Psychiatrists in Loudoun County, VA

Belinda Walsh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Purcellville, VA 20132
Belinda Walsh is a licensed and board-certified as a nurse practitioner in both psychiatric-mental health (PMHNP) and women's health (WHNP). She received a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Virginia in 1997. She received a bachelor's in Nursing and a master's degree in Women's Health nurse practitioner in 2000 from Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2016, she received her post-master's degree in Psychiatric Mental Health from Virginia Commonwealth University after realizing the strong need for mental health care for obstetric patients.
Belinda Walsh is a licensed and board-certified as a nurse practitioner in both psychiatric-mental health (PMHNP) and women's health (WHNP). She received a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Virginia in 1997. She received a bachelor's in Nursing and a master's degree in Women's Health nurse practitioner in 2000 from Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2016, she received her post-master's degree in Psychiatric Mental Health from Virginia Commonwealth University after realizing the strong need for mental health care for obstetric patients.

Dr. Iqbal is double board certified in Child & Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry and believes in the integrative and collaborative treatment approach towards patients, their family and other professionals involved. Dr. Iqbal specializes in treating ADHD, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, Psychosis, PTSD and women's mental health.
Dr. Iqbal is double board certified in Child & Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry and believes in the integrative and collaborative treatment approach towards patients, their family and other professionals involved. Dr. Iqbal specializes in treating ADHD, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, Psychosis, PTSD and women's mental health.

I am Toni Plummer, and I am a Certified Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner. I believe in empowering individuals to manage various psychiatric conditions. I provide a person-centered holistic approach to mental health care. My medication recommendations are based on evidence-based best practice research. I complete a holistic assessment that I may help you identify psychosocial factors which may contribute to your current mood state. My communication style is honest, direct, and empathetic. I encourage people I work with to provide similar communication in working with me so that I may best serve them.
I am Toni Plummer, and I am a Certified Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner. I believe in empowering individuals to manage various psychiatric conditions. I provide a person-centered holistic approach to mental health care. My medication recommendations are based on evidence-based best practice research. I complete a holistic assessment that I may help you identify psychosocial factors which may contribute to your current mood state. My communication style is honest, direct, and empathetic. I encourage people I work with to provide similar communication in working with me so that I may best serve them.

Dr. Peace Peters
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Dr. Peace Peters is a doctoral-trained board-certified family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. Peace specializes across lifespans, treating all ages from children, adolescents, adults and geriatric mental health and wellness. Dr. Peters serves in Maryland and Virginia. She has over 20 years of healthcare experience working in different healthcare settings in inpatient and outpatient in the DMV area.
Dr. Peace Peters is a doctoral-trained board-certified family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. Peace specializes across lifespans, treating all ages from children, adolescents, adults and geriatric mental health and wellness. Dr. Peters serves in Maryland and Virginia. She has over 20 years of healthcare experience working in different healthcare settings in inpatient and outpatient in the DMV area.

Are your mental health struggles disrupting your life, not letting you enjoy life’s pleasures? Does every day feel like a chore? Do you feel like you are on autopilot? Don’t let your struggles become your identity. Let us help you find your optimal potential so YOU can find the balance and the happiness that you deserve!
Are your mental health struggles disrupting your life, not letting you enjoy life’s pleasures? Does every day feel like a chore? Do you feel like you are on autopilot? Don’t let your struggles become your identity. Let us help you find your optimal potential so YOU can find the balance and the happiness that you deserve!

Hi, I'm Emily! I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience in this field. I believe in building strong, trusting relationships and tailoring treatments to each person’s unique needs. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, or life’s challenges, I’m here to help you find balance. Let’s work together to create a path toward your mental wellness.
Hi, I'm Emily! I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with nearly 20 years of experience in this field. I believe in building strong, trusting relationships and tailoring treatments to each person’s unique needs. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, or life’s challenges, I’m here to help you find balance. Let’s work together to create a path toward your mental wellness.

