Imagine a space where your needs are heard - and truly understood.

Finding the right therapist and therapy that actually works can feel impossible!

What if you could experience a profound shift backed by scientifically proven methods provided by expert therapists - where thousands of others have already found healing?

YOU HAVE FOUND THE RIGHT PLACE. Feel the difference from the moment you call– it’s why our clients AND our colleagues consistently rate us 5 stars on Google.

Take the first step today—BOOK A  FREE CONSULTATION and discover the Darby Difference!

Life can be challenging! Expert Help is Here!

Struggling with trauma, loss, depression, or anxiety is hard!

Anger, shame, and guilt : Normal human emotions!
  You can learn to manage these, and we have the tools to help.

Relationship and couples issues are common .
  Learn how to fix these issues in counseling, together.

We help you find solutions that actually work.
You deserve to be happy. Reach out today.

Empowering You Through Transformative Healing
Proven Impact, Trusted Care

Welcome to Darby Integrative Counseling, the premier Psychotherapy Group located in Silver Spring, Maryland. We serve clients in the DC Metro area, and beyond! We offer individual, group, and couples services in-person & virtually to DC, Maryland, Virgina, & Florida residents. Our exceptional team of psychologists, counselors, and therapists are deeply compassionate, relatable, and highly skilled.

We provide boutique-style care from psychotherapists who are trained in scientifically proven solutions.

Our dedicated team has a mission to empower individuals, groups, and couples to build emotional resilience and balance amidst life’s traumas, challenges, and worries. We have specialty experience working with entrepreneurs & professionals- therapists, teachers, veterans, & emergency services workers - parents & teens.

We are dedicated experts in serving folx who are LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC. Many of our therapists are themselves members of these communities! We are experts in Trauma & PTSD, ADHD, Couples & Divorce & Relationship Satisfaction, Addictions & Harm Reduction, Spirtuality & Religious Exploration, Anxiety & Stress, Political Worries, Depression, and Grief & Loss.
Our providers bring the perfect blend of modern science and expertise with an integrative approach that combines ancient wisdom and compassion to help our clients find the root of their pain, and heal what is ailing them.

This isn’t just therapy; it’s the kind of care that helps you unlock the change you’re seeking.


We use a combination of transformative approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Animal Assisted Therapy (with our black lab Otto!), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). We integrate Mind-Body approaches from Ancient Wisdom practices along with these scientifically proven methods. Our approach has helped heal thousands of lives. We are ready to help you heal.

We believe in a tailored approach that is based on competence, inclusity, and flexiblity. We guarantee you will be provided with more than an ally- you can EXPECT a profoundly deep therapeutic experience, no matter your background.
Discover the healing that thousands of clients have experienced with the help of our expert therapists.

See why our clients and professional collegues have provided us with a perfect 5 star rating on Google!

Here's what you can expect when you choose the Darby Difference:

Psychologists, Therapists, and Counselors at Darby Integrative Counseling Provide the Darby Difference- Exceptional, Specialized Therapy You Deserve and Can Expect.

Letter From the Founder

Experience the Darby Difference

Welcome to Darby Integrative Counseling

My name is Andrew Darby, LCSW-C. I am the Executive Director and owner of Darby Integrative Counseling. I am so excited to introduce you to our compassionate team of expert therapists who are here to provide care that surpasses general psychotherapeutic models. We believe in a tailored approach that is inclusive and flexible to finds your unique needs such as those in the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Poly/ENM communities! We offer services that can truly help you heal. We use evidence-based techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Animal Assisted therapy (with our black lab Otto!), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to deliver specialized approaches that are scientifically proven to help clients heal.

Discover the Darby Difference

The Darby Difference refers to “care that goes beyond the ordinary to help you achieve extraordinary healing and mental well-being.”

In recent years, we’ve seen growing awareness of individual and generational traumas that have left many people feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected. Common struggles include difficulties with sleep, eating, relationships, and community engagement, as well as over-reliance on substances and feelings of isolation. If this resonates with you, please know you are not alone. Therapy can help. Whether you’re seeking an emotional or spiritual balance, to improve or change a relationship, manage a high stress job, deal with a recent break up, manage family planning or pregnancy or parenting, we are here to guide you into real life strategies and solutions to help you find healing in the real world.

We offer in-person and/or virtual sessions t meet your needs. Let us help you rediscover your inner strength, achieve mental clarity, and move toward a healthier, happier, and fulfilling life.

Our Services for Adults, Couples, Young Adults, and Families

At Darby Integrative Counseling, we provide a comprehensive range of therapy and counseling services to help adults, young adults, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, we use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs to promote healing, growth, and resilience.

For couples, we specialize in relationship counseling grounded in the Gottman Method, a proven, research-backed framework designed to enhance communication, rebuild trust, and deepen emotional and physical intimacy. This method equips couples with practical tools to strengthen their connection and resolve conflicts in constructive, meaningful ways.

Our services are designed to address both common and complex issues with personalized care and attention, ensuring that every client receives the support they need to thrive.

Diversity is the Darby Difference

At Darby Integrative Counseling, we are proud to offer therapists with personal and professional experience being from and working in intersectionalities and diverse communities. We offer inclusive therapy for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients, and have therapists who you can relate with and get expert help from. Our compassionate therapists provide a safe and affirming space to explore identity, navigate relationships, and address life challenges based on not only sensitivity to culture, but deep and true culturally competent care. Whether you’re working through stress, anxiety, or the complexities of self-discovery, our inclusive care team is designed to support and celebrate your unique journey.

For trauma survivors, our specialized EMDR therapy provides an evidence-based approach to healing. This transformative method helps clients process painful memories, alleviate symptoms of PTSD, and restore a sense of peace and resilience.

Families can benefit from our comprehensive support services, including parent counseling and therapy for children and teens. We focus on building confidence, overcoming challenges, and strengthening family dynamics. Whether you’re navigating parenting concerns or helping your child manage life’s obstacles, we are here to guide and empower you and your family.

Take the first step toward healing and growth. Make an appointment today to discover what exceptional care grounded in science can look and feel like. Healing is available for you here at Darby Integrative Counseling.

We look forward to supporting you and helping you along your path to health, joy, and wellness.

“We are all just walking each other home.” — Ram Dass

Sincerely,
Darby Andrew Darby Signature
Andrew Darby, Executive Director, Owner, and Psychotherapist

Andrew Darby, LCSW-C, LCSW

Founder and Executive Director of Darby Integrative Counseling (and the Darby Difference)

P.S. Check out our Google Page to see what our clients are saying about their 5-star experiences with us. Don’t just take our word for it—hear it directly from them!

Our Specialties

Explore more specialties

Here's how to get started.

We make finding a therapist simple.

All of the therapists we contract with are thoroughly vetted for professionalism, use of evidence-based practices, and specific areas of specialization.

  1. Clipboard
     

    Take our online questionnaire.

    Answer a series of questions to tell us a bit about what you're looking for help with. (All of your answers are protected by HIPAA and 100% private and confidential).

  2. Puzzle
     

    Match with the right therapist for you.

    We'll use your answers to help guide you toward the best therapist based on your answers.

  3. Calendar
     

    Get an appointment. Fast.

    No need to wait. We'll connect you fast.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to connecting you to counseling that is both local and accessible.

Book Your Free Consultation

Accordingly, our values are as follows:

  1. You will be treated with kindness and dignity.
  2. Your beliefs, values, relationships, individual and family history, and present circumstances will be honored and respected.
  3. We believe in face-to-face relationships—virtually or in-person.
  4. Our contract therapist screening process is thorough, personal, and places the likelihood of successful client outcomes as the most important factor for determining who contract with.
  5. Contract therapists provide evidence-based and trauma-informed care to all clients, regardless of their background.
  6. Contract therapists are out-of-network with most insurance plans, allowing clients to benefit from treatment that is not dictated by insurance, thus removing barriers to quality service that exceeds industry standards.

