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(240) 858-9072
Fernanda Bianchi, Ph.D.
I am a Ph.D. level Licensed Psychologist who has been in the field of psychology for over 20 years. I provide individual therapy to adults with various concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, loss, work related stress, sexual orientation, gender identity, and cross-cultural adjustment.
Because I provide psychotherapy in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, I can work with people who want the flexibility of switching languages depending on their personal preference. And as a person who was raised in a bi-cultural environment, I am attuned to the challenges often experienced by people moving to a new country and adapting to a new culture.
In addition to my private practice, I am a Psychologist at the Ross Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders in Washington DC. Also, I am committed to volunteering my time to the community and am involved in various programs and initiatives to improve access and services to underserved populations in our area.
Prior to my current professional activities, I spent several years at the Department of Psychology and at the Global Women’s Institute of the George Washington University. As a result, I have extensive experience working with young adults, whose unique issues and needs I understand. During my years in academia, I also published several articles in scientific journals, managed or led research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and developed programs for students and supervised them.
BACKGROUND
- Psychologist at the Ross Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (DC)
- Ph.D. Clinical Psychology from the George Washington University (GWU)
- Internship at the Woodburn Community Mental Health Center
- Staff Psychologist at the Counseling Center of the Catholic University of America
- Senior Research Scientist at the Psychology Department of the GWU
- Director of Programs and Development at the Global Women’s Institute of the GWU
- Project Director and Principal Investigator on National Institutes of Health Research Grants
- Supervisor of Graduate Students
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Member of the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Member of the Maryland Psychological Association (MPA)
- Member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
- Member of the Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis (ICP+P)
BOARDS AND VOLUNTEER WORK
- Member and Former Co-Chair of the Latino Health Steering Committee of the Montgomery County Department of Health Human Services (DHHS)
- Member of the Advisory Council of the Welcome Back Center of Suburban MD for foreign trained health professionals at Montgomery County DHHS
- Co-Chair Elect of the Leadership Institute for Equity and Elimination of Disparities (LIEED) Advisory Committee of the Montgomery County DHHS
CERTIFICATIONS
- Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PESI)
- Certified in Mindfulness Training (UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center)
My belief in the resilience of human nature and our ability to change and grow is at the center of my therapeutic practice. Anxiety, depression, and stress often challenge our ability to find emotional health and happiness. As a licensed psychologist, we will work together to help you gain insight into what keeps you from achieving your goals and then change thoughts and behaviors to improve your level of life satisfaction. I approach our work in a collaborative manner, by helping you explore and articulate your thoughts and feelings in an environment of trust, respect, and safety.
I use an individually-tailored eclectic and flexible approach integrating techniques from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and a relationship perspective. Depending on your needs, I provide both short and long-term treatments. I primarily work with adults in individual therapy, but occasionally see couples when it is clinically relevant. As a bicultural person fluent in 3 languages, I am sensitive to and have training in multicultural and acculturation issues, and have a special interest in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The years I spent at the George Washington University working with young adults allowed me to become keenly aware of emerging life transition issues. During this same period, I conducted research involving mental health, sexual orientation and gender identity issues among LGBTQ+ individuals, and am very familiar with the challenges faced by this community.
I believe that each person is unique and therefore has their own very specific point of view and understanding of themselves and their life. You are the expert on you. I am committed to understanding each person’s uniqueness as empathically as I can in order to make the kind of connection that will promote the best possible treatment relationship and outcomes.
Some issues I commonly work with my clients on:
| Generalized Anxiety | Social Anxiety | Panic Disorder | Phobias |
| Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder | Somatic or Illness Anxiety | Depression | ADHD/ADD |
| Interpersonal or Relationship Difficulties | Workplace Related Stress | Cross-Cultural Adjustment | LGBTQ+ Issues |
| Life Transition Issues | Self-Esteem | Perfectionism | Loss and Trauma |
Initial Contact:
I offer an initial phone consultation to understand the issues that are bringing you to therapy, so that we can both determine if I would be a good fit as your therapist. If either of us believes that you would be better assisted by working with another therapist, I will do my best to provide you with a referral. Please call 240-858-9072 or complete the request form on my contact page to schedule this complimentary consultation.
Sessions:
Sessions are 50 minutes long, unless otherwise arranged. Our first session or two will involve an evaluation of your needs and review of your treatment options.
Fees:
Fees are $250 for the initial intake session (1 hour) and $200-$230 for subsequent 50 minute sessions. As a sole practitioner, I do not have the administrative resources to participate in any insurance programs. However, I will provide you with a statement of services with the codes and diagnosis that are required by insurance companies for out of network reimbursement. Payment for services is due at the conclusion of each session, and may be made by check, credit card, or cash. A sliding scale option will be considered under certain circumstances.
Cancellation Policy:
I hold your appointment time for you only, and I limit the number of clients I see so that I can give you the focus and attention you deserve. You may cancel without charge with 24-hour notice. However, should you not appear for your appointment, or cancel inside of the 24-hour period, you will be charged the cost of the session.
I look forward to meeting you in person and working with you! Before your first visit please print, read, complete and sign the forms below. Please bring them with you to your initial session and plan to arrive 10 minutes before our scheduled appointment so that we can finish the intake process.
New Client Demographic Questionnaire
Receipt of Maryland PHI Notice
If you plan to use your health insurance to help you pay for therapy, then you should consider calling your insurance company ahead of time to find out what your out-of-network benefits for mental health services are. Services may be partially reimbursed by your health insurance plan.
To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, use the form below:
