Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Newport News, VA

With over three decades of dedicated psychiatric experience, I bring a unique, comprehensive perspective to mental health care. My journey spans more than 30 years in the field, including 18 years as an advance practice Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and adult medical prescriber. Having cared for individuals of all ages during my foundational years as a registered nurse, I understand the deep complexities of human development, behavioral health and substance abuse disorders. My passion for elevating patient care has allowed me to lead, mentor, and collaborate with teams of nurses across multiple states and healthcare systems. This expansive network keeps me at the forefront of modern, evidence-based treatments and diverse clinical practices. I am deeply committed to empowering my patients through personalized, empathetic and expert care. Whether you are navigating a life transition, managing a chronic mental health condition, or seeking support for substance recovery, my wealth of knowledge ensures you receive top-tier, specialized guidance. Together we will build a tailored path toward lasting wellness, balance and healing.

I believe therapy should be a place where you feel genuinely seen, understood, and accepted. Reaching out for therapy can be difficult, whether you are struggling with a specific concern, navigating a major life transition, or simply feeling like things have become harder to manage. My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself and feel comfortable exploring what brings you to therapy.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working with children, adolescents, college students, adults, and older adults. I work with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and trauma. I have specialized expertise in trauma across the lifespan, reproductive and perinatal mental health, neurodiversity, ADHD, and autism-related concerns. I also provide play therapy for children, using developmentally appropriate approaches to help children express themselves, build coping skills, and work through difficult experiences.

I particularly enjoy working with college students and professionals who are balancing demanding careers, relationships, family responsibilities, and the many expectations of adult life. I have worked with educators, college professors, healthcare providers, attorneys, government employees, and other professionals who may be accustomed to caring for others while finding it difficult to make space for themselves.

Many of the people I work with come in feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted from carrying things on their own for too long. It is a true privilege to sit with individuals during some of the most difficult and painful seasons of life. My hope is to create a space where you feel genuinely seen, known, and valued. Through curiosity, compassion, and genuine connection, we can explore your story together, begin healing deep wounds, and move toward greater wholeness and freedom. I’m passionate about helping people make sense of their stories, heal from what has wounded them, and move toward a life that feels more whole and meaningful. Above all, I believe therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported in the process.

I apply a holistic and person-centered approach to therapy. I recognize that by creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic environment, clients can learn to redefine dysfunctional boundaries, to reconnect with a sense of meaning for their lives, and to ultimately make lasting changes in their lives and relationships. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in navigating life transitions, grief, depression, anxiety, gender identity, sexual identity, trauma, OCD, narcissistic abuse, adult children of emotionally immature parents, and relationship strain.

I received my bachelor's from James Madison University and a Master of Arts from Lesley University in Expressive Therapy.

I have over 40 years of experience in mental health practice. I believe that we work together to help you be the best version of yourself. I am trauma therapy certified, anger management certified and work with teens and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression and trauma issues as well as Adult Children of Alcoholics. We are a team working together to help you improve your life situations