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Headway
Headshot of Leticia Manoel, LICSW

Leticia Manoel

Therapist
15 years of experience
16 patients on Headway
  • Virtual & in-person
  • Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Cultural & ethnic issues, Identity issues, Trauma
  • Individual therapy, Child or adolescent therapy, Family therapy

Great to meet you!

Hi! I’m so glad you’re here. As a trilingual therapist (fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanglish 😊), I know firsthand how much our backgrounds shape who we are. My own life experiences help me meet you with deep empathy, genuine curiosity, and an open mind, especially if you are navigating identity, belonging, or the immigrant experience. For over 15 years, I’ve walked alongside kids, teens, and adults facing all kinds of heavy stuff. Whether you are dealing with low self-esteem, family or relationship drama, grief, trauma, anxiety, or depression, please know you don't have to carry it alone. While I specialize in helping people from all walks of life, a huge part of my practice is dedicated to a few specific areas. I have deep experience working with first-generation immigrants and children of immigrant parents who are trying to balance multiple worlds, figure out where they belong, and handle the unique pressures of acculturation. I also love helping clients navigate tricky relationship dynamics, whether that means untangling family drama, building healthier romantic partnerships, or figuring out the rules and anxiety of today's dating world. Additionally, I work closely with young adults who find themselves at a crossroads, trying to figure out who they are while surviving major educational, school, or career transitions.

What drew me to this profession is deeply personal. Years ago, I faced my own life challenges and found myself sitting in the client's chair, searching for answers. Going through my own therapy and experiencing its tremendous, life-changing benefits firsthand is exactly what made me fall in love with this field. It showed me how powerful it is to have someone truly walk alongside you, and it inspired me to become that support system for others.

My approach to therapy

At the core of my practice is an existential and humanistic approach. This means I value understanding the deeper layers of your emotional world while honoring your inherent strengths, resilience, and capacity for growth. Depending on your goals and preferences, I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to offer practical tools and support that fit your unique needs. Whether we are healing old wounds or building new skills, my focus is on supporting your growth through a blend of deep self-discovery and active, everyday change.

What you can expect from me

During our first session, we begin to build the therapeutic alliance by getting to know each other in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment. We’ll explore what brings you to therapy today, your background, and the specific goals you hope to achieve. This 'intake' phase allows me to understand your unique world while giving you a firsthand look at my therapeutic style, ensuring that we are aligned and ready to work together as a collaborative team.

About me

  • I identify as
    Other Racial or Ethnic Background, Latinx, Woman
  • My style is
    Humorous, Holistic, Warm

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    15 years of experience
  • Training
    MSW (Master of Social Work) at University of Maryland
  • License type
    LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Clinical) (Maryland), LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) (District Of Columbia)
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Ascension, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente of the Mid Atlantic

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Depression, Cultural & ethnic issues, Identity issues, Trauma
  • More specialties
    Bipolar disorder, Family issues, Stress management, Anger management, Grief or loss, Relationship issues, Women's issues, PTSD
  • Therapy methods
    Humanistic, Psychodynamic, Strength-Based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Play, Trauma Focused CBT, Psychoeducational Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Attachment Based Family Therapy, Behavioral, Behavior Management
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Child or adolescent therapy, Family therapy
  • Ages served
    Seniors, Adults, Adolescents
  • Languages
    English, Portuguese, Spanish
  • Location
    1718 Connecticut Avenue Northwest #201
    Washington, DC 20009

Nearby areas

  • Washington, DC