Mental Health

In an effort to expand access to mental health counseling services, the following changes are being made at Pediatric Associates of Alexandria.

A second licensed clinical social worker has been hired and will begin seeing patients in March 2023.

Counseling format will shift to solution focused therapy.  This is short-term therapy that will focus on one to two treatment goals that are achievable in a few months’ time, typically 6-8 sessions completed over a 3 month time period.  Our therapists may advise patients to connect to other external resource providers or longer-term care if more appropriate based on the patient's mental health concerns.

Anxiety, depression, and behavioral assessments may be scheduled at PAA. We use clinical interviews and written assessment tools to make a diagnosis. Then individual treatment plans are developed which utilize resources in the community and at PAA. There are various programs available within the community as well. 

Mental Health Programs:

Inpatient: crisis stabilization for patients with suicidal or homicidal ideation.

Residential: long term inpatient treatment (usually weeks long) for medically stabile patients not in crisis.  These facilities have psychiatrists and therapists.  Often used as a step down from crisis hospitalization, can also be accessed by families after evaluation through the facility determining the appropriate level of care.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Day programs where patient is at the facility typically during school hours.  Sometimes schoolwork that has been coordinated by patient’s home school is done during some of time patient is at program.  Care by psychiatrists and therapists.  Step down care or accessed by families after evaluation through the facility determining the appropriate level of care.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): 3-4 hour sessions 3-4 days per week.  Usually after school.  Care by therapists.  Step down care or accessed by families after evaluation through the facility determining the appropriate level of care.

Below is a listing of some of the programs in our area.  The telephone number is the general number to contact for information and to schedule an evaluation for patients.  Families may contact them  directly. 

Dominion: 703-538-2872:  Have all of the above programs for all ages, have only program in NoVa for children 5-12 years old.

Inova Kellar Center: 703-218-8500: Have PHP and IOP, adolescent programs.

North Springs: 703-554-6300: Have all of the above programs for patients under 18 years old.  Located in Leesburg, do have busing to Fairfax area.

Discover Mood and Anxiety Program: 844-952-4201: Have Residential, PHP and IOP, adolescent and adult programs.  Multiple locations in Fairfax County.

Youth for Tomorrow: 703-368-7995: Have Residential, PHP, in home counseling for adolescents.  Multiple locations in Northern VA.

Embark: 703-382-7749: Have Residential and IOP for adolescents.  Located in Tyson’s Corner.

Please see the following links for additional resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline   Offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Can call 1-800-273-8255

Bridge to Resources VA  A no-cost searchable social resources platform available for anyone in need. Outlines local providers/mental health resources in your area