Rian Barker, MS

Growing up, starting something new, or figuring out who you are can feel like a lot. Maybe you've been overwhelmed, anxious, or weighed down. Maybe you feel disconnected from yourself and from the people you love. Maybe something painful happened and you're still carrying it. You don't have to sort through it alone.

Rian works with children, teens, young adults, and couples, and she especially loves supporting girls and young women. She helps clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem and body image, and relationships.

Therapy with Rian won't feel like a doctor's appointment. She is warm, down-to-earth, and validating. She's also direct: she'll be honest with you and work alongside you as a real partner. Some sessions may focus on practical tools you can use between sessions. Others may be space to talk and process. Rian follows your lead and adjusts to what you need, so therapy becomes a safe space that's truly yours.

Working together, clients build new coping skills, set healthier boundaries, strengthen their relationships, and treat themselves with more compassion. They also gain the confidence to face the world on their own terms. Rian uses a person-centered approach and draws from CBT and DBT. With younger clients, she also uses play therapy to help them express what they're feeling.

Rian earned her master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University in 2026 and completed a year-long clinical internship. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, and trying new restaurants and cafés. She's also a proud cat mom of two.

Rian sees clients in person at our Falls Church office and online. If you're ready to feel more like yourself again, reach out to schedule a session with Rian.