Dr. Mirelise Cartagena

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 12 years of experience providing psychotherapy. Since 2021, I have been practicing privately in Washington, DC, after working in a variety of settings in Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, Houston, and DC. My professional background is rooted in community mental health, where I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals across diverse backgrounds and needs. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with patients who have experienced the complex impact of human trafficking, an experience that has deepened my perspective on resilience and healing. I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) from Albizu University in Puerto Rico, where I was raised. Albizu University is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), which represents the highest standard of training in the field and is recognized as the gold standard in preparing psychologists to deliver ethical, evidence-based care. In my practice, I often work with individuals who struggle with the challenging effects of perfectionism—feelings of never being “good enough,” self-criticism, and the stress of high expectations. My treatment approach also includes working with clients who experience:

• Generalized anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Relationship anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Depression
• Stress and adjustment-related concerns
• Religious trauma/spiritual abuse

My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients can better understand themselves, reduce the weight of distress, and move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.

I believe therapy works best as a collaborative process. Rather than giving advice or telling clients what to do, I use a guided discovery approach, helping clients explore their thoughts, patterns, and experiences in ways that empower them to reach their own goals. We set goals together, and I check in regularly to ensure therapy remains meaningful and aligned with what matters most to clients.

A strong therapeutic alliance is central to my work. I place great value on building trust, safety, and connection—knowing this relationship is often the most powerful part of therapy. I am deeply empathic and attentive, taking notes and remembering even small details to show clients they are genuinely heard and cared for.

My style is structured yet flexible. I ask thoughtful questions, help organize sessions with a clear agenda, and integrate feedback and progress measures, while still leaving space for whatever clients need in the moment. When appropriate, I also bring humor into sessions, as I believe warmth and levity can be important parts of healing.

The first session is about getting to know clients and understanding what brings them to therapy. Together, we explore current symptoms and how they may be affecting different areas of life. I ask about preferences, what clients are hoping to gain from therapy, and the values and strengths that are important to them.

I also spend time outlining what therapy with me looks like—such as the role of homework, the importance of consistent attendance, and the value of active participation—so that expectations are clear from the start. My goal is to create a supportive, structured environment where clients feel both heard and guided. By the end of the first meeting, the hope is that we have a shared sense of direction and some initial goals to begin working toward together.