Answers to Your
Most Common Questions

You can book your first appointment two ways: online through our secure patient portal (available 24/7), or by calling our office at (703) 724-0200 during business hours. Our team will help you find the right clinician based on your needs, schedule, and availability. We often have same-week availability for new patients.

We frequently have same-week openings for new patients, including both in-person and telehealth appointments. Availability varies by clinician and specialty — calling us directly is the fastest way to find an opening. We’re committed to getting you the care you need as quickly as possible.

Your first session is a thorough intake appointment. Your clinician will spend time getting to know you — your history, current challenges, goals, and what you’re hoping to get out of treatment. This session typically lasts 60–90 minutes. By the end, you and your provider will begin to outline a personalized treatment plan together.

Please bring a valid photo ID. Your intake paperwork will be completed online before your visit, so there’s no need to arrive early to fill out forms. If you take any medications, bring a list or your prescription bottles. If you’ve had prior mental health treatment, any records or summaries can be helpful but aren’t required.

In most cases, no referral is required. You can contact us directly to schedule. We’re happy to help clarify any questions when you call.

We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations and no-shows may be subject to a fee. We understand that life happens — if you need to cancel, please call or message us as soon as possible so we can offer that time to another patient in need.

Therapists (licensed counselors, psychologists, social workers) provide talk therapy and behavioral interventions. They do not prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe and manage psychiatric medications. Many of our patients benefit from seeing both — a therapist for ongoing counseling and a psychiatrist or nurse practitioner for medication management.

This varies greatly depending on your goals and the nature of your concerns. Some people benefit from short-term focused therapy (8–16 sessions), while others prefer ongoing therapy as a long-term support. Your therapist will regularly check in on your progress and adjust the plan as needed. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — your clinician will work with you to find the right rhythm.

Our therapists are trained in a wide range of evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, Gottman Method for couples, and more. Your provider will select the approach best suited to your needs.

This is a decision made collaboratively between you and a licensed prescriber (psychiatrist or nurse practitioner) based on your specific symptoms, history, and treatment goals. Medication is never required, but for some conditions it can be an important part of an effective treatment plan. Many people benefit from a combination of therapy and medication, while others do well with therapy alone.

Yes — and this is often the most effective approach for comprehensive mental health care. Having both your therapist and prescriber within the same practice allows for better communication and coordination of your care, which typically leads to better outcomes. Let us know when scheduling if you’d like to establish care with both types of providers.

Yes! We offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth appointments for both therapy and psychiatry/medication management throughout Virginia. You can see the same clinicians you’d meet in person — from your home, office, or anywhere in the state. Telehealth is available for most of our services.

Research consistently shows that telehealth therapy and psychiatry is comparable in effectiveness to in-person care for the vast majority of mental health conditions. Many patients actually prefer it for its convenience and the comfort of being in their own space. Your clinician will discuss with you whether telehealth is appropriate for your specific situation.

You’ll need a device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, or computer) and a stable internet connection. We use a HIPAA-compliant video platform — you’ll receive a link before your appointment. No special apps or software are required in most cases. We’ll send detailed instructions before your first virtual session.

Yes — we have therapists who specialize in working with children (ages 5 and up) and adolescents. Our child and teen therapists are trained in approaches like play therapy, CBT for kids, and adolescent-focused therapies. Common concerns we treat include anxiety, depression, ADHD, school refusal, social difficulties, behavioral issues, and more.

Parental involvement is encouraged, especially for younger children. For adolescents, we balance parental involvement with the teen’s need for a private, confidential space to open up. Your child’s therapist will work out the right approach with your family in the first session. We typically include periodic parent check-ins to update you on progress and strategies.

We generally see children from age 5 and up for therapy. For psychiatric evaluations and medication management, the minimum age varies by provider — typically 6–8 years and up. Contact us to confirm availability for your child’s specific age and needs.

Yes. We offer comprehensive ADHD evaluations for children, teens, and adults. The process typically involves a clinical interview with the child and parents, standardized rating scales, and a review of school and medical records. Following the evaluation, we’ll provide a full report and discuss treatment options including therapy, skills coaching, and medication when appropriate.

Yes. What you share with your therapist or psychiatrist is strictly confidential under HIPAA law. We will not share your information with family members, employers, or other parties without your written consent. There are narrow legal exceptions — for example, if there is imminent risk of harm to yourself or others, or if child/elder abuse is disclosed. Your clinician will review confidentiality in detail at your first session.

No. Your mental health care is protected by HIPAA and we will never share your information with your employer. The details of your sessions remain strictly confidential.

We use HIPAA-compliant video platforms with end-to-end encryption for all telehealth sessions. Sessions are never recorded without your explicit consent. We recommend you find a private, quiet space for your sessions where you won’t be overheard. Your information is stored securely in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws.