Healing Therapists at Our Premier Outpatient Clinic in Ashburn

Our outpatient treatment program in Virginia, accessible from most parts of Loudoun County, has compassionate therapists dedicated to providing healing for youths struggling with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and suicide. Through a unique therapeutic framework, they help adolescents and teens in the Virginia area overcome their difficult behavioral health challenges. 

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How Our Therapists Can Help

Our therapists will help your family get the mental health treatment you need in your local Ashburn community. We offer individual, group, and family therapy as well as therapeutic/peer mentoring, home health care services, addiction treatment, and parent coaching. Our outpatient treatment in Virginia includes a therapeutic day treatment program, also known as a partial hospitalization program (PHP), and an intensive outpatient program (IOP) for those who need frequent, intensive care. Our healing, nurturing, and safe environment will help you address and overcome mental health issues that may be affecting your family’s everyday life.  

Services We Provide Across the Embark Continuum of Care

Conditions Our Therapists Treat

Anxiety, depression, and suicide are on the rise, and children are at risk today more than ever before. Too many adolescents and teens in Virginia go through life struggling with not only these issues but also eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and trauma. It doesn’t have to be this way.  

Our Therapists and Team

Abi Wright

Position: Therapist
Abigail (Abi) began working for Embark in July of 2023 as a therapist. She holds a Psychology and Sociology bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech, and a Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s degree from Marymount University. Prior to Embark, she worked with adolescents from a variety of backgrounds in a residential treatment setting. Abi has worked with children and adolescents with anxiety, depression, attention hyperactivity-deficit disorder, trauma, behavioral issues, mood disorders, and more. She uses a strength based, trauma informed approach with patients while pulling in aspects from positive psychology. In her spare time, Abi enjoys cross stitch, hiking, board games, rock climbing, and spending time with her friends, family, and cats, Max and Cassie.

Abi Wright

Therapist

Abigail (Abi) began working for Embark in July of 2023...

Alex Thomas-Perez

Position: Clinical Support Staff
Alex is a Clinical Support staff member at Embark Behavioral Health. She has a BS in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan. Alex has experience working with and educating adolescents and young adults across numerous settings. In addition to her passion for creating an open healing environment, she enjoys spending time with her dog, doing yoga, and spending time with friends.

Alex Thomas-Perez

Clinical Support Staff

Alex is a Clinical Support staff member at Embark Behavioral...

Delea Peterson, LCSW

Position: Clinical Director
Delea is the Clinical Director at Embark Behavioral Health in Ashburn. Delea received her Master of Social Work from University of Central Florida with a concentration in child and adolescent behavioral health. Delea is a LCSW in VA and FL and comes to Embark with 8+ years of clinical experience in various fields to include child advocacy in the legal system, hospice with geriatric individuals and children, inpatient hospital settings, private practice, and psychiatric crisis intervention work. In her work as clinical director, Delea strives to establish trusting relationships with each individual who walks into the clinic. Delea works with the clinical team to assure that each member of the team is cohesive and collaborative with each adolescent and their family members. Delea creates high quality individualized care through her empathic and creative nature, while ensuring Embark’s innovative curriculum is implemented by the clinical team. Delea offers a warm and safe environment, through her humor and ability to meet the kiddos where they are. Outside of work, Delea enjoys spending time with her dog, Benji, travelling, and can be found tasting coffee around the world.

Delea Peterson, LCSW

Clinical Director

Delea is the Clinical Director at Embark Behavioral Health in...

Ihsan Shaikhly

Position: Therapist
Ihsan’s interest in the field of behavioral health was sparked early on in her academic journey. This interest prompted her to seek out opportunities, in which she would be able to acquire the knowledge and skills to provide support to those seeking out behavioral health services. Throughout her academic and professional journey she has assisted populations in the medical, school, and outpatient settings. She strives to utilize her current skills and expand on her skill set through continued training and education, to create a safe space and to provide adolescents with the necessary tools for safety, healing, and success.

Ihsan Shaikhly

Therapist

Ihsan’s interest in the field of behavioral health was sparked...

Jana Rasamny

Position: Clinical Case Manager
Jana holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon and a Master’s degree in Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has experience working with clients from as young as 8 up to 80 years old, helping them improve their mental health as well as their brain health. She takes pride in the work she does to help others reach their full potential, and this applies to the work she is doing here at Embark!

Jana Rasamny

Clinical Case Manager

Jana holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the American...

Krissy Ahner

Position: Executive Assistant
Krissy grew up in a military family primarily in Northern Virginia, where she attended George Mason University while working in various customer service roles. Throughout these early career experiences, her sense of empathy and ability to connect helped her gain a deep understanding of client needs as well as build meaningful and trusting relationships. As a young adult, Krissy was personally impacted by behavioral health programs and other mental health resources. She understands firsthand the powerful influence they have in both supporting families and making a difference in adolescent’s lives and is passionate about helping connect others. Krissy has been an advocate for mental health and suicide awareness with several national mental health organizations and has delivered presentations to elected officials and policy makers in Washington, D.C. sharing her experiences to raise visibility of these prescient issues. Krissy has spent the last fifteen years working directly with clients and internal teams in a variety of service and operational roles, with over seven years in the health and wellness field. Most recently, she owned and operated her own business as a Licensed Massage Therapist licensed by the Virginia Department of Nursing. Fun facts about Krissy:
  1. She loves animals (and is the loving co-owner of two poodle dogs, Beau and Finn)
  2. Enjoys reading, knitting, learning the ukulele, and kayaking.

