Get to Know Us

Darin L. Christensen M.D.

Darin L. Christensen is the Director and Lead Psychiatrist at Shenandoah Psychiatric Medicine with over 30 years experience diagnosing and treating mental illness and nearly two decades serving the Shenandoah Valley & surrounding areas of Central Virginia and beyond.

I see people age 7 and up with all the following conditions:

Major Depression
Anxiety Disorders
Panic Attacks
Bipolar Disorder
Schizophrenia
ADHD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Childhood Behavioral Disorders
Behavioral Disorders associated with Autism
Behavioral Disorders associated with Dementia
Addiction

My approach to care is thoroughly evaluate and diagnose general psychiatric conditions and arrive at a treatment plan that could involve medication, psychotherapy or further testing. In terms of treatment, being a medical doctor my primary function is medication management and other modalities like TMS or Spravato. I try to be professional, personable and efficient. I want my patients to feel heard and understood. Above all I want them to be effectively treated and happy with how they are doing.

I chose psychiatry because I found it much more interesting than other branches of medicine. What motivates me taking on the challenge of finding ways to get patients better as quickly and completely as possible. I tell patients that I have no plans to retire because I have no sport or hobby that I enjoy as much as psychiatry.

Sandra Clements, LCSW

Sandra Clements is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience as a counselor in the Shenandoah Valley. She specializes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which is a treatment that focuses on learning and practicing a specific set of skills that help better manage emotions and relationships.

Accepting: adults over 20 years old

Conditions: Anxiety, Depression, mood swings, change of life struggles

Modalities: individual psychotherapy, DBT & CBT

I work with adults, over 20 years old, in individual psychotherapy who are struggling to manage emotional challenges, interpersonal (relationships) challenges, and/or change of life circumstances. I primarily work with clients on an individual counseling basis; however, I have a good amount of experience with group therapy and there may be options for group therapy in the future.

I am a certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy clinician who has been working in the counseling field for over 20 years. I also have experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Crisis Management.

I like helping people navigate the ever-changing challenges of life.