Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Arlington, VA

"As a person-centered therapist, I believe that the client is the expert in their lives and the therapeutic relationship is important in therapy."

Startasha Dillard is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and the District of Columbia. She has 16 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She has worked with individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders. She has worked with adults seeking help with addiction, anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, anger, and relationship issues. She creates a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to share, and she always maintains an open ear, flexibility, and awareness necessary to meet the unique needs of the individual.

Startasha has completed her Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision, and her Master of Art in Community Counseling from Argosy University. She utilizes collaborative, supportive, person-centered, strength-based, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approaches to therapy.

Startasha seeks to provide a supportive space to assist you in navigating personal challenges and life transitions. Through collaborating and increasing your self-understanding, therapeutic work can assist you in reaching your goals and learning skills to prevent future distress.

"As someone who experienced loss early in life, I understand that the time we have is precious, and that healing is possible."

Marion “Mimi” Scotchmer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW) with over 16 years of experience working in behavioral health. Mimi supports clients who are experiencing a wide range of concerns including mental distress, anxiety, depression, grief, major life transitions, and relationship challenges.

Mimi completed her Master's degree at the University of Chicago, with concentrations in mental health, evidence-based practices, and family systems. Mimi’s counseling style is empathic, person-centered, and collaborative. She combines trauma-informed, strengths-based, solution-focused approaches.

Mimi honors the unique human experience each of us has and believes in the power of connectedness to promote healing. Today’s challenges may be great, but there is hope for a brighter tomorrow. If you are ready to work together toward recovery and restoration, schedule an appointment with her today.

"First as an Occupational Therapist and then as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have had the privilege to walk alongside clients and guide them through the process of creating the life they want. I am looking forward to walking this path with you."

Leslie Weber is a Licenced Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 20 years of experience in the mental health field. Leslie has always been a therapist but she hasn’t always been a counselor. Her career began as an Occupational Therapist working in a plethora of settings with clients young and old: in schools, hospitals, geriatric care centers, and lastly in a forensic mental health facility. Leslie learned so much from all her clients and mental health was involved in every interaction. It was at the core of every successful outcome. Once Leslie realized this, she transitioned her career from therapist to counselor. It was challenging work and she became adept at sorting through complex and challenging situations in order to help clients make meaningful change in their lives.

Leslie completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Occupational Therapy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She completed her Master of Science (MS) in Professional Counseling at Concordia University Wisconsin. Blending Leslie’s background in physical health with aspects of mental health has allowed her to take a comprehensive approach to making meaningful change and achieving noticeable outcomes for clients. At the same time, Leslie’s personal roles as a spouse, a mother, and a daughter to aging parents provided personal experiences which added to her practice. She navigated through postpartum depression, the loss of child through miscarriage, advocating for a child with special needs in the school system, and the unique family dynamics of a child with special needs and one without. Leslie also experienced the loss of her parents and what it was like to be on the other side of the medical system (as a patient and family member). These experiences helped her grow into a more compassionate counselor.

Leslie is a problem-solver. She loves puzzles and games: logic puzzles, block puzzles, solitaire, even crossword puzzles in which she has to look up answers. She loves figuring it out. Leslie is great at taking the mess of pieces and figuring out where everything goes so that it makes sense. The same is true as a counselor. Leslie is great at looking at a person's whole story, gathering all the information, sorting through it, and putting the pieces together in a way that makes sense. She’s a great listener. That's how she gathers information. Leslie is good at asking the right questions. That's how she figures out what is important. She’s great at helping people figure out their own solutions. Every puzzle is different and often there is more than one solution. You and Leslie can figure it out together.

Have you found yourself caught in a way of functioning that you know isn't working for you but you just can't seem to get out of it? How you function in the world is based on beliefs that originated from your experiences. As a child, you watched and learned how the world worked, how other people operated, and where you fit in. You developed ideas called core beliefs based on what you saw. These core beliefs are how you navigated through life and they are still operating today. The problem is that the world is a different place now and the same core beliefs that worked then, won't always work now. The result is you get stuck in a way of functioning that isn't working. Let Leslie help you figure out why it is so difficult to make changes even when you know you should. Together you and Leslie can figure out what your core beliefs are and how they might be getting in your way. It can be easy to get lost in your own story. Let Leslie help you sort through your story, key in on what the heart of the problem is, and help you figure out what to do.

"As a woman of color, I wholeheartedly embrace and support the diverse range of therapeutic needs with cultural sensitivity, because every experience deserves to be heard and validated."

Chantel Bishop is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience working with families, children (ages 5-17), couples, and elderly clients. She specializes in assisting those struggling with depressive disorders, self-injurious behavior, anxiety and bipolar disorders, anger and stress management, grief, PTSD, substance abuse, and trauma. Chantel develops a relaxed, nonjudgmental environment where a healthy therapeutic relationship can grow. She uses cultural sensitivity, ethics, & evidence-based practices with a client-centered approach. Treatment is customized to address individual needs, and no topic is off-limits.

Chantel has a Master's in Social Work from Simmons College. She frequently utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, crisis intervention, interpersonal effectiveness, mood regulation, family systems theory, distress tolerance, strengths-based techniques, resiliency, communication skill building, and problem-solving.

Chantel will support and empower you on the path toward self-discovery and positive change. She will work alongside you to help you overcome fears, gain insight, and hold yourself accountable for the transformations you seek. Whether you're just starting therapy or continuing your mental health journey, know that you're taking positive steps to care for yourself!

"I work alongside you with a focus on therapy tailored to your needs, strengths, and goals."

Whitney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a focus on holistic psychotherapy. In therapy, she will work alongside you toward your goals and real solutions that can make your life better. You can expect compassionate support without judgment. Whitney encourages you to consider how to make life choices that support healing and growth. Whitney specializes in working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, disordered eating, trauma, and relationship issues.

Whitney completed her Master of Social Work at Walla Walla University in Washington state. Whitney uses a client-centered approach and a variety of treatment modalities, specific to the client's needs and goals. You’ll learn coping skills that you can apply while you address behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back.

Whitney is confident that whatever you may be struggling with, she can work alongside you to make therapy a safe, compassionate, and collaborative space.