Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Sterling, VA

Mental health issues may be difficult to discuss with loved ones, especially if there are cultural barriers. As an Asian American, I experienced the phenomenon of feeling like I had two separate identities. I often felt like an outsider as I questioned “who am I?” While there are many cultural barriers we must face with mental health, you don’t have to face them alone! I can help you navigate your experiences with cultural identification, family communication, children’s mental health, (e.g. depression, anxiety, and/or behavioral concern), parenting, and diversity.

Welcome! I believe therapy works best when it feels like a partnership. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where we can work together to understand your experiences, build on your strengths, and develop practical skills for navigating life's challenges.

Hello,

My name is Cheryl Simms Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Substance Abuse Practitioner. I am thrilled to have you here! I am all about embracing self care transforming into the best version of yourself. Get ready to shine.

I believe therapy is a safe place in which we can be heard, supported, and understood. Together, we will work to uncover your strengths and find new ways to approach life's challenges.

Kim Prager, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker/Therapist, studied and trained at University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has 16 years of experience providing therapy to people from all walks of life, Most recently, she worked at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center's integrated executive medicine and oncology clinics.

She believes therapy is a place to be seen and heard and an opportunity for personal growth. Her approach is holistic and trauma informed, often with a focus on adjustment, interpersonal dynamics, grief, and loss.

She welcomes you to reach out to find a way to live more authentically, forge genuine connections, and prioritize value based goals that bring about positive change in your life.

I believe therapy should be a space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. My goal is to create an environment where you feel comfortable being honest about what you are experiencing, while also feeling supported and challenged to grow. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, emotional regulation difficulties, stress, and other challenges. I take a strengths-based approach and believe that you already possess many of the tools needed for change sometimes we just have to uncover them, strengthen them, and learn how to use them differently. I strive to make therapy relatable, meaningful, and practical so that what we discuss in session can make a difference in your everyday life.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience providing evidence-based mental health services to adolescents, adults, couples, families, and elite athletes. Help athletes in their mental skills and performance.

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and goal-oriented, helping clients develop practical strategies to overcome challenges while building resilience and lasting emotional well-being.

I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Puerto Rico and have worked across outpatient mental health, crisis intervention, community behavioral health, and professional sports. I currently serve as a Mental Health Team Counselor with the Baltimore Orioles organization, where I support professional athletes in managing stress, anxiety, performance demands, life transitions, and overall psychological wellness.

My clinical experience includes treating anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship concerns, grief and loss, stress management, self-esteem, and life transitions. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, and strengths-based interventions, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique goals and needs.

I believe that meaningful change begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

I have spent most of my life helping people be the best versions of themselves, in one capacity or another. As a trauma-responsive counselor, I have several years of professional experience working with adults dealing with a variety of mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, addiction, loss, life transitions, relationship issues, etc.). What is most important to my client is most important to me. I strive to help clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to navigate whatever life handles them.

Hi, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia and D.C. In 2017, I received my Master’s in Social Work from Temple University, and I have been in the field for 7 years and have been licensed for two years. My main population to focus on is Adults who are struggling with Depression and Anxiety due to a shift or change in their overall well-being.

My approach is direct, compassionate, culturally aware, and deeply grounded in trauma-informed care. I help clients understand not just what they are feeling, but why their mind and body respond the way they do. A lot of people come to therapy feeling exhausted from surviving, overthinking, masking, people pleasing, or functioning on autopilot. Together, we work on building emotional safety, nervous system regulation, healthier relationships, self-awareness, and practical tools that actually work in real life.

I specialize in trauma, anxiety, stress management, emotional regulation, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, life transitions, and helping high-capacity individuals who are successful externally but overwhelmed internally. My work integrates evidence-based practices, somatic awareness, attachment-focused interventions, and practical strategies that support both emotional wellness and everyday functioning.

I am originally from North Carolina and moved to Virginia 6 years ago. I studied at Wake Forest University. Since I was younger, I've enjoyed helping others and learning about the science of mental health. It became my hobby when I was younger. I enjoy working with so many backgrounds and increasing my education each year as I help new people. Currently, I like to utilize mindfulness based CBT, DBT, and ACT.

I have worked in community mental health settings for 18 years. I am skilled with the severely mentally ill population, and I have done significant work with children, adolescents and adults. I have moderate experience with autism and neurodivergence, as well as working with trauma and anxiety in this population.

Clients should know that I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where they can openly discuss their concerns. I understand that seeking mental health treatment can be difficult, and I strive to build trusting relationships through empathy, respect, and active listening.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I believe in treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. I work collaboratively with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that align with their goals, values, and lifestyle. My approach combines evidence-based medication management with education, supportive therapy, and practical coping strategies to promote lasting wellness.

Clients can expect me to be compassionate, approachable, and dedicated to helping them navigate life's challenges while empowering them to take an active role in their mental health journey.