| A guide to Therapy Groups in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area. |
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Alvord Baker & Associates, LLC Group Therapy Center
The Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington
Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change
Center for Group and Family Therapy
Falls Church Parent-Child Center
JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
McLean Psychotherapy Practices
National Family Resiliency Center
Laura Rubinoff and Associates, Speech/Language Pathologists
Allison Sibley & Associates, PLLC
Abrams & Associates, LLC
Teen Girls Groups: ages 12-13, 14-15, 16-17. Washingtonian Top Therapist and columnist for the Washington Parent Magazine, Dr. Kay Abrams, runs teen girls groups that serve to empower and strengthen teens as they address academic stress, mood instability, social belonging, peer pressure, body-image and anxieties. Didactic, processing and experiential techniques are integrated into sessions while girls learn coping and relational skills effective for family and friendship. Techniques including guided insight, peer sharing and feedback, mindful meditation and social-self appraisal exercises to help girls with social-emotional maturation, self-acceptance, communication and interpersonal competence. We are a family-friendly group practice offering assessment and psychotherapy for children, teens and adults.Kay Abrams, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Director
3841 Farragut Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
301-949-2098 ext. 1
www.abramsandassociates.com
Alvord Baker & Associates, LLC Group Therapy Center
Alvord, Baker & Associates, LLC has been providing social competence groups for children and adolescents since 1992. The groups focus on enhancing resilience, which we view as the ability to adapt well to life and its challenges. We offer groups for teens in middle school and high school . We also offer groups for teens diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), Aspergers and High Functioning Autism. Childrens social competence can be impacted greatly by one or several of the following factors: ability to regulate their behavior; anxiety; ADHD; learning disabilities; low self-esteem; organizational challenges; and/or transition difficulties. Our groups help teens identify what they do well, and to build on their social strengths. We use the Resilience Builder Program® which utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral framework (how one thinks impacts how one feels and subsequently, how one behaves with others) and empirically supported strategies. Our middle and high school groups address the social/interpersonal aspects of growing up and focus on: increasing confidence and self-esteem; dealing with issues such as "fitting-in" and setting limits; finding academic and social success and coping with the challenges they face. Groups also deal with social-skills deficits of anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and organizational/transitional difficulties. Didactic, process, and experiential activities, discussions and relaxation/self-control techniques. Boys, girls, and co-ed groups for grades 6 through 12.
Psychologists: Mary Alvord, PhD;; Lynn F. Bufka, PhD; Karan Lamb, PsyD; Kelly O'Brien, PhD; Kim Painter, PhD; Michael Reiter, PhD; Veronica Raggi, PhD; Monica Robb, PhD; Jessica Samson, PsyD; Lisa Sanchez, PhD; Erik Scott, PhD; Edward Spector, PsyD; Bonnie Zucker, PsyD
Clinical Social Workers: Patricia Baker, DSW, LCSW-C; Erica Berger, LCSW-C; Betsy Carmichael, LCSW; Dorothy Moore, LCSW-C; Thomas Verratti, LCSW-CGroup Coordinator: 301-593-6554 x23
email: groups@alvordbaker.com3200 Tower Oaks Boulevard, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20852
301- 593-6554 ext. 2311161 New Hampshire Avenue, Suite 307, Silver Spring, MD 20904
301- 593-6554 ext. 23
www.alvordbaker.comAssessment Associates
Process and activity oriented groups geared towards facilitating the development of problem solving and conflict resolution skills, increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy, and improving one's ability to read nonverbal forms of communication. Groups available for children ages 7 through 18 with socialization delays secondary to ADHD, sensory integrations challenges, speech and language delays, learning disabilities, "nonverbal LD's", PDD and Asperger's' Disorder, and other developmental or adjustment related issues.Joel Adler, PsyD
