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Sandra Yankah Addo, PhD.
Licensed Psychologist Virginia #0810008761​
I am speaking to anyone who has found themselves lying awake at night with anxious thoughts, wondering if things will ever get easier.
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You’ve mastered the art of showing up—at work, for your family, for your people. But when the world quiets down, you’re left alone with the pressure, the stress, and that lingering question: Why do I feel like this if I’m doing everything right? If you’re feeling anxious, stretched thin, or just tired of pretending everything’s fine… I want you to know you don’t have to keep holding it all together by yourself.
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Therapy with me is about creating a space where you can exhale—fully, deeply, and without judgment. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in real life. I use an eclectic mix of research-backed strategies, which means I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. We’ll customize our sessions based on what actually works for you—your values, your lifestyle, your culture. Some days that might look like learning a new skill to manage anxiety or stress, and other days, it might just be holding space for the emotions you’ve been pushing down while showing up for everyone else. I’m here to ask the right questions, gently challenge the patterns that no longer serve you, and help you tap into the clarity and strength you already carry within.​
I specialize in helping folks navigate anxiety, burnout, life transitions, parenting stress, and relationship challenges—especially when it feels like everything’s happening all at once. If faith or spirituality is a part of your life, I’m happy to integrate that into our work. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are and support your journey forward with compassion, curiosity, and practical tools that help you thrive.
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I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Western Carolina University Honors College. I earned my master’s in Clinical Psychology from Valdosta State University and went on to complete my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, where I received specialized training in development and family systems. I completed my clinical internship at Duke University Medical Center, working with individuals across the lifespan. I’ve supported clients in primary care clinics, inpatient hospitals, and even worked in mental health policy research at Duke. These experiences allow me to bring a wide-angle lens to therapy—one that’s both deeply personal and grounded in science.
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But beyond all the degrees and credentials, I’m a real person too. When I’m not in session, you’ll probably find me outside tending my garden, planning my next travel adventure, or in the kitchen trying out a new recipe (with mixed results, if we’re being honest!). I believe in laughter, in slowing down, and in finding joy in the little things. My Christian faith keeps me grounded and fuels the compassion I bring into my work. I believe that healing happens when we’re seen fully and treated with care—and that starts with me showing up as my whole self, so you can feel safe doing the same.
I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves the chance to live a full, joyful life—especially Black women, who are so often expected to be everything for everyone. At the same time, I’m also deeply committed to working with BIPOC and immigrant clients—being an immigrant myself, I understand how layered our experiences can be, and how important it is to feel truly seen. I want to be a soft place to land, a partner in your healing, and someone who sees your light even when life tries to dim it. Therapy isn’t about fixing you—you are not broken. It’s about creating space to breathe, to heal, and to grow into the most vibrant version of yourself. And when you’re ready, I’ll be right here to walk that path with you.