Therapists in Washington, DC
For over a decade, we've worked with adults in their 20s and 30s to help them overcome the emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges of young adulthood. We have a keen understanding of the demands on today's young adults to succeed academically, socially, and in the workplace. Our goal is to support you in developing necessary skills and resources as you pursue personal, career, and academic success. When work or school performance is a concern, our focus is on the intersection of mental health issues with these needs, two aspects of a person's life that are rarely addressed simultaneously or understood as interdependent.
For over a decade, we've worked with adults in their 20s and 30s to help them overcome the emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges of young adulthood. We have a keen understanding of the demands on today's young adults to succeed academically, socially, and in the workplace. Our goal is to support you in developing necessary skills and resources as you pursue personal, career, and academic success. When work or school performance is a concern, our focus is on the intersection of mental health issues with these needs, two aspects of a person's life that are rarely addressed simultaneously or understood as interdependent.
I am Shanell Cooper, LGSW, a therapist with Arelis Perez Psychotherapy Services, LLC, and I specialize in working with teens and young adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and major life transitions. I offer a supportive, trauma-informed space where you can feel safe exploring your experiences, emotions, and identity without judgment. I understand that young adulthood can be a time filled with uncertainty, pressure, and change—especially when past or ongoing trauma is part of your story.
I am Shanell Cooper, LGSW, a therapist with Arelis Perez Psychotherapy Services, LLC, and I specialize in working with teens and young adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and major life transitions. I offer a supportive, trauma-informed space where you can feel safe exploring your experiences, emotions, and identity without judgment. I understand that young adulthood can be a time filled with uncertainty, pressure, and change—especially when past or ongoing trauma is part of your story.
Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just in need of someone to walk alongside you, I’m here to help you become the best version of yourself. Therapy isn’t just about addressing problems — it’s about discovering who you truly are, uncovering inner resilience, and building a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.
Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just in need of someone to walk alongside you, I’m here to help you become the best version of yourself. Therapy isn’t just about addressing problems — it’s about discovering who you truly are, uncovering inner resilience, and building a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.
It hurts to be in crisis not knowing where to start and how to get help, particularly these days. As a psychotherapist and a psychoanalyst I will work with you, closely listening in a safe and containing environment, so we can process painful experiences and understand patterns and behaviors that affect your wellbeing, productivity and relationships; we will work together to develop pathways towards emotional growth that could facilitate meaningful and lasting changes and healing from past traumas, leading to a more fulfilling, productive life.
It hurts to be in crisis not knowing where to start and how to get help, particularly these days. As a psychotherapist and a psychoanalyst I will work with you, closely listening in a safe and containing environment, so we can process painful experiences and understand patterns and behaviors that affect your wellbeing, productivity and relationships; we will work together to develop pathways towards emotional growth that could facilitate meaningful and lasting changes and healing from past traumas, leading to a more fulfilling, productive life.
My ideal clients are adults navigating the complex emotional terrain of chronic illness and health challenges. They often struggle with anxiety, depression, grief over lost capabilities, and difficulties adjusting to a new normal. Many feel isolated or misunderstood by those who haven't experienced chronic health issues. They seek a space to process their experiences, develop coping strategies, and find meaning despite physical limitations. Their goals typically include reducing distress, improving relationships strained by illness, advocating effectively for their needs, and reclaiming agency in their lives.
My ideal clients are adults navigating the complex emotional terrain of chronic illness and health challenges. They often struggle with anxiety, depression, grief over lost capabilities, and difficulties adjusting to a new normal. Many feel isolated or misunderstood by those who haven't experienced chronic health issues. They seek a space to process their experiences, develop coping strategies, and find meaning despite physical limitations. Their goals typically include reducing distress, improving relationships strained by illness, advocating effectively for their needs, and reclaiming agency in their lives.
Our world continues to change, with its weight sometimes growing overwhelming and crushing. You are not alone. Together we’ll explore your feelings & thoughts while comprehending patterns in your history and life experience that have shaped you up to this moment. We’ll find a new space that feels more authentic, free, and connected through this work. We’ll manage and reduce your feelings of anxiety, depression, and other distressing thoughts. It is never too late to take control and redefine yourself in a controlled, safe, and open place.
