Chronic Illness Therapists in Washington, DC

Photo of Mary Work, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Work
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
People come to therapy for different reasons You may be experiencing depression, grief, anxiety, have a chronic illness or struggling with another life issue. I am here to help you to explore the issues that matter to you. I specialize people with disabilities. Our working relationship will be based on respect and trust.I am here to assist you in sorting out issues and coming up with your own solutions.
People come to therapy for different reasons You may be experiencing depression, grief, anxiety, have a chronic illness or struggling with another life issue. I am here to help you to explore the issues that matter to you. I specialize people with disabilities. Our working relationship will be based on respect and trust.I am here to assist you in sorting out issues and coming up with your own solutions.
(202) 517-8169 View (202) 517-8169
Photo of Anne Kelemen, LICSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Kelemen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
With 17 years of hospital experience, I specialize in therapy for those navigating caregiving, chronic illness, and healthcare demands. I've seen firsthand how illness affects individuals and loved ones, fueling my passion to help you through emotional turbulence. My approach, rooted in empathy and active listening, integrates somatic therapy techniques. Somatic therapy acknowledges the mind-body connection, addressing how emotions manifest physically and promoting healing on both levels. I've worked with diverse clients, including those dealing with grief, caregiving, chronic illness, and healthcare professionals managing burnout.
With 17 years of hospital experience, I specialize in therapy for those navigating caregiving, chronic illness, and healthcare demands. I've seen firsthand how illness affects individuals and loved ones, fueling my passion to help you through emotional turbulence. My approach, rooted in empathy and active listening, integrates somatic therapy techniques. Somatic therapy acknowledges the mind-body connection, addressing how emotions manifest physically and promoting healing on both levels. I've worked with diverse clients, including those dealing with grief, caregiving, chronic illness, and healthcare professionals managing burnout.
(202) 804-9929 View (202) 804-9929
Photo of Devyn Mitchell, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Devyn Mitchell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20032  (Online Only)
Are you finding it overwhelming to manage the complexities of a chronic illness along with feelings of depression, anxiety, or grief? Let me help you navigate these challenges. Together, we can develop strategies to improve both your physical and mental well-being, empowering you to achieve a better quality of life.
Are you finding it overwhelming to manage the complexities of a chronic illness along with feelings of depression, anxiety, or grief? Let me help you navigate these challenges. Together, we can develop strategies to improve both your physical and mental well-being, empowering you to achieve a better quality of life.
(202) 804-0022 View (202) 804-0022
Photo of Danielle Miro, PhD, ABPP-Rp, Psychologist
Danielle Miro
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP-Rp
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015  (Online Only)
When your body is in distress, your mind and mood suffer. Whether you want to address your weight, pain, disordered eating, stress, living with a chronic disease, recovering from an illness, or adjusting to a new medical condition, I can help. I also support care partners of those with chronic illness. As a board-certified rehabilitation psychologist, I emphasize a holistic approach to well-being and support people in leading a values-filled life that recognizes personal strengths, reduces shame and promotes self-compassion, encourages collaboration, and meets you where you are non-judgmentally.
When your body is in distress, your mind and mood suffer. Whether you want to address your weight, pain, disordered eating, stress, living with a chronic disease, recovering from an illness, or adjusting to a new medical condition, I can help. I also support care partners of those with chronic illness. As a board-certified rehabilitation psychologist, I emphasize a holistic approach to well-being and support people in leading a values-filled life that recognizes personal strengths, reduces shame and promotes self-compassion, encourages collaboration, and meets you where you are non-judgmentally.
(202) 873-8048 View (202) 873-8048
Photo of Michaela Hinson, LGSW
Michaela Hinson
LGSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
I specialize in supporting queer individuals navigating Autism, ADHD, and chronic illness intersections.
Life's journey as a neurodivergent person often feels like a tightrope walk. There are so many barriers that hinder access to essential services, like education, jobs, and social inclusion. Constantly adapting to an environment that often disregards your needs can significantly impact your emotional and physical well-being, at times pushing you to the brink of burnout or shutdown. For those who are also part of the queer community, these challenges can intensify and, from time to time, give rise to a sense of isolation, as if you're navigating these obstacles all on your own.
