Therapists in Columbia Heights, Washington, DC

Living as your own worst critic can drain you of your sense of empowerment and energy. You might struggle with a demanding inner monologue that includes anxious, shameful thoughts. If your instinct is to regularly criticize and blame yourself for perceived failures, I can help. I am a psychotherapist licensed in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia with over 9 years of experience. I work with adults and young adults from diverse backgrounds who may be experiencing challenges related to: anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health, fertility, work-life balance, life transitions, and issues stemming from low self-worth.
Living as your own worst critic can drain you of your sense of empowerment and energy. You might struggle with a demanding inner monologue that includes anxious, shameful thoughts. If your instinct is to regularly criticize and blame yourself for perceived failures, I can help. I am a psychotherapist licensed in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia with over 9 years of experience. I work with adults and young adults from diverse backgrounds who may be experiencing challenges related to: anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health, fertility, work-life balance, life transitions, and issues stemming from low self-worth.

Agustin Aguirre Herrera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20010
Waitlist for new clients
If you are feeling overwhelmed by emotions that might seem unhelpful, such as anxiety, hopelessness, anger, shame, or addictive behaviors, know you're not alone. Therapy can provide a nurturing space to help release those burdens and begin healing and reconnecting with your true self.
I am a trauma-informed therapist who believes in the power of healing within a collaborative and compassionate therapeutic environment. Together, we will create a safe space where you can cultivate greater resilience, reduce reactive behaviors, achieve emotional balance, foster self-compassion, and strengthen your connection with your inner self.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by emotions that might seem unhelpful, such as anxiety, hopelessness, anger, shame, or addictive behaviors, know you're not alone. Therapy can provide a nurturing space to help release those burdens and begin healing and reconnecting with your true self.
I am a trauma-informed therapist who believes in the power of healing within a collaborative and compassionate therapeutic environment. Together, we will create a safe space where you can cultivate greater resilience, reduce reactive behaviors, achieve emotional balance, foster self-compassion, and strengthen your connection with your inner self.

John Joseph Pavco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20010
I’m a compassionate and non-judgmental therapist who customizes my approach based on your unique worries and fears. We’ll work collaboratively to reduce or eliminate your anxieties. You’ll be in control of the sessions at all times, so you can feel safe. When you’re no longer held back by anxiety, you can enjoy your life and relationships so much more.
I’m a compassionate and non-judgmental therapist who customizes my approach based on your unique worries and fears. We’ll work collaboratively to reduce or eliminate your anxieties. You’ll be in control of the sessions at all times, so you can feel safe. When you’re no longer held back by anxiety, you can enjoy your life and relationships so much more.

I specialize in working with adults experiencing symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Bipolar, Attachment & Relationships Challenges and Life Transitions. My goal is to help you relate to yourself and your challenges from a place of compassion and confidence. The relationship you have with yourself is the longest one you will ever have, and I will teach you how to be your own best friend. I will support you in celebrating your authentic self—your truths, wants, needs, and passions. I’m here to help you shed the shame, fear, and judgements you learned through normal everyday conditioning so you can live your life for you.
I specialize in working with adults experiencing symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Bipolar, Attachment & Relationships Challenges and Life Transitions. My goal is to help you relate to yourself and your challenges from a place of compassion and confidence. The relationship you have with yourself is the longest one you will ever have, and I will teach you how to be your own best friend. I will support you in celebrating your authentic self—your truths, wants, needs, and passions. I’m here to help you shed the shame, fear, and judgements you learned through normal everyday conditioning so you can live your life for you.

