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Business Details
16 Years
experience
Your Trusted Psychiatry and Counseling Partner in Alexandria, VA
Since 2010, Shugarman Psychiatric & Counseling has been dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care through a combination of psychiatric expertise and therapeutic support. Our team of board-certified psychiatrists, licensed therapists, and forensic specialists works collaboratively to address a wide range of mental health challenges, including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties. We prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs, utilizing evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and medication management. Located in Old Town Alexandria, VA, we offer accessible care with evening hours and convenient parking for clients in Northern Virginia and the Greater Washington, D.C. area.

Our forensic psychiatrists and psychologists provide expert evaluations and testimony for civil, administrative, and criminal matters nationwide, reflecting our commitment to both clinical excellence and legal expertise. We maintain strong partnerships with insurance providers to facilitate reimbursement and ensure our services remain accessible to those seeking support for mental health, personal growth, and legal matters.
Services
Psychiatric Treatment Individual Counseling Couples Counseling Family Therapy Forensic Psychiatry Medication Management Psychotherapy Forensic Evaluations Expert Witness Services Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Details
  • Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
  • We have over a decade of experience in psychiatric and mental health services.
  • Our team includes board-certified psychiatrists and licensed mental health professionals.
  • We develop personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Evening hours available for greater client scheduling flexibility.
  • We provide nationally recognized forensic psychiatric evaluation services.
What people say
Compassionate care Expert treatment Personalized approach Significant improvements Strong therapist-patient relationships
Services
Psychiatric Treatment
Our psychiatric treatment services combine medication management with evidence-based psychotherapy approaches. Board-certified psychiatrists conduct comprehensive evaluations to develop personalized treatment plans addressing mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions. We emphasize collaborative care that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to optimize patient outcomes.
Individual Counseling
Licensed therapists provide individual counseling using cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and supportive therapy techniques. Sessions focus on personal growth, coping strategies, and addressing specific mental health concerns for clients aged 13 and older. Our therapists work collaboratively with clients to develop practical solutions for emotional and psychological challenges.
Forensic Psychiatry
Board-certified forensic psychiatrists conduct comprehensive evaluations for civil, criminal, and administrative legal matters. Services include expert witness testimony, capacity assessments, and psychological evaluations for courts, attorneys, and government agencies. Our experts provide objective analysis and court-ready reports based on extensive clinical experience.
Medication Management
Psychiatrists provide careful medication evaluation and ongoing management for mental health conditions. We emphasize evidence-based prescribing practices with regular monitoring to optimize treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects. Medication plans are always integrated with comprehensive mental health care strategies.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Our providers utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. This structured approach helps patients identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors. Sessions focus on developing practical coping skills and implementing positive behavioral changes for lasting improvement.
People
Ryan Shugarman
Board-Certified General and Forensic Psychiatrist
Dr. Shugarman founded the practice in 2010 after completing psychiatry residency and forensic fellowship training. He provides clinical psychiatric care and conducts forensic evaluations nationwide while maintaining active teaching roles in forensic psychiatry programs.
James V. Rives
Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Rives specializes in psychiatric treatment for adolescents and adults with extensive experience working with military veterans. He provides comprehensive mental health care including medication management and psychotherapy services.
Kristin Harkins
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Ms. Harkins offers individual, couples, and family therapy using integrative approaches that address mind-body connections. She works with clients aged 13 and older on relationship issues, personal growth, and mental health concerns.
Shilpa Krishnan
Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist
Dr. Krishnan conducts forensic psychological evaluations and provides expert testimony. She holds academic appointments and serves as Deputy Director of Forensic Services for the District of Columbia mental health system.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide psychiatric treatment, individual/couples/family counseling, medication management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and forensic psychiatric evaluations for civil and criminal matters.
Do you accept new patients?
Yes, we accept new patients aged 13 and older for counseling, and 16+ for psychiatric services. Dr. Shugarman sees patients 18 and older.
Are evening appointments available?
Yes, we offer evening hours for clients who need appointments outside regular business hours.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at (703) 596-1024 or complete our online contact form to schedule an initial consultation.
Do you provide forensic services outside Virginia?
Our forensic psychiatrists and psychologists provide evaluations and expert testimony nationwide for civil, administrative, and criminal legal matters.