About Dr. Julie Heier, PhD —Licensed Psychologist
I’m a health psychologist and self-care strategist who helps people manage life stressors, improve their relationships, and reconnect with their wellbeing. My approach is grounded in science, compassion, and real-world practicality. I use evidence-based treatments that are flexible and data-informed—so we can track what’s working and tailor therapy to your needs.
I bring the highest level of clinical training as a licensed psychologist, with experience at top hospitals across the country. I’ve worked with individuals across the lifespan, as well as families navigating medical and behavioral challenges. As a recovering perfectionist, I also understand the pressure to equate achievement with happiness—and I’m here to challenge that narrative.
Therapy with me includes structure, deep insight, humor, and sometimes tears. I believe healing begins with a strong therapeutic relationship, where you feel safe, seen, and supported.
Outside of session, you can find me taking long walks in comfy sneakers, engaging in activism, eating oatmeal raisin chocolate chip cookies, and stopping to pet every dog I meet.
Degrees/Education
2010 — BS, Cornell University2018 — MA, The University of Texas at Austin, Educational Psychology2018 — PhD, The University of Texas at Austin, School Psychology2018 — Internship in health psychology, The University of Louisville School of Medicine
2019 — Postdoctoral fellowship, integrated primary care, Geisinger Medical Center
2020 — Postdoctoral fellowship, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
2020- present — Attending Psychologist, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
Licenses/Certifications
2019 — Pennsylvania Licensed Psychologist
2020 — National Registrar of Health Service Psychologists
2020 — District of Columbia Licensed Psychologist
2021 — Maryland Licensed Psychologist
2021 — PSYPACT Licensed Psychologist
2016 — MATCH Transdiagnostic evidence-based child therapy
Values and Approach to therapy
My practice is culturally informed, gender-, queer-, and poly-affirming, and rooted in the belief that systemic injustice and oppression deeply impact mental health and wellbeing. I strive to create a therapeutic space where your full identity is seen and respected—and where experiences of oppression can be explored on your own terms.
I approach therapy with self-reflection and awareness of how my own identity shapes the therapeutic relationship. Building trust and safety is my priority.
My work is grounded in evidence-based therapies, primarily cognitive-behavioral approaches, while incorporating insights from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), attachment theory, and ecological frameworks. This means I help you understand how your thoughts, identities, relationships, and environment interact—and how avoidance, perfectionism, or rumination may be keeping you from engaging in the life you want.
While I value structured, research-supported methods, I also believe in integrating other healing practices that matter to you—whether that includes faith, community, or restorative traditions. Therapy with me is flexible, collaborative, and centered on what makes healing meaningful for you.
Clinical Training and Background
I completed my graduate training in Clinical School Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin—Hook ’em Horns! My education and experience span psychotherapy, psychological and neuropsychological assessment, and interdisciplinary consultation across hospitals, primary care clinics, and community agencies. I specialize in health psychology and integrated behavioral health, with a focus on how physical and emotional wellbeing intersect.
I completed my APA-accredited predoctoral internship at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, followed by advanced postdoctoral training in therapy and consultation at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Currently, I serve as a faculty attending psychologist at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, and as an Instructor in the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
In addition to providing therapy, I’m passionate about training the next generation of psychologists—and I’m deeply committed to diversifying the psychology pipeline through mentorship and advocacy.
Therapy Approaches
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Emotion focused therapy (EFT) for attachment ruptures (couples/family)
Family Systems and family therapy
Positive Psychology
Attachment
Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD
Supporting Parents of Anxious Children (SPACE) (school refusal, separation anxiety)
I am trained in evidence-based frameworks including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral parent training, Mindfulness-based therapies, Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy for intrusive thoughts/OCD.
