What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
4.92
“Dr. Shectman is a humanist. Seeing him has been like talking to a trusted elder in the best possible way. He treats me as an individual and brings an immense amount of knowledge and experience to the practice. He is unflappable and professional. Highly recommend him.”
CHLess than 1 month ago
“This was my first experience with counseling, so feeling comfortable was incredibly important to me. From the start, Dr, Shectman was exceptionally attentive and compassionate, truly listening without judgment. His thoughtful, practical suggestions made me feel supported, respected, and empowered throughout our work together”
KKLess than 3 months ago
About Dr. Ronald Shectman
Focus areas
Anger Management
Confidence Issues
Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders
Anxiety
Couples Therapy
Life Transition
Binge Eating
Depression
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Families
Treatment approaches
Strength-Based
Motivational Interviewing
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Humanistic
Person-Centered
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Identity
Gender
MaleSexuality
StraightFaith
JewishEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Ronald Shectman
I bring a broad range of experience to my work as a clinical psychologist. While psychotherapy has always been at the heart of what I do, I’ve also spent many years teaching and supervising graduate students training to become therapists at several universities in the Washington, D.C. area. I’ve taught courses in cognitive-behavioral therapy and clinical interviewing, and have led workshops on journaling for self-understanding and personal control.
I've also offered programs on listening more effectively, reducing fear and negativity, and managing runaway eating. My work in this area has included therapy groups focused on overeating and bulimia, along with a long-running support program for people coping with intense anxiety.
I work primarily with individuals and couples. Many of the people I see struggle with anxiety, depression, or difficulty sustaining self-control. Overcoming these challenges often means learning to quiet—or at times disarm—a side of yourself that tends to take over but doesn’t actually serve you well.
I also work with those who find themselves struggling within a relationship, or with relationships in general, and who want to improve how they connect and communicate. We might focus on building closeness, resolving conflict more cooperatively, speaking up when boundaries are crossed, or finding ways to express anger without escalating tension.
It is often useful to reflect on conversations that turned contentious and to consider how to approach similar similar situations with greater poise and clarity. Dealing straightforwardly and fairly with another person may involve calmly noting aspects of their behavior that contributed to the difficulty, while also acknowledging--when relevant--missteps of your own. The challenge is to speak about provocative matters unprovokingly.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Being open and undefensive often depends on one’s relationship to vulnerability. Someone who is so fearful of being wrong that honestly addressing personal lapses feels impossible may begin to reverse this pattern by keeping in mind the strength it takes—and the strength that emerges—through cutting against the grain of entrenched habit.
Meeting with a counselor isn’t always an easy decision. It can be hard to know what to expect, and it’s not uncommon to worry that therapy might not live up to your hopes. When life already feels difficult, the last thing anyone wants is another disappointment.
My role is to create a safe and supportive environment where you can talk about what’s painful or confusing without fear of being judged, shamed, or rejected. As you discuss different aspects of your life, I listen closely—attuned to the thoughts and feelings beneath the surface, including those that may be harder to see. I offer my understanding of what I hear, adding texture where I can, so that you gain the benefit of getting to know yourself better. Developing a richer vocabulary to describe the currents of your emotional life can also make it easier to understand—and to connect with—the internal experiences of others.
Feeling understood can quiet the fear of not being understood. As apprehension recedes, a willingness to share more freely may follow, and previously recessed material can begin to rise to the surface. Growing confidence in the therapist may encourage greater risk-taking in what is said.
Thoughts may be raised for exploration even when they are only partially formed, or when it is unclear where their expression might lead. Concerns or emotions that are uncomfortable to face—because they expose vulnerability or cast one in an unflattering light—may be more readily spoken about. The reward for overcoming a reticence toward openness, or for recognizing previously unseen aspects of one’s make-up, conduct, or relationships, is a broader sense of freedom.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
There may be times when I don't immediately grasp the full nature of what you're saying. Even so, this can be a helpful moment. In clarifying your experience for me, you may begin to notice—perhaps as you hear, possibly for the first time, your own articulation of the matter—facets of your thinking that hadn’t been apparent before.
As part of helping someone talk through their circumstances—especially if they’re feeling blocked or jumbled—I’ll gently raise questions that help draw out a fuller picture of what’s been happening. My inquiry may prompt you to take a fresh look at a familiar matter, to flesh out a conception of an issue that isn’t yet well understood, or to act differently as a consequence of revising your thinking. Over time, the process of examining your experiences and putting them into words fosters a clearer awareness of how your inner world operates.
A person in psychological trouble may feel stumped when it comes to finding a way to relieve their distress. When someone feels unable to figure out how to tackle a problem, I offer suggestions aimed at helping them become unstuck. Drawing on my understanding of a person’s strengths and gaps in thinking and behavior—and on my sense of the resources needed to meet current demands—I propose ways of viewing the situation and courses of action designed to narrow the divide between existing capacities and required competencies. You remain free to accept or reject these suggestions as you see fit, and I’m always ready to explain in detail the reasoning behind any perspective or course of action I recommend.
