Who We Are
The Center Clinic is a nonprofit community mental health center operated by the George Washington University Professional Psychology Program. For more than 20 years, we have served individuals and families throughout the Washington, D.C., area by providing high-quality, affordable mental health services while training the next generation of clinical psychologists.
Our clinic offers short- and long-term psychotherapy, comprehensive psychological evaluations, and consultation services on a sliding-fee scale to help make mental health care more accessible. We also partner with local schools, shelters, addiction recovery programs, and other community organizations to expand access to mental health services.
- Our Mission
Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to the community while educating future leaders in clinical psychology. We believe effective therapy is collaborative, individualized, and grounded in respect for each person's unique experiences, identities, and goals.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes people of all races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and relationship structures.
- Our Team
The Center Clinic is staffed by advanced doctoral students in clinical psychology who provide services under the close supervision of licensed psychologists. Our trainees receive extensive preparation in psychotherapy and psychological assessment and participate in ongoing supervision and consultation throughout their clinical work.
Every client's care is supported by multiple layers of professional oversight. Supervisors and trainees meet regularly to discuss cases confidentially, helping ensure thoughtful, high-quality treatment while adhering to HIPAA standards and District of Columbia regulations.
Clinicians are assigned based on availability and clinical fit. While we strive to honor requests whenever possible, we cannot guarantee assignment to a specific therapist.
- Our Training Model
As a university training clinic, we combine rigorous clinical education with direct community service. Doctoral trainees work closely with experienced supervisors to develop advanced skills in assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, ethics, and culturally responsive care.
Treatment emphasizes understanding each client's strengths, relationships, life experiences, and goals while using evidence-based approaches tailored to their individual needs. This collaborative process supports meaningful, lasting change and reflects our commitment to excellence in both training and patient care.
Because trainees typically complete one to two years of service at the clinic, therapist transitions may occasionally occur. When appropriate, clinicians work with clients to facilitate a thoughtful transfer of care within the clinic or to another provider to minimize disruptions in treatment.
- Why Choose The Center Clinic?
Choosing the Center Clinic means receiving personalized, affordable care from dedicated doctoral clinicians who are closely supervised by licensed psychologists. This collaborative model allows clients to benefit from both the energy and expertise of emerging professionals and the guidance of experienced supervisors while supporting the education of future psychologists and strengthening mental health care in the Washington, D.C., community.