Forensic Psychology Therapists in Charlottesville, VA
Being a psychotherapist means being available to you in a way that is different to other forms of human relatedness. It means I listen to the painful events and relationships troubling you in your life and open a conversation about them between us. This conversation is private and confidential, yet allows for the most honest and accessible way to both explore and understand your reactions and feelings. Although the foundation of my knowledge lies in the psychoanalytic tradition, I incorporate contemporary knowledge and methods that have developed since Sigmund Freud's first discoveries at the end of the 19th century.
Being a psychotherapist means being available to you in a way that is different to other forms of human relatedness. It means I listen to the painful events and relationships troubling you in your life and open a conversation about them between us. This conversation is private and confidential, yet allows for the most honest and accessible way to both explore and understand your reactions and feelings. Although the foundation of my knowledge lies in the psychoanalytic tradition, I incorporate contemporary knowledge and methods that have developed since Sigmund Freud's first discoveries at the end of the 19th century.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Dr. Villines is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with child, adolescent, and adult populations. She provides individual, family, and couples therapy. Dr. Villines further specializes in working with individuals and families who are legally involved. She specializes in working with complex family systems issues, often including divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and child abuse. She is experienced in working within the legal system and frequently provides expert testimony.
Dr. Villines is a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with child, adolescent, and adult populations. She provides individual, family, and couples therapy. Dr. Villines further specializes in working with individuals and families who are legally involved. She specializes in working with complex family systems issues, often including divorce, child custody, domestic violence, and child abuse. She is experienced in working within the legal system and frequently provides expert testimony.
I specialize in Expert Witness Testimony and assessment involving Intimate Partner Violence/Coercive Control cases, child physical/sexual abuse, trauma, testimony, and assessments. I understand your fear and your needs to protect you and your children. I am quite well versed on personality traits of abusers that shift the focus of your case to risk to you and your children. I rely on data and peer-reviewed research that provides legitimacy to your case. My background also involves evaluations of victims as well as criminal offenders, which adds experience in identifying patterns of abuse.
I specialize in Expert Witness Testimony and assessment involving Intimate Partner Violence/Coercive Control cases, child physical/sexual abuse, trauma, testimony, and assessments. I understand your fear and your needs to protect you and your children. I am quite well versed on personality traits of abusers that shift the focus of your case to risk to you and your children. I rely on data and peer-reviewed research that provides legitimacy to your case. My background also involves evaluations of victims as well as criminal offenders, which adds experience in identifying patterns of abuse.
More Therapists Nearby
I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 20 years. I have worked with men, women, teens, and families on various issues. Sometimes that work involved helping them through a particular incident or life change that overwhelmed them. Other times, our work centered around longstanding topics of depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. With years of both institutional and outpatient experience, I enjoy helping people move from a place they can no longer tolerate to one where they feel happier and more effective. I also provide clinical supervision for LPC residents.
I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 20 years. I have worked with men, women, teens, and families on various issues. Sometimes that work involved helping them through a particular incident or life change that overwhelmed them. Other times, our work centered around longstanding topics of depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. With years of both institutional and outpatient experience, I enjoy helping people move from a place they can no longer tolerate to one where they feel happier and more effective. I also provide clinical supervision for LPC residents.
I am licensed in Virginia but also hold a master of Forensic psychology.
At Roots to Petals Wellness, I work with individuals who are healing from challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, sexual disorders, and LGBTQ-related concerns. I also focus on the first responders, corrections personnel, and returning citizens who experience unique stresses. Additionally, I concentrate on people of color and minority populations who may feel unseen in mainstream mental health services.
I am licensed in Virginia but also hold a master of Forensic psychology.
At Roots to Petals Wellness, I work with individuals who are healing from challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, sexual disorders, and LGBTQ-related concerns. I also focus on the first responders, corrections personnel, and returning citizens who experience unique stresses. Additionally, I concentrate on people of color and minority populations who may feel unseen in mainstream mental health services.
Online Therapists
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Hi, I’m Dr. Adina Silvestri, LPC. If you’re done with “just cope harder,” you’re in the right place. My work is soul-led and science-backed—integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS), clinical hypnosis, expressive writing, and (when appropriate) ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in collaboration with a medical prescriber. We’ll calm the nervous system, unblend from harsh inner critics, and rewrite stale stories so your life fits your values—not the other way around. Please visit my website at adinasilvestri dot com for more information.