7013-A Brookeville Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-951-5666www.assessmentassociates.us.com
www.joeladler.comThe Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington
We offer a specialized evidence-based group for teens and children with social anxiety. These groups are designed to address common social skills deficits found in children with Social Anxiety Disorder including initiating conversations, maintaining conversations, inviting peers to join in activities, joining groups, phone skills, using appropriate assertiveness, and recognizing social cues. Each group consists of didactic instruction, modeling, behavioral rehearsals (role-plays), and corrective feedback from group leader and peers. We also provide “generalization sessions” in which prior “graduates” of the group return to serve as unfamiliar peers for the current group members when the group engages in typical age-appropriate activities that allow the current group members to practice their newly acquired skills in a more natural setting. The group meets weekly for 90 minutes for 15 weeks. BTC also offers occasional groups for children and teens who engage in problematic skin-picking and hair pulling.Staff: Charles Mansueto, PhD, Clinic Director; Rina Pesce, PhD, Director of Group Treatment Program; Lisa Levine, PsyD; Elspeth Neiman Bell, PhD; Courtney B. Ferrell, PhD; Ruth G. Golomb, MEd, LCPC; Brad S. Hufford, LCSW-C.; Jennifer H. Kessler, PhD; David J. Keuler, PhD; Özge Gürel Kırgız, PhD; Sherrie M. Vavrichek, LCSW-C; Noah Weintraub, PsyD; Kristin Bianchi, MA; T. Monroe Rayburn, PhD; Claire Dean-Sinclair, PsyD
11227 Lockwood Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20901
301-593-4040
www.behaviortherapycenter.comCenter for Anxiety and Behavioral Change
We offer a specialized evidence-based group for teens and children with social anxiety. These groups are designed to address common social skills deficits found in children with Social Anxiety Disorder including initiating conversations, maintaining conversations, inviting peers to join in activities, joining groups, phone skills, using appropriate assertiveness, and recognizing social cues. Each group consists of didactic instruction, modeling, behavioral rehearsals (role-plays), and corrective feedback from group leader and peers. We also provide “generalization sessions” in which prior “graduates” of the group return to serve as unfamiliar peers for the current group members when the group engages in typical age-appropriate activities that allow the current group members to practice their newly acquired skills in a more natural setting.Jonathan Dalton, Ph.D., Director
414 Hungerford Drive, Suite 210, Rockville, MD 20850
301-610-7850
email: drjdalton@gmail.com
Center for Group and Family Therapy
Groups for adolescents and young adults led by Certified Group Psychotherapist with 28 years experience leading groups in schools, outpatient, inpatient & residential settings and working with adolescents in individual and family therapy. Graduate of two-year certificate training programs in both Group Psychotherapy and Family and Couples Psychotherapy at the Washington School of Psychiatry. Specializing in trauma-related problems and adolescents with severe symptoms & complex presentations including oppositionality, teens with borderline symptoms, bipolar and mood disorders and dissociative disorders. Groups that may be available: (1) High school girls group focused on general adolescent issues including healthy boundaries, self-care skills, avoiding abusive relationships, managing & expressing emotions & broadening social & emotional resources; (2) Group for adolescent girls ages 12-15 for problems in the areas of social skills, anxiety and depression, and self-esteem, including girls having difficulties adjusting to high school; (3) General therapy group for college/post high school ages 17-22; (4) Trauma support group for girls age 13 to 17 who have received individual trauma therapy and could benefit from peer support and further emotional processing in a group setting.Jan Freeman, LCSW-C, CGP
Certified Group Psychotherapist4400 East-West Hwy. Suite 427, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-657-2292
email: vjfree@comcast.net
www.janfreemanmsw.com
The Chrysalis Group Inc.