Read our latest blogs, news, and announcements.

News & Blogs

Get insights for dealing with mental health challenges. Stay updated on mental health news that impacts you. Get notified when we introduce new therapists and modalities to the practice.

  • Pet Therapy vs. Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT): What’s the Difference?

    Curious about the difference between pet therapy and animal-assisted therapy? Learn how each can support your mental health and which one might be right for you.

  • Blending EMDR and IFS: A Powerful Approach to Healing Trauma with Bobby Alexander

    For those seeking a path to healing, the integration of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a dynamic and compassionate approach.

    Robert 'Bobby' Alexander, LMSW, social worker and trauma specialist at Darby Integrative Counseling. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist and out-of-network insurance provider offering personalized therapy services.
  • Small Daily Steps to Improve Mental Health

    Learn science-backed daily practices to support mental health, ease anxiety, and build emotional resilience—one small step at a time.

    Small Daily Steps to Improve Mental Health
  • Maximizing the Value of Out-of-Network Therapy with Thrizer

    Navigating the complexities of healthcare, especially when it comes to mental health services, can often feel like an overwhelming task. For many, the traditional in-network insurance options can come with their own set of frustrations, from limited therapist availability to extensive paperwork. However, Thrizer is changing the game by making out-of-network therapy more accessible, affordable,…

  • How Being a Minority Can Impact Your Mental Health— and How to Overcome Challenges

    Marginalization can have profound, compounding effects on mental health that are often overlooked in favor of biological and psychological factors. Your experiences matter—learn how minority stress affects well-being and discover empowering strategies to heal, build resilience, and thrive in a world that often feels unwelcoming.

    Minority Mental Health: Challenges and Strategies to Thrive
  • Trauma Healing and Prevention: Using the Mind-Body Connection to Learn Integrative Skills

    Techniques such as mindfulness, breathwork, yoga, expressive arts, and body-centered awareness are key to fostering empowerment and self-regulation in trauma recovery. Unlike traditional talk therapy, mind-body integrative therapy engages clients somatically, allowing access to nonverbal realms of memory and emotion for profound healing. Research highlights the efficacy of somatic interventions in reducing PTSD symptoms, enhancing…

    Adobestock 331771546 Preview
  • Understanding Political Stress and How Psychotherapy Can Help Alleviate Its Symptoms

    If you’re feeling the weight of the political climate affecting your mental health, you’re not alone. Many individuals, just like you, are grappling with political stress. Here’s a deeper dive into this shared experience, how it manifests, and the hopeful relief psychotherapy can provide. Political events, news cycles, and global issues constantly bombard us in…

    Grief
  • How Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Benefits Clients with Anxiety Conditions

    Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a therapeutic intervention involving animals as a form of treatment. This approach is becoming increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in addressing mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders. Anxiety, characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, and fear, can manifest in various forms such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, and panic…

    Pexels Alex Dos Santos 305643819 27350692
  • Suicidal Thoughts: Understanding Their Role and Normalizing the Conversation

    Suicide awareness has become a crucial topic in mental health discussions, especially as we observe Suicide Awareness Month. One of the most challenging aspects of this discussion is addressing the prevalence of suicidal thoughts. Contrary to popular belief, having suicidal thoughts does not necessarily mean a person intends to take their own life. Rather, these…

    Woman 8824165 1280
  • Wellness Trauma: Navigating the Hidden Toll on Professional Helpers

    National Wellness Month is a time to celebrate and prioritize our health, focusing on self-care, stress management, and overall well-being. While these themes are universally important, they hold particular significance for professional helpers—those whose careers are dedicated to supporting others, such as medical professionals, therapists, lawyers, nurses, judges, and first responders. These roles often come…

    Adobestock 851045097 Preview
240742865

Join Our Newsletter.

FREE Mental Health Advice, Blogs, Videos & more! Delivered directly to your email. No Spam, Ever.