowered step toward claiming a life that feels more fulfilling, intentional and aligned with your goals. In turn, there is no greater honor for me than to get to share a part of your journey. I believe therapy to be a collaborative and relational process. You can expecte me to treat you with compassion and respect. I am a licensed psychologist in private practice after working in university counseling centers since 2003. Most recently, I served as the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at George Washington University since June 2020 after serving as Director of Counseling at Ursinus College since 2013. Prior to that I’ve worked in the counseling centers at Drexel, Columbia and Princeton University after completing my pre-doctoral internship at the counseling center at Johns Hopkins University and receiving my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia in 2010. Prior to that, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington and Lee University and my master’s degree in psychological counseling from Teacher’s College, Columbia University Collectively, these roles allowed me to identify my passion for providing quality mental health services to the adult and young adult population, particularly in helping the undergraduate and graduate students navigate through identity, relational and transitional concerns and stressors. In these roles, I both provided direct therapy to university students as well as oversight for the delivery of counseling services- including staff supervision and management, evaluation and assessment of services and programs, establishing best practices for the centers that met the needs of the campus community and supported student development objectives as well as the academic mission. I most enjoyed working directly with students to address both clinical and developmental issues and frequently experienced that through therapy, they could better realize their potential. I am very excited to be returning to a purely clinical role to dedicate my energy to providing direct therapy. I provide a warm, compassionate, supportive and empowering environment in which I meet individuals where they are and help them to feel seen, heard, and affirmed in order to heal, learn and grow. I believe that each client must be understood as an individual whose sense of self has been informed through many social, cultural and relational interactions.
If you're struggling with persistent sadness, lack of energy, or difficulty concentrating, you're not alone. Perhaps anxiety leaves you breathless, or stress manifests physically. Maybe irritability is affecting your relationships, or daily tasks feel insurmountable. Whether you're trying to manage chronic issues, adjusting to a new environment, or seeking to improve your overall well-being, our services are tailored to support your unique journey.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Online Counseling for teens & adults in Washington, DC & Virginia I work with adolescents and adults with concerns such as anxiety, stress, perfectionism, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues (peer, spousal, dating, breakups), life transitions, academic and athletic pressures. My approach is based on my belief in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and having a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can feel understood, accepted, connected, can share and explore their experiences, strengthen and expand upon coping skills, and develop insights. I use a collaborative approach that includes working with clients in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner, utilizing evidence based practices that have scientific support for their effectiveness. I provide treatment that is compatible with my client’s strengths and goals in order to provide healing, growth and reduction of symptoms. My client’s have described me as: “very easy to talk to”, genuine, thorough, “down to earth”. I firmly believe that things can and will begin to get better. Please reach out to me directly and I'd be happy to set up a time to connect further to learn more about how I can most be helpful, provide additional information on scheduling and answer any questions.
Life is sometimes overwhelming and therapy can help create possibilities! I am here to support you in identifying what is making you feel stuck and work with you to become the best version of yourself. I offer a warm and compassionate place for clients to talk about their pain and feel understood. I work with college students and young adults experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, family and personal relationship difficulties, and academic or occupational stress. I draw from a variety of theoretical frameworks to meet the needs of the person I am working with. I am a LGBTQIA+ affirming and fat-positive therapist. I strive to create an inclusive and safe space for all clients. Looking for a therapist is a great first step towards healing and growing! Feel free to email me and I will then let you know my availability and next steps to setting up an intake session for us to get to know each other better. I look forward to hearing from you!
Therapy is a space to untangle patterns, fears, and old narratives so you can decide what actually serves you. I'm a doctorally-trained, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) who works with adolescents and adults through depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, life transitions and relationship struggles. Together we'll trace what's been keeping you stuck, work through experiences that still weigh on you, and build tools you can use in your daily life, so you feel steadier, clearer, and more yourself. Every process is shaped around your individual preferences and needs. I draw on evidence-based approaches with strong track records for lasting change, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD; which ones we lean on depends on what you're working toward. What stays steady through all of it is a grounded space where you set the pace, receive guidance shaped to your circumstances, learn to trust your own judgment again, and start living by your own design. I see clients in person at my Bethesda, MD office and online across Maryland, Virginia, Vermont, Colorado, and Washington, DC. If any of this resonates, please reach out. I'd be glad to hear what's on your mind and find out whether we're the right fit.
Have trained at college counseling centers, I often work well with students who feel caught between different expectations—school, family, relationships, culture, identity, or future plans. You may be LGBTQ+, international, first-generation, or simply feeling stressed and unsure where you fit. Therapy can help you feel less alone, understand yourself more clearly, and make choices that feel more like your own.
I believe that the overall health of a person depends on their physical, emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing- an integrated mind & body perspective. My approach focuses on supporting you to use constructive and healthy ways to better manage challenges life sometimes presents. Through our work together, we will identify your internal strengths and build both skills and tools that will help improve your sense of self and your relationships, as well as increase your overall quality of life. I am aware of the whole person as I engage in the therapeutic process of change, healing, and growth.
I am licensed in DC, MD, NJ, PA, and VA and provide flexible teletherapy to fit your busy schedule! I hold advanced certification in an evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model developed by Dr. David Burns at Stanford. I am also certified in CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) developed by Dr. Gregg Jacobs at Harvard. My approach is empathic, structured and active. I use brief mood surveys before and after sessions, to monitor progress and give you a chance to provide me with feedback. I will also expect you to practice new skills between sessions. When we start working together, I will learn about your unique situation to help us set goals and develop a personalized treatment plan. My clients typically start experiencing relief within a few sessions, and our work together results in lasting joy and fulfillment. If you are interested in seeing if we are a good fit, please visit my webpage to set up a free consultation. I look forward to meeting you!
College life can feel like a high-speed juggling act. Classes, relationships, deadlines, family expectations, and trying to take care of yourself all compete for your attention. It can be hard to slow down and make sense of everything you are carrying. I work with students who want to pause, understand what is creating stress or disconnection, and refocus on what truly matters. If you want a therapist who will be your biggest cheerleader and also someone who will call you in when you need it, you are in the right place. My approach is trauma informed and grounded in CBT. Together we work to understand patterns, build clarity, and create real and lasting change. Finding the right therapist matters, especially when you are balancing a full schedule. If you are considering therapy, I invite you to visit my website and schedule a free consultation. This is your chance to ask questions, explore your goals, and get a sense of whether we are a good match. I offer virtual counseling for students located in PA, VA, and DC.
I work with adults (18+) who have difficulty managing their emotions and who struggle with depression, anxiety, impulsive behavior, thoughts of suicide and self-harm, interpersonal problems, or problems functioning at work or school. I provide evidence-based treatments including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients change ineffective behavioral patterns, develop more helpful ways of thinking, and accept difficult realities in order to build the lives they want. I see therapy as a collaboration between client and therapist to work towards their goals in treatment and in life. I specialize in DBT, a gold standard treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder and related problems with emotion regulation. I provide a range of DBT services for clients. I also use CBT to treat specific problems: panic, generalized anxiety, OCD, depression, and trauma. I can tailor treatment interventions to meet clients' individual needs. Through my validating and nonjudgmental style, I am committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based treatment to help you reach your most desired goals. I currently offer services including comprehensive DBT, individual therapy (DBT, CBT) and individual DBT skills coaching and consultation. Please reach out if you are interested in finding out more about therapy with me.
Congratulations on taking the step to invest in your mental health. Together, we will tend to the wounds that have weighed heavy on you, gently unraveling things that no longer serve you. Through intentional skill building and healing, you will reconnect with the parts of yourself that have been forgotten, silenced, or sacrificed. As your therapist my goal is to guide you and walk with you through your journey of change. I will teach you the psychology of what you are experiencing, assist you with gaining and applying effective tools, hold you accountable to the goals you set, and provide you with an unbiased perspective to the situation you are facing.
