Therapy for College & University Students in Washington, DC and Maryland

One of the great things about working in the heart of Tenleytown is that Dandelion Counseling & Care is located near American University, The Washington College of Law, and Strayer University. Our therapists enjoy working with college students and young professionals, and we frequently partner with students from our local colleges. If you’re interested in learning more about our therapy services for college and university students, you can find more details on this page, and our team members are always happy to answer questions. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more.

a photo of a group of college students studying together
a photo of two college students studying together

Why Would College & University Students Need to Visit a Therapist?

Therapy is a great option for anyone who is having a difficult time in any aspect of their lives, and there are many reasons that college and university students work with therapists. Some of the common reasons college and university students give for seeking therapy include: 

  • Stress management – adulting is tough, and for many, college is the first time they’re living on their own and dealing with the stress that brings. 
  • Life transitions – from attending college and being expected to act like an adult for the first time to deciding whether to attend graduate school, start a family, and/or begin their careers, college is a highly transitional period, which can be challenging. 
  • Imposter syndrome – whether they’re feeling academically challenged for the first time or just faking it until they make it through to the semester, many college students struggle with feeling like they’re not good enough or that they don’t belong.  
  • Mood disorders – like anyone else, university students may find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, and other disordered moods. 
  • Relationships – many people at this age are finding long term partners and beginning families, and while this can be wonderful, there are also challenges associated with beginning relationships during this highly transitional time.
a photo of a college student

How Can Therapy Help?

Many people think of therapy as something you only need if something goes wrong, and while we help people get back on track every day, therapy can also help people develop skills to keep their lives on the right track. During college, young adults often struggle with feeling unsure of themselves or having a tough time managing all the decisions they need to make. Therapy during this time can help students maintain focus to achieve their academic goals, improve their communication and self-advocacy skills, think through plans for the future, and generally help them develop the skills and strategies they need to be successful now and in the future.

What Happens During Therapy for College & University Students?

Many therapists work with college and university students. However, this time in a person’s life can actually present a number of unique concerns, so it’s important to partner with a therapist who has experience working with this community. At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we partner with local colleges and universities and work with students on a regular basis, so we’re well equipped to provide the dynamic and personalized therapy solutions that will most benefit college students. Whether you’re struggling with family, academics, career planning, or your personal life, one of our therapists can help you to navigate any difficulties and achieve your therapy goals. We will partner with you to plan therapy sessions to achieve specific goals, but we also understand the importance of flexibility. Our therapists will continually reassess your progress and adjust their approach to ensure you’re able to achieve your desired results (even when they change). 

Each of our therapists has a unique skillset that they use a variety of evidence-based therapy approaches catered to meeting the client’s unique needs. Some of the methods we frequently use include: 

  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy
a photo of a therapy session for anxiety
a photo of a woman meditating

Therapy for Anxiety

From imposter syndrome to panic attacks, disordered levels of anxiety can negatively impact your personal and professional life in a multitude of ways. Our Tenleytown therapy team members are here to offer support and guidance to help you better understand and manage the effects of anxiety, so you can lead a more satisfying life.

a photo of a therapy session

Therapy for Depression

Depression can rob you of your ability to enjoy and engage with every aspect of your life, and it can be difficult to find the strength to move forward. Talking to a therapist can help you find resilience and hope, which may be the first steps toward reclaiming and embracing your life with all of its joys and challenges.

Who Offers Therapy for College & University Students?

Our skilled clinicians put years of advanced training and experience to work helping clients achieve their therapy goals. The following therapists offer therapy for college and university students:

a photo of shantius

MS, LPC

Shantius Jackson

a photo of heather

Licensed Graduate Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Heather Ruiz

a photo of Zyer

PhD, LGPC, NCC

Zyer Beaty

a photo of erika

MA, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, LCSW-C

Erika Bugaj

a photo of anne-marie

Masters of Social Work Student Therapist

Anne-Marie Ruwe

a photo of camille

MA, LPC, NCC

Camille White

Get Started Working with Us

If you’re interested in learning more about working with the Dandelion Counseling & Care team for therapy services in our Washington, DC and Maryland practice or via online counseling sessions, we look forward to hearing from you. You can get in touch with us by:

Thank You!