Krissy Ahner

Executive Assistant

Krissy grew up in a military family primarily in Northern...

Matthew Dale, MA (Master of Arts in Education)

Position: Executive Director - Main Line
Matthew is the Executive Director of Embark Behavioral Health in the Main Line located in Berwyn, PA. Matthew received his Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services from the Pennsylvania State University and then went on to receive his Master’s degree in Education from La Salle University. Over the past 20+ years, Matthew has dedicated his life to Behavioral Health field, serving in multiple capacities as a Clinician and an Operational Director in both inpatient and outpatient levels of care. Matthew is a patient focused leader that believes very strongly in a patient first centered approach. Over the course of his career, he has dedicated himself to improving system processes and access to treatment, to provide quality and accessible care to all populations in need. The development and implementation of Key Performance Indicators has helped him guide his teams to achieve positive clinical outcomes for their patients and families. Matthew is a lifelong resident of the Philadelphia Metro area and currently resides in Bucks County with his wife and two daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys distance running and cycling and takes frequent trips to the Jersey Shore with his family.

Matthew Dale, MA (Master of Arts in Education)

Executive Director - Main Line

Matthew is the Executive Director of Embark Behavioral Health in...

Nicholas Warnick

Position: Therapist
Nicholas is a group therapist at Embark Behavioral Health in Ashburn. Nick graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy. Nick specializes in working with a wide array of clients but has found particular interest in working with adolescents and their families. Adolescence can be an incredibly hard and scary time, especially as independence and adulthood near. Nick offers a warm and compassionate environment to help adolescents understand themselves and express their needs in a healthy way through facilitated communication. In the group therapy setting, Nick teaches and guides clients through a variety of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills that will assist adolescents in regulating their emotions in any setting they may find themselves in. Using a strength-based approach with his upbeat and bright personality, Nick creates a cohesive and engaging environment to assure that the adolescents in the group therapy setting are receiving the best care that they need. Therapy can be an amazing resource that can help individuals and families through the various struggles they may face in an everchanging, or even mundane, life. Nick views therapy as a commitment to change, and a form of caring for yourself and your loved ones. In his free time, Nick enjoys spending time with his partner, family, and friends, cooking, and traveling.

Nicholas Warnick

Therapist

Nicholas is a group therapist at Embark Behavioral Health in...

Sara Boothe

Position: Enrollment Director
Sara Boothe is the Enrollment Director for Embark Behavioral Health Ashburn. Sara graduated from Marymount University with an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. She has been working in the mental health field for over 7 years, with a special focus on eating disorders and body image. Sara has been lucky enough to work with clients of all ages, and various life struggles. Sara has provided individual and group therapy throughout multiple levels of care that include inpatient hospitalization, residential, PHP/IOP, and outpatient. Sara seeks to bring high levels of empathy and authenticity to treatment in order to increase the self-compassion, confidence, and motivation of those she cares for. Upon meeting Sara, you can expect a lively energy that leaves one feeling hopeful and welcomed. When Sara is not at work, she enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and being with friends and family.

Sara Boothe

Enrollment Director

Sara Boothe is the Enrollment Director for Embark Behavioral Health...

Start your healing journey today.

Ashburn Program FAQ

During outpatient therapy, your adolescent or teen will meet with a local therapist while maintaining their daily schedule. For those who have moderate mental health symptoms and a daily routine that’s not negatively affecting their mental health, outpatient therapy may be a good option.  

Outpatient visits to our program can include weekly individual therapy sessions as well as family therapy with one of our Virginia therapists. We also offer group therapy through our intensive outpatient program, which usually meets three hours a day, three to four days a week, and our therapeutic day treatment program, which typically meets 5.5 hours a day, five days a week. 

The goal of outpatient therapy at our program is to helpadolescentsand teens overcome difficult mental health and substance abuse issues through a series of visits to one of our Virginia therapists. 

There are many benefits to outpatient treatment. Our outpatient programs allow adolescents and teens to maintain work and school schedules and receive support from friends and family while receiving care — and at a more affordable cost on average than most inpatient treatment options. 

The main difference between inpatient hospitalization and outpatient treatment is the treatment setting. Outpatient services at our program provide a good option foradolescents and teenswhose needs can be met by visiting a therapist in their local Virginia neighborhood while living at home and maintaining their daily routine. Inpatient hospitalization treatment is a good option for those who need to leave their home and receive dedicated 24-hour care in a hospital setting to overcome mental health and substance abuse issues. 

The length of outpatient treatment depends on each child's particular needs. On average, outpatient treatment at our outpatient clinic can last from three months to one year. If a deeper level of treatment is needed, adolescents and teens can step up a level of care to an inpatient hospitalization treatment program. 

