6 of the Best Washington DC Therapists
Seeking therapy can be a daunting and overwhelming experience and finding the right therapist even more so. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, which is why Vital Therapy is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective therapeutic services to meet each person's unique needs.
Offering individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological testing to all different ages, genders, and populations, Vital Therapy focuses on empowering you to achieve your fullest potential through a personalized and engaging therapeutic process. Led by Dr. Nicole Moore, our team of like-minded clinicians has an approach that is deeply empathetic, creating a supportive environment where you can explore and overcome your challenges.
We also understand that we may not be the right fit for you, which is why we put together this list of amazing therapists in DC. Our goal is to provide you with as many therapy options as possible to give you the highest chance of success!
Before we get into the best therapists in DC, let's talk a little about the importance of mental health care and the process of finding a therapist.
Understanding Mental Health
What is mental health and why is it important?
When you're looking for therapists in Washington, DC, it's key to also understand the importance of mental health. Struggling with mental health issues can impact all areas of our lives, influencing how we think, feel, and act. Just like physical health, mental health can fluctuate throughout our lives.
Strong mental health allows us to:
Develop coping skills to navigate life's challenges more efficiently and effectively.
Develop insight and foster personal growth.
Build healthy relationships.
Boost self-esteem and reach our full potential.
Experience a sense of joy, contentment, and purpose in life.
At Vital Therapy, we believe that seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's an investment in your well-being and your future. So let's talk about how to go about finding a licensed therapist in DC.
How To Find a Mental Health Professional in Washington, DC
Finding the perfect DC therapist is a crucial step in your mental health journey. Here at Vital Therapy, we understand that this process can feel overwhelming. We want to empower you to find a therapist in DC who feels like a good fit. Here are a few tips:
Consider your needs and goals: What kind of challenges are you facing? What do you hope to achieve through therapy?
Think about your preferred approach: Some Washington, DC therapists use traditional talk therapy, while others incorporate techniques like mindfulness or EMDR.
Therapy cost and insurance: Consider your insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees to make therapy more accessible.
Doing a bit of homework to find the right match can make all the difference in your mental health journey. Vital Therapy offers a free consultation where you can discuss your needs and get a feel for our practice. This can be a valuable tool in your search for the right therapist in Washington, DC.
What to Expect from a Therapy Session
Therapy can feel like uncharted territory, and it's natural to have questions. Both in-person therapy and online therapy in DC prioritize creating a safe and comfortable space for open communication. Here's a peek into what you can expect during a typical DC talk therapy session:
The First Session: The initial session is a chance for you and your therapist to get acquainted. You'll discuss your goals for therapy, your background, and any current challenges you're facing. This is also your opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of the therapist's approach.
Collaborative Care: Therapy is a collaborative process. Your therapist will actively listen to your concerns and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
A Focus on Strengths: While therapy acknowledges challenges, it also emphasizes your strengths and resources. Therapy will help you build upon these strengths and life skills to navigate difficult situations and achieve your goals.
Open Communication: Therapy is a space for complete honesty and openness. Your therapist will encourage you to express yourself freely and explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Gain Insight: Therapy will also help you better understand yourself, including your thoughts, feelings, and past experiences. This will give you the insight you need to connect with yourself and others and make real changes in your life.
The goal is for you to leave each session feeling clearer and more equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Types of Therapy
There are many different types of therapy and methods and finding the one that works for you can be overwhelming, especially when you might not even know what type of therapy or approach you're looking for (we don't expect you to know everything about every type of therapy!)
There are many services offered - from the well-known cognitive behavioral therapy to substance abuse treatment to focusing on life transitions - with the right knowledge you can find what feels right for you. Here, we'll provide you with some quick information about some specialized services but you'll get a better understanding by working with a therapist in DC.
Specialized Mental Health Services
Washington, DC offers a range of specialized therapies catering to diverse needs. You can find approaches like this (and many more!):
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful approach used primarily for PTSD.