I specialize in supporting queer individuals navigating Autism, ADHD, and chronic illness intersections.
Life's journey as a neurodivergent person often feels like a tightrope walk. There are so many barriers that hinder access to essential services, like education, jobs, and social inclusion. Constantly adapting to an environment that often disregards your needs can significantly impact your emotional and physical well-being, at times pushing you to the brink of burnout or shutdown. For those who are also part of the queer community, these challenges can intensify and, from time to time, give rise to a sense of isolation, as if you're navigating these obstacles all on your own.
(202) 914-5393 View (202) 914-5393
Photo of Kelsey Bates, LMHC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelsey Bates
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20035  (Online Only)
You are a strong woman feeling overwhelmed navigating complex health issues such as chronic illness, chronic pain, anxiety, infertility or pregnancy loss. You are an intelligent, high achieving woman who is dealing with the grief of a diagnosis, pregnancy after loss, infertility or chronic illness. You are juggling it all: a career, family, a romantic partner, friends, dating and your health. You want to figure out a way to not just survive with women's health issues but to thrive and live your life fully each day. You need support, a place to process your grief and coping skills to walk through this difficult situation.
You are a strong woman feeling overwhelmed navigating complex health issues such as chronic illness, chronic pain, anxiety, infertility or pregnancy loss. You are an intelligent, high achieving woman who is dealing with the grief of a diagnosis, pregnancy after loss, infertility or chronic illness. You are juggling it all: a career, family, a romantic partner, friends, dating and your health. You want to figure out a way to not just survive with women's health issues but to thrive and live your life fully each day. You need support, a place to process your grief and coping skills to walk through this difficult situation.
(202) 618-9881 View (202) 618-9881
Photo of Hilary Klein, PhD, Psychologist
Hilary Klein
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
Whether you want help with relationships, work, anxiety, unhappiness, parenting, chronic illness, I will help you to build on your natural strengths and abilities to achieve your objectives.
Therapy can help people to move forward beyond painful experiences and self-defeating behaviors. With a focus on establishing a safe, confidential environment, my approach is active and and collaborative, so together we can explore experiences, relationships, and patterns to produce personal growth and greater fulfillment.
Whether you want help with relationships, work, anxiety, unhappiness, parenting, chronic illness, I will help you to build on your natural strengths and abilities to achieve your objectives.
Therapy can help people to move forward beyond painful experiences and self-defeating behaviors. With a focus on establishing a safe, confidential environment, my approach is active and and collaborative, so together we can explore experiences, relationships, and patterns to produce personal growth and greater fulfillment.
(202) 602-1935 View (202) 602-1935
Photo of Julie Ceigler, LICSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Julie Ceigler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006  (Online Only)
As someone in recovery and with a chronic illness myself, I've not just helped others.
When was the last time you felt truly heard? Life can feel as though you're stuck in a maze without a map or sense of purpose. You may feel broken, alone, or depressed, but you're not. I've successfully helped clients work through life's challenges, learn effective coping skills, and view the present and future in a realistic, positive way. I've also helped clients with chronic illness maximize their quality of life and reach their goals, such as returning to work or school, or being a better parent or spouse. We'll set up a plan that meets your current needs, then empower you to reach your goals- together.
As someone in recovery and with a chronic illness myself, I've not just helped others.
When was the last time you felt truly heard? Life can feel as though you're stuck in a maze without a map or sense of purpose. You may feel broken, alone, or depressed, but you're not. I've successfully helped clients work through life's challenges, learn effective coping skills, and view the present and future in a realistic, positive way. I've also helped clients with chronic illness maximize their quality of life and reach their goals, such as returning to work or school, or being a better parent or spouse. We'll set up a plan that meets your current needs, then empower you to reach your goals- together.