Our world continues to change, with its weight sometimes growing overwhelming and crushing. You are not alone. Together we’ll explore your feelings & thoughts while comprehending patterns in your history and life experience that have shaped you up to this moment. We’ll find a new space that feels more authentic, free, and connected through this work. We’ll manage and reduce your feelings of anxiety, depression, and other distressing thoughts. It is never too late to take control and redefine yourself in a controlled, safe, and open place.
Eating disorders can be all encompassing and can start to take over so many different aspects of your life. It becomes hard to do anything without hearing the eating disorder’s disapproving voice in your head making comments about your food intake, your body, and most painfully, who you are as a person. This voice is not you. We can work together to help you fight back and regain your identity. You do not need to have an eating disorder for us to work together, I also work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, trauma, relationships, and identity.
Eating disorders can be all encompassing and can start to take over so many different aspects of your life. It becomes hard to do anything without hearing the eating disorder’s disapproving voice in your head making comments about your food intake, your body, and most painfully, who you are as a person. This voice is not you. We can work together to help you fight back and regain your identity. You do not need to have an eating disorder for us to work together, I also work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, trauma, relationships, and identity.
As a clinical psychologist trained in intensive psychotherapy and counseling, I focus primarily on you as a person, not on your disorder or illness. Even if the reason you seek treatment is depression, anxiety, relationship issues or addictive behaviors, that is not who you are- it is only the form that your problems take. In our therapy work together we will need to understand who you are fundamentally - your unique strengths, issues, and needs. Our shared understanding of your complexities will then tell us precisely what approach to take to healing your problems.
As a clinical psychologist trained in intensive psychotherapy and counseling, I focus primarily on you as a person, not on your disorder or illness. Even if the reason you seek treatment is depression, anxiety, relationship issues or addictive behaviors, that is not who you are- it is only the form that your problems take. In our therapy work together we will need to understand who you are fundamentally - your unique strengths, issues, and needs. Our shared understanding of your complexities will then tell us precisely what approach to take to healing your problems.
I'm queer, gay, neurodivergent, and a non-linear thinker. I offer therapy for people tired of masking, performing, or shrinking themselves just to belong. As a Certified Gestalt Therapist, I guide you to reconnect with your body's wisdom—not as something to fix, but as a source of awareness, authenticity, and resilience. Your emotions aren't flaws; they're meaningful signals. Together, we can cultivate greater presence, emotional flexibility, healthy boundaries, and self-trust so you can meet life from who you truly are, not from survival.
I'm queer, gay, neurodivergent, and a non-linear thinker. I offer therapy for people tired of masking, performing, or shrinking themselves just to belong. As a Certified Gestalt Therapist, I guide you to reconnect with your body's wisdom—not as something to fix, but as a source of awareness, authenticity, and resilience. Your emotions aren't flaws; they're meaningful signals. Together, we can cultivate greater presence, emotional flexibility, healthy boundaries, and self-trust so you can meet life from who you truly are, not from survival.
I'm here to meet you where you are and get you to where you want to be. I believe therapy is most effective when it feels like a partnership, and I truly enjoy helping people grow into the best version of themselves. My role is to guide and support you as we explore your experiences, deepen your self-understanding, and work toward meaningful change. I'm honored and excited to walk alongside you on your journey.
I'm here to meet you where you are and get you to where you want to be. I believe therapy is most effective when it feels like a partnership, and I truly enjoy helping people grow into the best version of themselves. My role is to guide and support you as we explore your experiences, deepen your self-understanding, and work toward meaningful change. I'm honored and excited to walk alongside you on your journey.
I believe that building rapport and trust in the therapeutic relationship is paramount to the success of the work. My approach in working with individuals is person-centered. While I do utilize an eclectic blend of evidence-based techniques to address particular situations, I find that a conversational approach that allows my clients to lead the session is most effective in addressing immediate and long- term needs and goals. My ultimate aim is to help my clients build awareness and insight into their behaviors and to provide consistent support along the way as they develop a variety of skill sets to address life's many challenges.
