Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapists in Washington, DC

Modern mental healthcare is no longer confined to the boxes of conventional knowledge — it is integrative, expansive, and deeply human. I honor the complexities of who you are, weaving your unique story with multiple lenses and practices to foster small steps toward your progress and wellbeing each day. We focus on what you want to believe, feel and do, then make it possible by calming the nervous system, reprogramming past trauma, and teaching your brain and body that it is safe to create new beliefs and behaviors from a newer, more aligned and authentic self.
Modern mental healthcare is no longer confined to the boxes of conventional knowledge — it is integrative, expansive, and deeply human. I honor the complexities of who you are, weaving your unique story with multiple lenses and practices to foster small steps toward your progress and wellbeing each day. We focus on what you want to believe, feel and do, then make it possible by calming the nervous system, reprogramming past trauma, and teaching your brain and body that it is safe to create new beliefs and behaviors from a newer, more aligned and authentic self.

Dr. Francine Baffa, LCSW — Balance, Focus, Support
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, BCBA-D
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005
Do you feel stuck? Are external obstacles, or your own internal fears, holding you back from living a full and meaningful life? In therapy, you can grow, heal, and move forward. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder are real challenges. You can expect to build lifelong coping skills that enable you to reach your goals and experience sustained healing. You can feel calmer, more balanced, more motivated, and more focused. You can learn to build and sustain healthier and more satisfying relationships with family, work colleagues, and romantic partners. Contact me today. I am looking forward to hearing your story.
Do you feel stuck? Are external obstacles, or your own internal fears, holding you back from living a full and meaningful life? In therapy, you can grow, heal, and move forward. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder are real challenges. You can expect to build lifelong coping skills that enable you to reach your goals and experience sustained healing. You can feel calmer, more balanced, more motivated, and more focused. You can learn to build and sustain healthier and more satisfying relationships with family, work colleagues, and romantic partners. Contact me today. I am looking forward to hearing your story.

I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in the District of Columbia. I have extensive experience working with ages 3-25. My background includes work in both community mental health and university settings, where I have supported individuals across diverse age groups, backgrounds, and worldviews.
I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in the District of Columbia. I have extensive experience working with ages 3-25. My background includes work in both community mental health and university settings, where I have supported individuals across diverse age groups, backgrounds, and worldviews.

Joseph is a holistic and integrative therapist and his core principles are compassion, collaboration, and transparency. He has extensive experience in counseling individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, work/life balance stressors, life transitions, substance use, and other areas. He provides counseling to couples and families to address stress, communication concerns, and conflict. Additionally, Joseph facilitates groups including a Men’s Wellness Group, an Emotional Regulation Basics group, and a Healthy Relationships Group.
Joseph is a holistic and integrative therapist and his core principles are compassion, collaboration, and transparency. He has extensive experience in counseling individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, work/life balance stressors, life transitions, substance use, and other areas. He provides counseling to couples and families to address stress, communication concerns, and conflict. Additionally, Joseph facilitates groups including a Men’s Wellness Group, an Emotional Regulation Basics group, and a Healthy Relationships Group.

My name is Dr. Jeff Selman and I am a licensed psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a certified school psychologist. I offer evidence-based telepsychology services to individuals across the lifespan and their families. These services include autism screening and assessment, individual and family therapy, parent behavior management training and coaching, and consultation and training for schools and community agencies. My approach is grounded in cognitive behavior therapy and behavior therapy. My sessions tend to be active, goal-oriented, and engaging. I love the work and welcomes complex and challenging cases.
My name is Dr. Jeff Selman and I am a licensed psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and a certified school psychologist. I offer evidence-based telepsychology services to individuals across the lifespan and their families. These services include autism screening and assessment, individual and family therapy, parent behavior management training and coaching, and consultation and training for schools and community agencies. My approach is grounded in cognitive behavior therapy and behavior therapy. My sessions tend to be active, goal-oriented, and engaging. I love the work and welcomes complex and challenging cases.

