Business Details
25 Years
experience
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Services in Washington, D.C.
PRIDE THERAPY DC has been dedicated to providing affirming mental health care for LGBTQ+ individuals since 2001. Our practice specializes in transgender care, gender-affirming therapy, and support for HIV+ communities, combining clinical expertise with lived experience. As a WPATH-trained provider with over 20 years of experience, we offer evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ clients. Our services include telehealth sessions accessible across Maryland and Washington, D.C., with sliding scale options available for qualifying individuals. We maintain professional affiliations with leading organizations in LGBTQ+ health and have been recognized in national media for our work with transgender youth.Our approach emphasizes narrative therapy, helping clients reframe their life stories to build resilience and self-acceptance. We accept major insurance plans including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare. Our founder's Lambda Literary-nominated book and clinical leadership at Children's National Medical Center demonstrate our commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ mental health. We provide documentation for gender affirmation surgery requirements and support clients navigating international relocation challenges. Our evening hours accommodate busy schedules while maintaining strict confidentiality and ethical standards.
Services
LGBTQ+ Therapy
Transgender Care
Telehealth Sessions
Mental Health Counseling
Gender Affirming Support
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of specialized experience with LGBTQ+ mental health needs
- WPATH-trained provider for gender-affirming care requirements
- Sliding scale fees available for writers and nonprofit workers
- Telehealth sessions accessible across Maryland and DC
- Recognized in national media for transgender youth advocacy
Associations and certifications
- WPATH Trained Provider
Services
LGBTQ+ Therapy
Specialized mental health treatment for LGBTQ+ individuals addressing anxiety, depression, and identity exploration. Our trauma-informed approach combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with narrative techniques to help clients reframe life experiences. Evening sessions accommodate working professionals seeking support for coming-out processes or discrimination-related stress.
Transgender Care
Comprehensive gender-affirming care including WPATH-standard assessments and insurance documentation. We support clients through social, legal, and medical transition processes with expertise developed through 15+ years at Children's National Medical Center. Our services meet insurance requirements for gender confirmation procedures.
Telehealth Sessions
Secure video therapy accessible from any location with internet connectivity. This option suits clients managing transportation barriers, chronic illness, or busy schedules. Covered by most major insurance plans, these 50-minute sessions maintain the same clinical rigor as in-person meetings while offering greater flexibility.
Mental Health Counseling
Individual and family therapy addressing mood disorders, trauma recovery, and life transitions. Our evidence-based practice helps clients challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies. Evening hours accommodate clients needing after-work support for anxiety or relationship challenges.
Gender Affirming Support
Specialized support for gender exploration and affirmation across life domains. Services include name/pronoun exploration, legal document changes, and family mediation. Developed through clinical leadership at the Youth Pride Clinic, our approach balances affirmation with careful exploration of identity development.
People
Michael Mancilla
Psychotherapist
LICSW with 20+ years of experience in LGBTQ+ mental health, specializing in transgender care and HIV+ communities. Published author and former Director of Mental Health at Children's National Medical Center's Youth Pride Clinic.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer for transgender individuals?
We provide gender-affirming therapy, WPATH-standard assessments, and insurance documentation support. Our services meet insurance requirements for gender confirmation procedures and include social, legal, and medical transition guidance.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we are in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carefirst, Cigna, Carelon, United Healthcare, Oscar, Oxford Health, and Quest Behavioral Health plans. Telehealth sessions are covered by most major insurers.
Are telehealth sessions available?
Yes, secure video therapy sessions are available for clients in Maryland and Washington, D.C. These 50-minute sessions offer the same clinical quality as in-person meetings with greater scheduling flexibility.
What experience do you have with LGBTQ+ youth?
Our therapist served as Director of Mental Health at Children's National Medical Center's Youth Pride Clinic for 15 years, supporting hundreds of transgender youth and families. We've been profiled in national media for this work.
Do you offer sliding scale fees?
Yes, we provide sliding scale options for writers and nonprofit workers. Contact us directly to discuss financial accommodations based on individual circumstances.
Are you a WPATH-trained provider?
Yes, we are trained through the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, meeting the highest standards for gender-affirming care and insurance documentation requirements.
Reviews (3)
Chris Mancilla Moon
Dec 11, 2019
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Insightful therapist who has a true understanding and empathy for the LGBTQ community. Highly recommend!
Justin S.
May 03, 2019
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Mr. Mancilla has been a life saver. He is attentive, caring, and has a comforting bedside manner. I've been seeing Mr. Mancilla to help me cope with chronic pain and resulting emotional complications. I've been working with him to improve my daily quality of life and return to feeling and acting like me again. I struggled to find someone I could trust, someone that made me feel comfortable, and someone that had my best interest in mind. I'm thrilled with the results thus far and highly recommend Mr. Mancilla to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Jaime M.
Sep 21, 2018
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Michael Mancilla is amazing! 5 stars just aren't enough for him. My teenage son has been working with him through the Youth Pride Clinic for gender therapy and it has been a wonderful experience and is making such a difference for not only my child, but myself and my husband. We HIGHLY recommend him and are so grateful to be able to work with him. We drive an hour each way for the appointments because it's worth it. Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with him.
