Programs
Specialized Community Programs
Community-focused programs bringing behavioral health support to schools, survivors of crime, and pediatric providers across Washington, D.C.
Adult Programs & Services
Programs serving adults and families
The EmpowerME Program
Survivors of Crime Support
Healing is possible. Our trauma-informed EmpowerME program helps survivors reclaim their lives after crime and violence.
Overview
PTW MSI's 'EmpowerME' program takes a holistic, trauma-informed approach to supporting primary and secondary survivors of crime. Whether you experienced violence directly, witnessed a crime, or were present at a traumatic scene — you deserve compassionate, specialized care.
Our team of therapists, psychiatrists, and case managers — all trained in trauma-informed care — deliver evidence-based treatments including TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Services are available virtually and in-person.
How to Access
Available to primary and secondary survivors of crime. Contact PTW MSI to determine eligibility and begin the intake process.
What to Expect
Holistic, Trauma-Informed Care
Every aspect of your care — from intake to treatment — is guided by trauma-informed principles that prioritize your safety, voice, and empowerment.
Individual, Group & Family Therapy
We offer all three formats, so survivors can choose what feels right for them and adjust as they progress through recovery.
Pharmacotherapy Available
For clients who may benefit from medication support, our psychiatrists provide evaluation and medication management alongside therapy.
Case Management
Our case managers take a strengths-based approach — connecting you to community resources, advocating on your behalf, and monitoring your progress every step of the way.
We Can Help With
- Adult survivors of childhood abuse
- Assault and attempted homicide survivors
- Domestic and intimate partner violence
- Gun violence survivors
- Human trafficking survivors
- Sexual assault (adults and minors)
- Grief from homicide of a loved one
- Bullying and hate crime survivors
Therapy and Psychiatric Care
Free-Standing Outpatient Behavioral Health ProgramAges 5 through the lifespan
Accessible, evidence-based therapy and psychiatric care for children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Overview
Paving the Way's Free-Standing Outpatient Behavioral Health Program provides comprehensive mental health services to individuals age 5 and older across the lifespan. Services are available in a traditional outpatient office setting and through secure telehealth when clinically appropriate, allowing individuals to receive care in the setting that best meets their needs. Services include behavioral health assessments, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and individual, family, and group therapy.
Using evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices, our team helps individuals improve their mental health and daily functioning, develop healthy coping skills, and work toward long-term recovery and overall wellness. Unlike our specialized programs, outpatient clinic services do not require participation in a school-based or victim-services program.
How to Access
Individuals, families, healthcare professionals, schools, and community organizations may contact Paving the Way to request services or make a referral. Our intake team will gather basic information, review eligibility and insurance, and help schedule an initial appointment.
What to Expect
Initial Assessment
Your first appointments help us understand your concerns, symptoms, and goals to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Individual & Family Therapy
One-on-one and family sessions to address anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges.
Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, and follow-up monitoring as clinically appropriate.
Coordinated Care
With proper authorization, we coordinate with medical providers, schools, and other professionals involved in your care.
We Can Help With
- Anxiety, excessive worry, and stress
- Depression, sadness, and withdrawal
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Grief and loss
- Attention and behavioral concerns
- Family or relationship conflict
- Difficulty managing emotions
- School, work, or major life transitions
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication needs
- Other emotional or mental health concerns
Youth Programs & Services (Under 21)
Programs serving children, adolescents, and young adults
Mental health where kids learn
School-Based Services (SBE)
Bringing behavioral health support directly into DC public schools — meeting students where they spend most of their day.
Overview
PTW MSI provides on-site behavioral health services at one of 11 public schools or public charter schools in the district, making mental health support more accessible to students who may not otherwise seek care. Our licensed school-based clinicians work as part of the school community — embedded in the environment where students grow.
School-based clinicians provide individual counseling, crisis intervention, group sessions, and teacher-administrator consultation. We also facilitate continuity of care for students already receiving outpatient services, and help educators understand and respond to behavioral health needs in the classroom.