Navigating Stress, Anxiety, or Trauma in D.C.? You're not alone. I specialize in helping high-achieving women in Washington D.C. reclaim their lives from the impact of stress, anxiety, and trauma. In the demanding, bustling environment of Washington D.C. unprocessed stress, unaddressed anxiety, or past traumatic experiences can hold you back. I provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapy to help women build resilience, feelings of personal empowerment, and create lasting change. Together, we'll develop strategies to manage stress triggers, overcome past trauma, and build healthier relationships, empowering you to thrive.
Navigating Stress, Anxiety, or Trauma in D.C.? You're not alone. I specialize in helping high-achieving women in Washington D.C. reclaim their lives from the impact of stress, anxiety, and trauma. In the demanding, bustling environment of Washington D.C. unprocessed stress, unaddressed anxiety, or past traumatic experiences can hold you back. I provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapy to help women build resilience, feelings of personal empowerment, and create lasting change. Together, we'll develop strategies to manage stress triggers, overcome past trauma, and build healthier relationships, empowering you to thrive.

Relationships can be hard! I offer a safe, supportive space to explore the underlying patterns affecting your relationship. You and your partner may want to create a deeper, more secure bond and need the tools to overcome recurring conflicts. Maybe you are struggling with communication or feeling emotionally disconnected from your partner. Together, I can help you better understand each other’s needs and learn healthier ways to respond. Whether you’re navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, or simply seeking closer connection, I can help you strengthen your partnership so that both of you feel heard, valued, and supported!
Relationships can be hard! I offer a safe, supportive space to explore the underlying patterns affecting your relationship. You and your partner may want to create a deeper, more secure bond and need the tools to overcome recurring conflicts. Maybe you are struggling with communication or feeling emotionally disconnected from your partner. Together, I can help you better understand each other’s needs and learn healthier ways to respond. Whether you’re navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, or simply seeking closer connection, I can help you strengthen your partnership so that both of you feel heard, valued, and supported!

Sheri A Rosenfeld
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
I am a client-centered therapist working with individuals and with a specialty in couple and family work . I am attachment and psychodynamically trained. I use my dance background as a useful tool to further understand the body signals as information to guide me towards creating a workable creative partnership and family unit . I use a combination of cognitive behavioral tools to understand the language we use in our relationships and our past family interactions which guide us toward a workable and balanced way of living in partnership with others . My training in trauma, anxiety, sexual concerns guide my work with my patients .
I am a client-centered therapist working with individuals and with a specialty in couple and family work . I am attachment and psychodynamically trained. I use my dance background as a useful tool to further understand the body signals as information to guide me towards creating a workable creative partnership and family unit . I use a combination of cognitive behavioral tools to understand the language we use in our relationships and our past family interactions which guide us toward a workable and balanced way of living in partnership with others . My training in trauma, anxiety, sexual concerns guide my work with my patients .

Danielle Blessing Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006
We see individuals, families and couples in DC, MD, VA, PA, and FL. We provide an encouraging, warm and open environment to help learn more about yourself and heal from the root up. We identify when negative patterns began and guide you to lead a happier and more peaceful life.
We see individuals, families and couples in DC, MD, VA, PA, and FL. We provide an encouraging, warm and open environment to help learn more about yourself and heal from the root up. We identify when negative patterns began and guide you to lead a happier and more peaceful life.

My focus as an educational consultant includes collaboratively working with parents and schools to help address children's individual developmental and special needs, navigate special education, IEP problems, and advocate for evidence-based interventions. My approach is rooted in the belief that growth is possible for all children, informed by educational research and the experiences I gained as a teacher, special education consultant, and school psychologist.
My focus as an educational consultant includes collaboratively working with parents and schools to help address children's individual developmental and special needs, navigate special education, IEP problems, and advocate for evidence-based interventions. My approach is rooted in the belief that growth is possible for all children, informed by educational research and the experiences I gained as a teacher, special education consultant, and school psychologist.

Connie is a mental health therapist who, with empathy, assesses and treats anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life challenges. She offers guidance to assist in defining goals, plan action and gain insight. Dr. Smith is licensed in DC, Delaware, Florida, and Virginia and holds National Certified Counselors (NCC) certification. She has provided counseling services for more than 30 years.
Connie is a mental health therapist who, with empathy, assesses and treats anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life challenges. She offers guidance to assist in defining goals, plan action and gain insight. Dr. Smith is licensed in DC, Delaware, Florida, and Virginia and holds National Certified Counselors (NCC) certification. She has provided counseling services for more than 30 years.
Meet Our Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapists

I am a clinical psychologist with over 50 years of experience. I work with families and individuals with neurological issues and personality disorders, etc. I have specialized in difficult/ complex cases all my professional life. Lastly, I personally practice Tai chai and meditation for the mind, body and soul. I look forward to working with you and improving your health.
I am a clinical psychologist with over 50 years of experience. I work with families and individuals with neurological issues and personality disorders, etc. I have specialized in difficult/ complex cases all my professional life. Lastly, I personally practice Tai chai and meditation for the mind, body and soul. I look forward to working with you and improving your health.

