Metropolitan Counseling Associates
MCA Therapists in Bethesda and Online
Welcome to Metropolitan Counseling Associates.
Our team of licensed therapists, executive function coaches, and clinical consultants is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert, therapy, training, and support in our Bethesda office and through secure online sessions nationwi
Mackenzie Bell, LCPC
Mackenzie works with children, adolescents, and young adults through individual, family, and group therapy. She has a special interest in helping teens and families strengthen communication, manage conflict, and create healthier patterns at home. Her approach blends CBT, DBT, and exposure and response prevention (ERP), giving clients practical skills to reduce anxiety, face fears directly, and build lasting confidence. She is also part of the Ascend Lite team, where she supports young adults in navigating challenges and building independence.
Mackenzie’s background includes inpatient and community-based work, giving her a broad perspective on treatment across levels of care. She brings this experience into her outpatient practice with a direct, goal-focused style that helps clients see progress and sustain change. At MCA, she also leads SPACE Therapy for parents, offering concrete strategies that help families support children struggling with anxiety.
Licensed in Maryland, DC, and Virginia, Mackenzie earned her master’s degree in psychology from American University and a Professional Counseling Studies Certificate from the University of Baltimore. She sees clients in Bethesda and online.
Email bellm@metcounseling.com
Caryn Harris Bohac, LCPC, NCC
Caryn has a full-time outpatient practice providing individual, family, and group therapy for adolescents and young adults in Bethesda and online. She is the director of the Ascend 2 and Ascend Lite programs, a member of the Ascend team, and co-founder of LaunchWell™, MCA’s college readiness program. Caryn also oversees mental health assessments, completing intakes for Ascend and young adult outpatient services.
She specializes in treating anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and mood disorders, with a focus on helping teens and young adults navigate the pressures of adolescence, college, and early adulthood. Caryn is certified in exposure and response prevention (ERP) and trained in CBT and DBT, approaches she uses to help clients face fears, build emotional regulation, and make meaningful change. In addition to her clinical work, she provides professional and community trainings on anxiety and exposure. Earlier in her career, she co-founded About Time, a tutoring service for students struggling with executive functioning, reflecting her long-standing commitment to supporting youth development.
Caryn is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and child development from Tufts University and her graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling from George Washington University.
Email bohacc@metcounseling.com
Amye L. Fried, LCSW-C
Amye is the co-founder of Metropolitan Counseling Associates and has been providing individual, family, and group therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults in the Washington, DC area for more than 25 years. She is the founder and director of the Ascend Program, a certified clinical supervisor, and a recognized expert in human development and mental health assessment. In addition to her clinical work, Amye has served as a consultant and keynote speaker for schools, hospitals, and professional organizations across the region.
Her training includes a strong foundation in family and group therapy, enhanced by more recent work in DBT, exposure and response prevention (ERP), cultural competence, and comprehensive assessment. Amye’s approach is collaborative and holistic, aimed at promoting independence, confidence, and well-being in young people as they transition into adulthood. She is especially passionate about guiding adolescents and young adults in developing a sense of purpose and direction.
Amye graduated summa cum laude from Emory University with a degree in psychology and earned her master’s in clinical social work from Smith College. She went on to complete five years of post-master’s clinical training with a specialization in family and group therapy.
Email frieda@metcounseling.com
Dani Gillespie LMSW
Dani Gillespie has an outpatient practice working with adolescents, emerging adults, and adults. She provides individual, family, and group therapy and is a member of the Ascend treatment team.
Dani’s warm and curious approach creates a safe space for clients to explore patterns in their lives while building practical skills for lasting change. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), tailoring her approach to honor each person’s unique story, current circumstances, and goals. Dani’s goal in therapy is to help clients strengthen their relationships—both with others and themselves, and to find more moments of genuine connection and satisfaction in their daily lives.
Dani is a LMSW in Maryland. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Houston, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Texas.
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Chelsea Kaplan, M.S.Ed, MSW
Chelsea brings a background in education and counseling to her work with adolescents, young adults, and families. Before becoming a therapist, she taught middle and high school in New York City and the Washington, DC area, with roles at The Chapin School, Trevor Day School, and Maret School. At Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, she directed the College and Career Guidance program, helping students prepare for life beyond high school. This experience informs her clinical work, where she supports clients struggling with motivation, executive functioning, and relationships. She often incorporates CBT and DBT strategies to help clients build momentum, make meaningful changes, and achieve their goals.
Chelsea is also trained in SPACE therapy (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), an evidence-based, parent-focused approach for children and teens experiencing anxiety or OCD. This model helps parents shift their responses to anxiety-driven behaviors, creating healthier family patterns and easing distress—even when the child is not ready or able to participate directly in therapy.
Chelsea earned her undergraduate degree from Lehigh University, her master’s in education from Bank Street College of Education, and her M.S.W. from Catholic University. At MCA, she provides executive functioning coaching alongside individual and family therapy for adolescents, young adults, and adults.
Rebecca Kullback, LCSW-C
Rebecca is a trauma-informed clinician, program designer, and clinical leader with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Her work focuses on trauma-related disorders, nervous system regulation, relational health, and comprehensive mental health assessment.
