Find A Perfect Fit With A Black DC Therapist
Culturally-Affirming Mental Health Care That Actually Gets You
Finally, therapy that honors your full identity while helping you thrive in Washington D.C.
Psychotherapy is a foundational approach offered by many DC therapists, helping address a wide range of mental health concerns. Therapists in Washington D.C. serve diverse populations, including adults, teens, couples, and families. College students in Washington DC can also access tailored mental health support, including resources available through university health centers.
Finding nearby therapists is made easier with online directories and search tools, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
Charika is a self-pay licensed psychotherapist serving Washington DC and Maryland residents.
A Black Female Therapist in Washington DC Who Understands Your Journey
You’re tired of explaining your lived experience to therapists who nod politely but clearly don’t understand what it means to navigate life as a Black woman in D.C. You’ve sat in therapy sessions feeling like you’re starting from zero; explaining your hair, your family dynamics, the weight of being the “only one” in professional spaces, or why that comment from your colleague felt like a microaggression.
At Life Migration Therapy, you won’t have to translate your experience or shrink parts of yourself to fit into someone else’s understanding of mental health. As a licensed clinical social worker specializing in comprehensive mental health support for Black women and people of color, I am committed to helping clients navigate their healing journey and personal growth. I create a safe space where your intersectional identity is not just acknowledged – it’s honored and integrated into your healing journey.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, navigating life transitions, or processing complex trauma from systemic oppression, many clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by the unique pressures of being a Black woman in Washington D.C.’s demanding political and professional landscape.
Therapy can provide the tools and support needed to manage these feelings, and you deserve a therapist who understands these unique challenges.
What DC Clients Are Saying
Federal Government Employee
“For the first time in therapy, I didn’t have to explain why certain situations felt triggering or why workplace interactions affected me so deeply. Charika immediately understood the nuances of being a Black woman in federal government. This has been transformative.”
Non-profit Professional
“I was struggling with imposter syndrome and anxiety after moving to D.C. for my career. Working with a Black female therapist who understood both the professional pressures and the cultural dynamics made all the difference. I finally feel like I belong in my own life.”
Young Professional
“After years of feeling misunderstood by other therapists, finding Life Migration Therapy was like finally being able to breathe. The combination of clinical expertise and cultural understanding has helped me navigate relationship issues and personal growth in ways I never thought possible.”
A DC Therapist for Your DC Mental Health Journey
Your mental health needs are complex, and your therapy should reflect that complexity. Here’s why Black women and people of color across the DMV area choose Life Migration Therapy:
There’s no single path to healing, that’s why I use a personalized, integrative approach tailored to your lived experience.
As a culturally responsive therapist, I draw from evidence-based and liberation-focused modalities that support your mental wellness while honoring your identity, values, and community for long term mental health.
The tools we use together may include:
Culturally-Affirming Individual Therapy – No more exhausting explanations about your cultural background or family dynamics. We dive straight into healing.
DC-Specific Expertise – Deep understanding of navigating Washington D.C.’s competitive professional culture, political stress, and unique social dynamics.
Intersectional Approach – Specialized experience addressing how racism, sexism, and other systemic barriers impact your mental health and overall wellness.
Flexible Therapy Options – Both in person therapy in the DC area and telehealth services to accommodate your demanding schedule and commute realities.
Evidence Based Therapy – Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR therapy, and other proven approaches tailored to your specific mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and self esteem.
Specialized Services – We offer couples counseling and anger management to address relationship problems, emotional regulation, and healthier communication.
Welcoming New Patients – We are currently accepting new patients seeking support for a variety of concerns, including relationship problems and self esteem.
With Charika you get the power of culturally competent mental health care without having to code-switch or minimize your experiences. Designed specifically for Black women navigating life in Greater Washington, we deliver results that honor your whole self.
What Makes Charika Different from Other DC Therapists?
While there are many skilled therapists in Washington D.C., finding one who truly understands your experience as a Black woman can feel impossible. Here’s what sets Life Migration Therapy apart:
Specialized Focus on Black Women – My practice specifically serves Black women and people of color, with extensive experience addressing cultural trauma and systemic oppression.