I am a Licensed Clinician and Certified Coach with 15+ years of experience. I provide support for clients of various ages and cultural backgrounds and a broad range of clinical and personal concerns. I possess an innate ability to establish trusting and healing relationships, with core values and passion for connecting with genuine compassion and gentle care. I can confidently help to guide you to become "unstuck" from mental/emotional/behavioral burdens, to be able to experience significant relief, even during such intense world crises. Let's start by clarifying which support tools we need to help you to feel and be at your best!
I am a Licensed Clinician and Certified Coach with 15+ years of experience. I provide support for clients of various ages and cultural backgrounds and a broad range of clinical and personal concerns. I possess an innate ability to establish trusting and healing relationships, with core values and passion for connecting with genuine compassion and gentle care. I can confidently help to guide you to become "unstuck" from mental/emotional/behavioral burdens, to be able to experience significant relief, even during such intense world crises. Let's start by clarifying which support tools we need to help you to feel and be at your best!

Francine B. Baffa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, BCBA-D
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Creating an engaged therapeutic relationship is where we start. I became a therapist because I believe in the power of relationships. Moved by my own experiences, I wanted to guide others to push past perceived limitations, obstacles, and fear to live a full and meaningful life. We all have the ability to grow, heal, and move forward. I have over 20 years of experience providing individual and group therapy, focusing on parent coaching, family systems work, and navigating depression and anxiety. I have sat across and heard many stories of loss and courage with an open heart - let's work together to explore yours.
Creating an engaged therapeutic relationship is where we start. I became a therapist because I believe in the power of relationships. Moved by my own experiences, I wanted to guide others to push past perceived limitations, obstacles, and fear to live a full and meaningful life. We all have the ability to grow, heal, and move forward. I have over 20 years of experience providing individual and group therapy, focusing on parent coaching, family systems work, and navigating depression and anxiety. I have sat across and heard many stories of loss and courage with an open heart - let's work together to explore yours.

With 50 years of clinical experience, a Duke U. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I am an empathic, results-oriented psychologist. Some of my specialties: relationships, anxiety, depression, stress reduction, intimacy, trauma, & abuse. I work with adults, adolescents, & children in individual, couple, family & group therapy. I counsel in Spanish, French & Japanese. I've authored 4 books on intimacy & relationships & hold FREE monthly Zoom workshops on Mindfulness, Creative Movement & Relationships using guided imagery & music. My licensed associates and I serve MD, D.C. & VA. My interactive audio flyer is available at AacCounseling.com.
With 50 years of clinical experience, a Duke U. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I am an empathic, results-oriented psychologist. Some of my specialties: relationships, anxiety, depression, stress reduction, intimacy, trauma, & abuse. I work with adults, adolescents, & children in individual, couple, family & group therapy. I counsel in Spanish, French & Japanese. I've authored 4 books on intimacy & relationships & hold FREE monthly Zoom workshops on Mindfulness, Creative Movement & Relationships using guided imagery & music. My licensed associates and I serve MD, D.C. & VA. My interactive audio flyer is available at AacCounseling.com.

Do you have intense feelings and upsetting thoughts that get in the way of moving forward in your life? Are you anxious about food, your eating, weight, or how your body looks? Does feeling sad, makes it hard to socialize with friends or get out of bed? Are you stressed about school or work which causes you to procrastinate? Do you struggle with relationships and have difficulties in communicating your needs? As your therapist, I show compassion for your problems, so you feel safe and understood. And at the same time, we will work together to find ways you can deal better with your situation while learning helpful tools.
Do you have intense feelings and upsetting thoughts that get in the way of moving forward in your life? Are you anxious about food, your eating, weight, or how your body looks? Does feeling sad, makes it hard to socialize with friends or get out of bed? Are you stressed about school or work which causes you to procrastinate? Do you struggle with relationships and have difficulties in communicating your needs? As your therapist, I show compassion for your problems, so you feel safe and understood. And at the same time, we will work together to find ways you can deal better with your situation while learning helpful tools.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, but it’s also a sign of strength. I’m here to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your concerns and discover your path to growth. Whether you're managing stress and anxiety, navigating relationship challenges, or working to build confidence and self-esteem, I’m here to help you uncover solutions that feel right for you. As a Black woman, I understand how challenging it can be to find safe, supportive spaces where you can authentically express your true feelings and receive the validation and understanding you deserve.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, but it’s also a sign of strength. I’m here to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your concerns and discover your path to growth. Whether you're managing stress and anxiety, navigating relationship challenges, or working to build confidence and self-esteem, I’m here to help you uncover solutions that feel right for you. As a Black woman, I understand how challenging it can be to find safe, supportive spaces where you can authentically express your true feelings and receive the validation and understanding you deserve.