Hi, I’m Dr. Adina Silvestri, LPC. If you’re done with “just cope harder,” you’re in the right place. My work is soul-led and science-backed—integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS), clinical hypnosis, expressive writing, and (when appropriate) ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in collaboration with a medical prescriber. We’ll calm the nervous system, unblend from harsh inner critics, and rewrite stale stories so your life fits your values—not the other way around. Please visit my website at adinasilvestri dot com for more information.
You've always managed. Pushed through. Kept it together — until you couldn't anymore. Maybe it was motherhood. Maybe perimenopause, a new job, or just years of running on empty. You started wondering: why is this so hard? If you're a woman who's spent her life labeled "too sensitive" or "just anxious" — masking exhaustion that no one else seemed to notice — and you're finally asking whether autism, ADHD, or both might explain your experience, you're in the right place. I specialize in AuDHD evaluations for adults, with a focus on women who were never identified because they were too busy holding everything together.
You've always managed. Pushed through. Kept it together — until you couldn't anymore. Maybe it was motherhood. Maybe perimenopause, a new job, or just years of running on empty. You started wondering: why is this so hard? If you're a woman who's spent her life labeled "too sensitive" or "just anxious" — masking exhaustion that no one else seemed to notice — and you're finally asking whether autism, ADHD, or both might explain your experience, you're in the right place. I specialize in AuDHD evaluations for adults, with a focus on women who were never identified because they were too busy holding everything together.
Taylor's ideal client is someone who wants to implement effective strategies to achieve their goals. Taylor's ideal clients consist of those with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, self-esteem, confidence concerns, time management, phase-of-life transitions, and other related topics. Taylor's ideal client is someone who is communicative and wants to see change, as Taylor strives to make the counseling process as effective for them as she can without causing any anxiety in the client.
Taylor's ideal client is someone who wants to implement effective strategies to achieve their goals. Taylor's ideal clients consist of those with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, self-esteem, confidence concerns, time management, phase-of-life transitions, and other related topics. Taylor's ideal client is someone who is communicative and wants to see change, as Taylor strives to make the counseling process as effective for them as she can without causing any anxiety in the client.
Lighthouse Counseling of Fredericksburg, PLC
Licensed Professional Counselor
1 Endorsed
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Lighthouse Counseling of Fredericksburg, PLC is a group practice committed to working with those who are suffering, marginalized, and feeling like no one understands. So many times, we all struggle to verbalize and contend with emotional difficulties and finding someone to walk that path with you, can be healing and hopeful. We strive to make our practice “A Place to find Hope” using evidence-based therapeutic interventions provided in a compassionate and validating environment.
Lighthouse Counseling of Fredericksburg, PLC is a group practice committed to working with those who are suffering, marginalized, and feeling like no one understands. So many times, we all struggle to verbalize and contend with emotional difficulties and finding someone to walk that path with you, can be healing and hopeful. We strive to make our practice “A Place to find Hope” using evidence-based therapeutic interventions provided in a compassionate and validating environment.
I hold two master's degrees in Clinical and Forensic Psychology and am currently a Doctoral Candidate, pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a forensic focus at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
When the cycles of life leave you feeling unsure, exhausted, or overwhelmed, it is not uncommon to experience feelings of anxiety, shame, guilt, or anger. At its core, self-care is about finding harmony within yourself— mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
In my work with adolescents and adults, I strive to create a collaborative, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you can realign yourself without fear of not being enough or feeling pressured to perform for acceptance. I tailor my clinical approach to each individual’s needs with an emphasis on building self-awareness and practical strategies for growth.
I hold two master's degrees in Clinical and Forensic Psychology and am currently a Doctoral Candidate, pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a forensic focus at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
When the cycles of life leave you feeling unsure, exhausted, or overwhelmed, it is not uncommon to experience feelings of anxiety, shame, guilt, or anger. At its core, self-care is about finding harmony within yourself— mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
In my work with adolescents and adults, I strive to create a collaborative, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you can realign yourself without fear of not being enough or feeling pressured to perform for acceptance. I tailor my clinical approach to each individual’s needs with an emphasis on building self-awareness and practical strategies for growth.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
With over three decades of professional dedication to mental health, Dr. Schwartz has become a beacon of compassionate care in the community. Leading as a Clinical Neuropsychologist, she
specializes in creating a safe and confidential environment that encourages personal growth and transformation.
