Dr. Rizakos is a licensed psychologist who specializes in treating children, adolescents, and young adults with a variety of emotional and medical conditions. Dr. Rizakos works to treat the whole person, considering the mind and body, as well as the individual and family’s identity and culture. With this clinical purpose, Dr. Rizakos believes in the importance of continuing and expanding her education. She has completed trainings in biofeedback, yoga, and meditation and integrates these modalities when needed. She approaches her sessions with an open and warm therapeutic style, greatly valuing the collaborative process in therapy with the intention to promote positive change.

Dr. Rizakos specializes in treating patients with conditions that include: chronic pain; functional neurological disorders; epilepsy; psychosomatic symptoms; concussions; gastrointestinal disorders; traumatic brain injury; sleep problems; diabetes; sickle cell disease; postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS); eating problems after illness, injury, or surgery; asthma and breathing problems; and various other medical conditions. Additional specialties include stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and associated behavioral challenges.

TREATMENT MODALITIES

Dr. Rizakos uses an integrated treatment approach, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Person-Centered, and Multicultural approaches. Her specific areas of interest involve a range of medical and psychological conditions, including anxiety, depression, pain, somatization, GI conditions, and concussions. She has experience working with patients in a variety of clinical settings, including medical hospitals, inpatient mental health hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practices.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Rizakos earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the APA-accredited program at Loyola University Maryland (LUM). She also obtained a Master of Science in Psychology from LUM and a Master of Arts in Psychology from American University. She completed an APA-Accredited internship at Nemours Children’s Hospital, pediatric psychology track, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Children’s National Hospital Pain Clinic in Washington, DC. Following her fellowship, she held a faculty appointment for three years at Children’s National Hospital in the Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine Division with a specialized focus in the Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program.