(202) 221-4084 View (202) 221-4084
Photo of Sarah Hoops, LGPC, Counselor
Sarah Hoops
Counselor, LGPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Sarah specializes in supporting trauma survivors, including survivors of sexual violence, emotional abuse or neglect, harmful relationships, and traumatic loss. She also provides affirming therapy for disabled and chronically ill folks, drawing from her passion for Disability Justice, as well as her own lived experience navigating chronic illness in ableist culture. Sarah uses self-compassion, sand therapy, and Internal Family Systems-informed "parts work," guiding you to build a loving relationship with yourself - even (especially) the parts of yourself that might feel troublesome or unworthy.
Sarah specializes in supporting trauma survivors, including survivors of sexual violence, emotional abuse or neglect, harmful relationships, and traumatic loss. She also provides affirming therapy for disabled and chronically ill folks, drawing from her passion for Disability Justice, as well as her own lived experience navigating chronic illness in ableist culture. Sarah uses self-compassion, sand therapy, and Internal Family Systems-informed "parts work," guiding you to build a loving relationship with yourself - even (especially) the parts of yourself that might feel troublesome or unworthy.
(202) 840-8649 x4 View (202) 840-8649 x4
Photo of Terah Ryan, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Terah Ryan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
Welcome— I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Terah Ryan, a Clinical Social Worker and therapist in Maryland and the District of Columbia. It’s my commitment to create a safe place for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, patterns, and relationships to create a more meaningful self. I work with adults of all ages experiencing concerns such as chronic illness, grief, loss, relationship or family issues, anxiety, and troublesome or stressful life transitions. My clients find me to be supportive, collaborative, and direct. I also have substantial experience working with healthcare professionals and supporting caregivers of loved ones.
Welcome— I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Terah Ryan, a Clinical Social Worker and therapist in Maryland and the District of Columbia. It’s my commitment to create a safe place for you to explore your thoughts, emotions, patterns, and relationships to create a more meaningful self. I work with adults of all ages experiencing concerns such as chronic illness, grief, loss, relationship or family issues, anxiety, and troublesome or stressful life transitions. My clients find me to be supportive, collaborative, and direct. I also have substantial experience working with healthcare professionals and supporting caregivers of loved ones.
(202) 883-4787 View (202) 883-4787
Photo of Haley Lipton, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Haley Lipton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
I am passionate about perinatal mental health, grief and loss, and medical struggles (to include coping with chronic illness, or experiencing burnout as a professional or family caregiver).
You are in the right place, seeking help. Right now you might feel stressed out, lost, stuck, or overwhelmed. It is natural to go through ups and downs in life. In therapy we will work together to help you connect with feelings of hope, relief, and clarity. With conversational warmth and a strengths-based approach, I can provide a nonjudgmental and supportive space for you.
I am passionate about perinatal mental health, grief and loss, and medical struggles (to include coping with chronic illness, or experiencing burnout as a professional or family caregiver).
You are in the right place, seeking help. Right now you might feel stressed out, lost, stuck, or overwhelmed. It is natural to go through ups and downs in life. In therapy we will work together to help you connect with feelings of hope, relief, and clarity. With conversational warmth and a strengths-based approach, I can provide a nonjudgmental and supportive space for you.
(571) 470-5804 View (571) 470-5804
Photo of Landrew Sevel, PhD, PSYPACT, Psychologist
Landrew Sevel
Psychologist, PhD, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20001
I have expertise in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, and complex trauma.
There is beauty in the complexity of our lives, and often difficulty too. Sometimes, our inner resources and life's challenges don't align, and leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unskilled. My goals is to help you to find more freedom, ease, and wholeness in these moments. I am skilled in working with experiences of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma and chronic pain/illness. I am interested in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent folks, and those whose lives question social norms. My approach emphasizes gentleness, mutuality, creativity, and awareness from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens.
I have expertise in working with chronic pain, chronic illness, and complex trauma.
There is beauty in the complexity of our lives, and often difficulty too. Sometimes, our inner resources and life's challenges don't align, and leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unskilled. My goals is to help you to find more freedom, ease, and wholeness in these moments. I am skilled in working with experiences of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma and chronic pain/illness. I am interested in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent folks, and those whose lives question social norms. My approach emphasizes gentleness, mutuality, creativity, and awareness from a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens.