Dr. Schwartz’s commitment to integrity and a humanistic, client-centered approach remains the
cornerstone of her mission to heal and transform lives. She has attained 2 doctorates, and has over 30 years expertise in neuropsychology, both as an
academic and as a clinician.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
With over three decades of professional dedication to mental health, Dr. Schwartz has become a beacon of compassionate care in the community. Leading as a Clinical Neuropsychologist, she
specializes in creating a safe and confidential environment that encourages personal growth and transformation.
Dr. Schwartz’s commitment to integrity and a humanistic, client-centered approach remains the
cornerstone of her mission to heal and transform lives. She has attained 2 doctorates, and has over 30 years expertise in neuropsychology, both as an
academic and as a clinician.
The mission of OTR is to provide ethical and professional clinical services to those overcoming trauma and those struggling within their self and relationships. OTR's commitment to our patients is to empower, support, and guide them on a journey of healing and growth. Our clinicians are integrative in their treatment approaches in order to effectively meet our patients' needs. Licensed to practice in VA, DC, and MD. We do at times have a wait for new clients due to most cases being long term. Please let us know if you are public safety/first responder, or deploying or leaving for assignment soon for further intake information.
The mission of OTR is to provide ethical and professional clinical services to those overcoming trauma and those struggling within their self and relationships. OTR's commitment to our patients is to empower, support, and guide them on a journey of healing and growth. Our clinicians are integrative in their treatment approaches in order to effectively meet our patients' needs. Licensed to practice in VA, DC, and MD. We do at times have a wait for new clients due to most cases being long term. Please let us know if you are public safety/first responder, or deploying or leaving for assignment soon for further intake information.
Experience matters! I've been helping people turn their insights into action for addictive disorders, anxiety, depression, relationships, and life transitions for over thirty years. We may use individual, family, or group therapy, relapse prevention, education, medication, or MAT/MOUD. Licensed in VA, MD, DC, and WV. We help people struggling with both a mental health and addictive behavior like drugs/alcohol, gambling, gaming, screens. We know that recovery does not always mean abstinence. Take the Alcohol Moderation Assessment to help you determine your relationship with alcohol and learn how to get your life back in balance.
Experience matters! I've been helping people turn their insights into action for addictive disorders, anxiety, depression, relationships, and life transitions for over thirty years. We may use individual, family, or group therapy, relapse prevention, education, medication, or MAT/MOUD. Licensed in VA, MD, DC, and WV. We help people struggling with both a mental health and addictive behavior like drugs/alcohol, gambling, gaming, screens. We know that recovery does not always mean abstinence. Take the Alcohol Moderation Assessment to help you determine your relationship with alcohol and learn how to get your life back in balance.
Established over 10 years ago, we originally opened as Prince William Family Counseling and provided the community with trustworthy therapy services in a safe, welcoming environment. In 2015 the agency was purchased and took on new ownership and we became Woodbridge Therapy Group. With the recent change in ownership, we have expanded our number of providers, added more services, and renewed our investment in the community.
Established over 10 years ago, we originally opened as Prince William Family Counseling and provided the community with trustworthy therapy services in a safe, welcoming environment. In 2015 the agency was purchased and took on new ownership and we became Woodbridge Therapy Group. With the recent change in ownership, we have expanded our number of providers, added more services, and renewed our investment in the community.
You deserve a space where you don’t have to perform, explain, or always be the strong one. I am deeply aware of the lasting impact untreated mental health and substance use challenges can have—not only on individuals, but also on families and communities. Through my work in clinical, community-based, and forensic settings, I have witnessed firsthand the emotional, relational, and functional toll these struggles can create. These experiences continue to fuel my passion for advocating for accessible, high-quality mental health care and meaningful support for those in need.
