Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Vienna, VA

My clients would describe me as caring, direct, supportive, humorous, affirming, and down to earth. If you are here and need these, then you are in the right place. I have been practicing as a licensed therapist for over 7 years and genuinely enjoy helping others reach their full potential. Life happens. But so does therapy, so let's give this a try!

Hi there! I'm licensed professional counselor, licensed in Virginia and DC. I've been licensed for 6 years and have been practicing for 10 years. I work with adolescents and adults who are going through life transitions, navigating relationships, exploring their identity, and more. I specialize in ADHD, OCD, and addiction. And I help individuals build self-esteem, find and accept their authentic selves.

I'm a clinical psychologist residing in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, where I came to start my education in 1998 at Virginia Tech, and where I stayed to complete my graduate training at nearby Radford University. Since then, I've worked in community mental health, college counseling, and private practice, with a brief stint in neuropsychology along the way. I've also been an assistant professor at Radford and at Roanoke College. I think of myself as a generalist (meaning I like to work with a broad range of clients and issues), but have had the most experience with mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, substance use disorders, and LGBTQ+ issues. When not practicing, I devote my time to family, dogs, video games, tabletop RPGs, cooking, and badly writing electronic music.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor offering virtual therapy in Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision and specialize in working with individuals navigating the impact of childhood maltreatment and trauma, including sexual abuse. I also support women living with autoimmune diseases who are managing the emotional and psychological toll of chronic illness.

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.

As a licensed counselor with over 10 years of experience, I have worked in a variety of different settings with those struggling with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. I graduated from Liberty University with a master's in counseling and practice as a licensed professional counselor as well as a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner. I have worked in outpatient and inpatient settings.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming — and sometimes the hardest part is simply starting. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Art Therapist, and Master Addictions Counselor, I bring more than two decades of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through some of life’s most challenging moments.

I hold a Masters in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling from San Francisco State University. I specialize in self-esteem and working with attachment-related trauma, which is sometimes referred to as complex trauma or inner child wounding. Complex trauma can often look like anxiety, depression, unhealthy patterns, or a cycle of unfulfilling relationships.