Meet Dr. Sarah Haug
LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
As a clinical psychologist serving Leesburg and the Northern Virginia community, I operate under the scientist-practitioner model. I believe that the most effective evaluations occur at the intersection of scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and your unique lived experience.
Utilizing a biopsychosocial approach, my practice examines the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to persistent anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and other psychiatric concerns.
While my methods are rooted in science, my philosophy is deeply human. I recognize that an assessment is only as valuable as its ability to help you navigate your actual life. My role is to bridge the gap between complex clinical data and your personal goals.
Drawing from my background across hospitals, community mental health, and private practice, I specialize in clarifying complex clinical pictures—including neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, OCD), anxiety, depression, trauma, mood cycling disorders, learning disabilities, and contributing medical conditions. I view every evaluation as a partnership; we work together to synthesize your history and testing results into a cohesive narrative.
My goal is to provide you with more than a diagnosis. I provide a clear, actionable roadmap that honors your individual story, respects your values, and empowers you to advocate for the support you need to thrive.
Understanding how your mind works is the first step toward feeling truly at home in it. I would be honored to support you on that journey.
Clinical Expertise & Methodology
As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, I utilize a process-based assessment model. Rather than a "one-size-fits-all" approach, I employ a targeted screening process to design an evaluation tailored to your specific diagnostic questions. My practice integrates gold-standard, standardized instruments to ensure objective data informs every conclusion.
The Assessment Process
My assessment process is designed to be collaborative, comprehensive, and tailored to your unique questions and goals. My goal is to provide a clear understanding of your or your teen’s cognitive, academic, emotional, or behavioral profile, translating clinical findings into actionable recommendations.
Below is the step-by-step pathway of what to expect:
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Should you decide to move forward with the assessment after our initial consultation, the first step is to complete the required intake and preparatory paperwork. You will receive a secure digital welcome packet containing:
Practice Policies & Consent Forms
HIPAA Privacy Notice
Financial Agreement & Contract
Good Faith Estimate (GFE)
Comprehensive History Form
All consent forms, agreements, and the developmental/history form must be completed and submitted electronically prior to our first in-person meeting. This ensures we have a foundational understanding of your history and can maximize our face-to-face clinical time.
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The process begins with an in-person clinical interview to discuss your primary concerns, background history, and goals for the evaluation. You will also complete brief questionnaires to help guide our focus. This collaborative discussion ensures we design a targeted assessment plan tailored to your specific questions.
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Testing is typically conducted over two or three more sessions, depending on the complexity of the evaluation and your individual needs. We utilize standardized, evidence-based instruments to evaluate relevant areas, which may include:
Cognitive and intellectual functioning
Academic achievement (reading, writing, mathematics)
Attention, executive functioning, and memory
Social, emotional, and behavioral processing
Note: Scheduled breaks are provided to ensure optimal engagement, focus, and comfort. For longer testing sessions, clients are highly encouraged to bring drinks, and snacks are permitted during breaks.
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To gain a holistic view, I gather information from multiple sources. This includes reviewing historical and medical records—such as prior evaluations, report cards, and IEP/504 plans—and collecting standardized rating scales from you and, when appropriate, teachers, physicians, or other specialists.
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Once all data is collected, I will conduct a thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis. I integrate the test scores, information from collateral sources, behavioral observations, and developmental history into a comprehensive, formal written report. This document includes diagnostic determinations (if applicable) and highly individualized recommendations for school, work, home, or therapeutic interventions.
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Approximately two to three weeks after testing is complete, we will meet for a dedicated feedback consultation to review the clinical findings, discuss the results in detail, and walk through recommended next steps. During this meeting, you will receive a feedback summary.
Following our discussion, you will receive a draft of the comprehensive report via secure email to review for any minor revisions. Once approved, the final written report will be sent to you for signature and retention via DocuSign.
Should you wish further consultation including further psychoeducation, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, we will schedule a time to meet once the final report is sent out. Note that this service is billed at my hourly rate.