Understanding of DC’s Unique Stressors – From federal workplace dynamics to the high cost of living, I understand how Washington D.C.’s environment impacts your mental health and well being. The ultimate goal is to improve your overall well being through personalized support.
Multiple Therapy Types Available – Whether you need relationship therapy, anxiety management, help with life transitions, or processing complex trauma, we offer diverse therapeutic approaches. Our multidisciplinary approach includes family therapy that supports clients through different family dynamics, relationship issues, and more.
Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive – Every therapy session integrates awareness of how systemic racism and discrimination impact your mental health needs.
Have a Question?
Want to reach out before scheduling a call? Let us know what’s on your mind below.
Mental Health in the DC Community
Mental health is a crucial part of overall wellness, especially in a vibrant and fast-paced city like Washington DC. The DC community faces a wide spectrum of mental health challenges, from managing stress in high-pressure jobs to navigating complex family dynamics and life transitions. That’s why comprehensive mental health support is so important. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself, your child, or your family.
A mental health therapist in Washington DC can offer a variety of services tailored to your needs, including individual therapy, group therapy, and specialized approaches like parent child interaction therapy. With a diverse team of licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, and other skilled therapists, you have access to both in person therapy and online therapy options. This flexibility ensures that everyone in the DC area can find the right therapist and therapy type to support their mental health needs and overall wellness. Whether you’re looking for support with daily stressors or more complex mental health challenges, there are compassionate therapists ready to help you thrive.
Clear Rates & Easy Reimbursement. No Guesswork, No Surprises
Below you’ll find transparent session fees for Charika’s private-pay services, plus at-a-glance details on reduced fee spots, out-of-network reimbursement, and how your superbill works with insurers in Maryland and Washington DC.
Use this guide to choose the plan that fits your budget—then book with confidence, knowing every cost is spelled out before therapy starts.
| Service | Standard Fee (55 min unless noted) |
Reduced Fee Availability |
Superbill & Reimbursement |
Notes / Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Psychotherapy Session | $230 | Limited spots | Superbill provided; most PPO plans reimburse 50 – 80 % |
Telehealth • 55–60 min |
| Follow-Up Psychotherapy | $200 | Yes | Same as above | Telehealth • 50–55 min |
| ADHD Evaluation (adult) | $600 | Not offered | Not offered | Includes testing, report + feedback session |
| Immigration Evaluation (Hardship, Asylum, VAWA, U/T Visa) |
$1,000 (Expedited + $500) |
Not offered | Not offered | Clinical evaluation + report |
| Consulting / Speaking Engagements | Quote-based | N/A | N/A | Workshops, trainings, retreats, keynotes |
Affordable Therapy Options for DC Residents
We believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their financial situation. In Washington DC, there are a variety of affordable therapy options to help you get the support you need. We offer flexible payment solutions and online therapy options that can fit different budgets.
Many health insurance plans cover therapy sessions, and we’re happy to help new clients navigate their benefits to maximize coverage. For those without insurance, we offer compassionate care with payment plans to ensure therapy remains accessible. As a therapist serving Washington DC I am committed to making mental health support available to you, so you can focus on your well being without worrying about the cost.
Your Path to Support Is Simple
Beginning your therapeutic relationship shouldn’t add stress to your life. Here’s our straightforward process designed with busy DC professionals in mind:
Here’s what working with Charika looks like:
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
Schedule a no-pressure conversation where we discuss your mental health needs, goals, and whether we’re a good fit. No commitment required, just an opportunity to feel heard.Complete Your First Session
After we’ve connected, schedule your initial therapy session (available virtually in Washington D.C. and in Maryland). We’ll handle insurance verification and discuss payment options that work for your situation. Therapy cost can vary based on factors such as therapist's experience, licensure (including LCSW-C), and session type.Begin Your Personalized Healing Journey
Start receiving ongoing therapeutic support with regular check-ins, personalized treatment planning, and flexible scheduling that adapts to your life changes and professional demands and we’ll always share some resources to help you along the way.
Throughout this process, you’ll experience what it feels like to work with a licensed therapist (LCSW-C) who understands both clinical best practices and the reality of being a Black woman in D.C.
