Psychiatrists, Therapists (Counseling) & Forensic Psychiatry in Northern VA / Greater Washington, D.C.

psychiatric treatment, individual counseling, psychotherapy, psychotherapist, counselor, counseling, psychiatrist, psychiatry, counseling, therapy, psychotherapy, couples counseling, family counseling, forensic psychiatric assessment, forensic psychological assessment

Our experienced board-certified psychiatrists perform psychiatric assessments and provide medication management and psychotherapy for clients ages 16 and above.

D.C. talk therapy and psychotherapy in Northern VA

Our compassionate psychotherapists provide individual psychotherapy, couples counseling / marital therapy, and family therapy for clients ages 13 and above.

forensic psychiatrists in DC and VA and MD, forensic psychologist serving the Greater D.C. area

Our forensic psychiatrist and forensic psychologist provide psychiatric and psychological assessments and expert witness services for civil, administrative, and criminal matters.

What’s the Right Treatment for Me?

By putting together licensed professionals from various backgrounds, we have created a practice designed to help individuals, couples, and families achieve their mental health, personal, and relationship-related goals. We offer psychotherapy for persons ages 13 and older, and both psychotherapy and medication management for persons ages 16 and older. All of our providers are skilled psychotherapists, with training in cognitive-behavioral (CBT), psychodynamic, and supportive psychotherapy. Training in additional therapeutic modalities varies by provider.

If you think you may benefit from medication, please ask about scheduling with one of our two board-certified psychiatrists, Ryan Shugarman, M.D. (ages 18 and older) or James V. Rives, M.D. (ages 16 and older). If you are seeking psychotherapy alone, you are welcome to work with Kristin Harkins, LMFT (ages 13 and older) or with Drs. Shugarman or Rives. Persons in treatment with outside providers are always welcome to the practice. Please note that the practice is currently not accepting new patients with Medicare Part B.

At the end of each appointment, we will provide you with a detailed receipt designed to help maximize insurance company reimbursement. Treatment-related costs vary by provider and are available upon request.

Individuals, law firms, companies, agencies, and other entities seeking forensic psychiatric or forensic psychological assessments for civil, administrative, or criminal matters should visit our Forensic Services page or contact the practice for additional information.

We look forward to working with you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our mental health therapy services in the Alexandria, VA & Washington, D.C. area!!

Our Providers:

Ryan Shugarman, M.D. is a clinical and forensic psychiatrist practicing in Northern VA.

Ryan Shugarman, M.D.

Board-Certified General and Forensic Psychiatrist

Dr. James Rives is a psychiatrist in Alexandria treating adolescents and adults.

James V. Rives, M.D.

Board-Certified Psychiatrist

Kristin Harkins, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Alexandria, VA serving the Greater D.C. area for individual, couples, and family psychotherapy

Kristin Harkins, LMFT

Individual, Couples, and Family Therapist

Dr. Shilpa Krishnan is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in Northern Virginia serving the Greater Washington D.C. area.

Shilpa Krishnan, PH.D.

Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist

Have questions?  Interested in scheduling?

Please call us at (703) 596-1024 or complete our contact form to learn more about our psychiatric treatment services in the Alexandria, VA / Greater Washington, D.C. area!

For more information about mental health conditions, psychiatry, and treatment, the American Psychiatric Association's and NAMI's websites offer excellent resources.

Client Testimonials:

Dr. Shugarman 1
Ratings Stars for Shugarman Psychiatric & Counseling

“I have the utmost respect for Dr. Shugarman. He is incredibly well-crafted and highly adept in his field of work. I would recommend him to a loved on or client for psychiatric care without a moment's hesitation.”

Dr. Shugarman 2
Ratings Stars for Shugarman Psychiatric & Counseling

“As a patient of Dr. Shugarman’s, I find him to be a caring and experienced therapist who is deeply committed to helping his patients improve their lives. He is easy to talk to and listens thoughtfully. He has been instrumental in helping me understand myself better and successfully deal with several difficult issues. He also closely manages my medications. I recommend him highly.”

Dr. Shugarman 3
Ratings Stars for Shugarman Psychiatric & Counseling

“Dr. Shugarman listens and works with his patients for the right therapy. A true professional in his command of pharmacology and patient care.”

Dr. Shugarman 4
Ratings Stars for Shugarman Psychiatric & Counseling

“I have been a patient of Dr. Shugarman’s for several years. He is very knowledgeable in his field. He is very attentive to your concerns/needs and he offers not just medications, but suggestions for new activities, new interventions, and/or changes in behavior for positive results. I highly recommend the services of Dr. Shugarman.”

Dr. Shugarman 5
Ratings Stars for Shugarman Psychiatric & Counseling

“I have been a patient of Dr. Ryan Shugarman in two separate periods since 2012. His approach is practical, straightforward, and effective, all while maintaining a sense of patience, empathy and non-judgment. He helped guide me out of some of the most difficult experiences of my life and instilled confidence and trust by carefully evaluating the various factors influencing my experiences before offering a diagnosis and then working to make sure that I had a management plan I was comfortable with. I greatly value him as a psychiatrist.”

Kristin Harkins 1
Ratings Stars for Shugarman Psychiatric & Counseling

“Kristin Harkins is by far the most compassionate and caring therapist that I have ever seen. I appreciate her mind, body, spirit approach to counseling which has really helped me to take a broad look at what healing and self care means for me. This year I have been able to make a lot of progress towards healing and it wouldn't have been possible without her help. I will always be grateful.”

Kristin Harkins 2
Ratings Stars for Shugarman Psychiatric & Counseling

“Kristin Harkins is one of the best therapists I’ve encountered, and I have seen a lot. She is thoughtful, compassionate and really knows her stuff. She has helped me get through some really difficult life changes, and I can’t recommend her enough.”

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