Rebecca is the co-founder of Metropolitan Counseling Associates, where she serves as Director of Outpatient Services, and founder of LaunchWell™, college readiness and mental health prevention program. She specializes in trauma-informed and attachment-based treatment and integrates neuroscience, family systems, and EMDR therapy to support sustainable psychological change.
Rebecca received her MSW in clinical social work from Smith College and began her career in psychiatric research and clinical work at the National Institutes of Health and Chestnut Lodge Hospital, collaborating with leading researchers in the field. She later developed the upper school counseling department at Sidwell Friends School and has consulted widely with independent schools on student mental health and community wellbeing.
Rebecca is an EMDRIA-certified EMDR consultant, certified in DBT, extensively trained in family therapy and the neurobiology of mental health, and a certified clinical social work supervisor. She has served as faculty at the Catholic University School of Social Work and contributed to advanced adoption-competent therapist training through the University of Maryland. In addition to her clinical practice, she works as a consultant, educator, and speaker, bringing a systems-based, trauma-informed perspective to individuals and organizations.
Email kullbackr@metcounseling.com
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Kim Levin MS, CCC-SLP
Kim is the Director of Assessments and Executive Function Services at Metropolitan Counseling Associates. She works individually with adolescents, young adults, and adults and also leads groups. She is a member of the Ascend and Ascend Lite programs and co-founder of LaunchWell™, MCA’s college readiness program.
Kim specializes in evaluating and treating executive functioning challenges, helping clients understand how their strengths and differences affect daily life at school, work, and home. She is trained in a wide range of cognitive, educational, and vocational assessments and brings over 25 years of experience to her work. Known for her thorough evaluations and practical strategies, Kim is passionate about building authentic relationships that give clients tools to strengthen executive functioning, improve mental health, and feel more successful in their day-to-day lives.
Kim is a licensed speech-language pathologist in Virginia and Maryland and a board-approved supervisor for clinicians in the field. She has participated in mentoring programs for early-career professionals and continues to guide the next generation of clinicians. Kim earned her undergraduate degree in communication sciences and disorders and psychology from James Madison University and her master’s in speech-language pathology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She works with clients in Bethesda and online nationwide.
Email levink@metcounseling.com
Paige Lewis, LCPC, NCC
Paige has a full-time outpatient practice working with adolescents, young adults, families, and groups. She is part of both the Ascend and Ascend Lite programs and also plays a lead role in coordinating case management services to support clients in reaching their treatment goals.
She specializes in treating mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, and family challenges. Trained in DBT, CBT, and EMDR, Paige combines evidence-based interventions with mindfulness and a strengths-based approach. She is known for her compassionate, direct style that helps clients better understand themselves, work through obstacles, and make lasting changes in their lives.
Paige is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Marymount University.
Email lewisp@metcounseling.com
Michelle Manket, LCSW-C, LICSW
ichelle has an outpatient practice working with adolescents, emerging adults, and adults. She provides individual, family, couples, and group therapy and is also a member of the Ascend treatment team.
She specializes in treating mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, and relationship challenges. Michelle is trained in EMDR and often incorporates it into her work with clients healing from trauma or difficult life experiences. She also has a particular interest in couples therapy, helping partners improve communication, strengthen trust, and navigate transitions together. Her integrative style blends behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic approaches, with the goal of giving clients the insight and tools they need to feel more empowered in their lives and relationships.
Michelle is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Maryland and Virginia and a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, DC. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and her MSW from New York University.
Email manketm@metcounseling.com
Charlotte Masters, LMSW, LGSW
Charlotte provides individual and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. She specializes in working with clients who identify as LGBTQ+ and is committed to creating a safe, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences and identities. Her approach is psychodynamically oriented and integrates CBT, DBT, and somatic practices to address mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, and life transitions.
Before joining MCA, Charlotte worked in diverse clinical settings including residential substance use treatment, inpatient oncology and medicine, and outpatient pediatric behavioral health. She has led psychoeducation groups, process groups, and family-focused sessions, and has extensive experience conducting assessments, treatment planning, and discharge coordination. In her outpatient work with children and teens, she trained in TF-CBT, PCIT, and supportive psychotherapy. She also served as a Mental Health Professional with Kesem, a national organization supporting children impacted by a parent’s cancer, reflecting her passion for working with families facing unique challenges.
Charlotte is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Maryland and a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, DC. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and her MSW with a specialization in health care from the University of Pennsylvania.
Email mastersc@metcounseling.com
Liz McCarthy, LMSW
Liz provides individual and family therapy to adolescents and young adults. She works part-time as an outpatient therapist at MCA and full-time as a social worker in a Washington, DC high school.
For more than 25 years, Liz has served students and families in public schools as a teacher, case manager, instructional coach, and Deputy Chief of Professional Learning for DC Public Schools. In these roles, she focused on teacher development and the use of trauma-informed practices to support the whole child. She brings that same commitment to her clinical work, where she specializes in helping adolescents and young adults impacted by trauma, anxiety, and depression. Trained in EMDR, Liz combines evidence-based approaches with her relational style to help clients build resilience, process difficult experiences, and move toward more fulfilling lives.
