Personalized Care
At Bethesda Chevy Chase Counseling & Assessment Associates, we understand that every individual's journey is unique. Our dedicated team provides personalized counseling and assessment services carefully tailored to your specific needs, challenges, and goals. We believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms.
Community Trust
For two decades, we've served as a trusted community resource in the Bethesda area, committed to fostering emotional well-being and personal growth. Our compassionate approach creates a safe space where healing begins, relationships strengthen, and individuals discover their path forward with confidence and clarity.
Services We Offer
Our practice provides a full spectrum of mental health services designed to support you at every stage of life.
Individual Therapy
Expert treatment for anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma recovery, and navigating major life transitions. We use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique concerns and situation.
Couples & Family Counseling
Strengthen relationships through improved communication, conflict resolution, and deeper understanding. We help families heal and grow together through challenging times.
Screening & Assessment
Our sister company - Screening for Success - provides learning, behavioral, and emotional evaluations. Our assessments provide clarity and guide effective treatment planning.
Group Social Skills Training
for adolescents & young adults with a PEERS-certified instructor
PEERS Social Skills Program starts in January
Beginning January 21, 2026 we will offer a PEERS®-informed adolescent social skills group. This training program is designed for teens who experience challenges with interpersonal communication, peer relationships, flexibility, and social confidence.
Enrollment is now open!
We invite families and community partners to contact us to secure a January placement and learn more about how this PEERS®-informed program can support family members or clients.
Why Choose This Program?
- Emphasis on practical skill development, emotional safety, and respect for neurodiversity
- Designed and facilitated by a PEERS® Certified Provider/licensed Psychology Associate under board-approved supervision
- Dr. Andrea Bush is PEER-certified. She has expertise in adolescent development, autism, ADHD, and social-emotional functioning.
Schedule
- Cohort 1: Wednesdays at 5:00 PM
- Cohort 2: Saturdays at 11:00 AM
Skills Addressed May Include
- Conversational skills and reciprocity
- Making and maintaining friendships
- Perspective-taking and cognitive flexibility
- Managing teasing, rejection, or peer conflict
- Reducing anxiety in social situations
- Group participation and cooperation
Program Details
Teen Group Format
- Small group setting
- 90 minutes per session
Parent Sessions
- Virtual group sessions
- Biweekly on Mondays or Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
- Parent sessions focus on understanding the skills being taught, learning effective coaching language, supporting homework and practice, and troubleshooting common social challenges.
Program Length
- 16-week program
Cost
- $2,500 per child
- Includes all teen sessions and parent group coaching
- Equivalent to approximately $100 per 90-minute session, with parent sessions included at no additional cost
- Not covered by insurance
Meet Our Dedicated Team - Click Here for Details
Our diverse team of experts is passionate about fostering growth and well-being. Each member brings a unique skill set and a commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care.
Teresa Maria Giral, JD, PhD
Founder & Clinical Director
Leading with over two decades of expertise, Dr. Giral guides our practice with a blend of clinical insight and a deep commitment to client well-being.
Lisa Tropez-Arceneaux, Ph.D.
Director of Assessment
Dr. Tropez-Arceneaux oversees our comprehensive assessment services, ensuring precision and clarity in diagnosing complex psychological conditions..
Andrea K. Bush, PsyD
Psychology Associate
With a focus on educational evaluations and adolescent counseling, Dr. Bush empowers clients to embrace both their strengths and challenges, fostering personal growth.
Stefanie Footer, PsyD
Psychology Associate
Dr. Footer specializes solution-focused therapeutic interventions for anxiety and depression. She also works frequently with individuals with ADHD and their families.
Kristen Hayes, M.A.
Development Coach
Ms. Hayes supports young people and families with tailored strategies, promoting resilience and emotional regulation to navigate developmental and educational transitions.
MaryJane Boynton, Ph.D.
Development Coach
Dr. Boynton is an executive funcitioning coach, specializing in neurodiverse learners with 30+ years of experience in coaching and education.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Taking the first step toward mental wellness can feel overwhelming. We've designed our intake process to be as comfortable and supportive as possible, ensuring you feel heard, understood, and empowered from day one.
Comprehensive Intake
Your clinician will conduct a thorough but gentle assessment to understand your background, current challenges, personal goals, and what you hope to achieve through counseling.
Collaborative Planning
Together, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and preferences. You're an active partner in every decision about your care journey.
Ongoing Support
We establish clear expectations and communication methods, ensuring you feel supported between sessions and confident in the path forward toward healing and growth.
Insurance, Payment Information & Fees
We believe quality mental health care should be accessible. Our practice accepts a variety of major insurance plans and offers transparent, straightforward billing practices to minimize stress and confusion around payment.
Insurance Accepted
We accept Carefirst/BCBC plans for therapy services. If you are not in-network, however, our staff will verify your coverage and file out-of-network claims.
Flexible Options
Private pay options available with various payment methods accepted. We also offer sliding scale fees based on financial need to ensure care remains accessible to all who need it.
Referral Network
Sometimes we are not able to accept you as a client - either because we are full or because we believe that another clinician is better suited to meet your needs. We have an extensive referral network in the DMV and will help you find just the right fit.
Questions? Email our Office Manager, Joy Ferrin, for more information: reception@bcccaa.com
Transparent
Therapy Fees
We provide clear, upfront information about session costs and fees.
In network with BCBS: you pay copay.
Out of network:
Dr. Giral (Adult Psychotherapy): $225/hour
Dr. Footer (Adolescent and Adult Counseling): $200/hour
Dr. Bush (Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult counseling): $200/hour
Dr. Tropez-Arceneaux: (assessment only; some exceptions)
Ms. Hayes (Educational & ADHD Coaching): $150/hour
ALL clients under 21 must either undergo our Intake Screening assessments executive functioning, dyslexia, and mental health. There is a one-time fee of $500.
Transparent
Assessment Fees:
Screening for Success DOES NOT participate with insurance.
TESTING PRICE LIST
Any single screening:
ADHD:$300
Dyslexia:$500
Dyscalculia: $500
Autism: $500
Mental Health: $400
2 screenings: $500
3 screenings: $750
Add Report: $200
Full Psycho-educational Assessment with report: $3595
Modified Psycho-educational Assessment (Parochial School Discount): $2000
Full Psycho-educational Assessment with Autism add-on: $3995
Child IQ with report (WISC/WPPSI): $850.
Bethesda Chevy Chase
Counseling & Assessment