Fernanda Bianchi, Ph.D.
I am a Ph.D. level Licensed Psychologist who has been in the field of psychology for over 20 years. I provide individual and couple’s therapy to adults with various concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, loss, work related stress, life transitions, and cross-cultural adjustment.
Because I provide psychotherapy in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, I can work with people who want the flexibility of switching languages depending on their personal preference. And as a person who was raised in a bi-cultural environment, I am attuned to the challenges often experienced by people moving to a new country and adapting to a new culture.
In addition to my private practice, I spent several years at the Department of Psychology and at the Global Women’s Institute of the George Washington University. During my years in academia, I published several articles in scientific journals, managed or led research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and developed programs for students and supervised them. I am currently undergoing training to become a meditation teacher through The Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield (MMTCP). I am also a trained Imago Therapist and offer therapy and workshops in this modality for couples.
BACKGROUND
- Psychologist at the Ross Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders
- Ph.D. Clinical Psychology from the George Washington University (GWU)
- Internship at the Woodburn Community Mental Health Center
- Staff Psychologist at the Counseling Center of the Catholic University of America
- Senior Research Scientist at the Psychology Department of the GWU
- Director of Programs and Development at the Global Women’s Institute of the GWU
- Project Director and Principal Investigator on National Institutes of Health Research Grants
- Supervisor of Graduate Students
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Member of the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Member of the Maryland Psychological Association (MPA)
- Member of the Imago Relationship North America (IRNA)
- Member of the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (PSYPACT)
BOARDS AND VOLUNTEER WORK
- Member of the Advisory Council of the Welcome Back Center of Suburban MD for foreign trained health professionals at Montgomery County DHHS
- Former Member and Co-Chair of the Latino Health Steering Committee of the Montgomery County Department of Health Human Services (DHHS)
- Former Co-Chair Elect of the Leadership Institute for Equity and Elimination of Disparities (LIEED) Advisory Committee of the Montgomery County DHHS
CERTIFICATIONS
- Certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PESI)
- Certified in Mindfulness Training (UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center)
- Trained in Imago Therapy and working towards certification (IRNA)
My belief in the resilience of human nature and our ability to change and grow is at the center of my therapeutic practice. Anxiety, depression, and stress often challenge our ability to find emotional health and happiness. As a licensed psychologist, we will work together to help you gain insight into what keeps you from achieving your goals and then change thoughts and behaviors to improve your level of life satisfaction. I approach our work in a collaborative manner, by helping you explore and articulate your thoughts and feelings in an environment of trust, respect, and safety.
I use an individually-tailored eclectic and flexible approach integrating techniques from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and a relationship perspective. Depending on your needs, I provide both short and long-term treatments. I primarily work with adults who are seeking individual therapy and I also see couples using the Imago therapeutic approach. As a bicultural person fluent in 3 languages, I am sensitive to and have training in multicultural and acculturation issues, and have a special interest in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
I believe that each person is unique and therefore has their own very specific point of view and understanding of themselves and their life. You are the expert on you. I am committed to understanding each person’s uniqueness as empathically as I can in order to make the kind of connection that will promote the best possible treatment relationship and outcomes.
Some issues I commonly work with my clients on:
| Generalized Anxiety | Social Anxiety | Panic Disorder | ADHD/ADD |
| Depression | Life Transition Issues | Self-Esteem | Perfectionism |
| Interpersonal or Relationship Difficulties | Workplace Related Stress | Cross-Cultural Adjustment | Loss and Trauma |
Initial Contact:
I offer an initial phone consultation to understand the issues that are bringing you to therapy, so that we can both determine if I would be a good fit as your therapist. If either of us believes that you would be better assisted by working with another therapist, I will do my best to provide you with a referral. Please complete the request form on my contact page to reach me and schedule this complimentary consultation.
Fees:
Fees are $325 for the initial intake session (1 hour) and $275 for subsequent 50 minute sessions for individual therapy and $285 for couple’s therapy. As a sole practitioner, I do not have the administrative resources to participate in any insurance programs. However, I will provide you with a statement of services with the codes and diagnosis that are required by insurance companies for out of network reimbursement. Payment for services is due at the conclusion of each session, and may be made by check or credit card. A sliding scale option will be considered under certain circumstances.
If you plan to use your health insurance to help you pay for therapy, then you should consider calling your insurance company ahead of time to find out what your out-of-network benefits for mental health services are. Coverage for services will vary by health insurance plan.
Cancellation Policy:
I hold your appointment time for you only, and I limit the number of clients I see so that I can give you the focus and attention you deserve. You may cancel without charge with 24-hour notice. However, should you not appear for your appointment, or cancel inside of the 24-hour period, you will be charged the cost of the session.
I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully working together. Please fill out the short form on my website to schedule a call or appointment. Once we establish contact, I can walk you through the process of filling out the administrative forms for my practice and how to get to my office or connect virtually. Thank you for your interest and time.
I offer most of my sessions online and I am in my office in Bethesda only once a week. Depending on your needs and my availability we will determine the best way to hold our sessions. Both individual and couple sessions are 50 minutes long, unless otherwise arranged. Our first session or two will involve an evaluation of your needs and review of your diagnosis and treatment options.
To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, use the form below:
