Who We Are
We provide thoughtful, concierge level care for children, adolescents, adults, and families through therapy, evaluations, and ongoing support.
Our team at Arbit Center for Mental Health specializes in perinatal mental health, PCIT, play therapy, S.P.A.C.E., EMDR, sexual trauma, reunification, and support for 2nd-generation Latine, LGBTQIA+, and other historically marginalized communities. We also offer specialized care in anxiety and trauma, ADHD, child and adolescent mental health, relationship and couples work, and co-parenting support. We are committed to providing affirming, trauma-informed care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and identities.
We’re proud to offer services tailored to your needs, whether you or someone in your family is navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, divorce or separation, discrimination, or major life transitions. Our practice is inclusive of all birthing and non-birthing parents, ensuring comprehensive reproductive mental health support for individuals of all gender identities and family structures.
With a reproductive and adult psychiatrist on staff, we provide integrated mental health care, including medication management and gender-affirming reproductive support. Dr. Pumar offers in-person psychiatric care in the San Francisco Bay Area and virtual services to clients in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. The rest of our team provides in-person therapy in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, as well as telehealth services across these states.
Welcome to Arbit Counseling
Our clinicians are also educators, authors, speakers, and advocates, bringing expertise, innovation, and a deep commitment to social justice to every session. Appointments available within the same week, often in as little as 48 hours.
Our Story
Arbit Center for Mental Health began as a solo private practice in 2016, founded by our director, Ruthie Arbit, LICSW, MA. Driven by her own experiences with mental health and a passion for helping others, Ruthie sought to create a practice that combines exceptional care with community impact. From a single office in Washington, DC, Arbit Counseling has grown into a collaborative, multi-location practice serving clients across the DMV and beyond.
Over the years, our commitment to equity and social responsibility has remained a cornerstone of our work. From providing pro bono counseling to partnering with local organizations and offering reduced-fee services, we strive to give back to the communities we cherish.
Our Services
We are proud to offer a diverse range of services to clients of all ages, backgrounds, and needs.
Children
We provide a nurturing space where children can explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills through evidence-based approaches like play therapy and trauma-focused intervention.
Adolescents
Our therapists support teens in navigating the challenges of adolescence, from managing anxiety and depression to building self-esteem and handling life transitions.
Adults
We offer personalized care to help adults address stress, trauma, and mental health concerns, empowering them to achieve balance, self-compassion, and personal growth.
Couples / Relationships
Strengthen your connection and navigate relationship challenges with our supportive counseling for couples, including poly, LGBTQIA+, and domestic partnerships.
Families
We help families build stronger bonds and overcome challenges through interventions like PCIT, parenting work, and reunification counseling.
Psychiatry
Our reproductive and adult psychiatrist offers expert support for perinatal mental health, medication management, and complex emotional needs.
Sensory Coaching
Through sensory coaching, we provide guidance for children and families managing sensory processing challenges, helping create strategies for success at home and beyond.
Training
Our team offers expert-led professional development workshops for clinicians, providing advanced training in therapeutic modalities and culturally competent care.
Consultations
We collaborate with organizations to provide tailored mental health consultations, helping workplaces foster resilience, communication, and overall well-being.
Now offering therapy intensives, including EMDR and couples sessions, for deeper work and faster progress.
What Makes Us Different
At Arbit Center for Mental Health, what sets us apart is the way we combine expertise with heart. Compassion is at the core of our work, guiding every interaction and creating spaces where individuals and families can heal, grow, and build resilience. We extend this same care to our team, fostering a workplace where wellness, curiosity, and growth are valued.
Collaboration shapes everything we do. Healing is a shared journey, and we partner with clients, families, and communities to co-create solutions that honor each person’s unique experience. By working together, we build pathways to understanding, empowerment, and brighter futures. Through pro bono counseling, reduced-fee services, and community partnerships, we extend our reach to underserved populations, making high-quality mental health care accessible to all.
At Arbit, compassion, collaboration, and equity are not just ideals, they are the principles that guide every session, every program, and every step of your mental health journey.
Our Mission
Compassion
We believe in the intrinsic potential of every individual and family to thrive and grow. Compassion forms the foundation of our work, creating environments where healing is possible and resilience is nurtured. We extend this compassion not only to our clients but also to our team, cultivating a workplace that prioritizes wellness and growth.
Collaboration
Healing is a shared journey. At Arbit Center for Mental Health, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We partner with our clients, communities, and colleagues to build bridges of understanding and pursue collective well-being. Together, we create pathways to brighter futures.
Equity
Equity is woven into the fabric of our practice. We are committed to anti-racism, inclusivity, and ensuring that every voice is heard, respected, and valued. Through community partnerships, such as providing pro bono counseling and reduced-fee services, we strive to extend our reach to underserved populations, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality mental health care.