I believe in a holistic and client-oriented approach to medication management. I believe it is important to consider a client's personal beliefs, spiritual values and cultural diversity when providing care. My goal is to break stigma regarding mental health and teach my clients the important of taking care of their own mind and body.
I believe in a holistic and client-oriented approach to medication management. I believe it is important to consider a client's personal beliefs, spiritual values and cultural diversity when providing care. My goal is to break stigma regarding mental health and teach my clients the important of taking care of their own mind and body.

Dr. Swarna Reddy, MD, is board certified in Adult Psychiatry, as well as Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Reddy worked in various patient care setting for over 20 years including in-patient, nursing home, geriatric, out-patient, and tele psychiatry. Dr. Reddy treats adult patients in the Sterling, Virginia area and surrounding communities. She speaks English, Hindi, and Telugu. Dr. Reddy treats patients with compassion and care.
Dr. Swarna Reddy, MD, is board certified in Adult Psychiatry, as well as Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Reddy worked in various patient care setting for over 20 years including in-patient, nursing home, geriatric, out-patient, and tele psychiatry. Dr. Reddy treats adult patients in the Sterling, Virginia area and surrounding communities. She speaks English, Hindi, and Telugu. Dr. Reddy treats patients with compassion and care.
At Riverside Counseling Center, we’ve been proudly supporting the mental health needs of Loudoun County for over 20 years. We're local in Loudoun County, VA, but we provide services for people all over VA, NC, MD, and WV!
At Riverside Counseling Center, we’ve been proudly supporting the mental health needs of Loudoun County for over 20 years. We're local in Loudoun County, VA, but we provide services for people all over VA, NC, MD, and WV!

Monet Ince-Amara
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Accepting New Patients in DC, MD, & VA. Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression? Medications may not have worked or caused unwanted side effects. You just want to feel like yourself again—calm, focused, and in control. I blend functional psychiatry, therapy-based coaching, and lifestyle medicine to help you heal naturally, whether reducing meds or exploring new strategies. Let’s create a plan for you.
Accepting New Patients in DC, MD, & VA. Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or depression? Medications may not have worked or caused unwanted side effects. You just want to feel like yourself again—calm, focused, and in control. I blend functional psychiatry, therapy-based coaching, and lifestyle medicine to help you heal naturally, whether reducing meds or exploring new strategies. Let’s create a plan for you.

Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Meet Our Psychiatrists

Hi, I am Flora Wong, PMHNP-BC. I work with patients throughout their entire lifespan and who are struggling with many life challenges or transitions. My passion lies in helping individuals achieve optimal well-being, free from judgment or inequity. I offer medication management and supportive psychotherapy. I specialize in a wide variety of diagnoses such as depression, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, stress, family conflict, and many more.
Hi, I am Flora Wong, PMHNP-BC. I work with patients throughout their entire lifespan and who are struggling with many life challenges or transitions. My passion lies in helping individuals achieve optimal well-being, free from judgment or inequity. I offer medication management and supportive psychotherapy. I specialize in a wide variety of diagnoses such as depression, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, stress, family conflict, and many more.

Eden Shumbulo—Psychiatric Medication Management
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
Ashburn, VA 20147
Do you struggle with depression, insomnia, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, or other mental health challenges? Do you need a new prescription, adjustments to your current medication, or a thorough evaluation to determine if medication might be beneficial? As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I can develop a personalized medication management plan tailored to your needs and your goals. Together, we can maximize well-being while minimizing side effects. You deserve peace, balance, focus, and relief from difficult symptoms. I'm here to support your journey to wellness. I look forward to helping!
Do you struggle with depression, insomnia, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, or other mental health challenges? Do you need a new prescription, adjustments to your current medication, or a thorough evaluation to determine if medication might be beneficial? As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I can develop a personalized medication management plan tailored to your needs and your goals. Together, we can maximize well-being while minimizing side effects. You deserve peace, balance, focus, and relief from difficult symptoms. I'm here to support your journey to wellness. I look forward to helping!

Elia Tessera
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aldie, VA 20105
I'm committed to continuous learning to provide evidence-based treatment modalities. I firmly believe in a holistic approach to health and I see the importance of mental health in achieving your optimal overall health and well-being. When I practice I want decision making to be shared, working together as a team.
I'm committed to continuous learning to provide evidence-based treatment modalities. I firmly believe in a holistic approach to health and I see the importance of mental health in achieving your optimal overall health and well-being. When I practice I want decision making to be shared, working together as a team.

