Find a Psychiatrist in Virginia

I strive to create a supportive and respectful environment where patients feel genuinely heard and understood. I value careful listening, curiosity, and follow-through, and take a practical, individualized approach to care. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, I collaborate with patients to clarify goals, track progress, and focus on changes that meaningfully improve daily life. I begin by developing a thorough understanding of each patient's history, current concerns, strengths, and goals. Early visits focus on understanding context: what is happening now, what has been tried, and what the patient hopes to change. Treatment plans are developed collaboratively and adjusted over time, with follow-up visits emphasizing steady, sustainable improvement through integrated and comprehensive care.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Born and raised in Miami to a Virginian father and Cuban mother, I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I earned a B.A. in Biology and Political Science from the University of Miami, a Master of Public Health in Health Policy from New York Medical College, and my M.D. from Stony Brook University School of Medicine. I completed residency and fellowship training in New York through the Northwell Health System and BronxCare Health System, where I served as Chief Fellow in Child Psychiatry. I have also worked as a researcher at institutions including Columbia University.

Outside of work, I enjoy gaming, sci-fi fantasy, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, hiking, sailing, and sportfishing.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 5 years of experience in providing compassionate, patient-centered care. I specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of mental health conditions, working closely with individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and OCD.

I employ an integrative approach to treatment, combining evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication management, and mindfulness techniques, tailored to each patient's needs. In addition to individual therapy, I collaborate with family members and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and coordinated treatment plan. I foster a warm, non-judgmental environment where patients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their mental health journey. I believe that mental health is integral to overall wellness, and I work to reduce stigma surrounding psychiatric care by promoting open dialogue and understanding.

I completed my medical school at Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan, and completed my residency training at Nassau University Medical Center, East Meadow, NY. I am a member of the APA and a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. I am passionate about advocating for mental health awareness in the community.

I offer comprehensive psychiatric care to adults seeking support for mental health challenges. Whether you are experiencing stress, depression, panic attacks, sleep issues, or difficulty focusing, I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space to explore your concerns and work collaboratively on a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and values. I offer both medication management and a combination of psychotherapy techniques tailored to each patient's unique needs for effective and lasting outcomes.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist who received my medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed my psychiatric residency at the University of Texas Health San Antonio. Since graduating from medical school, I served in the United States Air Force for over a decade, first as a Flight Surgeon and later as the Medical Director for mental health and substance abuse clinics overseas. In these roles, I provided medical support to Air Force personnel, their family members, and veterans. These invaluable experiences in high-pressure environments strengthened my desire to support the psychological challenges of individuals in a myriad of situations.

Outside of patient care, I remain active in continuing education, ensuring the latest scientific advancements inform my practice. With a background grounded in medical excellence, military service, and clinical psychiatry, I bring a steady, knowledgeable, and compassionate presence to the healing process.

I specialize in treating mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and patients with co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions. I am dedicated to outpatient care, focusing on long-term relationships with my patients. My treatment approach is comprehensive, integrating medication management with psychotherapy, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), play therapy, dyadic therapy, and family therapy. I emphasize creating an empathetic, judgment-free space where patients and families feel supported and understood. If I believe additional therapy is necessary, I may recommend adding a therapist to the care team.

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, where I carefully assess physical, emotional, and psychological needs. I take a holistic and patient-centered approach, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to each individual's unique circumstances. I prioritize open communication and collaboration with both patients and families to create a structured, effective treatment plan that may include medication management and therapy interventions.

I am a triple-board eligible physician in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. I earned my undergraduate degree from Duke University and my medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. I completed my combined training in Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, where I served as chief resident during my final year of training.

Dr. Sterling Atkins, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and former U.S. Navy psychiatrist specializing in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, and ADHD across inpatient and outpatient settings. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and medical degree from Meharry Medical College, completing psychiatry training at Naval Medical Center San Diego. His experience includes work in a Combat Stress Platoon in Okinawa supporting 5,400+ Marines and Sailors, providing resilience and crisis education in the Philippines, and serving as Chief Resident for the Psychiatric Transition Program at NMCSD focused on psychosis and bipolar disorder.

Dr. Atkins brings an authentic, team-oriented approach grounded in transparency and empathy. Each visit is individualized, focusing on medication management, psychoeducation, and evidence-based therapies including ACT, mindfulness, CPT, and psychodynamic techniques.

Dr. Atkins collaborates with patients to develop treatment plans aligned with their values, goals, and life vision. Initial visits focus on clarifying and treating primary concerns, while follow-ups emphasize insight-building, resilience, and improved daily functioning to support sustained wellness.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist. While I primarily focus on medication management, I understand that mental health often requires approaches from multiple perspectives. Psychodynamic and supportive therapies are offered on an as-needed basis in addition to medication management. New patients are provided 60 minutes for initial visits, and follow-ups are given 30 minutes.

I graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, NC, and completed my adult psychiatry residency training at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System in Richmond, VA. My training has positioned me to care for adults of all ages with a wide spectrum of mental health disorders and related conditions. During my residency, I sought out additional experience working with patients undergoing treatment for HIV, patients with trauma-related disorders, and the LGBTQ+ population.