Loretta Clarise Pettiford
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, CP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
If you are struggling with sadness and emotional pain, help is available. I am a Clinical Social Worker and a Creative Arts therapist. I am a Certified Sand Tray therapist, and Psychodramatist. As a Clinician with the Department of Defense, I have treated all branches of the military and their family members for over 20 years, both in the states and overseas. I currently have a private practice in Washington D.C. and Maryland. I also provide Online Video Therapy, texting, and Skype. As your therapist, my role is to help you navigate through emotional pain while obtaining workable solutions.
If you are struggling with sadness and emotional pain, help is available. I am a Clinical Social Worker and a Creative Arts therapist. I am a Certified Sand Tray therapist, and Psychodramatist. As a Clinician with the Department of Defense, I have treated all branches of the military and their family members for over 20 years, both in the states and overseas. I currently have a private practice in Washington D.C. and Maryland. I also provide Online Video Therapy, texting, and Skype. As your therapist, my role is to help you navigate through emotional pain while obtaining workable solutions.

Melrose Family Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LPC, BCBA, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Online Only
Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that every family and individual deserves access to compassionate, evidence-based care. We understand that each family is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges they may face. That's why we work closely with our clients to create personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their specific needs.
Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that every family and individual deserves access to compassionate, evidence-based care. We understand that each family is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges they may face. That's why we work closely with our clients to create personalized treatment plans that are tailored to their specific needs.

Congratulations on taking the first step towards making some life changes. I understand because I've been there. Sometimes we all need a little support in achieving our goals. That’s just fine because life can be overwhelming. Often, we just need a bit of guidance finding the answers that are already inside of us and that’s when coaching can be helpful. The coaching process works well in any area of your life you want to develop or change. The hardest part is taking the first step and I work with men and women who do just that.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards making some life changes. I understand because I've been there. Sometimes we all need a little support in achieving our goals. That’s just fine because life can be overwhelming. Often, we just need a bit of guidance finding the answers that are already inside of us and that’s when coaching can be helpful. The coaching process works well in any area of your life you want to develop or change. The hardest part is taking the first step and I work with men and women who do just that.
See more therapy options for Washington
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapists
Who is ABA therapy for?
ABA therapy is most widely applied to teach basic behavioral, communication, and social skills to children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disorders. It may also be used to help people undergoing rehabilitation following brain injury. It uses reward-based learning techniques to impart essential life skills. ABA is also used in the treatment of some other conditions. One is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) , to help children overcome difficulties with concentration and controlling impulsive behaviors. For people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, it is sometimes used to help them overcome compulsive behavior. ABA therapy is also sometimes used in cases of PTSD, to help people turn to positive behaviours when they have experiences that trigger distressing memories.
Why do people need ABA?
Children with autism and other developmental disorders need ABA therapy as a way to learn how to communicate and engage with others, improve their general ability to function and lead fulfilling lives, and diminish dangerous behaviors. The techniques used in ABA therapy are based on established principles of learning, and positive reinforcement—supplying earned rewards—is an important strategy for motivating positive behaviour change.
What happens in ABA therapy?
The first thing that happens in ABA therapy is an evaluation of the child in service of developing a treatment plan. The therapist meets with the child’s parent(s) in order to learn about the family and the child, assesses the child’s behavior and ability level, and then creates a plan tailored to the specific needs of that person. Once the treatment goals are established, the skills to be learned are broken down into small, component steps. Treatment sessions focus on learning and practicing each step, and furnishing meaningful rewards as steps are learned, behaviors are spontaneously implemented, and goals are accomplished. ABA therapists also train caregivers and families so that behavioral progress occurs beyond the clinical setting.
What problems does ABA therapy treat?
One of the primary goals of ABA therapy is to decrease the outbursts and other nonproductive behaviors of children with autism. At the same time, ABA aims to remedy language deficits and help such children learn how to communicate successfully. ABA therapy helps children learn age-appropriate social skills and gain skills, such as attention and focus, that are necessary for school.