About María Antonia Alfonso

Meet Your Latinx Therapist in Washington DC

Maria Antonia Alfonso, MS, LPC, LMHC

Founder, Owner and CEO of Face to Face Counseling Services since 2011

Therapist and Clinical Supervisor

Who knew when you started googling “therapist near me” that you’d be met with so many choices—especially here in Washington DC? And yet, reading all those websites might leave you feeling like they’re all saying the same thing. If you’re looking for a Latinx therapist who deeply understands the complexities of trauma, relationships, and sexuality—and who meets you with warmth, curiosity, and no judgment—you’re in the right place.

I know how frustrating the search for the right therapist can feel. You’re not just looking for credentials—you’re looking for connection. For someone who “gets it.” Someone who can help you move through pain and into a more grounded, joyful version of yourself.

Let me share a little about me, so you can start to get a feel for who I am and how I work.

Finding a Therapist Who Truly Sees You

My name is Maria Antonia Alfonso, and long before I was a therapist, I was the person people turned to. Even as a teenager, friends came to me when they needed someone safe and honest to talk to. Becoming a therapist was a natural next step—it aligned with what I loved most: helping people heal and grow.

Today, I specialize in working with people who have been through hard things and want to feel whole again. I love witnessing the transformation that happens when people feel safe enough to do the deep work—how that healing not only benefits them but ripples out to their families, friends, and communities.

Healing Rooted in Culture, Compassion, and Clinical Excellence

I bring both lived experience and advanced clinical training to my work. Born and raised in Cuba, I immigrated to the US in the year 2000. I lived in the State of Florida for 10 years, where I initiated my process of acculturation, worked in public health and in private practice and obtained my first professional license as a counselor in US. For more than 15 years I have been a neighbor in the DMV area. I hold a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and have specialized training in Sexual Health, Trauma Resolution, and Relationship Dynamics.

My specialties include:

  • Trauma, Anxiety, and PTSD

  • Sexuality, HIV/AIDS, and STI counseling

  • Psychoimmunology

  • Breakups, divorce, and relationship recovery

  • Healing from narcissistic abuse and antagonistic relationships

  • Couples counseling and healthy communication

I’m especially passionate about working with minorities, particularly Hispanic and Latinx clients in Washington DC and beyond, including those navigating immigrant experiences, cultural transitions, and multigenerational dynamics. I also welcome LGBTQ+ clients and people from all walks of life—diversity is not just something I value; it’s part of how I practice every day.

As a Hispanic/Latina therapist in Washington DC, I understand how important it is to have someone who respects your culture, your language, and your story. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish, and I strive to create a space where you feel fully seen and supported.

Credentials:

Licensed Professional Counselor in the District of Columbia. License #PRC14153

Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Virginia. License #0701006788

Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. License #MH9613

Qualified Supervisor since 2021

More Than Just Therapy—It’s a Relationship Built on Trust

Face to Face Counseling Services is more than a private practice—it’s a space for transformation. Our work together will be rooted in empathy, ethics, and real connection. I bring creativity, humor, and flexibility to our sessions, tailoring my approach to you and your goals.

We provide telehealth therapy throughout Washington DC, Virginia, and Florida, making it easier to get high-quality care no matter where you are.

A Mission to Serve and Empower

Face to Face Counseling Services was founded with the mission to provide trauma-informed, culturally competent care that empowers individuals to create healthier relationships and reclaim their lives. Our focus is on adults 25+, with an emphasis on women, LGBTQ+ clients, and Spanish-speaking clients in the Latinx community.

Whether you’re navigating trauma, relationship challenges, cultural identity, or sexuality, I’m here to walk with you, not ahead of you. I believe deeply in your capacity to grow—and I’m honored to be a part of that journey.

In addition to therapy, my practice offers:

  • Life and Relationship Coaching

  • Clinical Supervision for Therapists

  • Professional Training and Consultation

  • Psychoeducation online and in person

  • Speaking engagements, Conferences and Seminars

  • Therapeutic Retreats

If you are interested in these additional services, you can send me a message completing the Contact form and I will get back to you in 24-48 hours.