I have years of experience treating depression, anxiety and panic attacks, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and OCD. Most recently, I worked for Life Stance Health, an outpatient telehealth company, where I treated patients between the ages of 18–65 with both medication management and therapeutic interventions.

I am board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Adult Psychiatry. I completed my psychiatry residency training at Howard University Hospital and Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC, where I was voted Chief Resident. I went on to serve as Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Adventist HealthCare in Maryland, where I worked in both an administrative and clinical role treating adults in inpatient settings. Additionally, I served as a Clinical Instructor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine, teaching medical students about the art of medicine. I received my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan and my medical degree from Xavier University School of Medicine.

I take a holistic approach to mental health, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. I thoughtfully integrate medication when appropriate, alongside lifestyle changes, sleep, and stress management. I prioritize strong therapeutic relationships and use 30-minute follow-up visits that often include elements of psychotherapy. My clinical interests include mood disorders, OCD, women's mental health, and eating disorders.

In the first appointment, I gather a thorough psychiatric history, explore current symptoms, and learn about the patient's goals. I work collaboratively to develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans, blending integrative psychiatry with ongoing support for long-term well-being.

I earned my medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center and completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt. I have worked across various clinical settings, including inpatient units, residential treatment centers, and substance use disorder clinics.

I am passionate about and experienced in providing holistic, thoughtful, evidence-based care for patients with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma-related disorders, relationship issues, and struggles with self-image. I believe empathy and understanding are the most fundamental components of the doctor-patient relationship. I provide psychiatric medication management and integrate supportive psychotherapy, elements of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), stress management techniques, and lifestyle interventions to meet patients where they are and collaborate toward improvement and optimization of their wellness. Occasionally, when appropriate, I may recommend adding a therapist to your care team for further benefit.

I completed my undergraduate education at Rutgers University and earned my medical degree at Ross University. I completed my psychiatry residency training at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center with training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, additionally serving as Chief Resident at Columbia University's Outpatient Adult Psychiatry Eye-6 clinic.

I believe healing happens when mind, body, and spirit are aligned. I create a compassionate and collaborative environment where patients feel deeply heard and empowered in their own care. My approach blends conventional psychiatric treatment with nutrition, mindfulness, movement, and stress-reduction strategies to support long-term mental wellness. I value authenticity, open communication, and shared decision-making, empowering patients to build resilience and restore balance in their lives. I begin with a comprehensive assessment exploring medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors that influence mental health. Treatment plans are personalized and may include psychotherapy, targeted laboratory testing, lifestyle modifications, supplements, and medication when appropriate. I work closely with patients to restore balance, resilience, and overall well-being through a truly integrative approach, with regular collaboration and feedback helping patients heal, grow, and thrive.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist with more than 20 years of clinical and academic experience in emergency mental health, disaster response, and trauma-focused care. I earned my undergraduate degree at George Mason University and completed my medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School. After the September 11th attacks, I trained in psychiatry at New York Medical College's Saint Vincent's Hospital, specializing in emergency and trauma psychiatry. I previously served as Associate Director of Wellness & Emergency Response Services at New York University's Student Health Center, leading a team that cared for more than 50,000 global NYU students. I also previously served as Staff Psychiatrist and Team Lead for the Combat PTSD Clinical Team at the Hampton VA Medical Center, providing care for veterans with service-related trauma and implementing National VA Standards of Care.

My approach is holistic, integrative, and patient-centered, grounded in cultural humility and collaborative care. I specialize in mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, PTSD, and perinatal mental health, with a clinical focus on improving access to quality mental healthcare for historically marginalized and/or minoritized communities. I recognize that not all patients require medication, and I integrate culturally affirming support when therapy and education are more appropriate. I do not prescribe benzodiazepines, focusing instead on evidence-based strategies that support long-term wellness. I begin care with a consultation to ensure a strong fit and shared treatment goals, and I am committed to creating a safe, trusting space where patients feel empowered and in control of their healing.

I am a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 15 years of experience treating patients across inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and telepsychiatry settings. I earned my medical degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, completed my psychiatry residency at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, DC, and hold a B.S. from Xavier University of Louisiana. I previously served as a Primary Care Mental Health Integration psychiatrist at the Veterans Health Administration, where I helped expand access to care in community-based clinics. I am an active member of the Black Psychiatrists of America, where I advance advocacy and equity in mental health care.

I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients and families can openly share concerns. I partner with them to select evidence-based treatments that best address their symptoms and goals. I begin with a thorough discussion of strengths, stressors, and biological and social factors to determine safety and level of care. Together, we develop a plan that may include medication, therapy, or referrals, with testing as indicated. Follow-ups include symptom review, plan adjustments, and attention to sleep, exercise, nutrition, hydration, and basic needs.

I earned a BS, Summa Cum Laude, from Tuskegee University and an MD from University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Commissioned in the United States Army, I completed psychiatry residency and child and adolescent fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I later led Behavioral Health at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and served 15 years as Department Chief at Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center, expanding key programs and mentoring staff and trainees. I retired as a CAPTAIN (O6) in 2026 with over 20 years of practice.