A Safe Place to Land and a Strong Place to Grow
Discover the heart behind our therapy practice. Because knowing who’s walking alongside you makes all the difference.
Marjorie and Heidi, Co-Owners
At Kennedy Counseling Collective, you’ll find a diverse team that truly understands what it means to live, work, and grow in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.
We’re a culturally responsive therapy practice founded in 2017 by two licensed therapists — Heidi Vanderwerff, MSW, and Marjorie Strachman Miller, PhD — who believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, affirming mental health care close to home.
Kennedy Counseling was created with one goal in mind: to bring high-quality, community-rooted therapy to the people and neighborhoods that need it most. After witnessing the ongoing lack of mental health resources in Ward 4 and surrounding communities, we knew it was time for something different … something personal, local, and deeply intentional.
As a small, women-owned business, we have kept our clients and therapists first, even as we’ve grown. What started as a practice of two has become a trusted space with a diverse group of therapists where individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families can find the support they need to heal and grow.
A Place that Feels Safe, Welcoming, and Personal
When you step into our practice, you’re stepping into a space that was intentionally built to make you feel seen, safe, and supported, we’ve designed our space to be welcoming for everyone, including a fully wheelchair-accessible office, because access to care shouldn’t have a barrier.
Our therapy offices are designed with warmth in mind — natural light, cozy couches, coffee and tea, and even snacks for kids.
When you step into our practice, you’re stepping into a space that was intentionally built to make you feel seen, safe, and supported. Our therapy offices are designed with warmth in mind — natural light, cozy couches, coffee and tea, and even snacks for kids.
Our Commitment to the Community
Healing Isn’t Just Personal, It’s Collective
Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Beyond therapy, we’re committed to strengthening both our community and the future of mental health care.
From volunteer opportunities, local partnerships and sponsored events to workshops that reduce stigma, we show up for our neighborhood.
We also train and mentor the next generation of therapists through partnerships with local universities, expanding access for years to come.
20+
7,500+
We’ve helped thousands of clients, leading 150+ sessions per week and completing over 7,500 sessions since 2017.
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What Our Clients Say
*To respect and protect client confidentiality, names have been omitted from these testimonials.
Find a Therapist Who Understands You
Get a free, no-pressure call with our Matching Specialist to help you take the next step.
FAQS
What happens during the free consultation?
You will meet with our Matching Specialist to discuss the right therapist for you based on your needs. You will learn more about the recommended therapist, and your initial questions will be answered.
Is there any commitment after my free consultation?
No, this is just a first step to explore your options and see if we’re the right fit.
Can I choose between in-person and virtual therapy?
Yes! We offer both. Most therapists offer in-person and virtual appointments, with a hybrid option as well.
Do you accept insurance?
We are considered out-of-network (OON) providers, which means we don’t bill insurance directly but many of our clients receive partial reimbursement through their insurance plans. We’ll help you navigate this by providing a superbill and, during your initial consultation, our Matching Specialist can look up your OON benefits to give you a clear picture of your coverage.
We welcome DC residents who may be experiencing financial hardship due to job or resource loss. We offer sliding-scale options through our advanced graduate-level interns. Our goal is to make care accessible without compromising quality.
What are the benefits of an out-of-network (OON) provider?
Working with an out-of-network provider means your therapy isn’t limited by insurance company requirements. As a private practice, we’re able to focus on your goals, not just a diagnosis or a treatment timeline. This gives us the flexibility to offer personalized, holistic care at a pace that’s right for you.
Another important benefit: greater privacy. Because we don’t submit claims directly to insurance, we’re not required to share your personal information or clinical details unless you choose to. You stay in control of your care throughout your treatment.