Female Therapists in Washington, DC

Accepting PCIT referrals! Dr. Renee DeBoard-Lucas is a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of experience treating trauma and anxiety in children, teens, and adults. She is passionate about using evidence based treatments because these treatments work and instill hope that people can get better! She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is trained in Prolonged Exposure therapy. Dr. DeBoard-Lucas provides Exposure and Response Prevention and Habit Reversal Training for OCD & Tic Disorders. Dr. DeBoard-Lucas currently has openings for PCIT, for children age 2-7 years with behavioral concerns.
Accepting PCIT referrals! Dr. Renee DeBoard-Lucas is a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of experience treating trauma and anxiety in children, teens, and adults. She is passionate about using evidence based treatments because these treatments work and instill hope that people can get better! She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is trained in Prolonged Exposure therapy. Dr. DeBoard-Lucas provides Exposure and Response Prevention and Habit Reversal Training for OCD & Tic Disorders. Dr. DeBoard-Lucas currently has openings for PCIT, for children age 2-7 years with behavioral concerns.

Now accepting new Aetna clients! Being a human can be really hard sometimes. Maybe it’s hard because there’s an area in our lives where we struggle, like in our careers or relationships. Perhaps, we’ve experienced some painful times that we haven’t fully healed from or find ourselves engaging in problematic behaviors. Whatever our struggles, I’ve found that psychotherapy can help reduce our suffering and help connect us to the joy of being alive.
Now accepting new Aetna clients! Being a human can be really hard sometimes. Maybe it’s hard because there’s an area in our lives where we struggle, like in our careers or relationships. Perhaps, we’ve experienced some painful times that we haven’t fully healed from or find ourselves engaging in problematic behaviors. Whatever our struggles, I’ve found that psychotherapy can help reduce our suffering and help connect us to the joy of being alive.

I provide adults in the Washington, D.C. area with individual, couples and group psychotherapy. My style of therapy is accepting, collaborative, and respectful of individual values and choices.
I adjust my techniques and theoretical approach depending on your needs, comfort level, and personality. My goal is to provide a safe and nurturing therapeutic environment so that you may search within to find your own answers through greater self-awareness and self-directed growth.
I provide adults in the Washington, D.C. area with individual, couples and group psychotherapy. My style of therapy is accepting, collaborative, and respectful of individual values and choices.
I adjust my techniques and theoretical approach depending on your needs, comfort level, and personality. My goal is to provide a safe and nurturing therapeutic environment so that you may search within to find your own answers through greater self-awareness and self-directed growth.

My approach is geared towards helping clients make choices and relate to others in ways that reinforce their feelings of autonomy, fulfillment, and peace. We engage to explore current situations and the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and then develop strategies to help better manage situations or make decisions. Strategies we explore may include short term action plans as well as longer term resilience building to manage ongoing challenges. I will work with clients to develop new ways of interpreting difficulties, understanding others, and communicating that are in line with their own values and hopes.
My approach is geared towards helping clients make choices and relate to others in ways that reinforce their feelings of autonomy, fulfillment, and peace. We engage to explore current situations and the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and then develop strategies to help better manage situations or make decisions. Strategies we explore may include short term action plans as well as longer term resilience building to manage ongoing challenges. I will work with clients to develop new ways of interpreting difficulties, understanding others, and communicating that are in line with their own values and hopes.

This is a liberation-focussed space to build your relationship with yourself, gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, heal from past wounds, or navigate complex feelings of depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Whether it is long term difficulties with relationships, abuse, or attachment trauma, processing illness or grief, or navigating the impact of systemic oppression from racial or gender trauma—the things that have happened to you do not have to be in control of you. I help my clients find empowerment in building the future you want and finding a healthy relationship with your past and overcome oppression and injustice
This is a liberation-focussed space to build your relationship with yourself, gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, heal from past wounds, or navigate complex feelings of depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Whether it is long term difficulties with relationships, abuse, or attachment trauma, processing illness or grief, or navigating the impact of systemic oppression from racial or gender trauma—the things that have happened to you do not have to be in control of you. I help my clients find empowerment in building the future you want and finding a healthy relationship with your past and overcome oppression and injustice