Does it feel like a struggle just to get through each day? Do you long for relief from unresolved issues, anxiety, or depression?
If you're feeling overwhelmed by these challenges, you're not alone. Together, we can work on understanding the root causes of your struggles and help you find peace and healing. Whether you're dealing with past trauma, painful emotions, or just feeling stuck, I am dedicated to helping you build a life that feels enjoyable and fulfilling.
I’m passionate about working with LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, integrating each client’s cultural background and values into our work together.
Does it feel like a struggle just to get through each day? Do you long for relief from unresolved issues, anxiety, or depression?
If you're feeling overwhelmed by these challenges, you're not alone. Together, we can work on understanding the root causes of your struggles and help you find peace and healing. Whether you're dealing with past trauma, painful emotions, or just feeling stuck, I am dedicated to helping you build a life that feels enjoyable and fulfilling.
I’m passionate about working with LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, integrating each client’s cultural background and values into our work together.

Kris Oseth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, LPCC, CPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20010
I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address substance use, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.
I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address substance use, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.

Christina Zavalij
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20010
Not accepting new clients
Stressors from a certain environment, situation, or life event naturally influence the patterns, adaptations, and coping mechanisms that we develop. These stick and become what we fall back on automatically, especially when we needed them in order to survive in the past. Sometimes they are beneficial and sometimes they can hold us back and interfere with our goals and relationships in the present. My approach focuses on helping you take ownership of past and present stressors to create the openness, trust, compassion, and understanding you need in order to be present and engaged in your own life.
Stressors from a certain environment, situation, or life event naturally influence the patterns, adaptations, and coping mechanisms that we develop. These stick and become what we fall back on automatically, especially when we needed them in order to survive in the past. Sometimes they are beneficial and sometimes they can hold us back and interfere with our goals and relationships in the present. My approach focuses on helping you take ownership of past and present stressors to create the openness, trust, compassion, and understanding you need in order to be present and engaged in your own life.

Emily Star
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20010
Waitlist for new clients
It's normal to be going through a hard time. But if you haven’t yet discovered what helps you manage your unique stressors, relationships, and boundaries, then life likely feels so much harder than it needs to. If you're feeling stuck, having an outside perspective can help you see different paths through a difficult terrain. Whether your troubles stem from internal or external issues, I know that by creating a warm and reflective space where we explore your worries, challenges, and motivations, you can find places of relief and even joy.
It's normal to be going through a hard time. But if you haven’t yet discovered what helps you manage your unique stressors, relationships, and boundaries, then life likely feels so much harder than it needs to. If you're feeling stuck, having an outside perspective can help you see different paths through a difficult terrain. Whether your troubles stem from internal or external issues, I know that by creating a warm and reflective space where we explore your worries, challenges, and motivations, you can find places of relief and even joy.

Years of experience often matter when people are anxious or otherwise distraught. For 25 years, I have specialized in the cognitive-behavioral (CBT) treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as well as a range of anxiety and depressive disorders in late adolescents and adults. These disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Illness Anxiety Disorder as well as persistent depression. I frequently work with relationship challenges, stressful life circumstances, and a broad range of outpatient mental health issues. I see clients in DC, MD, VA and nationally in all participating PsyPact states.
Years of experience often matter when people are anxious or otherwise distraught. For 25 years, I have specialized in the cognitive-behavioral (CBT) treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as well as a range of anxiety and depressive disorders in late adolescents and adults. These disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Illness Anxiety Disorder as well as persistent depression. I frequently work with relationship challenges, stressful life circumstances, and a broad range of outpatient mental health issues. I see clients in DC, MD, VA and nationally in all participating PsyPact states.

Jennifer Loken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20001
Taking the first step towards therapy can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. I bring years of experience and a deep commitment to helping you achieve your goals. We'll work together to identify what issues are important to you from addressing everyday anxiety, stress management, substance use concerns, and sexual health, to addressing the significant impacts of trauma on overall functioning. Together, we'll formulate a plan to move you toward healing.
Taking the first step towards therapy can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. I bring years of experience and a deep commitment to helping you achieve your goals. We'll work together to identify what issues are important to you from addressing everyday anxiety, stress management, substance use concerns, and sexual health, to addressing the significant impacts of trauma on overall functioning. Together, we'll formulate a plan to move you toward healing.

