Find a psychiatrist in Sterling, VA — covered by insurance
Top psychiatrists in Sterling, VA accepting new patients
Looking for a therapist in Sterling, Virginia? Headway serves the Ashburn, Leesburg, and Reston areas with 416 providers ready to support your mental health journey. Sessions can be covered by insurance, and many clients pay as little as $0 per session through our network.
My name is Rachel, and I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I received my associates degree in nursing from Blue Ridge Community College, and I received my bachelors and masters degrees in nursing from James Madison University. I received a post graduate certificate in psych mental health from Shenandoah University, and I am currently enrolled in classes to obtain my doctor of nursing practice degree from James Madison University. I have worked as a registered nurse in state psychiatric facilities since 2018, and I became a nurse practitioner in 2025.
Hello, my name is Dr. Paula Robinson, DNP, PMHNP-BC, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered mental health care. I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and have several years of clinical experience working with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions.
Over the past four years, I have provided care to patients dealing with disorders such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, and other complex mental health challenges. My approach to care focuses on creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where patients feel heard and empowered to participate in their treatment.
I believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. My treatment approach combines evidence-based medication management, supportive therapy, and collaborative care to help individuals achieve improved mental wellness and quality of life.
My goal is to partner with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that supports long-term stability, resilience, and emotional well-being.
As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) from Walden University, I am deeply passionate about delivering patient-centered care and committed to advocating for individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. With over eight years of experience working with patients, families, and communities affected by mental illness, I have developed a profound understanding of the importance of compassionate and individualized care.
My professional journey began as a registered nurse, where I came to realize that mental illness is no respecter of person, age, color, or social status. This experience reinforced my belief that every individual facing mental health challenges deserves a patient-centered, personalized, and holistic approach to their care.
As a PMHNP, my goal is to serve as a source of strength and support through active listening, empathy, and compassion. I strive to provide an evidence-based approach tailored to each patient’s specific needs, ensuring that every individual feels heard, valued, and empowered on their path to wellness.
As a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner in rural Virginia, as well as, a decade abroad managing health programs, my experience includes acute crisis management, addiction medicine, community health, and maternal and child health. Medication management, therapy, and holistic care for depression, anxiety, adjustment challenges, traumatic experiences, and bipolar disorders are my main areas of focus. Particular interest and expertise in working with children and families in foster care.
Taking the first step toward better mental health is a sign of strength. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), I provide compassionate, evidence-based care for ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, and related conditions. My approach is collaborative, personalized, and focused on helping you feel your best through medication management, supportive therapy, and practical strategies for lasting wellness.
About our psychiatrists serving Sterling, VA
- 99%Depression
- 98%Anxiety
- 87%ADD/ADHD
- 87%Bipolar disorder
- 84%PTSD
- 99%Aetna
- 99%Cigna
- 91%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 55%United Healthcare
- 99%English
- 4%French
- 3%Spanish
- 3%Yoruba
- 2%Igbo
- 86%Online only
- 14%In-person or online
- 84%Woman
- 16%Man
- 92%Nurse Practitioner
- 6%Medical Doctor
- 1%Clinical Nurse Specialist
- 1%Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- 96%Individual therapy
- 20%Family therapy
- 7%Child or adolescent therapy
- 7%Couples therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right psychiatrist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Sterling
Finding the right psychiatrist in Sterling starts with knowing which type of mental health care fits your needs. Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and manage medication over time. Therapists provide talk therapy and may work with you on concerns like anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, or bipolar disorder. Both can be valid places to start, depending on whether you want talk therapy, medication management, or support from both a therapist and a prescriber.
Sterling has a smaller local network than nearby metro areas, so virtual psychiatry can expand your options while keeping care accessible from home. Medication management appointments are usually shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, so availability, scheduling flexibility, and appointment format can matter when choosing a psychiatrist. Some psychiatrists also offer therapy, and some people work with both a therapist and a prescriber. Read profiles before booking to understand each psychiatrist’s specialties, approach to care, and whether they offer a free phone consultation.
Psychiatric care in Sterling can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you find psychiatrists who match your needs, accept your plan, and are accepting new patients. You can enter your insurance details, see estimated out-of-pocket costs upfront, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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