How to Access
Available at participating DC public and public charter schools. Contact your school or PTW MSI to confirm whether services are offered at your location.
What to Expect
On-Site Access
Students can access mental health support during the school day — no transportation or parent scheduling required. This removes a major barrier to care.
Teacher & Staff Collaboration
Our clinicians communicate with teachers and administrators to understand behavior in context and help staff respond more effectively.
Crisis Prevention & Response
We facilitate crisis intervention programs and are available to respond quickly when a student is in distress — preventing escalation.
Family Coordination
We keep families informed and involved in their child's care, hosting meetings and providing resources to extend support into the home.
We Can Help With
- Academic stress and performance anxiety
- Behavioral issues in the classroom
- Bullying and peer conflict
- Depression and withdrawal
- Crisis situations
- Grief and family instability
- ADHD and attention difficulties
- Transition support (middle to high school, etc.)
Our School Partners
- Girls Global Academy (PCS)
- Digital Pioneers Academy – Upper Campus (PCS)
- Excel Academy (DCPS)
- Social Justice School (PCS)
- Maury Elementary School (DCPS)
- Digital Pioneers Academy – Lower Campus (PCS)
- LAYC Career Academy (PCS)
- C.W. Harris Elementary School (DCPS)
- Shepherd Elementary School (DCPS)
- The Sojourner Truth School (PCS)
- Lorraine H. Whitlock Elementary School (DCPS)
The EmpowerME Program
Survivors of Crime Support
Healing is possible. Our trauma-informed EmpowerME program helps survivors reclaim their lives after crime and violence.
Overview
PTW MSI's 'EmpowerME' program takes a holistic, trauma-informed approach to supporting primary and secondary survivors of crime. Whether you experienced violence directly, witnessed a crime, or were present at a traumatic scene — you deserve compassionate, specialized care.
Our team of therapists, psychiatrists, and case managers — all trained in trauma-informed care — deliver evidence-based treatments including TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Services are available virtually and in-person.
How to Access
Available to primary and secondary survivors of crime. Contact PTW MSI to determine eligibility and begin the intake process.
What to Expect
Holistic, Trauma-Informed Care
Every aspect of your care — from intake to treatment — is guided by trauma-informed principles that prioritize your safety, voice, and empowerment.
Individual, Group & Family Therapy
We offer all three formats, so survivors can choose what feels right for them and adjust as they progress through recovery.
Pharmacotherapy Available
For clients who may benefit from medication support, our psychiatrists provide evaluation and medication management alongside therapy.
Case Management
Our case managers take a strengths-based approach — connecting you to community resources, advocating on your behalf, and monitoring your progress every step of the way.
We Can Help With
- Adult survivors of childhood abuse
- Assault and attempted homicide survivors
- Domestic and intimate partner violence
- Gun violence survivors
- Human trafficking survivors
- Sexual assault (adults and minors)
- Grief from homicide of a loved one
- Bullying and hate crime survivors
Mental Health Access in Pediatrics
DC MAP
Connecting pediatric primary care providers with child psychiatry consultation — improving behavioral health access for children across DC.
Overview
The District of Columbia Mental Health Access in Pediatrics (DC MAP) is a district-wide initiative that helps healthcare providers better care for children and adolescents with behavioral health needs. PTW MSI is proud to serve as a hub for this collaborative program.
The DC MAP team — including Psychiatry Providers, Clinical Social Workers, and Care Coordinators — supports pediatric healthcare providers through real-time consultation, referral resources, and provider education that enhances integration between primary care and behavioral health.
How to Access
Available to pediatric primary care providers and families of children ages 0–21 in the DC metro area. Visit the DC MAP page or contact us to learn more.
What to Expect
Provider Consultation
Pediatric primary care providers can reach our child psychiatry team for real-time consultation on cases involving behavioral health concerns.
Referral & Resource Navigation
DC MAP helps families and providers navigate the behavioral health system — connecting to the right resources quickly and efficiently.
