Sarah Heard

I knew from a young age that I had an ability to connect with people from many different backgrounds. That led me to pursue a career in social work, earning my bachelor’s degree from Radford University and my Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University.

My career has included medical social work, community mental health, crisis intervention, trauma, and psychiatric care. I began by helping patients with spinal cord and brain injuries transition from rehabilitation or the hospital back into the community. At the Medical College of Virginia, I also volunteered to work with individuals affected by HIV during the early years of the disease.

I later worked with both children and adults in community mental health, developing particular expertise with young children who had experienced sexual abuse. I went on to supervise children’s crisis services and adult and child outpatient clinical services. My experience also includes emergency room psychiatric evaluations and five years as co-owner of a psychiatric practice.

Since COVID, I have focused on providing telehealth therapy to clients ranging from young adults to older adults. I truly enjoy this work and find it rewarding to help clients make meaningful, lasting changes in their lives.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and individualized. Every person brings a unique history, personality, set of challenges, and strengths, so I do not believe therapy should look the same for everyone.

I strive to create a comfortable, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard and respected. Together, we identify the concerns affecting your life, explore contributing patterns and experiences, and develop practical strategies for meaningful change.

My broad experience in medical social work, trauma, crisis intervention, and psychiatric care allows me to look at the whole person rather than simply a diagnosis or symptom. I view therapy as a partnership, with your goals helping guide the direction of treatment.

We will talk about your current concerns, relevant history, relationships, stressors, symptoms, and what you hope to accomplish through therapy. I will also ask questions that help me understand you as a whole person.

The first session also gives you an opportunity to decide whether you feel comfortable working with me. From there, we can begin establishing clear goals and a treatment approach that is supportive, realistic, and tailored to your needs.