About me
My work:
I have experience in treating children, adolescents, and young adults with anxiety, OCD, specific phobias, hair pulling, skin picking, PTSD, depression, chronic illnesses. I primarily conduct Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I also integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills, and Structural Family Therapy.
My background:
Following a degree in Psychology from Lafayette College, I worked at the Pediatric and Developmental Neuroscience branch of the National Institute of Mental Health and volunteered with a local sexual assault hotline. I then earned a Ph.D. in combined Clinical and School Psychology from the University of Virginia (UVA). While at UVA, I was awarded the Student Leadership Award primarily for my work in developing a group called C.A.R.E. - Conversations About Race and Equity. My dissertation examined the interplay between Adverse Childhood Experiences, adolescent mental health, and social support. I completed my predoctoral internship at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children in Richmond, VA and my postdoctoral training at Arlington/DC Behavior Therapy Institute.
I have trained and worked in a variety of settings including private practice, community based clinics, elementary schools, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient pediatric medical hospitals (including endocrinology, craniofacial, and hematology/oncology clinics).
I live in Washington, DC and love to get outside and explore. I am also passionate about cooking, baking, and discovering new restaurants.
Dr. Renée Gallo
Licensed Clinical Psychologist