Sara Bahraini, M.D.

I am a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist, offering culturally-sensitive, trauma-informed, LGBT-inclusive and highly-individualized expert care to children, adolescents and young adults. I work with individuals to build treatment plans that play to their strengths, address everyday challenges and achieve their goals. I treat a range of concerns through a tailored combination of individual therapy and/or medications. My particular strengths and areas of interest include anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, ADHD, autism and acculturative stress.

As a physician, I provide a holistic assessment for potential medical, dietary, environmental and lifestyle factors that could be affecting your mental health, offering evidence-based medications when appropriate. As a therapist, I use principles of CBT, DBT, ERP, mindfulness and motivational techniques to deepen awareness and inspire change. As a healer, I explore how formative events, family dynamics and culture have influenced your mental health.

I take a collaborative approach with kids and their parents, schools and pediatricians to devise creative solutions for a variety of emotional, behavioral and learning difficulties. I help young adults live meaningfully through the exploration of their identity, values, relationships and life goals. I help those of all ages feel heard, seen and validated.

Education & Training
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - American University, Washington, DC (2009)
Doctor of Medicine - Virginia Tech Carillon School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA (2014)
Residency, General Psychiatry - University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt, Baltimore, MD (2017)
Fellowship, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt (2019)

Board Certifications
General Psychiatry - American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (2018)
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (2019)

Community Leadership
Virginia Rep, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Greater Washington