LGBTQ+ therapy to address the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
Family therapy to improve communication and resolve conflicts within families, making it easier for members to support one another effectively.
Therapy for neurodivergence, tailored for individuals with ADHD, autism, and other neurodevelopmental differences.
Group therapy, offering a community setting where individuals can share experiences and learn from each other.
6 of the Best Therapists in Washington, DC
Finding the right therapist is a crucial step in your mental health journey. Washington DC offers a diverse range of qualified professionals, and this list highlights just a few exceptional therapists in DC and surrounding areas ready to guide you towards a healthier and happier you.
1. Shari Matray, PhD
Dr. Matray brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice by continuously learning and expanding her knowledge of the therapeutic process to best serve her clients.
Location: Washington, DC (In person + virtual)
Population: Adults, Individual Therapy
Modalities: Psychodynamic approach
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties
Website: Shari Matray, PhD
2. Ann Krajewski, PsyD
Dr. Krajewski focuses on empowering women to build healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Location: Arlington, VA and Washington, DC (Virtual)
Population: Women
Modalities: Psychoanalytic-oriented
Specialties: Anxiety, perfectionism, codependency, low self-esteem
Website: Dynamic Healing Psychotherapy
3. Raquel Grigera, PsyD
Dr. Grigera offers a comprehensive approach to mental health, specializing in areas like eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She believes the therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of effective treatment and focuses on creating a supportive and empowering environment.
Location: Virginia (In person + virtual)
Population: Adolescents, Adults, Couples Therapy, Family Therapy
Modalities: CBT, DBT, Interpersonal therapy, Integrative therapy
Specialties: Eating disorders, depression, anxiety, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicidal ideation (SI), trauma, identity issues, LGBTQ+ affirming, self-esteem and self-worth
Website: Mind Body VA
4. Raphaelle Cuenod, LCSW
Raphaelle uses a combination of evidence-based approaches to best meet each person's needs. Her focus is on creating a safe and comfortable environment to support her clients' journeys.
Location: Washington, DC
Population: Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Families
Modalities: Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy, Couples Therapy, IFS Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Psychedelic Integration Group, Women's Retreats, CBT, DBT
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD
Website: Nour Therapy
5. Jonah Green, LCSW-C
Jonah believes that therapy should consist of collaborative and healing conversations. He also encourages such conversations between couples and family members.
Location: Kensington, MD (In person + virtual)
Population: Individual Therapy for Children, Teens, Adults; Family Therapy; Parental Consultation; Couples Therapy
Modalities: Psychodynamic, experiential, and family systems approaches
Specialties: Developmental delay and disability, behavioral and mood disorders, divorce and separation, stepfamily dynamics, grief and bereavement, work and career transitions
Website: Child and Family Mental Health
6. Bryce Gold, PsyD
Dr. Gold believes in a strong therapeutic relationship and that each session should be a collaborative approach. Her goal is to help clients better understand themselves and develop new strategies to help them heal and grow.
Location: Offices in Maryland and Virginia (In person + virtual)
Population: Children, Adolescents, Adults
Modalities: Integrative approaches, Parent Coaching, Psychoeducational Evaluations, School Admissions Testing, S.P.A.C.E. therapy.
Specialties: Anxiety disorders, autistic burnout, neurodivergence identification (autism, ADHD, learning differences), mood-based impacts on learning
Website: Georgetown Psychology - Bryce Gold
Taking the First Step
The team at Vital Therapy is dedicated to supporting you on your mental health journey. Our therapists in Washington, DC are committed to fostering deep, supportive relationships with each client, ensuring that you feel partnered with and supported throughout your therapeutic journey.
But we also understand that finding the right therapist is a personal journey, and we may not be the right fit. We hope this list can be a helpful starting point to finding the right therapist for you. Each of the DC therapists highlighted in this article brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the table.
If you’re looking to explore how Vital Therapy can assist you, we encourage you to reach out. We offer free consultations to help you determine if our approaches fit your needs. We are eager to connect with you and support your path to well-being!