(615) 488-8796 View (615) 488-8796
Photo of Hope Heller, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hope Heller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
My experience includes working with acute illness, long-term chronic illness, life transitions, end of life, aging, caregiving, the risk for genetic illnesses, and Huntington's Disease.
Are you or someone in your life impacted by a chronic or terminal illness? Are you struggling with decisions around risk for a genetic illness? Are you struggling with relationships, family boundaries, or life transitions?
My experience includes working with acute illness, long-term chronic illness, life transitions, end of life, aging, caregiving, the risk for genetic illnesses, and Huntington's Disease.
Are you or someone in your life impacted by a chronic or terminal illness? Are you struggling with decisions around risk for a genetic illness? Are you struggling with relationships, family boundaries, or life transitions?
(301) 205-5236 View (301) 205-5236
Photo of Rebecca A Housel - Stellium Integrative Wellness, MA, PhD
Stellium Integrative Wellness
MA, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20566  (Online Only)
Stellium Integrative Wellness is compassion-based & uses tools like positive psychology, meditation & hypnotherapy techniques to build confidence & resiliency. Clients include Millennials 20-45, Gen Xers 45-55, & Baby Boomers 56-74 dealing with relationships, career, concerns surrounding parenting, health issues/chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, COVID-19), LGBTQIA, disability, & grief from loss (job, parent/family member/friend, partner, child, home, bankruptcy, divorce/separation). Areas of expertise include life coaching, hypnosis, love-relationships/dating, & confidence/self-esteem building.
Stellium Integrative Wellness is compassion-based & uses tools like positive psychology, meditation & hypnotherapy techniques to build confidence & resiliency. Clients include Millennials 20-45, Gen Xers 45-55, & Baby Boomers 56-74 dealing with relationships, career, concerns surrounding parenting, health issues/chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, thyroid disorders, COVID-19), LGBTQIA, disability, & grief from loss (job, parent/family member/friend, partner, child, home, bankruptcy, divorce/separation). Areas of expertise include life coaching, hypnosis, love-relationships/dating, & confidence/self-esteem building.
(503) 461-7881 View (503) 461-7881
Photo of Kris Hopkins, PsyD, Psychologist
Kris Hopkins
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20004  (Online Only)
I am passionate about providing therapy and psychological assessment from a holistic point of view. I specialize in health psychology, trauma, autism, ADHD, chronic illness and working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. I have found that my lived experiences have driven the areas of psychology I focus on the most. Being queer, AuDHD, and having my own experiences with trauma and chronic illness, I have experienced firsthand some downfalls of the healthcare system. I try my hardest to help others with both similar and different lived experiences navigate life through finding balanced, sustainable, and holistic solutions.
I am passionate about providing therapy and psychological assessment from a holistic point of view. I specialize in health psychology, trauma, autism, ADHD, chronic illness and working with individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. I have found that my lived experiences have driven the areas of psychology I focus on the most. Being queer, AuDHD, and having my own experiences with trauma and chronic illness, I have experienced firsthand some downfalls of the healthcare system. I try my hardest to help others with both similar and different lived experiences navigate life through finding balanced, sustainable, and holistic solutions.
(336) 975-8723 View (336) 975-8723
Photo of Cara Snyder, LICSW, LIMHP, CMSW, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cara Snyder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LIMHP, CMSW, LISW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
Change. Anxiety. Feeling stuck. Confusion. Loss. Chronic illness. Depression. Sleep. Relationships. Stress. Life feels like a struggle. Together we will develop a plan that uses evidence-based methods to help you identify and achieve your goals. I value your unique story and am dedicated to helping you stay motivated as you take steps toward improved mental wellness.
Change. Anxiety. Feeling stuck. Confusion. Loss. Chronic illness. Depression. Sleep. Relationships. Stress. Life feels like a struggle. Together we will develop a plan that uses evidence-based methods to help you identify and achieve your goals. I value your unique story and am dedicated to helping you stay motivated as you take steps toward improved mental wellness.
