Claire McCown, Ph.D.

practice

 Dr. McCown provides assessment and individual psychotherapy to clients ages eight and older. 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. 

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/LD, psychological, and neuropsychological testing. Dr. McCown currently serves as a postdoctoral fellow/supervised psychologist at Westhampton Family Psychologists.

In her free time, Dr. McCown enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, heavy metal, and petting as many dogs as possible.