Sajjad A. Khan, PhD, MSW, LCSW

Training and Background

I am a licensed clinical psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience working in clinical and research settings.  I am trained in the delivery of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). My areas of specialization include treatment of Autism, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette Syndrome, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Health and Wellness topics, including Eating Disorders and weight management. I also have a research background in neuropsychiatric genetics, endocrinology (including Diabetes), and psychometric evaluation.  My approach to treating children, adults, and families is focused on quality of life, behavioral adaptation, and self-regulation training.

I received my PhD in Health Psychology through a joint doctoral program at Capella University and The Johns Hopkins University.  My dissertation and research focus was on a candidate gene analysis of ADHD, Anxiety, and Tourette Syndrome and involved a preceptorship at the Department of Pediatric Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.  Prior to that, I had earned my Masters in Clinical Social Work and my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland.  I also completed the advanced certificate program in Applied Behavior Analysis at the Florida Institute of Technology.  I served on the Board of Directors for the Autism Society of Northern Virginia.  In addition, I have served as Chair of an advisory board for Fairfax County Public Schools, done trainings and workshops for Loudoun and Prince William County Public Schools, and currently teach at George Mason University as Affiliate Faculty.  

I held a research scientist position and worked for nearly a decade at Eli Lilly & Company in Indianapolis, IN, where I designed, implemented, and evaluated research in pediatric neuroscience, women’s health, reproductive medicine, and endocrinology.  Simultaneously, I was seeing clinical patients in a group private practice.  I have published research in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, and the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, and I have presented research data at numerous national and international conferences.

Treatment Approaches

My approach is centered around health-related quality of life and bringing about meaningful change through the implementation of adaptive skills. My current focus is on empowering students with special needs on improving executive functioning, self-regulation, and social skills, so that they can be prepared for the transition to college.  I currently chair an advisory board for the local public school system and also provide consultation to neighboring county school systems and private schools. I have individual and group therapy models that address adaptive skills training for academics and enhancement of interpersonal relationships.  All interventions require active engagement and participation from clients and their families. My goal is to establish a collaborative and supportive relationship with all the clients and families I serve.