In addition to providing therapy for children, adolescents, adults and couples, we conduct groups for Children with siblings who have developmental, health, or mental health challenges. Supportive environment in which to develop coping skills for challenges such as guilt or jealousy, loss and loneliness, anger or embarrassment, or increased responsibility and pressure to achieve. We also conduct a group for Youth with allergies which are age-appropriate groups that address living with allergies. Supportive and productive environment to address allergy-related challenges such as social isolation, peer relations, self-esteem, anxiety, and management and coping strategies.Staff: Joanne Irving, PhD; Jude Setian Marston, LCSW; Judy Liss-C, LCSW-C; Jessie Vinik, LGPC
4405 East West Highway, Suite 301, Bethesda, MD 20814
301-652-1582
email: chrysalisgroup@verizon.net
www.the-chrysalis-group.comExpressive Therapy Center
Psychotherapy groups for adolescents with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, anger management, eating disorders, academic problems and more. We help adolescents with attention deficit disorder, learning disorders, divorce issues, and autism spectrum establish coping skills to better handle their personal stress. Social skills training is emphasized. Boys and girls, ages 10-22.Director: Stephanie Natter, MA, ATR, CGP
Staff: J. Mark Gallagher PsyD.; Heather Norden, PhD.;Gerald Oster, PhD.; Susan Rail, LCSW-C; Nanci Brown, LCSW-C; Natalie Selzer, LCPC; Jacy Perkins, APRN PMH; Diana Sabados ATR-BC, LCPC; Andree Schillesci, M.A., BC-DMT; Laura Hamelin, LGPC; Daniel Wagner, Psy.D.14808 Physicians Lane, Suite 111, Rockville, MD 20850
301-869-1017 ext 1
5910 Goldsboro Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
301-869-1017 ext 11320 Vincent Place, McLean, VA 22101
www.expressivetherapycenter.com
Donna Firer, LCSW-C
"Shy Girls/Quiet Girls" is a supportive, gentle group for high school girls who struggle with anxiety and feel uncertain about how they fit in with the typical "teen" scene. This group provides an excellent opportunity for further growth in self-knowledge and self-confidence. Through a range of activities - including expressive arts, cognitive behavioral concepts and techniques, and role playing - girls will learn how to build satisfying relationships with peers and adults and gain specific strategies for managing stress and worries. This group meets weekly during the school year.Donna Firer, LCSW-C
8811 Colesville Road, Suite 102, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (walk to Silver Spring Metro Red Line)
4405 East-West Highway, Suite 210, Bethesda, MD 20814 (walk to Bethesda Metro)
301-585-8828
email: donnafirer@earthlink.net
www.donnafirer.netIn Step, PC
In Step, PC - home of Stepping Stones - is a nationally recognized private mental health practice for adolescents and young adults, ages 13-24. For over fifteen years, our team of psychologists, clinical social workers, and professional counselors has been guiding teens and their families towards coping more effectively with life stressors. Our dynamic mental health professionals partner with you to develop a continuum of care plan, in order to ensure that the skills learned with us create long-lasting change. Some of our areas of specialty are: Anxiety and Depressive Disorders, Asperger's and Autism Issues, Anger Management, ADD/ADHD Issues, Young Adult Interpersonal Therapy Groups, Teen Interpersonal Therapy Groups (both mixes and same sexed groups) and Teen Drama Therapy Groups.Cathi Cohen, LCSW, Director
In Step, PC
8320 Professional Hill Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
703-876-8480 ext. 10In Step, PC West
6 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Suite 200, Sterling, VA 20165
703-433-5771email: instep_pc@yahoo.com
www.insteppc.comJSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency)
Psychotherapy and social skills therapy groups for adolescents, including those with ADHD, social-behavioral disorders, Asperger's Syndrome, and other PDD's. Social skills groups focus on resisting peer pressure, coping with bullying, reading social cues, self-control, cooperative interaction, problem solving, self-esteem, handling stress, social conversation, and positive peer relationships. Other groups: anger management, siblings with disabilities, coping with divorce. Boys, girls, middle and high school. Non-sectarian.
Rockville: Alison Dorsky, LCSW-C; Stanley Fagen, PhD; Jennifer FIrestone, LCSW-C; Zach Lehman, LCSW-C; Jamell White, LCSW-C;
Fairfax: Treona Bateman, LCSW; Larisa Perez deGraffenreid, LCSW; Sarah Ince, LCSW; Andrew McGahan, LCSW; Seth Solondz, LCSWHeadquarters:
200 Wood Hill Road, Rockville, MD 20850
301-838-4200
3018 Javier Road, Fairfax, VA 22031
703-204-9100
www.jssa.orgNicholas Kirsch, PhD
Young Adult Group: ages 18-27, is a coed group for clients having difficulty making the post high school transition to independent adulthood. The group’s mission is to empower members, through experiences of interpersonal encounter, to deal better with social anxieties, intimacy difficulties, and professional and relational insecurities endemic to this age group. Issues addressed include parental (in)dependency, substance use, social isolation, managing anger, dating and sex, professional and academic success, depression and other topics/experiences that members bring to the group. In working with young adults over the years Dr. Kirsch has witnessed group therapy help clients to address issues more deeply and pragmatically than they can in individual therapy alone. Members get real-time feedback on their interactions and are encouraged to practice new more adaptive behaviors. Because they are with peers, there is more motivation and trust in the therapy process. The group meets Wednesdays 5:15-6:15 in Bethesda.Nicholas Kirsch, Ph.D.