(531) 233-5007 View (531) 233-5007
Photo of Rebeca Rios, PhD, Psychologist
Rebeca Rios
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
If you have been struggling with a health concern such as pain, insomnia, or GI distress, you may feel demoralized by the limitations of medical treatments for many health issues. You may not know that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions. As a clinical health psychologist, I specialize in chronic illness, chronic pain, disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBIs), health anxiety, insomnia, and stress related to navigating the health care system. Therapy can help you to quiet the brain’s natural threat response to symptoms, foster resilience, and embrace life once again.
If you have been struggling with a health concern such as pain, insomnia, or GI distress, you may feel demoralized by the limitations of medical treatments for many health issues. You may not know that psychotherapy is an effective treatment for a number of medical conditions. As a clinical health psychologist, I specialize in chronic illness, chronic pain, disorders of brain-gut interaction (DGBIs), health anxiety, insomnia, and stress related to navigating the health care system. Therapy can help you to quiet the brain’s natural threat response to symptoms, foster resilience, and embrace life once again.
(240) 201-2237 View (240) 201-2237
Photo of Dr. Eric Teeters, PsyD, PsyPact, Psychologist
Dr. Eric Teeters
Psychologist, PsyD, PsyPact
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
I frequently work with folks on topics related to chronic illness (e.
I have the privilege of accompanying clients as they go through some of the most painful and some of the most joyous times of their lives. I believe that improving your relationship with yourself and balancing your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and energy can help you to reach your fullest potential. My approach is both practical and insight-oriented, and my goal is to help you understand what ways you can better take care of yourself by providing you the skills you need, and a vision to become who you want to be.
I frequently work with folks on topics related to chronic illness (e.
I have the privilege of accompanying clients as they go through some of the most painful and some of the most joyous times of their lives. I believe that improving your relationship with yourself and balancing your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and energy can help you to reach your fullest potential. My approach is both practical and insight-oriented, and my goal is to help you understand what ways you can better take care of yourself by providing you the skills you need, and a vision to become who you want to be.
(571) 496-8012 View (571) 496-8012
Photo of Laura Niver, PsyD, Psychologist
Laura Niver
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20004
I work with adults experiencing the impact of trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, phase of life adjustment, and relationship issues.
We all have unique stories. Our pasts form us into who we are today, and oftentimes what once worked for us, no longer does. Therapy can help us gain the insight to understand our stories, but more importantly, help us to choose new ways of living and engaging with ourselves, others, and the world. In the context of a supportive relationship, we will work together to move towards a life that is more meaningful, satisfying, and free.
I work with adults experiencing the impact of trauma, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, phase of life adjustment, and relationship issues.
We all have unique stories. Our pasts form us into who we are today, and oftentimes what once worked for us, no longer does. Therapy can help us gain the insight to understand our stories, but more importantly, help us to choose new ways of living and engaging with ourselves, others, and the world. In the context of a supportive relationship, we will work together to move towards a life that is more meaningful, satisfying, and free.
(202) 217-4924 View (202) 217-4924
Photo of Elizabeth Tschoegl, LICSW, MSW, MSc, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Tschoegl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, MSc
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in trauma, particularly medical trauma and/or chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and existential challenges.
Finding a therapist can be tough. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed. Maybe life has thrown more at you than you think you can handle, or your usual coping strategies are failing. Using humor and a collaborative approach, we can tackle these challenges together. Drawing on your own innate resilience and capacity to change, I hope to give confidence to the belief that change is possible and that you can feel better.
I specialize in trauma, particularly medical trauma and/or chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and existential challenges.
Finding a therapist can be tough. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed. Maybe life has thrown more at you than you think you can handle, or your usual coping strategies are failing. Using humor and a collaborative approach, we can tackle these challenges together. Drawing on your own innate resilience and capacity to change, I hope to give confidence to the belief that change is possible and that you can feel better.
(202) 618-3044 View (202) 618-3044
Chronic Illness Therapists

How does therapy for chronic illness work?

Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.

Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?

Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?

No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.

How long does therapy for chronic illness take?

There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.