Dr. Yvette Zebaze is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing for more than a decade. In 2013, she received her associate degree in nursing from Standard College of Nursing. Following that, in 2015, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Western Governor University. Further advancing her education, she completed her Doctoral of Nursing Practice in Psychiatry at George Mason University. Dr. Zebaze's approach to care is centered around evidence-based practices, aiming to support her clients as they pursue healthier lives.
Dr. Yvette Zebaze is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Virginia who has been practicing for more than a decade. In 2013, she received her associate degree in nursing from Standard College of Nursing. Following that, in 2015, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Western Governor University. Further advancing her education, she completed her Doctoral of Nursing Practice in Psychiatry at George Mason University. Dr. Zebaze's approach to care is centered around evidence-based practices, aiming to support her clients as they pursue healthier lives.

Connections Health Center
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leesburg, VA 20175
Welcome! Thank You for considering Connections Health Center. We offer patient centered, holistic care that incorporates evidence based practices to heal both mind and body. Through our mental health team approach the office feels like a family atmosphere and professionals are able to work together to treat complex needs. Communication between provider and patient is direct and not through a 3rd party or portal. Many of our patients have referred their friends and family to us based on their experience within the practice. We realize this can be a frustrating and overwhelming time and want you to know we are here to help!
Welcome! Thank You for considering Connections Health Center. We offer patient centered, holistic care that incorporates evidence based practices to heal both mind and body. Through our mental health team approach the office feels like a family atmosphere and professionals are able to work together to treat complex needs. Communication between provider and patient is direct and not through a 3rd party or portal. Many of our patients have referred their friends and family to us based on their experience within the practice. We realize this can be a frustrating and overwhelming time and want you to know we are here to help!

Chinyere is a Board-Certified and Licensed Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a BSN degree from Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, an MSN degree from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA. Chinyere has 12 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse and 10 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, providing psychiatric evaluation, treatment, and medication management to patients with varying degrees of mental illness.
Chinyere is a Board-Certified and Licensed Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a BSN degree from Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, an MSN degree from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA. Chinyere has 12 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse and 10 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, providing psychiatric evaluation, treatment, and medication management to patients with varying degrees of mental illness.

Julie Varney, a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C, MSN), holds an esteemed accreditation from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Across a span of over 19 years, Julie has accumulated a wealth of experience in diverse patient care settings, ranging from acute care to outpatient environments. Julie's extensive experience extends into the realms of mental health and addiction recovery. She utilizes competency-based approaches to treat patients with Opioid, Alcohol, and other substance use disorders.
Julie Varney, a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C, MSN), holds an esteemed accreditation from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Across a span of over 19 years, Julie has accumulated a wealth of experience in diverse patient care settings, ranging from acute care to outpatient environments. Julie's extensive experience extends into the realms of mental health and addiction recovery. She utilizes competency-based approaches to treat patients with Opioid, Alcohol, and other substance use disorders.

Dr. Patricia Obeng is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from George Mason University, Virginia, and has over 12 years of combined healthcare experience. Her expertise includes both inpatient and outpatient mental health services, as well as acute care in family medicine.
Dr. Patricia Obeng is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from George Mason University, Virginia, and has over 12 years of combined healthcare experience. Her expertise includes both inpatient and outpatient mental health services, as well as acute care in family medicine.

Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
Chloe Griffith is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She received her undergraduate degree from Birmingham Southern College and later completed her Master's program at Vanderbilt University in 2017. Chloe aims to support her patients using personalized goals and education, brief cognitive behavioral techniques, and medications. She hopes to create an environment where clients feel empowered, connected, and valued.
See more therapy options for Loudoun County
How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Loudoun County, VA
100+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Loudoun County, VA who prioritize treating:
93% | Depression |
93% | Anxiety |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
73% | ADHD |
72% | Trauma and PTSD |
68% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
63% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
89% | Cigna and Evernorth |
83% | Aetna |
82% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in Loudoun County, VA see their clients
59% | In Person and Online | |
41% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
18% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Loudoun County?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.