You've been added to our mailing list and will now be among the first to hear about our latest news and events.

a photo of a group of happy adults

Therapy for Adults

If you’re here, you’ve taken the first step toward becoming the best and most fulfilled version of yourself, and the Dandelion Counseling & Care team is excited to be part of your therapy journey.

a photo of a happy family

Therapy for Children & Families

Whether you’re a parent who needs guidance or you’re looking for a therapist to support your struggling child, the Dandelion Counseling & Care team is here to help.

a photo of a pregnant couple

Therapy for Parents

Let’s face it – being a parent is hard. Whether you have a baby on the way, you’re adopting or fostering, or you’re having trouble bonding with your child, you may want to consider working with a family therapist.

a photo of a women's support group

Group Therapy & Support Groups

At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we are proud to offer group therapy and support groups in the Tenley town community. You can learn more about group therapy services on this page...

a photo of a woman meditating

Therapy for Anxiety

If you’re struggling with anxiety, we’re here to talk about it. At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we offer therapy for anxiety in our Tenleytown practice to help alleviate the effects of anxiety and develop skills...

a photo of a group of college students studying together

Therapy for College & University Students

One of the great things about working in the heart of Tenleytown is that Dandelion Counseling & Care is located near American University, The Washington College of Law, and...

a photo of a group of teens

Therapy for Teens

At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we welcome adolescents and teens from the Tenleytown community to visit us for therapy. We regularly work with teens from Woodrow Wilson High School in the heart...

a photo of a therapy session

Therapy for Depression

Depression may be the most common mood disorder impacting millions of people in the U.S. every year. If you’re one of the countless people trying to overcome the effects of depression, the good news is...

a photo of shantius

Shantius Jackson, MS, LPC

Shantius Jackson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tenleytown, Washington, D. C. She has many years of experience working with young adults who are learning to manage life’s responsibilities/”adulting,” as...

a photo of heather

Heather Ruiz, MSW, LMSW, LGSW

Heather Ruiz is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, DC with several years of experience working with individuals and families in various settings, including...

a photo of erika

Erika Bugaj, MA, MSW, LICSW LCSW, LCSW-C

Erika Bugaj is a licensed independent clinical social worker practicing in Tenleytown, Washington, DC. Erika has many years of experience as a social worker...

Luba-Gritsunov

Luba Gritsunov, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

Luba Gritsunov is a first-year MSW student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health counseling. Having spent several years as an individual educator, she honed the skills of personalized support and active listening.

Julia-Nessman

Julia Nessman, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

Julia Nessman is a second and final year Master of Social Work student through the Catholic University of America.  She has several years of experience with advocacy and research pertaining to neurodiversity and youth mental health.

a photo of anne-marie

Anne-Marie Ruwe

Anne-Marie Ruwe is Dandelion’s newest intern. She is a Master of Social Work student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health and substance misuse. Anne-Marie is excited to expand her skillset...

Molly Byrom, MSW, LICSW & Staff Therapist

Molly Byrom is a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who serves clients in both Washington, D.C. and North Carolina. She specializes in working with individuals.....

Devon Pu,MSW, LGSW

Devon Pu is a licensed graduate social worker in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C. with extensive experience in healthcare systems treating severe mental illness and trauma.

a photo of Zyer

Zyer Beaty, PhD, LGPC, NCC

Zyer Beaty is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in Washington, D. C. with over 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families. She has a heart for...

Courtney-Johnson

Courtney Johnson, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

A first-year student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health counseling. He is a native of Memphis, TN and has been working in the HIV field for over 10 years. 

Keisha-Jones

Keisha Jones, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

As an intern at Dandelion Counseling and Care, Keisha brings a unique blend of education and hands-on experience that reflects their commitment to fostering empowerment and healing in diverse populations.

Katie Jarvis, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

Katie is a second-year master’s student at Catholic University, focusing on clinical social work and therapy. She previously worked in housing counseling with tenants at risk of being evicted.

Antonella Zara, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

Antonella Zara is a recent BSW graduate from The Catholic University of America and is currently working towards her MSW. She has previous experience with one on one counseling, case management and is now looking forward to working in a more therapeutic setting

Rachel Sanders, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

Rachel Sanders is a recent graduate of the Catholic University of America. She studied social work in her undergrad degree, and found social work to be her passion, so she is now pursuing her Master’s degree at CUA.

a photo of camille

Camille White, MA, MS, LPC, NCC

Camille White is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tenleytown, Washington, D. C. with over fifteen years of experience working with children, adolescents, and...

Elżbieta Jabłońska, EMBA, PhD candidate, MCC ICF

Elżbieta holds Master Certified Coach credentials that place her in the top 3% of all ICF certified coaches in the world.

a photo of caroline

Caroline Erickson

Caroline is a DC-based second year MSW student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health counseling and substance use. She has over a decade of experience working with youth and adults in various...

Talia Pfeffer

Talia Pfeffer, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

As a Dandelion Counseling & Care student psychotherapist, creating a solid therapeutic relationship with clients is central to Talia’s effective and transformative therapy approach.

Sarah Hair

Sarah Hair, MA, MSW 2nd year candidate

An advanced year student in Clinical Social Work at Catholic University, a Fellow at Children’s National Hospital and an intern in psychotherapy in Tenleytown, Washington, D. C.

Emely Taveras, MS, Resident MFT

Emely Taveras is a Resident in Marriage in Family Therapy in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C., and provides individual, couple, and family services and works with all populations in all stages of the life cycle including children, adolescents, and adults.

Thank You!

We have received your message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.