Liz is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Maryland. She earned her MSW in clinical social work from George Mason University, where she was awarded a scholarship to the Community-Academic Partnerships in Behavioral Health program for specialized training in child and adolescent trauma. She also holds a master’s degree in secondary education with dual certification in special education and English as a second language from George Washington University and is Nationally Board Certified in Adolescent and Young Adulthood: English Language Arts.
Email mccarthyl@metcounseling.com
Macarena “Maca” Santelices, LCPC
Maca has a full-time outpatient practice working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She provides individual, family, and group therapy and is fluent in Spanish, offering bilingual therapy services.
She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Trained in DBT and CBT, Maca also incorporates mindfulness and solution-focused strategies to help clients manage social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. She is experienced in supporting parents, providing mental health consultations, and coordinating case management services. Her approach emphasizes practical skills and compassionate support to help clients achieve their goals and feel more confident in daily life.
Maca is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology and Spanish from the University of Maryland and her master’s in counseling psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Email santelicesm@metcounseling.com
Katherine Whorton Todman, LCSW-C
Katherine specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and adjustment to medical diagnoses. She draws from psychodynamic therapy, DBT, CBT, and mindfulness, tailoring her approach to meet each client’s needs and goals.
In addition to her outpatient work at MCA, Katherine holds a full-time role in medical research. Her background in research and ethics strengthens MCA’s outcome-based studies in the Ascend program and guides the practice’s commitment to clinical integrity. She completed training in the adult psychotherapy program at the Baltimore Washington Center for Psychoanalysis and advanced clinical training at the Clinical Social Work Institute in Washington, DC. Colleagues value her thoughtful attention to the many variables that influence clinical work and her dedication to upholding ethical standards in practice.
Katherine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. She earned her undergraduate degree from Chapman University and her MSW from Smith College.
Email todmankw@metcounseling.com
Robyn Wechsler, MD
Dr. Wechsler is the consulting psychiatrist for the ASCEND program, a consultant to LaunchWell™ college readiness program, and routinely collaborates in the treatment of clients and families in our outpatient practice. Dr. Wechsler is also co-founder of Capital Mental Health, a very busy child, adolescent and adult psychiatric practice in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Dr. Wechsler integrates a sophisticated knowledge and practice of medicine with warmth and enthusiasm for her patient’s success and well-being. Her wisdom, competence and energy make her a highly sought-after provider and an invaluable asset to Ascend. Before moving to fulltime private practice in 2012, Dr. Wechsler was on the faculty of Georgetown University Hospital Department of Psychiatry and a staff supervisor and psychiatrist. Dr. Wechsleer also completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine and spent time out west where she was a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Children’s Institute in Los Angeles.
Dr. Wechsler is an ABPN board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. Dr. Wechsler graduated from Brown University and received her medical degree from the University of Maryland. She completed her residency at the University of Pittsburg Western Psychaitric Institute.
Anna Wolf, DSW, LCSW-C
Anna has a full-time outpatient practice treating adolescents, adults, and families. She provides individual, family, and group therapy, and is a member of the Ascend program. Anna is fluent in Spanish and provides bilingual mental health services.
Prior to MCA, Anna has worked as a psychotherapist, program director, and clinical supervisor in various settings such as child welfare, public schools, and community health clinics. Anna is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Exposure Response Prevention (EXRP). She utilizes a collaborative approach that is strengths-based and solution-oriented, and is passionate about helping clients develop skills to improve emotional, relational, and psychological wellbeing.
Anna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, EMDRIA certified EMDR practitioner, and MD Board Approved Supervisor. She completed her MSW at the University of Maryland and earned her Doctor of Social Work in clinical practice and leadership from the University of Tennessee.
Email wolfa@metcounseling.com
MCA Staff
Sondra Brassel, Billing Specialist
Email brassels@metcounseling.com
Charisse Bravo, Office Manager
Email office@metcounseling.com
Indy, Therapy Dog
Many people ask: Are therapy dogs service dogs? No, they are not the same. While service dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities in public spaces, therapy dogs like our beloved Indy bring warmth, connection, and emotional support to clinical settings. Indy, short for the color Indigo, is a male, soft-coated wheaten terrier therapy dog who has been a part of the fabric of Metropolitan Counseling Associates and the Ascend program since he was a mere 13 week-old pup and an irreplaceable part of our healing team.. Although not certified, he has graduated from 16 weeks of training as a therapy dog. He predominately uses physical closeness, constant invitations to pet him (favorite spot is under the neck), gentle and inviting puppy-dog eyes, and an occasional kiss to work his therapy magic. His years of experience comforting all in his wake and his joyful presence in the waiting room reflect the warmth that clients experience at MCA. Indy is full time at our Bethesda, MD offices.
At Metropolitan Counseling Associates, we are proud to be a trusted resource for therapy in Bethesda, MD and online nationwide. Our associates are committed to providing the highest quality care, guided by ongoing professional development, client feedback, and a deep respect for each person’s unique journey. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, our team is here to help you take the next step toward healing, growth, and lasting well-being.