Niki Picogna, Psy.D., M.S., LCPC, LPC, LMHC, RPT-S™

*Not accepting new clients at this time 

Contact Info: email: Niki@bethesdaplaytherapyhealing.com ph: 301-821-1723

Dr. Niki is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (MD, DC, FL, SC, DE), Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor, and EMDR Therapist and Consultant. She specializes in child and adolescent mental health, anxiety disorders, trauma, and supporting young adults. Trained in various modalities including EMDR, SPACE, ERP, CBT, and Positive Parenting, she integrates evidence-based approaches with creativity and compassion. Her commitment to the field extends beyond clinical work—she’s a past president of the MD/DC Association for Play Therapy, a national APT leader, a community champion for the Children's Mental Health Matters campaign, and conducts trainings both locally and internationally. Her research explores parenting and childhood anxiety reflecting her passion for understanding family dynamics and implementing early intervention practices. 

Dr. Niki holds a B.S. from the University of Maryland at College Park, a M.S. from The Johns Hopkins University, and a Psy.D. from California Southern University. With over 16 years of clinical experience, Dr. Niki has worked across diverse settings including schools, clinics, IOP programs, and emergency departments. Before founding her practice in 2016, she managed a youth mental health program and developed a passion for supervising and training emerging professionals. Certified in trauma treatment and MAP from the University of Maryland School of Social Work, she brings a systems-informed, collaborative lens to therapy. Her approach is integrative and neurobiologically informed, always focused on helping clients feel safe, connected, and empowered.

In her work with children, teens, and young adults, Dr. Niki uses a range of modalities including play therapy, yoga, EMDR, and mindfulness. Her sessions often include expressive tools like art, music, sand, and movement to promote regulation and healing. She is also passionate about animal-assisted play therapy and volunteers at a children’s hospital with her certified therapy dog. Outside the office, she enjoys tennis, biking, music, and spending time in nature with her family. Additionally, she provides in-person and virtual clinical supervision, training, and consultation services.