You deserve a space where you don’t have to perform, explain, or always be the strong one. I am deeply aware of the lasting impact untreated mental health and substance use challenges can have—not only on individuals, but also on families and communities. Through my work in clinical, community-based, and forensic settings, I have witnessed firsthand the emotional, relational, and functional toll these struggles can create. These experiences continue to fuel my passion for advocating for accessible, high-quality mental health care and meaningful support for those in need.
I am retired Adj Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine & Director of a think tank with decades of experience. My specialities include attachment issues, dating & romantic attachments, PTSD & dissociation, family of origin work, complicated grief, depression & anxiety, marriage & family issues, childbirth prep & pregnancy loss, transgender & sexuality, overcoming rape, incest & child abuse or a difficult childhood, negotiating relationships with parents & adult children, achieving health goals including weight loss, maximizing your full health potential & joyfulness in life and energy healing.
I am retired Adj Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine & Director of a think tank with decades of experience. My specialities include attachment issues, dating & romantic attachments, PTSD & dissociation, family of origin work, complicated grief, depression & anxiety, marriage & family issues, childbirth prep & pregnancy loss, transgender & sexuality, overcoming rape, incest & child abuse or a difficult childhood, negotiating relationships with parents & adult children, achieving health goals including weight loss, maximizing your full health potential & joyfulness in life and energy healing.
I am a clinical neuropsychologist who has a passion for helping individuals explore ways to overcome cognitive and behavioral challenges that may exist. I have over 15 years of experience in the field of neuropsychology. I understand that finding a good therapist can be challenging and intimidating, however my goal as a clinical neuropsychologist is to provide a supportive environment that will meet the individual needs of each client! I specialize in the testing, assessment and therapeutic intervention of cognitive and behavioral disorders.
I am a clinical neuropsychologist who has a passion for helping individuals explore ways to overcome cognitive and behavioral challenges that may exist. I have over 15 years of experience in the field of neuropsychology. I understand that finding a good therapist can be challenging and intimidating, however my goal as a clinical neuropsychologist is to provide a supportive environment that will meet the individual needs of each client! I specialize in the testing, assessment and therapeutic intervention of cognitive and behavioral disorders.
If you're seeking treatment or an evaluation for yourself or someone else, I'm happy to support. My practice is purposely designed to be flexible, personal, and tailored to your needs. Life’s demands, whether at work, in relationships, or in personal challenges, can take a toll. I provide a safe, supportive space for growth and healing and a broad range of services including psychological assessments, criminal- and civil-forensic evaluations, and therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
If you're seeking treatment or an evaluation for yourself or someone else, I'm happy to support. My practice is purposely designed to be flexible, personal, and tailored to your needs. Life’s demands, whether at work, in relationships, or in personal challenges, can take a toll. I provide a safe, supportive space for growth and healing and a broad range of services including psychological assessments, criminal- and civil-forensic evaluations, and therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
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Forensic Psychology Therapists
How does forensic psychology work?
Forensic psychology works by providing those in the legal system with expert information about psychology and behavior that they wouldn’t otherwise have. Forensic psychologists do this through a range of services—conducting psychological assessments for court cases, assisting police officers with investigations, providing expert opinion, helping with mediation, and providing mental health care to victims or perpetrators of crimes.
Can a forensic psychologist help with child custody cases?
Yes. In the event that it’s needed, an attorney or judge may appoint a forensic psychologist to provide an assessment and recommendation. This process involves multiple interviews with the child, the parent (or parents), and sometimes others. The psychologist assesses the parent’s mental health, strengths and weaknesses, and parenting practices to understand what’s in the child’s best interest. They then complete a report with recommendations based on their assessment.
Do forensic psychologists help solve crimes?
In some cases they do. For example, criminal profiling involves collaborating with law enforcement officers to construct a profile of a perpetrator based on psychology, personality, and behavior as suggested by the crime in order to focus the investigation. They may also offer expert input on subjects related to a case such as deception, false confessions, and the reliability of testimony based on eyewitness accounts.
How long do people typically work with a forensic psychologist?
The length of time an individual works with a forensic psychologist depends on the relevant service. For example, if a forensic psychologist is conducting a psychological assessment for a court case, this may take one to two sessions to complete (although they can be more extensive). If the forensic psychologist is providing therapy to someone accused or convicted of a crime, treatment may last for several months or more.