Our therapeutic day treatment program in Virginia, also referred to as a partial hospitalization program, or PHP, provides structured treatment for adolescents and teens who are stepping down a level of care from an inpatient hospitalization or residential program or who require more intensive care than what an IOP provides. An IOP program takes place in the evenings to accommodate school and work schedules and provides nine to 12 hours per week of treatment. A day treatment program typically offers 27.5 hours per week of treatment. 

Ashburn Outpatient Program Reviews

B S
B S
16:58 23 May 23
From the moment we first reached out to Embark Ashburn, we were met with professionalism, warmth, and a genuine desire to assist us in finding the perfect fit for our family.The staff at Embark Ashburn has gone above and beyond to ensure that our family's needs were met throughout the entire process. They took the time to listen to our concerns and preferences, providing us with invaluable guidance and support along the way. The level of personal attention we received was truly remarkable.The facility itself is top-notch, with a clean and inviting atmosphere that immediately puts us at ease. It's evident that great care has been taken to create an environment that is both comfortable and stimulating for the children.What sets Embark Ashburn apart, however, is the incredible team of teachers and caregivers. Their dedication and passion for what they do are evident in every interaction we've had with them. They have a deep understanding of child development and tailor their approach to meet each child's individual needs. Our child has flourished under their care, and we couldn't be more grateful.Communication has also been outstanding. The staff keeps us informed about our child's progress, daily activities, and any updates or changes happening at the center. We always feel connected and involved in our child's day-to-day experiences, which is incredibly important to us as parents.We can't thank Embark Ashburn enough for the positive impact they've had on our family. Their commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment for children is truly commendable. We wholeheartedly recommend Embark Ashburn to any family in search of exceptional childcare. They have truly exceeded our expectations, and we are forever grateful for the wonderful care they have provided for our family.
Embark Behavioral Health is a great calming and beautiful environment for those parents looking for services for their child. I have been to the office on more than one occasion; the staff is always very helpful, friendly and professional. Any parent that is looking to have their child start treatment here will be very satisfied with their decision!
Stacey Ahner
Stacey Ahner
00:07 26 Feb 23
I am so impressed with Embark Behavioral Health. The training they provide their therapists ensures that they have the best possible tools for working with teens and young adults. And the facility is warm and welcoming with a variety of spaces—all of them beautifully furnished. I so wish that that Embark had been available for our daughter.
Ian Masson
Ian Masson
14:35 23 Jan 23
The Embark team is both professional and friendly, caring deeply for the clients with whom they work. Embark in Ashburn is an incredibly welcoming site and hardly feels as though you are in a clinic to address intensive mental health needs.
Jackie Fearnow
Jackie Fearnow
14:48 20 Jan 23
Great team, space is so warm and welcoming. Good foundation and program for our community.
Jana Rasamny
Jana Rasamny
23:21 09 Jan 23
Embark has a very soothing atmosphere with very sweet staff members. Everyone makes you feel welcome and supported from the minute you walk in!!
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Other Treatment Options and Therapists in Virginia

If our Ashburn clinic is too far from you, check out our nearby clinic in Vienna, Virginia! This program serves adolescents, teens, and young adults who are struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues.

A Continuum of Mental Health Care Offered Across the U.S.   

Multicultural Family Success Adolescent Teen Anxiety Treatment Embark Behavioral Health

If outpatient therapy, which includes intensive outpatient and therapeutic day treatment programs,does not offer the level of care your adolescent or teen needs, Embark Behavioral Health offers exceptional treatment and therapy options across the United States.  

From virtual IOP to short-term residential programs, our robust continuum of care can provide the right level of treatment to help youths overcomedifficult mental health challenges.    

Contact us today to learn more aboutour programs and how they’re changing the lives of adolescents, teens, and young adults across the U.S., helping them embrace a fulfilling and purposeful future.   

Start your healing journey

Call or fill out the contact form below.

Phone: 571-934-3574

Embark Behavioral Health

20116 Ashbrook Pl

Suite 110 120, Ashburn, VA 20147

Hours

 

  • Monday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Thursday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Friday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
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Read more about our treatment outcomes.

Areas Our Therapists Serve in Virginia

 

  • Leesburg 
  • Woodburn 
  • Virts Corner 
  • Oatlands 
  • Hamilton 
  • Waterford 
  • Lincoln 
  • Gilberts Corner 
  • Aldie 
  • South Riding 
  • Conklin 
  • Schneider Crossroads 
  • Ashburn
  • Lansdowne 
  • Belmont 
  • Broadlands 
  • Moorefield Station 
  • Sterling 
  • Brambleton 
  • Arcola 
  • Stone Ridge 
  • McNair 
  • Hattontown 
  • Herndon 
  • Reston 

What Are IOPs and PHPs, and What Should You Expect?

Therapeutic day treatment programs, also known as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide healing mental health treatment that can help your adolescent, teen, or young adult overcome difficult behavioral health challenges. Here’s what you need to know about these outpatient therapy options and how they fit into Embark Behavioral Health’s continuum of care, offered across the United States.