Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Psychiatrists in Alexandria, VA
Shugarman Psychiatric & Counseling has been providing comprehensive mental health care since 2010, serving individuals, couples, and families in Northern Virginia and the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Our team of board-certified psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and forensic specialists combines clinical expertise with personalized treatment plans to address depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, and other mental health challenges. We offer both medication management and evidence-based therapies, including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and trauma-focused approaches. Our practice emphasizes accessibility, with evening hours and convenient locations in Old Town Alexandria.We also provide forensic psychiatric evaluations and expert witness services for civil, administrative, and criminal matters nationwide. Our commitment to patient-centered care ensures thorough initial assessments and detailed documentation to support insurance reimbursement. With extensive experience in treating complex conditions and forensic cases, we prioritize patient dignity, treatment flexibility, and continuous professional development through academic affiliations and teaching roles.
Services
Psychiatric Evaluation
Individual Counseling
Forensic Services
Medication Management
Couples Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Board-certified psychiatrists with 10+ years of clinical and forensic experience
- Personalized treatment plans combining medication management and evidence-based therapies
- Evening hours and accessible location in Old Town Alexandria
- Forensic experts with national experience in civil and criminal evaluations
- Thorough initial assessments lasting two hours for accurate diagnoses
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
What people say
Compassionate and caring
Highly adept in field
Instrumental in improvement
Knowledgeable and attentive
Practical effective approach
Services
Psychiatric Evaluation
Our comprehensive psychiatric evaluations involve two-hour sessions to accurately diagnose mental health conditions and develop personalized treatment plans. Our board-certified psychiatrists assess mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and complex psychiatric conditions using evidence-based diagnostic criteria. This service provides foundational insights for medication management and therapy recommendations.
Medication Management
Board-certified psychiatrists provide expert medication management for adults and adolescents. We monitor treatment effectiveness, adjust dosages, and address side effects while combining pharmacological treatment with psychotherapy when appropriate. Our approach emphasizes patient education and collaborative decision-making about psychiatric medications.
Individual Counseling
Licensed therapists offer individual counseling using cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and supportive approaches. This service addresses depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma through personalized therapy sessions. Clients receive tailored interventions focusing on symptom reduction and personal growth.
Forensic Services
Our forensic psychiatrists and psychologists conduct independent medical examinations, expert witness testimony, and psychological assessments for legal cases. Services include competency evaluations, criminal responsibility assessments, and expert reports for civil, administrative, and criminal matters nationwide.
Couples Therapy
Specialized therapy for couples addresses relationship challenges, communication issues, and conflict resolution. Our licensed marriage and family therapist employs evidence-based techniques to improve relational dynamics and foster mutual understanding between partners.
People
Ryan Shugarman
Board-Certified General and Forensic Psychiatrist
Dr. Shugarman provides psychiatric treatment and forensic evaluations with expertise in medication management and psychotherapy. He has taught forensic psychiatry at Georgetown University and Saint Elizabeths Hospital, holding leadership roles in professional organizations.
James V. Rives
Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Rives specializes in adult psychiatry with experience treating U.S. military veterans. He offers medication management and psychotherapy for patients aged 16+, combining clinical expertise with compassionate care.
Kristin Harkins
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Ms. Harkins provides individual and couples counseling using integrative approaches. With specialized training in trauma and relationship therapy, she helps clients address mental health challenges through evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
Shilpa Krishnan
Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist
Dr. Krishnan conducts forensic psychological evaluations and provides expert testimony. She serves as Deputy Director of Forensic Services in DC and has expertise in violence risk assessment and psychological testing.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide psychiatric evaluations, medication management, individual counseling, couples therapy, and forensic psychiatric/psychological evaluations for civil and criminal cases.
How do I choose between a psychiatrist and therapist?
Psychiatrists handle medication management and complex diagnoses, while therapists focus on psychotherapy. We help match you to the appropriate provider based on your needs.
Do you accept insurance?
We provide detailed receipts for insurance reimbursement. Contact your provider about out-of-network mental health coverage benefits.
What forensic services are available?
Our experts perform competency evaluations, criminal responsibility assessments, independent medical exams, expert witness testimony, and psychological testing for legal proceedings nationwide.
How are appointments scheduled?
Initial evaluations require phone scheduling. Contact us at (703) 596-1024 during business hours to discuss availability and treatment needs.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., with forensic services available nationwide through consultation.
