Frequently asked questions

A few things you may be wondering.

Answers about individual and couples therapy with Joseph Dorer, PsyD, in Washington, DC. You are welcome to bring other questions to our free 15-minute consultation.

How do I get started?

Use the consultation form below to share your name and email and select Individual Therapy or Couples Therapy. We can talk about what brings you to therapy, answer initial questions, and consider whether working together may be a good fit.

What happens during the consultation?

The consultation is a brief conversation about your concerns, what you are looking for, and practical questions about beginning. For couples, it can help clarify what each partner hopes to gain from the work. It is an opportunity to consider fit before deciding on next steps.

Who do you work with?

I work with adults individually and with couples. My interests include identity, shame, relationships, emotional patterns, and life transitions, with particular interest in the experiences of queer young adults and adults across the lifespan.

What does psychodynamic therapy mean?

Psychodynamic therapy explores how your history, relationships, and feelings that may be outside immediate awareness influence your present experience. We look for connections between what is difficult now and patterns that have developed over time. Learn about my psychodynamic and relational approach.

Do you offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy?

Yes. I work with LGBTQ+ adults and couples, including people exploring sexuality, identity, intimacy, family relationships, and belonging. My training includes individual and group counseling at Whitman-Walker in Washington, DC. Read more about individual therapy and couples therapy.

Where is your practice based?

My private practice work is based in Washington, DC, at Prentice, PLLC. Please use the consultation to confirm the current appointment location, session format, and availability. You can request a consultation here.

Do I need to know what to talk about?

No. You can begin with a specific concern, an experience that is hard to explain, or a sense that something is not working. We can think together about where to begin.

How often would we meet, and for how long?

We will discuss a meeting schedule and the focus of treatment together. The duration of therapy depends on your concerns, goals, and circumstances. We will revisit the work as it develops.

What are your fees and insurance arrangements?

I am an out-of-network provider, and many insurance plans offer benefits that may reimburse a portion of the cost of therapy. I am happy to provide a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.

Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes, with a fee of $250 per session. Couples therapy sessions are 55 minutes, with a fee of $350 per session.

Are sessions in person or online?

I offer both virtual and in-person appointments. In-person appointments take place at Prentice’s Dupont Circle office in Washington, DC.

What is your professional role?

I earned my PsyD in Clinical Psychology at George Washington University and practice as a Psychological Associate under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist. I also serve as a Postdoctoral Clinical Fellow and Visiting Professor at GW, and as a Lecturer in its Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Read about my education and clinical experience.

How should I contact you?

The form below is the best way to request a consultation. Please do not include sensitive clinical information in ordinary email. This website and consultation requests are not a crisis service.

Begin a conversation

Interested in beginning psychotherapy?

A free 15-minute consultation is an opportunity to talk about what brings you to therapy and whether working together may be a good fit.