4809 St. Elmo Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
301.907.8934
email: Nicholas.kirsch@verizon.net
www.Bethesdapsychotherapist.com
McLean Psychotherapy Practices
The clinicians at McLean Psychotherapy Practices offer numerous ongoing social skills groups for children of varying ages and developmental levels. Each group is specifically tailored to address the challenges faced by the group members. We use a variety of therapeutic interventions, including expressive, art and play techniques. Groups typically run from September to June, with additional summer groups offered as well. In addition, we work collaboratively with parents, schools, and other treatment providers to ensure positive treatment outcomes. The primary goals of adolescent groups are to provide a safe environment for preadolescents and adolescents to talk about peer pressure, process their feelings about social interactions, develop and maintain friendships, increase self esteem, and improve family relationships. These groups are tailored to address specific issues raised by group members. Past topics have included stress reduction, anxiety management, dream analysis, body image and mood swings.
Clinicians: Lisa Elkin, PsyD, 571-238-6524; Cynthia Mathis, LMFT 703-401-5394; Nicole McGarry, LPC 202-641-84291487 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22101
www.mcleanpsychotherapy.com
National Family Resiliency Center
Teens in grades 9-12 have an opportunity to explore and resolve divorce related concerns, as well as an opportunity to focus on many issues such as dating and decisions about college, friendships, careers, etc. Teens comment about how comfortable it is to talk and be understood by their peers. Parents are involved through individual and multiple family sessions. Groups meet weekly for 12 weeks; 90 minutes per session.Risa J. Garon, LCSW-C, BCD, CFLE; Susan Bilchik, NBCC, Julieta Macias, PhD., LCSW-C, Ellen Levin, LGSW, Elaine Drewyer, LCSW- C, Hilary Campodonico, LCSW-C, Barry Frieman, LCSW-C, Carolyn Wohnsigl, MEd; Thomas Vassil, PhD, LCSW-C
451 Hungerford Drive, Suite 225, Rockville, MD 20850
301-384-0079
10632 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 121 Columbia, MD 21044
410-740-9553
14350 Solomons Island Road, Suite 202B, Solomons, MD 20688
410-474-8500Rathbone and Associates
Washingtonian Magazine's "Top Group Therapist". Psychotherapy groups, Social Skills Groups and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Skills Groups for adolescents. Rathbone & Associates specializes in the treatment of adolescents and currently typically has 20 different groups meeting weekly for adolescents in middle school, high school, and college/post high school. Issues addressed in groups include mood disorders, anxiety, social anxiety, learning disabilities, ADHD, social skills, and the full range of adolescent issues. Specific groups include social skills training for Asperger's Syndrome, DBT Skills Group for young people who engage in self-destructive behavior when emotionally overwhelmed, as well as many ongoing general psychotherapy groups. Rathbone & Associates provides the highest quality service for teenagers and their families. Additional information and a current listing of all groups available on our website: www.rathboneandassociates.com
Britt Rathbone, LCSW-C, CGP (Certified Group Psychotherapist); John Dunn, LCSW-C; Phyllis Pomerantz, LCSW-C; Gavin Behrens, LCSW-C; Lisa Behrens, LCSW-C; Julie Baron, LCSW-C; JoJo Gaul, LCSW-C;Anu Lukk, LCSW-C; Carla Pappas, LCSW-C
5942 Hubbard Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20852
301-230-94904701 Sangamore Road, #210N, Bethesda, Maryland 20816
301-230-9490Laura Rubinoff and Associates, Speech/Language Pathologists
Interactions with Pals! A Whole Mind and Body Experience! (Pal Program)
These groups are designed to improve Social Thinking , Social Problem Solving and Pragmatic Language Functions. Our leaders (speech pathologists teamed with actors of improvisation ) use Performing Arts, Improvisation, Video Modeling and Authentic
Conversational Exchanges to improve Social Cognition. We introduce Michelle Garcia Winner strategies for recognizing your own and others' social minds, learning behaviors that make others feel good and internalizing how behaviors and words affect emotions across different social networks. Groups meet weekly for 90 minutes for 16 weeks
Co-ed and exclusively boys and girls groups; ages 11-15 ; grouped by age and skills level. The Dinner Discourse Program (dinner is provided) teaches social thinking, social problem solving and pragmatic language functions while dining. Dinner Discourse meets weekly for one hour for 16 weeks. Co-ed, ages 12-15.
