

Arlington mental health care is accessible through Headway's network of 362 providers serving Ballston, Crystal City, Clarendon and beyond. Schedule sessions virtually or in-person with flexible availability, supported by insurance coverage and free initial consultations.
I provide evidence-based mental health care, including medication management, lifestyle modifications, and other therapeutic approaches.
My passion for mental health care was sparked when I volunteered at a crisis hotline. I later earned a master's degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Since then, I have gained valuable experience in community and hospital settings.
I am Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) trained in medication management and individual therapy. I approach my work caring about the whole person and not simply treating diagnoses. I am aided by knowledge gained from my education: Bachelor's of Science in Sociology, Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, and Master's of Science in Nursing. I also draw from my 11 year career as a registered nurse in intensive care units and my 3 years as a Nurse Practitioner, working at an outpatient clinic as well as an inpatient crisis unit.
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.
I believe the most effective care comes from a strong, collaborative partnership. I approach each person as more than a diagnosis, and I value honesty, accountability, and mutual respect in the work we do together. Change is possible—I’ve seen it firsthand—and I’m here to support you in becoming the version of yourself you want to be. My background includes both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nursing from Walsh University, and I bring that clinical foundation into thoughtful, individualized care.
Hello, my name is Denise Cole and I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner providing medication management services for anxiety/depressive/bipolar disorders, OCD, and PTSD. I recognize the importance of mental health on overall health. I look forward to helping you work towards your goals and achieve wellness. Let’s get started.
You’ve taken an important step in seeking care, and I’m glad you’re here. I aim to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered as we explore what’s working, what isn’t, and strategies that fit your unique needs - at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I’m a double board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), taking an integrative approach that considers both your physical and emotional well-being.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals across the lifespan. I specialize in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and stress-related concerns through a combination of medication management and supportive psychotherapy.
My approach is holistic, collaborative, and patient-centered. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. Together, we will explore your concerns, identify treatment goals, and develop a personalized plan that aligns with your needs and lifestyle.
I incorporate evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral techniques, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation to help clients build coping skills and improve overall well-being. Whether you are starting treatment for the first time or continuing your mental health journey, I strive to provide care that is thoughtful, empowering, and results-oriented.
I offer convenient telehealth services, making it easier to access care from the comfort of your home. My goal is to support you in achieving stability, balance, and improved quality of life.
I welcome clients from diverse backgrounds and am committed to culturally sensitive care.











Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding the right psychiatrist in Arlington, VA starts with understanding what kind of care you need. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and in some cases provide talk therapy. If you're looking for help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or medication management, a psychiatrist may be the right fit. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) can also prescribe and manage medication and are another option available through Headway.
Arlington has a large concentration of mental health providers, but narrowing your options can still feel overwhelming. Consider what matters most to you — whether that's a provider who specializes in a specific condition, offers virtual appointments, or practices near neighborhoods like Ballston, Pentagon City, or Columbia Pike. Reading a provider's bio can help you understand their approach and decide if they're a good match before you commit.
Psychiatry sessions in Arlington can be expensive without insurance. Using your in-network benefits is one of the most reliable ways to lower your out-of-pocket costs. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs upfront, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find a psychiatrist who is both the right clinical fit and covered by your plan.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.