Therapy, at its best, becomes a sustained exploration of what it means to live with awareness, resilience, and compassion for oneself and for others.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Aetna
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $200 for 45 minutes
Ongoing session: $175 for 45 minutes
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
Office location
Dr. Ronald Shectman, PhD also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- American Board of Professional Psychology
Education and training
- University of Kansas, PhD in Psychology
Professional memberships
- American Psychological Association
NPI number
1730270976
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
4.92
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
16 reviews
Most relevant
Dr. Shectman is a humanist. Seeing him has been like talking to a trusted elder in the best possible way. He treats me as an individual and brings an immense amount of knowledge and experience to the practice. He is unflappable and professional. Highly recommend him.
Less than 1 month agoCH
This was my first experience with counseling, so feeling comfortable was incredibly important to me. From the start, Dr, Shectman was exceptionally attentive and compassionate, truly listening without judgment. His thoughtful, practical suggestions made me feel supported, respected, and empowered throughout our work together
Less than 3 months agoKK
Dr. Shectman is a kind, thoughtful, and compassionate therapist who approaches his patients with everything you would hope for as a first time attendee of therapy. He has a warm, calming presence that puts you at ease, and he genuinely seems to care about his patients' progress. The space Dr. Shectman creates feels safe and non-judgmental, and he asks insightful, thoughtful questions that have enabled me to think more deeply about the things I am working through. Whether you're new to therapy or have worked with other therapists before, I would highly recommend Dr. Shectman. I am grateful to have found him.
Less than 3 months agoFB
Very patient and understanding. Not at all confrontational; rather, leading my verbal soliloquy with pertinent, personal questions arising from just spoken factual experiences and emotional expressions. Dr. Shectman and I may have crossed paths during my mental health crises of decades ago perhaps; life can be uncanny that way! And even if not, there was a feeling of being 'home again' as I spoke. I do look forward to our next meeting next week with a heightened, elated eagerness that well-overrides the intrinsic pains of, yes, the reality of the financial costs. For, me, a befuddled simple man of absurdly simple means, though oft-questioned "Really?! Why thus?!" being a Caucasian male in Western Civilization, to which I have no clear answer, maybe that there is the crux of my lifelong mental health matter: the securities offered by any attained wealth are perhaps merely dark illusions holding nothing viz-a-viz the comforts of a wise, elder willing to take a chance on a younger legacy.
December 30, 2025Michael N.Verified patient
Dr. Shectman has a diverse, adaptable style of therapy that meets me where I am in that moment or season of life. He's an attentive listener and always responds thoughtfully, whether that's encouraging me to go deeper on a topic or providing excellent feedback and actionable changes I can apply. He's great at helping me reframe my mindset or obstacles to growth. I've benefitted from his ability to push and challenge me, always with the utmost support and care. He is also very flexible; I prefer in-person visits but, when needed (even with short notice), he's able to pivot to telehealth visits.
Less than 6 months agoMH
Dr. Schectman is a great therapist. He listens, provides deep insights and has helped me on my healing journey. I highly recommend him.
Less than 6 months agoGS
Dr. Shectman is very patient and kind. He has helped me work through a lot of my mental issues and really proposes good tips and ways of thinking of things.
Less than 6 months agoLH
I've been seeing Dr. Shectman for about a year now, and appreciate his methodical yet practical approach to dealing with issues I surface during our conversations. His insightful and thoughtful questions have prompted deeper reflection on my part and helped me identify patterns of thinking underlying my beahviors and beliefs. I would highly recommend him as a therapist.
Less than 6 months agoUO
Less than 1 month agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 month agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 3 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 3 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 3 months agoMM
January 18, 2026Frank B.Verified patientVideo visit
January 10, 2026Initials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Ronald Shectman?
Generally, Dr. Ronald Shectman has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Shectman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Ronald Shectman accepting new patients?
Dr. Ronald Shectman generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Shectman's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Ronald Shectman accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Shectman is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Ronald Shectman online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Shectman using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Ronald Shectman work with?
Dr. Ronald Shectman works with Ronald Shectman, Ph.D..
Where is Dr. Ronald Shectman's office located?
Dr. Ronald Shectman has 2 office locations in Washington, view full addresses on Dr. Shectman's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. Ronald Shectman have?
Dr. Ronald Shectman is certified by American Board of Professional Psychology.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Ronald Shectman?
Dr. Ronald Shectman frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Ronald Shectman on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Ronald Shectman speak?
Dr. Ronald Shectman speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Ronald Shectman in reviews?
16 patients have reviewed Dr. Ronald Shectman. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 4.92/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.