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating the impacts of a difficult childhood, struggling to maintain healthy relationships, or dealing with stress, anxiety, and perfectionism. If you’re finding it hard to set boundaries or build self-worth, you’re not alone. I’m here to help you explore these issues in a supportive and safe environment, where you can start making meaningful changes that align with your true self. In our work together, we’ll draw on a blend of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory, and the Gottman Method.
Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating the impacts of a difficult childhood, struggling to maintain healthy relationships, or dealing with stress, anxiety, and perfectionism. If you’re finding it hard to set boundaries or build self-worth, you’re not alone. I’m here to help you explore these issues in a supportive and safe environment, where you can start making meaningful changes that align with your true self. In our work together, we’ll draw on a blend of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory, and the Gottman Method.
Meet Our Therapists

I deeply enjoy working with adults who are seeking new ways to navigate their difficult experiences, with a specific focus on the LGBTQIA+ community and those impacted by acute and chronic trauma. I help my clients learn to meet themselves with compassion, build strong self-care skills, and live in alignment with who they truly are. I draw from various theories and approaches such as Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness Practices, and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing informed by Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experiencing.
I deeply enjoy working with adults who are seeking new ways to navigate their difficult experiences, with a specific focus on the LGBTQIA+ community and those impacted by acute and chronic trauma. I help my clients learn to meet themselves with compassion, build strong self-care skills, and live in alignment with who they truly are. I draw from various theories and approaches such as Attachment Theory, Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness Practices, and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing informed by Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experiencing.

Do you feel stuck navigating the challenges your child or teen is facing, wondering if they stem from school stress, family dynamics, or something deeper? Are you, as an adult, grappling with feelings of burnout, anxiety, or the weight of balancing too much at once? It can be overwhelming to balance emotional needs with everyday demands. Together, we can create a space where you feel heard, supported, and equipped to tackle these challenges. You deserve tools and strategies that not only foster growth but also strengthen your relationships along the way.
Do you feel stuck navigating the challenges your child or teen is facing, wondering if they stem from school stress, family dynamics, or something deeper? Are you, as an adult, grappling with feelings of burnout, anxiety, or the weight of balancing too much at once? It can be overwhelming to balance emotional needs with everyday demands. Together, we can create a space where you feel heard, supported, and equipped to tackle these challenges. You deserve tools and strategies that not only foster growth but also strengthen your relationships along the way.

I love working with LGBTQIA+ folks! I especially love working with fellow nonbinary people. I enjoy work with all humans across the lifespan, sexuality and gender spectrum on issues ranging from life transitions to relationship issues, identity formation, and grief. I support you where you are and where you wish to be.
I love working with LGBTQIA+ folks! I especially love working with fellow nonbinary people. I enjoy work with all humans across the lifespan, sexuality and gender spectrum on issues ranging from life transitions to relationship issues, identity formation, and grief. I support you where you are and where you wish to be.

I work with individuals who experience a wide range of challenges. My primary specialties include depression, anxiety, and life stress/ transitions. I also address job stress, relationships, and sleep concerns. My approach to therapy is integrative and collaborative. I primarily incorporate education with a cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness approach.
I work with individuals who experience a wide range of challenges. My primary specialties include depression, anxiety, and life stress/ transitions. I also address job stress, relationships, and sleep concerns. My approach to therapy is integrative and collaborative. I primarily incorporate education with a cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness approach.

Jessie Wedell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LGPC
Verified Verified
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20010
I am passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities who may face unique challenges. With a strong foundation in social science, I recognize the sociocultural influences that impact mental health. I also have an extensive background in dance and yoga and strongly believe in somatic interventions as a form of trauma recovery and to build a healthy relationship with your body. My goal is to offer a validating space to guide clients through their journeys of healing, helping them reclaim their strength, resilience, and hope for the future.
I am passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities who may face unique challenges. With a strong foundation in social science, I recognize the sociocultural influences that impact mental health. I also have an extensive background in dance and yoga and strongly believe in somatic interventions as a form of trauma recovery and to build a healthy relationship with your body. My goal is to offer a validating space to guide clients through their journeys of healing, helping them reclaim their strength, resilience, and hope for the future.

