Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in McLean, VA

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia who helps women navigate the emotional complexities of motherhood and family life. Whether you’re adjusting to a new baby, managing shifting family roles, or feeling stretched thin trying to meet everyone’s needs, therapy can be a place to catch your breath and find your footing again.

I have been leveling up my approach to psychotherapy for the span of my career, most recently completing training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This is now the primary approach of my practice. My career began nearly 15 years ago with victim advocacy, working with survivors of sexual violence, first as a volunteer then graduating to counselor as my education progressed. I also gained a great deal of experience in crisis response and substance use treatment from working in residential/inpatient facilities with adolescents and adults. A great deal of my clinical experience has been in practice of Dialectical Behavior and Cognitive Behavior Therapies, which continue to be solid supports for my work in EMDR with clients.

My name is Dr. CJ Polihronakis (pronounced Pol-eh-ron-ah-kiss) (he/him/his), and I am a licensed psychologist in New York, Maryland, & Virginia. After earning my undergraduate degree in Psychology & English from Georgetown University, I obtained a Mental Health Counseling Ed.M. and a Counseling Psychology Ph.D. from Columbia University. I have over 10 years worth of education, training, and professional experiences providing mental health services to diverse client populations. ​

I have ample experience providing support to:

• Undergraduate & Graduate Students
• Adults
• Caregivers
• Professionals Navigating Career Concerns
• Other Mental Health Providers

​Some of my areas of expertise include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Interpersonal Concerns
• Family of Origin Concerns
• Career & Professional Concerns
• Life Transitions
• Intersectional Identity Development
• Bisexuality, Pansexuality, Non-monosexuality
• LGBTQIA+ Identities & Queer Issues
• Men and Masculinities
• Sex, Intimacy, Kink, & Sexual Health (from a Sex-Positive Approach)
• Trauma​ (e.g., Identity-based, Adverse Childhood Experiences)​​​ ​

Nevertheless, I have worked with clients on a wide breadth of presenting concerns throughout my education and training. I look forward to having the opportunity to support you on your journey towards addressing your mental health concerns!

I'm April — a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked alongside people in some of the hardest chapters of their lives: crisis moments in emergency settings, school hallways with overwhelmed teenagers, and outpatient rooms where families were trying to figure out how to be in the same room again. That range of experience has shaped how I work. I know that anxiety looks different in a 15-year-old than it does in a 40-year-old. I know that couples who love each other can still feel like strangers. And I know that healing isn't linear — it takes time, trust, and the right support.

I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and marital concerns, family conflict, parenting challenges, life transitions, and emotional regulation. I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. For clients who want it, I also offer faith-integrated counseling that weaves Christian beliefs and values into the therapeutic process — thoughtfully, ethically, and at your pace.

I am a state licensed mental health therapist with a strong passion for supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia State University and my Master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Community Mental Health from Hampton University. I have also completed additional graduate coursework in clinical psychology. I proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves for nine years, and I have been working in the mental health field since 2017.

I specialize in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress-related concerns. I understand how overwhelming life can feel at times, and I am committed to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered.

My therapeutic approach includes Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Person-Centered Therapy. I believe in meeting each client where they are and tailoring treatment to fit their unique needs. My goal is to help you build insight, develop practical coping skills, and gain the confidence needed to navigate life more effectively.

At this time, I offer telehealth services only, providing convenient and accessible care from the comfort and privacy of your own space.

Welcome. If you have been feeling overwhelmed by depression, anxiety, mood swings, or trouble focusing, you are not alone. Maybe your teen is struggling, or you are exhausted from trying to manage symptoms on your own. When your mood, energy, or attention feel out of control, daily life can feel harder than it should. I offer a supportive, judgment free space where your concerns are taken seriously.