Anu Rao, Psy.D.

About

Dr. Anu Rao is a post-doctoral resident at The Center for Cognitive Therapy and Assessment, working with Expand Psychology in Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia. Dr. Rao enjoys working with children and their parents to identify, understand, and manage emotional and behavioral challenges in a supportive and effective manner. She is especially passionate about supporting adults navigating emotional distress by collaboratively exploring how past experiences may be affecting current patterns, in order to foster greater insight and lasting change. Additionally, she specializes in working with emerging adults from first-generation South Asian populations, recognizing their unique intersection of cultural identity, family expectations, and life transitions. Dr. Rao’s approach integrates a CBT-enriched culturally sensitive model in this work. Finally, Dr. Rao also conducts comprehensive psychological assessments for clients of all ages. Her therapeutic style is integrative and collaborative, grounded in curiosity and respect for each individual's unique challenges. She strives to create a warm, safe, and trusting environment that supports self-empowerment and growth.

Specialization

Dr. Rao specializes in treating anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, trauma, grief, ADHD, life-cycle transitions, relational and familial challenges, and culturally sensitive approaches.She integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, and psychodynamic approaches with a flexible, client-centered focus. Her experience spans a wide range of developmental stages and life transitions, and she is committed to helping individuals build insight, develop coping skills, and foster resilience through collaborative, personalized care.

Education, Training, and Professional Experience

Dr. Rao earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has years of experience providing individual, couple, and family therapy across a variety of treatment settings, including private practice, community mental health, and school-based therapy. She is trained in Gottman Couples Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Rao worked in elementary and middle school settings supporting children, adolescents, and parents coping with grief, behavioral challenges, and attentional difficulties.