WHAT'S HOLDING
YOU BACK?

Dr. Christian offers Virtual Sessions to those who live in the State of Virginia!

Psychotherapy / Counseling

Supporting Individuals and Couples


I work with individuals and couples to provide them with the tools and strategies they need to achieve their goals. My approach is supportive, creative, and collaborative, focusing on empowering clients to build more satisfying and meaningful lives. Together, we take active steps toward a life you value—even when those steps feel challenging.

Many people face psychological challenges at some point in their lives. More than a quarter of Americans experience depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns in any given year. Others may struggle with relationship difficulties, job stress, grief, substance use, or behavioral health issues. These challenges can feel overwhelming and, at times, debilitating.

You may wonder whether psychotherapy is the “right” choice for you. The American Psychological Association notes:

"Because of the many misconceptions about psychotherapy, you may be reluctant to try it out. Even if you know the realities instead of the myths, you may feel nervous about trying it yourself."

Overcoming that hesitation is worthwhile. Whenever your quality of life isn’t what you want it to be, psychotherapy can help.

Who Benefits from Therapy?

People seek psychotherapy for various reasons. Some have felt depressed, anxious, or angry for a long time. Others may be navigating a chronic illness that impacts their emotional or physical well-being. Many seek support for short-term challenges, such as adjusting to a life transition, coping with a divorce, managing stress at a new job, or grieving the loss of a loved one.

Signs that therapy might help include:

- Experiencing a prolonged sense of sadness or helplessness.
- Feeling unable to resolve problems despite your own efforts or support from loved ones.
- Struggling to concentrate on work or manage daily activities.
- Excessive worry, constant fear of the worst outcomes, or persistent tension.
- Engaging in harmful behaviors such as substance misuse, aggression, or other actions that negatively impact you or those around you.


The Role of Therapy

When individuals seek therapy, they often do so in search of relief from difficult emotions, thoughts, or behaviors. They may want to learn healthier coping mechanisms, navigate life’s challenges, or simply find more fulfillment in their day-to-day lives.

If you are unsure whether therapy is right for you, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can explore your concerns and discuss how psychotherapy can provide the support you need. Call today to learn more about the options available to you.

Psychotherapy

Dr. Kathy Christian

Clinical Psychologist

I earned my PhD and MA in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology in San Diego and my BA in Psychology from the University of California at Los Angeles. I am a licensed psychologist in Virginia and California.

I have been providing effective psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children for more than 30 years. I work with individuals, couples and families. Psychotherapy is a powerful process. I apply a variety of approaches to help clients understand themselves, their relationships with others, and their goals for the future. Life brings all kinds of challenges– depression, irritability, anxiety, and relationship difficulties are just some of the symptoms that can exist. When obstacles are understood and removed, a more gratifying life becomes possible. I will collaborate with you to help you deal with the issues you are facing, build on your strengths, and equip you with the tools to handle both present and future concerns.

Other Professional Experience

  • Medical: Upon receiving my PhD, I spent a year in a postdoctoral fellowship where I worked training Family Practice physicians-to-be. There, my interest in the ways that the mind and body can be so closely and inexorably connected was developed. I spent another 3 years working with physicians in hospitals to help them help their patients. This experience has given me the knowledge necessary to work with individuals who suffer from physical problems that are accompanied by psychological concerns.
  • Government: For 14 years I worked at NASA as the Manager of their Employee Assistance Program. I worked with employees and their family members who were from all walks of life. I designed and presented training on a wide range of topics. I served on a committee at NASA where I helped to create the agency-wide Leadership Coaching Program. I provided executive coaching and training for all levels of leaders. At NASA I started a Therapy Dog program where I trained and obtained certification for 2 standard poodles (Dexter and Ella). One of them came to work with me each day. Seeing the incredibly positive impact of Therapy Dogs in a workplace was extremely rewarding and was truly a wonder to witness. Ella and Dexter are still part of my family and I look forward to using them in my practice in the future.
  • Law Enforcement, First Responders, and Military Veterans: I have worked with law enforcement professionals (local, county, state, federal) and military vets over most of my career, and especially during the past 4 years in Federal law enforcement. I have become steeped in law enforcement culture and this knowledge helps me work effectively with those in these special groups.
  • Trauma and Disasters: I have delivered Critical Incident Stress Management services to many groups, perhaps most notably after Hurricane Katrina (in Mississippi) and Ike (in Texas). I understand how to work effectively with both the victims of traumatic incidents and those who work on the front lines to help them.

Calming

Teletherapy Session Fees

My fee for virtual sessions is $180 per 50-minute session. These sessions are available to Virginia residents, and are conducted via a secure, confidential online platform.

If you plan to utilize your insurance, I will provide the necessary paperwork for you to submit directly to your insurance provider. To ensure a smooth process, I recommend that you contact your insurance company in advance to clarify your coverage and reimbursement options. Below are some helpful questions to ask your provider:

- Do they reimburse for out-of-network mental health services?
- What percentage of the service fee is covered?
- Is there a deductible, and has it been met?
- Is preauthorization required?
- Are there limits on the number of sessions covered?
- Is a diagnosis necessary for reimbursement?

Contact Dr. Kathy

Email: drkathychristian@gmail.com
Phone: (571) 299-8616

Telehealth Session Data

Virtual sessions are available to prospective clients who reside in Virginia. I will personally guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience for your session.

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