Claire McCown, Ph.D.

practice

Dr. McCown provides assessment to clients ages eight and older, and individual psychotherapy to those age twelve and up. She offers family therapy for Trans/NB clients and their families. She is passionate about assessment and employs an equity and justice framework to help empower her clients. In psychotherapy, Dr. McCown incorporates techniques from varying theoretical backgrounds, including interpersonal, psychodynamic, and emotion-focused therapy, among others. Dr. McCown uses a strengths-based ecological approach to understand how clients engage with different systems and the ways in which elements of privilege and oppression may impact mental health. She is dedicated to providing equitable and culturally informed services to clients from all walks of life.

Dr. McCown has a special interest in working with individuals of all ages who identify as gender and sexual minorities. Using feminist and existential techniques, Dr. McCown helps clients process and make meaning of their identities as well as build empowerment and authenticity. She also enjoys therapy that focuses on processing grief, trauma, relationship and attachment concerns, identity development, intimate partner violence, and life transitions. Dr. McCown is especially passionate about working with families in which a family member has come out as gender expansive (i.e., transgender, nonbinary, genderfluid, agender, etc.). In this work, Dr. McCown helps family members understand their loved one’s identity and provide meaningful support and affirmation for their family member’s gender exploration. When indicated, Dr. McCown also helps family members engage with their grief regarding gender transition. Her work helps families build emotionally attuned communication skills, with the goal of celebrating and appreciating one another in each family member’s diverse identities.

education & experience

Dr. McCown earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from West Virginia University. She also holds a Master of Professional Studies in Clinical Psychological Science from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, cum laude, from Hollins University. Throughout her journey in academia, Dr. McCown has trained in multiple settings, including residential school, private practice, university counseling center, mental health group practice, and addiction centers.

Dr. McCown completed her predoctoral internship at the University of Virginia Counseling and Psychological Services clinic. Prior to internship, she received extensive training in assessment, including psychoeducational, forensic, ADHD/SLD, psychological, and neuropsychological testing. Dr. McCown currently serves as a licensed clinical psychologist at Westhampton Family Psychologists.

In her free time, Dr. McCown enjoys spending time with her partner, family, and friends. She enjoys spending time with her cat, Banana, hiking, DIY home projects, listening to music, watching horror films, and petting as many dogs as possible.