

Looking for a therapist in Sterling, Virginia? Headway serves the Ashburn, Leesburg, and Reston areas with 362 providers ready to support your mental health journey. Sessions can be covered by insurance, and many clients pay as little as $0 per session through our network.
I provide compassionate, confidential psychiatric care designed to help you feel supported and understood. Each treatment plan is personalized, using evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs and goals. My goal is to create a safe, judgment-free space where we can work together to manage challenges such as anxiety, depression, mood changes, or sleep issues. Appointments are available virtually for your convenience.
Hi, I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC), and I’m here to support you on your mental health journey. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, mood changes, ADHD, trauma, sleep issues, and life stressors using a compassionate, personalized approach. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and understood. Together, we’ll develop a plan that helps you feel better and regain balance in your life.
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 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.
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.











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 Sterling starts with knowing which type of mental health care fits your needs. Psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and manage medication over time. Therapists provide talk therapy and may work with you on concerns like anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, or bipolar disorder. Both can be valid places to start, depending on whether you want talk therapy, medication management, or support from both a therapist and a prescriber.
Sterling has a smaller local network than nearby metro areas, so virtual psychiatry can expand your options while keeping care accessible from home. Medication management appointments are usually shorter and less frequent than therapy sessions, so availability, scheduling flexibility, and appointment format can matter when choosing a psychiatrist. Some psychiatrists also offer therapy, and some people work with both a therapist and a prescriber. Read profiles before booking to understand each psychiatrist’s specialties, approach to care, and whether they offer a free phone consultation.
Psychiatric care in Sterling can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and understand what you may pay before care begins. Headway helps you find psychiatrists who match your needs, accept your plan, and are accepting new patients. You can enter your insurance details, see estimated out-of-pocket costs upfront, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you're already taking psychiatric medication and considering switching providers, talk to your current prescriber before changing or stopping any medication — most psychiatric medications shouldn't be stopped abruptly. Anyone experiencing thoughts of self-harm or in acute crisis should call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department rather than wait for an outpatient appointment.
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