Do you have a sense that people don’t get you? Do you travel a different path than everybody else? Are you living your life very differently from what other people expect you to? Do people tell you that sometimes you are thinking way outside the box? Are your parents different from you and do they want you to be someone else? Life can be tough when you feel different. Different can also mean isolated, lonely, and misunderstood. It can also mean constantly asking yourself: Will I ever fit in? Can anybody understand me? Why can’t people accept me for who I am? Am I doing the right thing? Will I be happy? That’s what I can help you with. BE DIFFERENT AND STILL FIT IN. The therapist-client relationship is a collaborative one, where you are an expert on yourself and we work together towards your goals. I believe that you should be satisfied with the services you are receiving and thus I frequently assess the clients' progress and satisfaction with my services during the duration of therapy. I strive to tailor therapy to best fit your needs. My approach to working with clients is practical and straightforward, yet warm, genuine, and supportive.
Hi there, I’m Kadija—welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. At Barrat Behavioral Health and Primary Care, we’re committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive care that supports your whole health—both body and mind. Whether you’re seeking mental health support, weight management services, or a blend of both, you’ve already taken an important step toward wellness, and we’re honored to walk this journey with you. Our mission is to make you feel heard, respected, and empowered from day one. You can expect a safe, supportive space where your care is tailored to your unique needs and goals. Thank you for choosing us. We look forward to helping you live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Find Out More: 📞 Call or text: 571-543-4880 📧 Email: info@barratbhandconsulting.com
Welcome! I'm a client-centered, strengths-based therapist with 13 years of experience, licensed in New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. I specialize in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression. My approach is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where we can build on your strengths and develop effective coping strategies. I emphasize self-awareness, self-compassion, and practical tools for mental and emotional health. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for considering me as your therapist. Let's work together towards your growth and healing.
Dr. Justin Leak is a 2016 graduate of the American School of Professional Psychology @ Argosy University (ASPP). He received his BA in Speech Communication and African & African American Studies from the Pennsylvania State University in 2002. Dr. Leak completed his MA at Lewis & Clark College in Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy (MCFT) in 2008. Dr. Leak completed his APA-accredited internship at The John L. Gildner Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents (JLG-RICA), where he continues to work full-time as the Director of the Evaluation Unit and Case Manager for the Facility for Children. His Clinical Research Project was entitled: The Pressure of Maintaining Excellence: The Impact and Challenges of Combining an Electronic Peer-Mentoring Program with University Sponsored Counseling Services to Support Low Income College Students. In between his studies, Dr. Leak has worked with students and families in a variety of educational and therapeutic settings. These include working in the offices of Multicultural Affairs, Academic Advising, Career Advising, and most notably, Residence Life. For fun, he enjoys playing tennis, swimming, travel, and entering cooking competitions. Dr. Leak's therapeutic style pulls from several approaches, including psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Family systems. He offers treatment for a variety of stressors including (but not limited to) mood, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship problems, and transitional life issues. He also specializes in psychological assessment, specifically diagnosing issues that impact behavior, mood, attention, and learning. He is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and the National Register of Health Psychologists.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
I look forward to working with people who are ready to make changes in their lives and engage in the therapeutic process. Much of my sessions include discussing goal setting and thinking of various tools and techniques to achieve those goals. I utilize CBT methods, person-centered, and strengths-based approaches to help all clients realize their ability for change and understand they can achieve happiness and alleviate things like anxiety and depression.
Specialties: Transgender Psychiatry, LGBTQ+ Psychiatry, Anxiety, Panic, and Agoraphobia, Post-Traumatic Stress and Related Disorders, and ADHD, Depression. From the comfort of your home or a place that feels relaxing to you, we will connect via video and make sure you have the help you need. We believe that there is immense value to telepsychiatry, which is why we offer that service in over 20 states (see full list at www.balancepsych.org). Telehealth allows LGBTQ+ affirming mental health care to reach more people. Anxiety, depression, and more – so many of these are treatable conditions. Telepsychiatry makes it possible to get support from anywhere. We can work together when you are traveling or on work breaks. We take PacificSource Student Health Insurance, a primary student health insurer in Oregon, for both therapy and medication management.