Provider Education & Training
We offer training and education to enhance primary care providers' capacity to identify and address behavioral health needs in their own practice.
Care Coordination
Our Care Coordinators facilitate smooth transitions between primary care and specialty behavioral health — ensuring no child falls through the cracks.
We Can Help With
- Children with behavioral or emotional concerns
- Pediatric providers seeking psychiatric consultation
- Families navigating behavioral health referrals
- Youth with complex psychiatric needs
- Schools and care teams needing coordination
- Children ages 0–21 in the DC metro area
Community-Based Mental Health Support
Core Service AgencyChildren & young adults under age 21
Ongoing, community-based behavioral health services that help eligible District residents manage mental health needs, strengthen daily functioning, and remain connected to care.
Overview
Paving the Way's Core Service Agency provides community-based behavioral health services to children and young adults under age 21. Our team works collaboratively with youth and their families in home, school, and community settings to address behavioral health needs, strengthen family functioning, and support each young person in achieving optimal wellness. Services are individualized and may include behavioral health assessments, therapy, care coordination, case management, crisis support, family engagement, and connections to community resources.
Using a person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach, our team helps youth build coping skills, improve daily functioning, strengthen natural supports, and remain successfully connected to their families, schools, and communities.
How to Access
Contact Paving the Way to complete an initial screening. Our team will review your needs, insurance or funding eligibility, and the services that may be appropriate for you. If our Core Service Agency is not the right fit, we will help identify other available options whenever possible.
What to Expect
Individualized Assessment
An assessment of concerns, symptoms, strengths, and support needs guides a personalized treatment plan.
Therapy and Counseling
Individual or family therapy to address emotional, behavioral, relationship, and trauma-related concerns.
Psychiatric Care and Medication
When appropriate, psychiatric providers evaluate, prescribe, and monitor medication coordinated with therapy.
Community Support and Coordination
We help strengthen daily living skills, access resources, and coordinate with providers and support systems.
We Can Help With
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms
- Trauma, grief, and major life changes
- Emotional or behavioral concerns
- Difficulty managing responsibilities at home, school, or in the community
- Connecting with psychiatric care and medication support
- Building coping, communication, and daily living skills
- Coordinating behavioral health, medical, and community services
- Maintaining stability and engagement in treatment
Therapy and Psychiatric Care
Free-Standing Outpatient Behavioral Health ProgramAges 5 through the lifespan
Accessible, evidence-based therapy and psychiatric care for children, adolescents, adults, and families.
Overview
Paving the Way's Free-Standing Outpatient Behavioral Health Program provides comprehensive mental health services to individuals age 5 and older across the lifespan. Services are available in a traditional outpatient office setting and through secure telehealth when clinically appropriate, allowing individuals to receive care in the setting that best meets their needs. Services include behavioral health assessments, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and individual, family, and group therapy.
Using evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices, our team helps individuals improve their mental health and daily functioning, develop healthy coping skills, and work toward long-term recovery and overall wellness. Unlike our specialized programs, outpatient clinic services do not require participation in a school-based or victim-services program.
How to Access
Individuals, families, healthcare professionals, schools, and community organizations may contact Paving the Way to request services or make a referral. Our intake team will gather basic information, review eligibility and insurance, and help schedule an initial appointment.
What to Expect
Initial Assessment
Your first appointments help us understand your concerns, symptoms, and goals to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Individual & Family Therapy
One-on-one and family sessions to address anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges.
Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, medication management, and follow-up monitoring as clinically appropriate.
Coordinated Care
With proper authorization, we coordinate with medical providers, schools, and other professionals involved in your care.
We Can Help With
- Anxiety, excessive worry, and stress
- Depression, sadness, and withdrawal
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Grief and loss
- Attention and behavioral concerns
- Family or relationship conflict
- Difficulty managing emotions
- School, work, or major life transitions
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication needs
- Other emotional or mental health concerns