6505 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20817
301 493-4695
laurarubinoff@gmail.com
www.lraspeech.comAllison Sibley & Associates, PLLC
5236 44th Street NW #4, Washington DC 20015
Groups for teens offer an arena in which to practice personal and relational skills related to making and keeping friends. Groups provide opportunities for social skill building and processing experiences in an educational and engaging setting. Emphasis is on playing out and talking through friendship experiences, which may be influenced by a variety of issues including adjustment issues, self-esteem, ADHD, and emotional factors. Current high school girls group and middle school girls groups are available (6th-7th, 7th-8th, 8th-9th, 10th-12th) and a Co-Ed High School Group (11th-12th) for college-bound students dealing with transition issues.
Allison Sibley, PhD, Clinical Social Worker; Samantha Dubit, LPC, Professional Counselor; Amanda Good, MSW, Social Worker; Kate Kelly, MSW, Clinical Social Worker; Molly Mattison, MSW, Clinical Social Worker; Tracy Samuel, MSW, Clinical Social Worker; Edith Schatz, MSW, Clinical Social Worker
202-237-1196 (office)
202-744-1086 (cell)Lisa M. Snipper, LCSW
High School Girls group (16-18 yrs old) process oriented focusing on the development of healthy interpersonal relationships through peer feedback in a safe environment. This group is driven by the developmental needs of the teens within the group and will explore topics related to friendships, peer pressure, dating, self esteem, and body image issues. High School Group for Adopted Teens: Adopted teenagers have an entire set of concerns that other teenagers don’t have. This group will provide the opportunity for these teenagers to share similar feelings and experiences with one another. It will provide them with the opportunity to explore their identities and examine their upbringing.11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 6, Reston, VA 20191
571-230-2349Daniel Turetsky, PsyD, Psychologist
Psychotherapy groups focus on the development of successful interpersonal relationships and ways to effectively cope with the emotional and social challenges of adolescence. Groups are designed to improve social interest and skill, self-esteem and regulation, and awareness of self and others. Particular attention is directed to facilitating healthy emotional development including how to effectively work through anger, independence, dependence, shyness, depression and anxiety.
4809 Saint Elmo Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814
301-913-5947
email: danisaact@aol.com
The Wake Kendall Group PLLC
The Wake Kendall Group offers groups for adolescents working through challenges relating to emotion regulation, family, peers, romantic interests, identity development, and school demands. Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program: For the more emotionally dysregulated teens, particularly teens who may have engaged in self harm behaviors, we offer a Dialectical Behavior Therapy program. We recommend that interested families review information about Dialectical Behavior Therapy that is offered on our website: www.wakekendall.com. Weekly individual therapy is required and a parent must attend the Monday evening group along with the adolescent. Adolescents and parents meet separately for a portion of the time and then new material is taught to both adolescents and parents together in a combined group. This is not the initial treatment for adolescents involved in drug or alcohol abuse, or eating disorders. However, once students are in an appropriate treatment program for these issues, DBT has been found to be effective in teaching skills of emotional regulation. Ongoing Process Groups Focusing on Adolescent Concerns: In addition to the DBT program, we have a group for high school girls who may be somewhat less intensely dysregulated. This is a small group led by Lenni Snyder, MA, LPC and Sunita Duggal, PhD on Tuesday afternoons. This group follows a process group format, offering a warm and accepting peer group environment in which we facilitate understanding consequences of actions, learning to take different points of view, and developing problem-solving skills. A variety of coping skills are introduced in the context of issues being discussed in the group. Please contact our Group Intake Coordinator, Adair Fox, MA, LCSW, at 202-686-7699 x 68 to provide preliminary information to determine whether there is an appropriate group for the adolescent. If there is availability in a group, Adair Fox will refer you to a group leader for an intake meeting to further determine whether the group is a good fit.Group Coodinator: Adair Fox, MA, LCSW
5247 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 4, Washington, DC 20015
202-686-7699 x 68
email: AFox@WakeKendall.com