David S. Washington, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Psychotherapist, and UC certified Master Gardener.  David attended Cal State University Long Beach where he received a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies. Following his graduation, he spent seven months in Arusha, Tanzania, studying the impact of horticulture, its practices within communities, and its use as a tool for healing and facilitating human connection.  It was in Tanzania, where David decided to pursue social work and psychotherapy as his life’s work.  Following his return to the United States, he received a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California.  He was a Black Alumni Scholar and member of the Black Social Work Caucus.

 

David has spent over a decade working in a variety of mental health settings as a clinical case manager and psychotherapist. He has experience treating individuals throughout the lifespan. He has worked with children, teens, adults and families. While working as a school and community-based psychotherapist in the Pasadena Unified School district, he received specialized training in early childhood development, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PTSD), and Seeking Safety (trauma and addiction).

 

During his time working with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, severe and persistent mental illness, and substance abuse disorders, he adapted a recovery orientated framework and person-centered approach to treatment. This framework values the importance of mutual respect and collaboration throughout the treatment process and places an emphasis on the creation of secure attachments. 

 

David founded The Planted Brain, Inc. with the intention of sharing the healing power of nature and horticulture with the world. He seeks to increase access to mental health care to individuals from historically marginalized and under resourced communities. Through his unique approach, he is de-stigmatizing and redefining the traditional therapeutic experience. His current goal for The Planted Brain, Inc. is to acquire a farm or large plot of land, to establish a safe and nurturing environment for current and future participants, to learn, heal and grow!