Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

5,669 people sought psychiatry/medication help at Alexandria in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a psychiatry/medication can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 124 psychiatric NPs in Virginia available for an online psychiatry session.

Hear from our clinicians

What is your go-to approach in sessions?

Debra: My go-to approach during medication check-in is for both of us to understand what is better and what is not better since the last time we got together. And what changes can be made based on their response, possible side effects and expectations. I believe that if someone is willing to take medication then they deserve a positive outcome from that medication.

Adaku: My go-to approach for helping people in our medication check-ins is to ensure a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. I prefer this because it fosters trust and encourages open communication, which is vital for effective treatment outcomes. During our sessions, I prioritize active listening and asking open-ended questions to fully understand clients' experiences. This allows me to tailor treatment plans to meet their individual needs. Additionally, I provide psychoeducation about medications, empowering clients to make informed decisions about their health. Overall, my goal is to support clients in optimizing their medication regimen for improved well-being.

What is your typical approach to prescribing medications?

Debra: My typical approach to prescribing a new medication is to first plainly explain the basics of brain chemistry so that they understand how their medication is expected to work. Psychiatric medications are not “magic or mystical”, these medications are based on biology and chemistry that everybody deserves to know about.

Adaku: My typical approach to prescribing medication involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of the patient's medical history, current symptoms, and diagnostic information while prioritizing a patient-centered approach. I aim to understand their treatment preferences, goals, and concerns. I tailor a personalized treatment plan that may include medication alongside other therapeutic interventions based on evidence-based guidelines and the latest research findings. Throughout the process, I maintain open communication with the patient to monitor their response to medication, adjust dosages as needed, and address any concerns, with the goal of empowering patients in their medication management journey and improving their health outcomes.

Do you teach clients any therapeutic tools in sessions?

Debra: I know a client is making meaningful progress with their medication when we together look back at my very first note and recognize what is better and what is not better. As troublesome symptoms fall into the past it is sometimes hard to even remember how they started out.

Adaku: I know a client is making meaningful progress in our sessions when their symptoms are significantly improved, they respond less to their triggers, and able to handle their stressors better.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement psychiatric treatment?

Debra: It is important for clients to understand that medications can only do so much and what they do in their life contributes to their improvement. Include as many activities that help care for your soul, such as:

  • Talking to your therapist
  • Brushing your cat
  • Walking your dog
  • Meditating
  • Drinking and using drugs less
  • Not smoking
  • Doing yoga
  • Praying
  • Getting outside every day to just notice the world
  • Singing
  • Doing something creative
  • Being with people who help feed your soul

Adaku: Clients typically benefit from the use of the skills learned in psychotherapy sessions and adhering to their medications as recommended.

What should someone do to prepare for starting psychiatric care?

Debra: To prepare for your first psychiatry session, you can jot down your symptoms, your worries and fears and, most importantly, your own goals for taking medication. If you have a destination in mind when you start a journey, then you are more likely to arrive at a good place.

Adaku: To prepare for your first psychiatric session you can complete the mental intake form that contains relevant questions for the session and write down any questions for the provider

Starting Psychiatry/medication

Does Thriveworks offer psychiatric services?

Yes, we offer comprehensive psychiatric services to meet your mental health needs.

How does psychiatry work?

Psychiatry allows people struggling to manage mental conditions or disorders to get access to medications that will make daily functioning easier, as well as work through any mental factors that might be causing or worsening their condition. Though medications can’t cure mental disorders, medication can make symptoms more manageable, making the process of psychotherapeutic treatment easier and more effective. Psychiatric care can be available through in-person psychiatry and online psychiatry, depending on where you live and your own preferences. However, psychiatric providers at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA specifically offer online psychiatry to their clients.

What is the difference between a mental health therapist & psychiatrist?

A therapist has an education specifically rooted in therapeutic practice, approaches, techniques, and treatment. They cannot prescribe medications for clients, though they often refer clients to psychiatrists for medication management. Psychiatrists are medically trained doctors who specialize in mental health treatment, mainly through medication management and prescription, though they can also practice therapy.

What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

A Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a highly trained and licensed professional who specializes in mental health care. They are qualified to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide therapy. Psychiatric NPs at Thriveworks are qualified to prescribe medications for a variety of mental health conditions. They work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.

How do psychiatric providers diagnose?

Oftentimes, psychiatrists or psychiatric professionals will perform a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, which involves an in-depth discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and current medications. Once they reach a diagnosis, they may suggest starting certain medications depending on your condition and the intensity of your symptoms.

Can I receive psychiatric services online?

Yes. At Thriveworks, we offer online-only psychiatry services for optimal comfort and convenience.

How long does psychiatry last?

Psychiatric services at Thriveworks Alexandria can last for as little or as much time as the client needs to reach their treatment goals, whether that be a month or two or over the course of a year. Treatment length is heavily dependent on the condition(s) being treated, the course of treatment, and the client’s goals for treatment.

Is anxiety treated with psychiatry?

Psychiatrists are mental health professionals who can prescribe anxiety medication and provide therapeutic treatment for anxiety, although not all psychiatrists offer therapy. At Thriveworks, medication management occurs via online psychiatry sessions.

Does Thriveworks accept insurance for psychiatric services?

Yes, Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans. We strive to make mental health care accessible and affordable for everyone.

Need more help deciding?

Alexandria, VA Psychiatry – Meet with a Psychiatric NP (Nurse Practitioner)

When it comes to treating mental illnesses with medication management at Thriveworks, our psychiatric NPs play an essential role, as they possess the certifications and credentials to diagnose patients and prescribe them the proper psychiatric medications to treat their conditions.

Who Is in Need of Medication Management?

A broad range of mental health conditions are alleviated by medications like antidepressants, mood stabilizers, cognitive enhancers, and more. So, while psychiatric medications help those with conditions like bipolar disorder, they also help those who struggle with mild depression and/or anxiety.

The list doesn’t stop there—it isn’t comprised of a mere few mental illnesses. If you’re suffering from a mental health condition and need help managing it, medication (as well as psychotherapy) might help. In any case, the online NPs at Thriveworks Alexandria can evaluate your specific case and help to treat your presenting illness.

Why Is Medication Management Important?

An important question to answer is, why is medication management important? In summary, your well-being depends on it. The effectiveness of your medication relies on its proper use.

For example, if you take too much or too little of a medication, it might not successfully alleviate your symptoms. Additionally, taking too much or too little of your medication could have harmful effects on your health. So, in working with an NP, be sure you…

  • Disclose any medications or supplements you’re currently taking
  • Divulge allergies or other issues you’ve experienced with medications in the past
  • Understand exactly how to take the medication, including how much and how often
  • Continue to take your medication exactly as prescribed and instructed
  • Ask your nurse practitioner any questions you have now or later, as they arise

Work with an Online Psychiatric NP at Thriveworks Alexandria

We believe that everyone can lead a happier, healthier life by working with a mental health professional—whether they’re struggling with a mental illness, looking for some guidance amidst a career change or major life transition, or in need of some relationship assistance. The point is that we all struggle with something and oftentimes a mental health professional can help.

Schedule with an Online Psychiatric NP Today

If you’re a little intimidated or nervous about calling to schedule your appointment, rest assured that the process will go smoothly. Here are a few points to reassure you:

1) You will speak with a scheduling specialist, not a robot! When you call Thriveworks Alexandria, a scheduling specialist will answer your call and work with you to set you up with the provider who is right for you.

2) We accommodate you and your schedule by offering flexible hours. We understand just how busy life can get. If you can’t make a daytime appointment, we have evening appointments available. If you can’t make a weekday appointment, we have weekend appointments available, as well.

3) You could start treatment as soon as next week. We’ll work to set you up with a provider as soon as possible. Oftentimes, new clients are scheduled with their provider within 7 days of their first call.

If you’re ready, so are we. Call Thriveworks Alexandria or schedule online to get started with a psychiatric NP.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Alexandria therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey | BCBS - PPO

  • Humana Exchange

Show more
Self-pay costs at Alexandria
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Read more At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Horace Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Read more Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Horace Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Read more I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Ed Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Read more My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Louisa Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Love our therapist.
Heidi Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Read more My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Alexandria Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Read more I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Alexandria Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off Colvin St between Sweeley St and Roth St. We are located next door to the Alexandria Police Association and across the street from NACCAS (National Accrediting Commision of Career Arts and Sciences).

Phone number

(703) 936-6214

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Korean
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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