Ready to Take the First Step?

I know reaching out can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to make it easy. We’ll start with a free 30-minute virtual consultation where you can share what’s going on, ask questions, and see how it feels to connect with me. If I’m not the right fit, I’ll help guide you to someone who might be.

Take that first step toward healing with a Latinx therapist in Washington DC who truly sees you.

About Face to Face Counseling Services in Washington, DC

Face to Face Counseling Services is a bilingual (English/Spanish) mental health private practice specializing in individual and couples therapy with a strong focus on healthy relationships, sexual health, and trauma-informed care. We serve adults aged 25 and older, with particular emphasis on women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and the Hispanic community. Our practice also offers training, consultation, and supervision for therapists, combining over 33 years of expertise in mental health with cultural competence, sensitivity to immigrants challenges, and a passion for serving diverse populations.

Licensed in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Florida, we provide convenient telehealth services that expand access to culturally sensitive, and trauma-competent care.

What sets Face to Face Counseling Services apart is the intersection of relationship and sexual health expertise with trauma treatment, as well as our dedication to serving minorities and individuals with diverse lifestyles. By honoring the legacy of its founder's early work in public health and community mental health, the practice continues to offer compassionate, client-centered care that prioritizes wellness and inclusivity.

Mission Statement

At Face to Face Counseling Services, our mission is to provide trauma-informed, culturally competent, and bilingual mental health services that empower adults to cultivate healthier relationships, enhance sexual health, and heal from past traumas. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and compassionate environment where clients, from diverse backgrounds, can find the support they need to thrive. Through therapy, training, and consultation, we strive to elevate the quality of mental health care for individuals and practitioners alike.

 

Get started with counseling in Washington DC, today.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a Latinx therapist, I bring not only clinical expertise but also cultural awareness and sensitivity to the unique experiences of Latinx and Hispanic clients, as well as the other immigrants or minorities. Whether it’s navigating generational trauma, immigration-related stress, or complex family dynamics, I create a space where your cultural identity is honored and integrated into the healing process.

  • Yes, absolutely. I’m a bilingual therapist, fluent in both English and Spanish. I understand that some thoughts and emotions are best expressed in your heart language, and I’m here to support you in whichever language feels most natural and safe for you.

  • Yes. I offer telehealth sessions to clients in Washington DC, Virginia, and Florida. This allows you to receive high-quality, trauma-informed therapy from the comfort and privacy of your own space.

  • I specialize in trauma resolution, anxiety, PTSD, sexual health, breakups and divorce, narcissistic abuse recovery, and relationship dynamics. I also have experience in psychoimmunology, HIV/AIDS support, and working with clients in complex interpersonal relationships.

  • Yes, I offer both individual and couples therapy. My background in relationship coaching, combined with clinical training, allows me to support couples through conflict, communication challenges, intimacy concerns, and more.

  • Absolutely. I welcome individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. My goal is to provide a space where you feel safe, affirmed, and supported in your full identity.

  • The free 30-minute virtual consultation is a no-pressure opportunity for us to connect. I’ll ask about your goals, answer your questions, and help you decide whether we’re a good fit. If we aren’t, I’ll do my best to refer you to someone who might be.

  • You can get started by making an appointment directly on my calendar when you click in any of the buttons trough the website labeled “Schedule a free consultation”. If you have questions before doing that, you can fill out the Contact Form here. From there, I’ll be in touch to answer any questions you may have and help you schedule your free consultation.

  • I primarily work with adults aged 25 and older. Many of my clients are Latinx, Hispanic, but I also have multicultural sensitivity and competence to work with African Americans, White Americans, and individuals from other ethnicities, that are seeking support with trauma, relationship issues, sexuality, or personal growth. I also work with professionals, caregivers, and community leaders who are navigating burnout, stress, or transitions.