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Our team
A psychiatric nurse practitioner, a licensed therapist, and the physician-led practice behind them.
Omar Ahmad, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner · Clinical lead, VPMC Mental Wellness
I'm a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, and I believe you should not have to wait six weeks to talk to someone about how you're feeling. At VPMC Mental Wellness, most new patients are seen within two weeks, in person or by video.
My approach is practical: a thorough first visit, a plan in plain language, and follow-ups until you feel like yourself again. I treat anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, panic, burnout and the stress that comes with work, parenting and life changes. For some patients medication helps; for many, therapy helps; for most, the combination works best, and I work alongside our licensed therapist and your primary care provider when you want me to.
Education: MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Walden University · BSN, George Mason University
Certification: Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC)
Experience: Inpatient behavioral health units, crisis care, and outpatient psychiatry
Approaches: Medication management, CBT, DBT, Psychoeducation
Sees: Adolescents 16+ and adults
Licensed therapist
LPC or LCSW · Joining December 2026
Our licensed therapist provides individual therapy for adults and teens, in person and by video, and works alongside Omar on shared care plans.
Vandana Palagiri, MD
Founder and Medical Director, Virginia Premium Medical Care
Board certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine and recognized repeatedly as a Washingtonian Top Doctor, Dr. Palagiri founded VPMC and leads its clinical team. VPMC Mental Wellness operates within her physician-led practice, so mental health care and medical care share one record and one standard.
Ready when you are.
Most new patients are seen within 14 days, in person or by video.