Therapy and Psychotherapy in Washington, DC
District Counseling and Psychotherapy
Healing doesn't wait until you're ready. Neither do we.
Depth-oriented, trauma-informed therapy for adults, built on a real relationship between you and your therapist. Telehealth across DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York, with Somatic Experiencing in person in DC.
What brings people here
Something isn't working, even if you can't name it yet
How we work
The relationship comes first
Describing therapy as a working relationship, rather than a procedure, makes it feel safer to reach out. That's how we practice.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy
We look at the patterns that keep repeating in your life and where they began.
Learn more →Somatic Experiencing
A body-based approach to trauma and high anxiety that helps your nervous system settle.
Learn more →Psychedelic integration
Making sense of experiences with ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, or LSD. We do not prescribe or administer any substance.
Learn more →Cognitive behavioral therapy
Practical, structured tools for anxiety and low mood with Charles Harney, LICSW.
Meet Charles →Shame resilience
Drawing on the research of Brené Brown, PhD, through the Daring Way method.
Read more →Trauma-informed care
Every approach we use starts with safety, pacing, and choice.
Why us
Why District Counseling and Psychotherapy
- In-network insurance. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna/Evernorth, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare.
- Mind and body together. Psychodynamic therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and psychedelic integration in one practice.
- Credentialed integration care. Joseph LaFleur, LICSW, is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and a Certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Provider.
- Affirming by experience. A gay-owned practice that has served LGBTQ+ clients for more than 25 years.
- We work with your prescriber. We support medication alongside therapy and coordinate care when you want us to.
Getting started
How getting started works
Send a confidential inquiry
Tell us a little about what's bringing you in.
Talk about fit and insurance
We'll match you with a clinician and check your benefits.
Begin at your own pace
By secure video, or in person in DC for Somatic Experiencing.
Our therapists
Meet the team
- Joseph LaFleur, LICSW
- Charles Harney, LICSW
- David Manolof, LICSW (on sabbatical)
Free Resource
Ready to deepen your connections?
This practical empathy guide includes:
- The four components of empathic response
- Real-world practice scenarios
- Proven phrases for reflective listening
Not sure yet?
Start with something low-pressure
Take the self-guided assessment, or read how to talk to a therapist about depression.
Self-guided assessment →Resource
Planning for the end of life
A clinically informed planner and journal for putting what matters into words.
See the planner →FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do you take insurance?
Yes. We are in-network with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna/Evernorth, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare. See Fees and Insurance for details.
Where do you see clients?
Most therapy is by secure telehealth for clients in DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York. Somatic Experiencing is offered in person in Washington, DC.
Do you prescribe medication or provide psychedelics?
No. We do not prescribe or administer any medication or psychedelic substance. We support medication alongside therapy and work with your prescriber.
What is psychedelic integration?
Therapy that helps you understand an experience with ketamine, psilocybin, MDMA, or LSD and carry what you learned into daily life.
How do I get started?
Send a confidential inquiry. We'll follow up to talk about fit and insurance.
Take the next step, privately
Your information is protected. Intake and records are handled through secure, HIPAA-compliant systems.