I am only taking telehealth appointments. I use a strengths-based, solution-focused approach in working with children, families and adults. I have more than 20 years of experience in school, community and private practice settings throughout DC and New York City. I specialize in family work, grief and loss, anxiety, panic and depression, and behavioral problems. I also help clients work through life changes and achieving their goals.
I am only taking telehealth appointments. I use a strengths-based, solution-focused approach in working with children, families and adults. I have more than 20 years of experience in school, community and private practice settings throughout DC and New York City. I specialize in family work, grief and loss, anxiety, panic and depression, and behavioral problems. I also help clients work through life changes and achieving their goals.

Lenore M. Pomerance
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CGP
Verified Verified
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20009
We come to therapy to change our lives which can only be done by changing ourselves. I believe the most effective changes occur when we can experience and examine our behavior in relation to others. In individual therapy you and I will not only identify and try to understnad how your life experiences have shaped your behavior, but how you and I experience that behavior in our relationship. When I work with couples, I focus on your dynamics of intimacy, power imbalances, money, sexuality, and the impact of family and friends on your couple.
We come to therapy to change our lives which can only be done by changing ourselves. I believe the most effective changes occur when we can experience and examine our behavior in relation to others. In individual therapy you and I will not only identify and try to understnad how your life experiences have shaped your behavior, but how you and I experience that behavior in our relationship. When I work with couples, I focus on your dynamics of intimacy, power imbalances, money, sexuality, and the impact of family and friends on your couple.

Are you functional, but rarely joyful? Do you go to work, show up for people, take care of your family and friends, but feel exhausted and depleted? Perhaps you overwork, struggle with perfectionism and don’t know how to stop? Do you go back and forth between getting tons done and procrastinating, and feel wiped out and unmotivated in between. Do you worry about what people think of you or that what you do isn’t enough? Maybe you secretly wish you could disappear for a while. Maybe you dream of being motivated, rested and content and having supportive, mutually beneficial relationships. If any of these are you, therapy can help.
Are you functional, but rarely joyful? Do you go to work, show up for people, take care of your family and friends, but feel exhausted and depleted? Perhaps you overwork, struggle with perfectionism and don’t know how to stop? Do you go back and forth between getting tons done and procrastinating, and feel wiped out and unmotivated in between. Do you worry about what people think of you or that what you do isn’t enough? Maybe you secretly wish you could disappear for a while. Maybe you dream of being motivated, rested and content and having supportive, mutually beneficial relationships. If any of these are you, therapy can help.

James G Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA/EDS, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20010
For 24 years, I've been helping people shed the weights others placed on our shoulders. Whether it's the whisper that says you're not enough, the inherited beliefs that don't fit who you truly are, or the burden of past experiences you couldn't control - there is a path forward.
For 24 years, I've been helping people shed the weights others placed on our shoulders. Whether it's the whisper that says you're not enough, the inherited beliefs that don't fit who you truly are, or the burden of past experiences you couldn't control - there is a path forward.
Nearby Searches for Columbia Heights, Washington
- Adams Morgan
- Dupont Circle
- Ledroit Park
- Logan Circle
- Mount Pleasant
- Petworth
- Pleasant Plains
- Shaw
- U Street Corridor
- Woodley Park
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Columbia Heights, Washington, DC
200+
Average cost per session
$180
Therapists in Columbia Heights, Washington, DC who prioritize treating:
93% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
78% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Self Esteem |
74% | Stress |
71% | Trauma and PTSD |
66% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
66% | Cigna and Evernorth |
65% | Aetna |
61% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Columbia Heights, Washington, DC see their clients
51% | Online Only | |
49% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Columbia Heights, 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.