Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Stafford, VA

I work with individuals, couples, and families of all ages. I have a Masters in Clinical Health Psychology and a Masters in Nutrition/Dietetics, which helps lend to a holistic approach to my work with clients. I commonly work with health behavioral change, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, and relationship change. My treatment approach utilizes a biopsychosocial lense in long-term therapy based in psychodynamic, strengths-based, and integrative work in overall health. I utilize coping skills from CBT, DBT, ACT, and Mindfulness. I incorporated life-skills such a assertiveness, boundaries, and career.

I love the work that I do and the healing relationships I have been able to foster with my clients. I believe that therapy is a form of self-care and I want to be an advocate of that for my clients. I welcome anyone who thinks they may want some support, whether long-term or short-term to reach out to me and set up a brief phone consultation.

Feeling overwhelmed, lost, or unsure where to start? You've come to the right place.

With over 17 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings, I specialize in creating a warm, judgment-free space where you can explore your concerns at your own pace. Whether you arrive with specific goals in mind, need help identifying them, or simply need somewhere to exhale.

I work with children, adults, couples, and families navigating a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, behavioral concerns, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Whatever brings you here, I bring deep clinical expertise, genuine compassion, and a commitment to helping you move toward the mental health and life you deserve.

Dr. Ahlers treats adults and adolescents with a wide range of psychiatric conditions including Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, ADHD, and Psychotic Disorders. Dr. Ahlers is able to provide pharmacological management and/or psychotherapy services, depending on an individual's needs.

My journey started with volunteering in the Guidance Counselor's office at my high school. In this setting, my emotional intelligence and level of empathy began to grow. I decided to study Psychology to understand how the mind works, then studied Social Work to understand how that mind works when affected by events in the environment. I have worked extensively with children/ students, the LGBTQIA+ community, people living with HIV/ AIDS, the elderly, Veterans, Immigrants, couples and families. I accept clients no matter their race, gender, ethnicity or background. I utilize a strength- based approach for my clients as I believe we all have the ability to take control of our own lives.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with clinical experience since 2019 across private practice, healthcare, and specialized care for older adults, couples, and families. I specialize in working with neurodivergent clients, LGBTQIA+ individuals, , and older adults.

Every session I conduct is rooted in trauma-informed care and a commitment to meeting you where you are. Incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI),Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I offer a holistic and flexible approach to help you develop effective coping mechanisms, strengthen relationships, and achieve your personal goals.

Over eleven years I have worked with a wide range of clients, which means very little of what you bring will be unfamiliar to me. Maybe you are managing anxiety that puts you in fight or flight, a low mood that will not lift, the demands of ADHD, or a health condition that has quietly reshaped your life. Whatever brings you here, I start from what is already working

in your life rather than from what is broken. You do not need the right words or a clear diagnosis to begin. If that sounds like the support you are looking for, I would be glad to hear from you.

I have been a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) since 2016 and have worked in both primary care and mental health since that time. In 2024, I graduated with my Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification and have been working strictly in mental health since that time.