Do you accept health insurance portability plans common in the DC area?
At this time, Life Migration Therapy is an out-of-network provider and does not accept health insurance, including portability plans. While I understand the convenience of using insurance, I’ve chosen to remain out-of-network to ensure therapy stays confidential, culturally responsive, and centered on your needs—not insurance policies.
Many clients use their out-of-network benefits to get reimbursed for sessions. I provide a superbill (detailed receipt) you can submit to your insurance company for potential partial reimbursement, depending on your plan.
For those in the DC area navigating portability or other health insurance options, I also partner with Mentaya, a secure service that helps clients file claims easily and get reimbursed when eligible—without the paperwork stress.
If you have questions about your specific benefits or reimbursement options, I’m happy to guide you through what that might look like..
How do I know if you’re the right DC therapist for me as a Black woman?
Our free 15-minute consultation is designed exactly for this purpose. You’ll get a feel for my therapeutic approach, and I’ll learn about your specific mental health challenges and goals. There’s no pressure, just an honest conversation about fit.
What’s the difference between in-person therapy in DC vs. telehealth options?
Both offer the same quality of care and therapeutic relationship. In person sessions provide a dedicated space away from home/work, while online therapy offers convenience for busy schedules and eliminates commute time, perfect for navigating DC traffic!
How do you address cultural trauma and systemic oppression in therapy?
As a licensed professional counselor with specialized training, I integrate awareness of systemic barriers into treatment. We’ll explore how racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression impact your mental health while building resilience and coping strategies.
What should I expect in terms of therapy timeline and frequency?
This varies based on your individual needs and goals. Many clients start with weekly therapy sessions, then adjust frequency as they progress. We’ll create a structured approach that fits your schedule and mental health needs.
How do you handle scheduling around DC’s unpredictable work demands?
I understand that DC professionals often face sudden schedule changes. I offer flexible scheduling options and both in person and telehealth services to accommodate your professional responsibilities.
Why don’t I take insurance?
I don’t take insurance because it often creates barriers for vulnerable communities, including people of color, immigrants and LGBTQ+ community. Insurance companies require diagnoses for coverage, which can be used against individuals in legal, employment, or immigration matters. Many people in these communities are also misdiagnosed or denied care due to systemic biases. By not accepting insurance, I ensure that therapy remains a safe, judgment-free space where healing isn’t dictated by rigid policies or profit-driven systems.
While I don’t accept insurance directly, many clients use their out-of-network benefits to get reimbursed for sessions. I provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) that you can submit to your insurance company. Depending on your plan, they may cover a portion of the cost.
We've partnered with Mentaya, a service that streamlines getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through out-of-network benefits.
Mentaya is perfect if you:
• Have out-of-network benefits
• Feel overwhelmed by superbills and insurance
• Have submitted superbills but failed to get any reimbursement
• Simply want to skip the hassle of paperwork!
Here's how it works:
1. Sign up for Mentaya here
2. Our practice will enter your sessions into the platform.
3. Mentaya submits the claim and handles any insurance follow-up.
4. You get reimbursed by insurance!
Mentaya charges a 5% fee per claim, which includes handling any paperwork required, dealing with denials, and calling insurance companies.
It's risk-free: They guarantee claims are successfully submitted, or a full refund of their fees.
Confidentiality and Ethics: Your Privacy Matters
Your privacy is our top priority at Life Migration Therapy. We know that building a strong therapeutic relationship starts with trust, and that’s why we strictly adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and all ethical guidelines. This means that everything you share in therapy is kept confidential, and your information is only disclosed with your explicit consent or when required by law.
Charika are dedicated to creating a safe space where you can explore your mental health needs without fear of judgment or breach of privacy. You can feel confident knowing that your journey toward healing and overall wellness is protected every step of the way. Your comfort, safety, and trust are at the heart of everything we do.
Start Therapy With Charika
Rooted in Culture. Centered on You.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, identity, or transition, this space is built to guide you toward care that feels right. Use the links below to connect with culturally-affirming therapy, legal evaluations, mental health resources, and more.