Our counseling team includes licensed clinical psychologists, social workers, marriage and family therapists and counselors. Each therapist is licensed to practice in the District of Columbia.
Dr. Catherine Ford, Psy.D.
Dr. Catherine Ford is a licensed clinical psychologist who brings over two decades of experience supporting adults, adolescents, and children across a variety of treatment settings, including inpatient hospitals, community-based clinics, public and non-public schools, and private practice. She joined Capitol Hill Counseling and Resource Center in 2020 as a Consulting Psychology Associate, providing therapy and psychological services both virtually and in person.
Dr. Ford has a particular passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions. She previously served as Clinical Services Program Manager in the Developmental Disabilities Division of Arlington County Department of Human Services and as Acting Clinical Director at the Northern Virginia Training Center in Fairfax, VA, prior to its closing.
Her career has also included consulting roles with The MECCA Group, LLC, H&W Independent Solutions, and the California Department of Developmental Disabilities, where she offered behavioral consultation, assessment, and intervention services.
Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Ford now lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland with her family. She earned her Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University, Arlington, Virginia. Outside of her work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her extended family.
Cloraine Benoit, LCSW-C, LICSW
Cloraine Benoit is a Brooklyn-born Haitian psychotherapist who is deeply passionate about supporting individuals, families, and transitional youth through life’s most challenging transitions. She earned her Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University in 2009 and is licensed in Maryland and DC. She also holds certification as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist.
Cloraine has provided therapy in various settings, including Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where she supported clients with psychological disorders, special needs, and those navigating complex family and transitional challenges. She currently serves as a Forensic Social Worker with the Maryland Department of Health, where she monitors and supports individuals with criminal backgrounds in maintaining treatment compliance and community reintegration.
As a liver transplant survivor, Cloraine brings a deeply personal understanding of the importance of mental and emotional support during difficult seasons of life. Her therapeutic style is client-centered, culturally responsive, and rooted in creating a compassionate, supportive, and safe space for healing and growth.
Family and community remain central to Cloraine’s life. She is married with two children and is surrounded by an amazing local community and extended family.
Yasmin Elkhair, MSW, LICSW
Yasmin Elkhair is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker committed to helping individuals and families navigate emotional challenges and life transitions with confidence and clarity. She integrates evidence-based interventions within a client-centered, culturally responsive framework, ensuring that therapy is both practical and empowering.
Yasmin supports clients working through anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem challenges. She also provides specialized support for individuals exploring cultural identity, managing grief, and adapting to life changes.
Drawing on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, and Mindfulness, Yasmin tailors interventions to each client’s goals, promoting resilience, healing, and sustainable well-being.
Yasmin’s therapeutic style is collaborative, affirming, and strengths-focused, allowing clients to feel heard, supported, and actively engaged in their growth process.
Alisha Peeler, LMSW, LGSW
Alisha Peeler is a Licensed Master Social Worker who is passionate about creating safe, affirming spaces where individuals can explore their challenges, develop resilience, and cultivate lasting personal growth. She specializes in working with clients navigating anxiety, depression, low self-worth, relationship trauma, stress, boundary setting, and people-pleasing behaviors.
Alisha’s approach is client-centered, strengths-based, and integrative, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Care. She works closely with clients to explore patterns, build coping skills, and create personalized strategies for healing and empowerment.
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Alisha’s experiences living in various regions of the U.S. have given her a broad and inclusive perspective on diverse client needs and cultural backgrounds. She brings this sensitivity into her clinical work, offering culturally responsive care that honors each person’s unique story.
Beyond the therapy room, Alisha enjoys exploring new cities and cultures, experimenting with new recipes, and connecting to the uplifting power of music—a personal source of renewal and inspiration.
Wanda Pickens, LICSW
Dr. Wanda Pickens is a clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults navigating anxiety, depression, and a wide range of emotional and life challenges. She uses a trauma-informed, integrative approach that incorporates psychodynamic theory and Internal Family Systems (IFS) concepts to support clients in their healing process.
Dr. Pickens’ therapeutic style is warm and collaborative, creating a space where clients feel respected, supported, and empowered to explore their experiences and move toward personal growth and emotional well-being.
She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Social Work, a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from Howard University.
Our Office
The Capitol Hill Counseling and Resource Center is located in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood in Washington, DC. We’re less than ten minutes away from the United States Capitol and walking distance from Eastern Market and Union Station.
We believe our warm, calming space with beautiful décor will help you feel more comfortable during your counseling visits. The office is designed with you in mind – for positive outcomes, maximum comfort and convenience. We have multiple rooms and configurations to host individuals, families and groups.