I believe that building rapport and trust in the therapeutic relationship is paramount to the success of the work. My approach in working with individuals is person-centered. While I do utilize an eclectic blend of evidence-based techniques to address particular situations, I find that a conversational approach that allows my clients to lead the session is most effective in addressing immediate and long- term needs and goals. My ultimate aim is to help my clients build awareness and insight into their behaviors and to provide consistent support along the way as they develop a variety of skill sets to address life's many challenges.
Robert Bangert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Wherever you are in life's journey, when you need support you deserve a therapist who takes the time to understand you. Whether you are experiencing stress related to work, challenges in relationships, or struggling with any other area of life, you deserve support that is specific to you, from someone who cares about and prioritizes your needs. I am passionate about helping people in the LGBTQ community, and as a member of the community myself, I understand the importance of having a therapist who can care for you with competence and respect, positivity toward sex and non-monogamy, and without judgment.
Wherever you are in life's journey, when you need support you deserve a therapist who takes the time to understand you. Whether you are experiencing stress related to work, challenges in relationships, or struggling with any other area of life, you deserve support that is specific to you, from someone who cares about and prioritizes your needs. I am passionate about helping people in the LGBTQ community, and as a member of the community myself, I understand the importance of having a therapist who can care for you with competence and respect, positivity toward sex and non-monogamy, and without judgment.
Each person carries a story shaped by experiences, emotions, relationships, and values. These stories influence how you see yourself, how you connect with others, and how you respond to challenges. In therapy, I provide a safe and supportive space to reflect on your story, process difficult experiences, and explore new ways of moving forward. My goal is to help you deepen your self-understanding, clarify what matters most, and create space for meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.
Each person carries a story shaped by experiences, emotions, relationships, and values. These stories influence how you see yourself, how you connect with others, and how you respond to challenges. In therapy, I provide a safe and supportive space to reflect on your story, process difficult experiences, and explore new ways of moving forward. My goal is to help you deepen your self-understanding, clarify what matters most, and create space for meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.
Are you looking for top-notch psycho-educational evaluations with no long wait time? As a psychologist on The Mind Center's team, I understand the challenges you face when navigating your child's academic and emotional needs. My services are designed to pinpoint your child's strengths and areas of improvement. The mission? To team up with parents, their kids, and schools, creating a dynamic trio that supports every child in becoming their own hero with tailored intervention strategies. Through testing, challenges can turn into triumphs, and question marks into exclamation points. My approach is evidence-based and action-oriented.
Are you looking for top-notch psycho-educational evaluations with no long wait time? As a psychologist on The Mind Center's team, I understand the challenges you face when navigating your child's academic and emotional needs. My services are designed to pinpoint your child's strengths and areas of improvement. The mission? To team up with parents, their kids, and schools, creating a dynamic trio that supports every child in becoming their own hero with tailored intervention strategies. Through testing, challenges can turn into triumphs, and question marks into exclamation points. My approach is evidence-based and action-oriented.
If you’re feeling anxious, disconnected, or like you don’t fully belong, therapy can be a space where you finally feel understood and supported. I offer a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach, with a focus on EMDR, a therapy that helps your mind and body reprocess difficult experiences so they feel less overwhelming and no longer hold the same weight. I often work with clients navigating life between cultures, family expectations, or systems that haven’t felt safe or affirming—including neurodivergent individuals who may feel misunderstood or exhausted from masking.
If you’re feeling anxious, disconnected, or like you don’t fully belong, therapy can be a space where you finally feel understood and supported. I offer a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach, with a focus on EMDR, a therapy that helps your mind and body reprocess difficult experiences so they feel less overwhelming and no longer hold the same weight. I often work with clients navigating life between cultures, family expectations, or systems that haven’t felt safe or affirming—including neurodivergent individuals who may feel misunderstood or exhausted from masking.
You're doing your best but something still feels off. Maybe you’re exhausted from trying to keep it all together, or questioning whether your life aligns with who you really are. I often work with adults who are navigating anxiety, burnout, and identity struggles, all while juggling demanding careers and relationships. It can be difficult to cope when you are overwhelmed and anxious. Even when you know the tools, using them can be a challenge. Therapy gives us space to uncover what’s getting in the way and work through it together.
You're doing your best but something still feels off. Maybe you’re exhausted from trying to keep it all together, or questioning whether your life aligns with who you really are. I often work with adults who are navigating anxiety, burnout, and identity struggles, all while juggling demanding careers and relationships. It can be difficult to cope when you are overwhelmed and anxious. Even when you know the tools, using them can be a challenge. Therapy gives us space to uncover what’s getting in the way and work through it together.
My ideal client wants clarity on the challenges they are facing and coping skills. I specialize in addressing relationship challenges, trauma, ptsd and codependency and life transition challenges .
My ideal client wants clarity on the challenges they are facing and coping skills. I specialize in addressing relationship challenges, trauma, ptsd and codependency and life transition challenges .
Entering a new phase of your career? Feeling stuck at work or in your personal life? Deciding whether to make a big change of some sort? Trying to set yourself up for success in a new phase of your life or career? Facing some big financial decisions? Our personal lives and careers are full of inflection points, where choices we make and events that impact us can change the course of our life in impactful ways. Inflection points are often stressful, but also provide opportunities to examine our identities, our relationships, and how we want to live our lives. You don’t have to navigate these moments without support.
Entering a new phase of your career? Feeling stuck at work or in your personal life? Deciding whether to make a big change of some sort? Trying to set yourself up for success in a new phase of your life or career? Facing some big financial decisions? Our personal lives and careers are full of inflection points, where choices we make and events that impact us can change the course of our life in impactful ways. Inflection points are often stressful, but also provide opportunities to examine our identities, our relationships, and how we want to live our lives. You don’t have to navigate these moments without support.
Have you been through painful or confusing experiences that still weigh on you? Do you struggle with self-doubt, people-pleasing, or feeling like you’re never quite enough? Maybe you're highly sensitive or emotionally aware, but often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Many of my clients are deep thinkers and feelers who need a safe, supportive space to process what they’ve been through and explore what’s next.
Have you been through painful or confusing experiences that still weigh on you? Do you struggle with self-doubt, people-pleasing, or feeling like you’re never quite enough? Maybe you're highly sensitive or emotionally aware, but often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Many of my clients are deep thinkers and feelers who need a safe, supportive space to process what they’ve been through and explore what’s next.
Do you feel stuck in painful patterns with your partner—or alone in your struggles? I help couples and individuals move out of reactivity and into more connected, intentional ways of relating, heal old wounds, and restore hope. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-esteem concerns, and relationship conflict.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, grounded in Imago Relationship Therapy and enriched by mindfulness, somatic practices, and positive psychology. Together, we focus not just on understanding patterns, but on shifting how you experience yourself and your relationships.
Do you feel stuck in painful patterns with your partner—or alone in your struggles? I help couples and individuals move out of reactivity and into more connected, intentional ways of relating, heal old wounds, and restore hope. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-esteem concerns, and relationship conflict.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, grounded in Imago Relationship Therapy and enriched by mindfulness, somatic practices, and positive psychology. Together, we focus not just on understanding patterns, but on shifting how you experience yourself and your relationships.
See more therapy options for Washington
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Washington, DC
3,000+
Average cost per session
$185
Therapists in Washington, DC who prioritize treating:
| 92% | Anxiety |
| 92% | Social Anxiety |
| 92% | Health Anxiety |
| 92% | Driving Anxiety |
| 86% | Depression |
| 79% | Relationship Issues |
| 75% | Relationship Anxiety |
Average years in practice
13 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 69% | Aetna |
| 69% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
| 64% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Washington, DC see their clients
| 51% | In Person and Online | |
| 49% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 79% | Female | |
| 19% | Male | |
| 2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Washington?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.


