About Dr. Aimee Ruscio | Washington, DC-based Psychologist
Who am I?
I am a gay, non-binary (they/them) Army veteran psychologist.
My Mission as a therapist
I imagine a world where most therapy clients walk out of sessions having had a transformative experience leading towards a more meaningful and authentic life full of joy, purpose, and connection.
My Story
My start in psychology was as a peer-counselor at the United States Military Academy at West Point while in college.
In that position, I supported new cadets while they transitioned from civilian to Soldier under incredibly demanding circumstances. I was skilled at the job and enjoyed it.
When I left West Point, I knew I wanted to be a psychologist. I spent 5 years in the Army, including 2 combat deployments, before entering graduate school to begin my journey to become a psychologist.
I saw smart and capable people in the Army repeatedly shut down their emotions to accomplish the mission.
I witnessed those same traumatized people struggling to make sense of their fear, anger, and hurt months or even years later. I saw the emotional pain they endured in the interim.
I also experienced life as a gay, non-binary person in the military as the organization moved from open discrimination towards greater inclusion of queer people.
My Army experiences cemented my desire to become a psychologist to work with people who’ve had difficult or traumatic experiences, especially LGBTQIA+ people.
Education & Experience
Formal Education
Doctor of Philosophy
Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
Master of Science
Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland
Bachelor of Science
American History, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York
Professional Psychology Memberships
American Psychological Association (APA)
International Society for Emotion-Focused Therapy (ISEFT)
Counseling experience
Before entering private practice, Dr. Aimee spent 6 years as an Army Psychologist in Kuwait, Maryland, Washington state, and Washington, DC.
During these years, Dr. Aimee both worked in and managed clinics supporting Service members.
Dr. Aimee has provided therapy to high demand, high performing populations, including Special Operations Forces, Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel, hospital staff, and first responders.
Provided therapy to and advocated for trans* clients when the military healthcare system began to move towards equitable treatment of and healthcare for trans* Service members.
Publications & Presentations
Dr. Aimee has published papers on mindfulness and presented on providing culturally competent care to transgender Service members.
Professional Licenses
Dr. Aimee is a licensed clinical psychologist in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Dr. Aimee is authorized to provide telepsychology in over 30 states through Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT).
Take the next step in your healing: book a 20-minute inquiry call with Dr. Aimee.
Together, you’ll decide if it is a good fit. You have nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain.
Dr. Aimee offers sessions in-person in their Washington, DC office and via video teletherapy.