Carla M Shaffer PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Specializing in the treatment of Anxiety, OCD, and related disorders
FROM PRESCHOOL TO COLLEGE:
PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT TAILORED TO ADDRESS ANXIETY, OCD AND
RELATED DISORDERS FOR CHILDREN, TEENS, YOUNG ADULTS AND THEIR PARENTS
**Dr Shaffer has moved office**
Please visit Partners in Parenting for more information https://www.piprva.com/
or email Dr Shaffer directly
COLLABORATIVE & EVIDENCE-BASED
Dr. Shaffer believes in collaborative and Evidence-Based Treatment (EBT) approaches. This means you can expect interventions that are backed by science and shown to be effective in treating anxiety, OCD and related disorders.
Dr. Shaffer relies heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure with Response Prevention (ExRP). She flexibly includes interventions informed by other EBTs such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), or Family Systems Therapy (FST).
Dr. Shaffer is skilled in addressing anxiety disorders and related difficulties such as oppositional behavior, separation anxiety, school refusal, phobias, trichotillomania and co-occurring disorders such as ADHD and depression. Dr. Shaffer is also experienced in treating symptoms of anxiety, OCD and related disorders that may result from medical conditions such as PANS/PANDAS and Post-Infectious Encephelitis.
NEW for 2023: SPACE Parent Treatment Groups
Dr. Shaffer is offering customized parent treatment groups designed to lead parents through the SPACE program in a small-group format. Groups consist of up to four families (parents-only) for virtual groups and up to six families for in-person groups. The benefits include short wait-list, lower fee per session than Dr. Shaffer's standard individual therapy rates, and connecting with others going through similar parenting struggles. Click the button below to learn about current group offerings and how to get on the waitlist.
SPACE
Supportive Parenting for
Anxious Childhood Emotions
Dr. Shaffer is thrilled to bring SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) to the Richmond, VA area. SPACE is an innovative, evidence-based treatment for child Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders.
SPACE is a parent-only treatment with the aim to help parents better understand anxiety and empower their child/teenager/young adult to
manage their own anxiety.
Dr. Shaffer was the first clinician in Central Virginia to be trained in SPACE and was trained by the program's developer, Dr. Lebowitz, at the
Yale Child Study Center. For more information, contact Dr. Shaffer and click to learn more about SPACE
SERVICES
In-Office & Virtual
Dr. Shaffer believes that each person is their own expert. Dr Shaffer is able to offer customized treatment that meets the unique needs of every individual. Services include short-term individual therapy, family therapy, parenting support, school and community consultations.
New in 2023: Parent Treatment Groups
TREATMENT
Everyone's treatment plan will be unique. Some clients see improvements quickly and some clients may need more time in treatment to reach their goals. Many clients that find CBT to be a good fit for their needs are typically seen on a short-term basis (e.g., once a week or every other week for approximately 6-12 weeks) and many clients see some progress within the first few sessions.
PRIVATE PAY
Dr. Shaffer does not participate in-network with any insurance plan. She can provide you with a receipt of services you can submit to your insurance company for any out-of-network reimbursement you may be eligible to receive. Please contact Dr Shaffer for more information about her current rates.
ABOUT
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based out of Richmond, VA. My office is located in Downtown Richmond, within walking distance to the VCU academic campus. I obtained my PhD and MS from the VCU Clinical Psychology program, with a focus in Child and Adolescent Psychology. In addition, I completed my clinical internship at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children and a research post-doctorate at VCU's Clark-Hill Institute for Positive Youth Development.
I bring to my practice a solid foundation of clinical work with young people and families and an emphasis on evidence-based treatments that have been well-established. I am bilingual (English and Spanish) and heavily involved in work that helps bring mental health care to under-served communities.
I strive to keep up-to-date with research in the area of treatment for Anxiety, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS. I hold membership with the following organizations:
I am licensed to practice Clinical Psychology in-person and virtually throughout the state of Virginia (VA License 0810005414) and virtually in several other states through PsyPact (APIT Mobility #8476). If you do not live in Virginia and would like to know if I am able to provide telehealth services in your state please click here to view a list of active PsyPact states.