Through 30 years' experience in university, hospital and outpatient settings, I have developed specializations in Healthy Relationships, Trauma & Abuse, Grief & Loss, Women's Empowerment, Mindful Living, & the College Experience. Trained by a pioneer in complex trauma treatment, I assist survivors regain their sense of security and self. My past career research informs my continuing passion for mentoring women in their multiple roles and across their lifespans. I help individuals, couples & groups manage stress, anxiety, depression, and pain; navigate major life transitions and losses; & repair/strengthen their relationships.
Through 30 years' experience in university, hospital and outpatient settings, I have developed specializations in Healthy Relationships, Trauma & Abuse, Grief & Loss, Women's Empowerment, Mindful Living, & the College Experience. Trained by a pioneer in complex trauma treatment, I assist survivors regain their sense of security and self. My past career research informs my continuing passion for mentoring women in their multiple roles and across their lifespans. I help individuals, couples & groups manage stress, anxiety, depression, and pain; navigate major life transitions and losses; & repair/strengthen their relationships.

Lynn Roush
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, PMH-C
Washington, DC 20036
Waitlist for new clients
Are you a new parent struggling to navigate changing relationships with a spouse or other family members? Do you experience challenges in your interactions with an emotionally immature parent? Are you struggling with substance addiction and interested in pursuing sobriety? Have you found yourself stuck in patterns of behavior that don't serve you? If so, you are not alone, and I'm eager to help you. In therapy, we will work together to identify what's not working in your life and come up with a plan to make changes that get you where you want to be.
Are you a new parent struggling to navigate changing relationships with a spouse or other family members? Do you experience challenges in your interactions with an emotionally immature parent? Are you struggling with substance addiction and interested in pursuing sobriety? Have you found yourself stuck in patterns of behavior that don't serve you? If so, you are not alone, and I'm eager to help you. In therapy, we will work together to identify what's not working in your life and come up with a plan to make changes that get you where you want to be.

Melissa L. Kilbride & Associates, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, CST
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002
Therapy is an incredible tool for anyone searching to foster insight, growth, overall well-being, or change. It can seem like an intimidating journey, so our initial goal is to create a comfortable, trusting, and collaborative relationship with you. We provide psychotherapy for adults and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, grief, sexual health concerns and adjustment challenges. We are LGBTQ+ allied.
Therapy is an incredible tool for anyone searching to foster insight, growth, overall well-being, or change. It can seem like an intimidating journey, so our initial goal is to create a comfortable, trusting, and collaborative relationship with you. We provide psychotherapy for adults and couples dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, grief, sexual health concerns and adjustment challenges. We are LGBTQ+ allied.

We use a strength-based, developmental approach in our work with clients. Rather than highlighting pathology in your life, we identify the ways in which you successfully navigate life's challenges and help you develop new tools to overcome any roadblocks you may encounter.
We use a strength-based, developmental approach in our work with clients. Rather than highlighting pathology in your life, we identify the ways in which you successfully navigate life's challenges and help you develop new tools to overcome any roadblocks you may encounter.

Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night? Do you wake up still feeling tired, even when you thought you had a good night of sleep? Does it seem like you’ve tried everything to improve your sleep with little or no success? Perhaps you are noticing that your sleep problems are starting to impact your mood, health, or your ability to function during the day. If you can relate to any of these situations, you are not alone! Though sleep issues are extremely common, they’re not something you need to continue to live with.
Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night? Do you wake up still feeling tired, even when you thought you had a good night of sleep? Does it seem like you’ve tried everything to improve your sleep with little or no success? Perhaps you are noticing that your sleep problems are starting to impact your mood, health, or your ability to function during the day. If you can relate to any of these situations, you are not alone! Though sleep issues are extremely common, they’re not something you need to continue to live with.

Choosing to enter therapy can be a difficult decision, but finding and connecting with the right therapist will play a significant role in the healing process. I believe this healing is achieved through an authentic and collaborative therapist-client relationship and by providing a supportive and nonjudgmental environment in which clients feel safe to explore difficult issues. There are myriad reasons people enter therapy: for problems that have a direct correlation to a cause or for problems that are imprecise, but impact their quality of life.
Choosing to enter therapy can be a difficult decision, but finding and connecting with the right therapist will play a significant role in the healing process. I believe this healing is achieved through an authentic and collaborative therapist-client relationship and by providing a supportive and nonjudgmental environment in which clients feel safe to explore difficult issues. There are myriad reasons people enter therapy: for problems that have a direct correlation to a cause or for problems that are imprecise, but impact their quality of life.

I specialize in working with folks navigating current acute high stress incidents and past trauma from childhood and adult life. I have a particular specialty in working with international professionals working in high stress, high threat settings (international aide workers, journalists, medical & mental health professionals, activists, etc). I worked overseas for a decade and understand the unique stress of international life.
If you are processing a recent traumatic incident or seeking a holistic process to integrate and move on from childhood or adult trauma, we may be a right therapeutic fit.
I specialize in working with folks navigating current acute high stress incidents and past trauma from childhood and adult life. I have a particular specialty in working with international professionals working in high stress, high threat settings (international aide workers, journalists, medical & mental health professionals, activists, etc). I worked overseas for a decade and understand the unique stress of international life.
If you are processing a recent traumatic incident or seeking a holistic process to integrate and move on from childhood or adult trauma, we may be a right therapeutic fit.

Whether you're aiming to enhance overall well-being, navigate dating/relationships, or achieve life goals, you're in the right place. I specialize in solution-focused wellness, dating/relationships, and performance coaching. Incredible individuals globally choose my services for meaningful self-reflection, knowledge, and skill-building. Many lead busy lives with frequent travel, finding traditional therapy limitations challenging. Our online meetings offer privacy and convenience. With flexible scheduling and chat messaging, I adapt to demanding schedules. Whatever you're facing, I'm here to support you according to your needs.
Whether you're aiming to enhance overall well-being, navigate dating/relationships, or achieve life goals, you're in the right place. I specialize in solution-focused wellness, dating/relationships, and performance coaching. Incredible individuals globally choose my services for meaningful self-reflection, knowledge, and skill-building. Many lead busy lives with frequent travel, finding traditional therapy limitations challenging. Our online meetings offer privacy and convenience. With flexible scheduling and chat messaging, I adapt to demanding schedules. Whatever you're facing, I'm here to support you according to your needs.

Sierra Coleman-Modern Love and Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LCMFT, ABS
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I believe each client has a unique set of challenges and strengths, and as such, I tailor my approach to meet their individual needs. My therapeutic orientation is person-centered, with a strong emphasis on experiential therapy and Internal Family Systems (parts work). I am also a certified Sexologist, working with individuals and couples around sexual difficulties.
I believe that problems are interwoven parts of the whole person (mind, body, environment, and the interpersonal) and see counseling as a collaborative process to empower all my clients.
I believe each client has a unique set of challenges and strengths, and as such, I tailor my approach to meet their individual needs. My therapeutic orientation is person-centered, with a strong emphasis on experiential therapy and Internal Family Systems (parts work). I am also a certified Sexologist, working with individuals and couples around sexual difficulties.
I believe that problems are interwoven parts of the whole person (mind, body, environment, and the interpersonal) and see counseling as a collaborative process to empower all my clients.

I strive to create a safe, supportive environment for clients regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, and ability. I connect with people of all ages and especially like working with teens and young adults. I feel passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate relationships, identity, and life transitions.
I strive to create a safe, supportive environment for clients regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, religion, and ability. I connect with people of all ages and especially like working with teens and young adults. I feel passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate relationships, identity, and life transitions.

Licensed in MD, DC, VA, NJ. If you’re reading this, then you’ve already taken the first step toward healing. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, trauma, or other challenges, I can help you forge a path forward. I will work collaboratively with you to establish personalized therapy goals tailored to your specific needs. I will work diligently to foster an environment in which you feel safe, accepted, seen, heard, and never judged. In our work together, you can expect me to be compassionate, honest, and real; I will be patient and encourage you to confront the deeper, underlying issues.
Licensed in MD, DC, VA, NJ. If you’re reading this, then you’ve already taken the first step toward healing. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, trauma, or other challenges, I can help you forge a path forward. I will work collaboratively with you to establish personalized therapy goals tailored to your specific needs. I will work diligently to foster an environment in which you feel safe, accepted, seen, heard, and never judged. In our work together, you can expect me to be compassionate, honest, and real; I will be patient and encourage you to confront the deeper, underlying issues.

Bridging the gap between mental and physical health is my passion. I founded Health Psychology Partners to meet the needs of people, like you, who are dealing with chronic health struggles, like diabetes, obesity, cancer and more. Along with two decades of clinical experience, I have also been featured in the NYT, NBC, the Wall Street Journal, Healthline and Weight Watchers and speak internationally about psychology and its relationship health. Based in DC, but with availability in nearly every state, we use science, compassion and expertise to guide you as you navigate trauma, behavior change, and everything in between.
Bridging the gap between mental and physical health is my passion. I founded Health Psychology Partners to meet the needs of people, like you, who are dealing with chronic health struggles, like diabetes, obesity, cancer and more. Along with two decades of clinical experience, I have also been featured in the NYT, NBC, the Wall Street Journal, Healthline and Weight Watchers and speak internationally about psychology and its relationship health. Based in DC, but with availability in nearly every state, we use science, compassion and expertise to guide you as you navigate trauma, behavior change, and everything in between.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, or struggles with your relationship to food and body image, you deserve a space where your experiences are truly understood. You may want to move beyond pain and confusion to find clarity, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose. You are ready to break free from what holds you back and desire a compassionate guide who honors your resilience while helping you build new coping strategies that fit your unique journey.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, or struggles with your relationship to food and body image, you deserve a space where your experiences are truly understood. You may want to move beyond pain and confusion to find clarity, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose. You are ready to break free from what holds you back and desire a compassionate guide who honors your resilience while helping you build new coping strategies that fit your unique journey.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the District of Columbia. I take a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, providing a supportive space where you can explore challenges, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change. My focus areas include trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and navigating relationships, with an emphasis on empowering you to achieve personal growth and emotional well-being.
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the District of Columbia. I take a compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy, providing a supportive space where you can explore challenges, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change. My focus areas include trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and navigating relationships, with an emphasis on empowering you to achieve personal growth and emotional well-being.

Being our best selves is attainable when we allow ourselves to be on a path of peace, fulfillment, and self-awareness. I hold a passion for helping clients do just that. I work with clients through a holistic & individualistic approach to support them in moving closer to their personal & professional goals. I am here to help you on your journey to finding yourself, being in tune with your needs, and overcoming any trauma that may be hindering this. I specialize in supporting clients overcome anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, workplace & relationship challenges, low career self-efficacy, discrimination, and so much more.
Being our best selves is attainable when we allow ourselves to be on a path of peace, fulfillment, and self-awareness. I hold a passion for helping clients do just that. I work with clients through a holistic & individualistic approach to support them in moving closer to their personal & professional goals. I am here to help you on your journey to finding yourself, being in tune with your needs, and overcoming any trauma that may be hindering this. I specialize in supporting clients overcome anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, workplace & relationship challenges, low career self-efficacy, discrimination, and so much more.
See more therapy options for Washington
Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or because they feel more comfortable with a therapist of their own gender due to shared life experiences or perspectives. Considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender may matter or improve their therapeutic experience. The most important consideration is that a client is able to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist. For women, this could be because they believe that they will be able to better connect with a woman, and that a female therapist will be able to relate to their specific challenges and personal issues. It may be particularly beneficial for women to see a female therapist, for example, for gender-specific issues, such as sexism in the workplace, relationship issues, and gender roles. The most important factor in therapy is the client-therapist connection, and a therapist's gender as well as many other factors may play an important role in this.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.