Jason Borges, LCSW
Clinical Director of McLean Office, Therapist
Gender: Male I Office Location: McLean, Telehealth I States Licensed In: Virginia, Washington, DC,
Maryland I Languages: English I Services Offered: Therapy I Credentials: LCSW
Age Group: Ages 17+
About Me
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I work primarily with older adolescents beginning around the junior year of high school, young adults, and adults across the lifespan. My specialties include anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, substance use and recovery, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, relationship challenges, and major life transitions.
I grew up in Massachusetts as a first-generation American and often felt caught between worlds, not quite sure where I belonged. I found a sense of belonging through ice hockey, and I carry some of what I learned there into my work today: making hard things feel more manageable, focusing on what is actually within our control, and creating meaningful change through small, achievable steps. I still enjoy playing hockey and spending time with my family.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach is active, conversational, and collaborative. I spend time listening and understanding how you got to where you are, but I’m also direct. I’ll ask questions, provide feedback, and challenge you when I think it may be helpful. We’ll focus on what’s happening in your life now while also exploring past experiences and patterns when they can help us understand what may be getting in the way.
I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed approaches. Rather than following one model, I use these approaches flexibly to help you understand patterns, develop practical strategies, and identify realistic changes you can make in your everyday life. Humor often finds its way into sessions, too. Therapy can involve difficult conversations, but I believe it can also be a place where we can be human and speak openly.
What to Expect When Working With Me
Many of my clients come to therapy because something in their life is no longer working the way they want it to. You may feel stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, or frustrated by patterns that keep repeating despite your efforts to change them. Maybe you’re struggling with a relationship, substance use, a major transition, work or school stress, or a significant mental health concern. Or perhaps you can’t pinpoint exactly what’s wrong—you just know life feels harder than it should.
During our first appointment, I’ll ask a lot of questions because I’m genuinely interested in understanding who you are, how you experience the world, and how you came to where you are today. We’ll begin making sense of patterns and coping strategies while identifying what you would like to be different and how we can start moving in that direction.
If you’re nervous about starting therapy, that’s normal. Therapy asks you to talk honestly about experiences you may have spent a long time avoiding, managing on your own, or even carrying with shame or embarrassment. Showing up and beginning that process takes courage. Part of our work will be building on that courage and helping you become more confident in your ability to navigate whatever comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you work with?
I work primarily with older adolescents beginning around the junior year of high school, young adults, and adults across the lifespan. I have experience working with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and at many different stages of life.
What concerns do you specialize in?
My primary specialties include anxiety and depression, trauma and PTSD, substance use and recovery, and complex or longstanding mental health concerns such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. I also work extensively with life transitions, romantic and family relationships, family-of-origin concerns, and changing roles throughout life.
What is your therapy style?
I’m engaged, conversational, and active in sessions. I’ll listen, but I’ll also ask questions, provide feedback, and be direct when it may help. I want us to better understand what’s happening while also finding practical, realistic ways to create change.
How long will therapy take?
There isn’t one answer that applies to everyone. I tend to think of therapy in phases: first, we stabilize and address what brought you in. Then, we work toward understanding the patterns and experiences that may be contributing to it. Finally, we focus on making changes where they’re needed or wanted. We’ll regularly talk about your progress and what you continue to need from therapy.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
We may be a good fit if you’re looking for someone who is engaged, curious, direct when needed, and willing to both listen and actively participate in the conversation. I tend to work well with people who want to better understand themselves while also finding practical ways to make changes. And I’m always open to an honest conversation about whether my approach is what you need.
If you’re ready to better understand what is getting in the way and begin making meaningful, manageable changes, I look forward to getting to know you and working together.
Jason provides in-person appointments at our McLean office, as well as telehealth services for clients who prefer to meet virtually.