Long COVID Treatment at Virginia Integrative Psychiatry
Struggling with Long COVID symptoms? Get expert psychiatric care and holistic treatment in Virginia. Contact Virginia Integrative Psychiatry (VIP) to start recovery today.
Understanding and Managing Long COVID
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), can affect individuals for months—even over a year—after the initial COVID-19 infection. Its symptoms are diverse and may include fatigue, “brain fog,” anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and physical issues such as shortness of breath or muscle weakness. These lingering effects can significantly disrupt daily life, making it difficult to work, maintain social connections, or engage in routine activities.
At Virginia Integrative Psychiatry, we focus on personalized, interdisciplinary treatment approaches designed to address the full spectrum of Long COVID symptoms. By combining expertise in neurology, psychiatry, and holistic therapies, our team creates tailored plans that support both mental and physical recovery. Our goal is to help patients regain their health, improve function, and restore hope for a better quality of life.
Why Choose Virginia Integrative Psychiatry for Long COVID?
Virginia Integrative Psychiatry is here to help people facing the challenges of Long COVID. Our board-certified psychiatrists have experience treating Long COVID and other complex chronic illnesses, so you can feel confident that your care is guided by experts who understand your needs.
We focus on patient-centered, evidence-based, and team-based care that addresses both mental and physical symptoms. Our services are convenient and flexible, offering confidential telepsychiatry appointments as well as in-person visits for Virginia residents. Using proven therapies, we aim to help patients improve thinking, mood, and overall well-being while regaining their daily functioning and hope for the future.
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID refers to symptoms lasting more than three months following acute COVID-19 infection, with no alternative diagnosis explaining those symptoms. Common manifestations include:
- Persistent fatigue and post-exertional malaise
- Brain fog, memory and concentration difficulties
- Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
- Headaches and dizziness
- Cognitive slowdowns and difficulty processing information
These ongoing impairments can disrupt work, daily tasks, and social interactions. Mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, are prevalent among Long COVID sufferers, often requiring specialized psychiatric care.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact causes of Long COVID are complex and still under active research. Current evidence suggests that multiple factors may contribute, including immune system dysregulation, persistent inflammation, and direct neurological injury caused by the virus. Additionally, the stress and disruption caused by illness, social isolation, and changes in daily routines may also play a role in prolonging symptoms.
Certain individuals may be at higher risk for developing Long COVID. Those with pre-existing psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may experience more severe or prolonged symptoms. Other potential risk factors can include older age, underlying medical conditions, and the severity of the initial COVID-19 infection. Understanding these factors helps guide tailored treatment approaches to support recovery and improve long-term outcomes.
VIP’s Approach to Long COVID Care
Virginia Integrative Psychiatry provides a comprehensive program incorporating psychiatric expertise alongside holistic methods, addressing the complex needs arising from Long COVID.
Comprehensive Psychiatric and Medical Evaluation
- Detailed history of COVID-19 illness and symptom timeline
- Assessment of mental health including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and cognitive function
- Review for sleep disorders and neurological symptoms
- Coordination with primary care, neurology, and rehabilitation specialists as needed
Evidence-Based Psychiatric Treatments
- Psychotherapy tailored to Long COVID challenges, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed approaches
- Medication management for mood, anxiety, sleep, and cognitive symptoms when appropriate
- Group therapy sessions focused on coping skills, resilience, and social support
Holistic and Integrative Wellness Support
- Mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques
- Nutrition and exercise counseling tailored to fatigue and physical limitations
- Sleep hygiene education and behavioral interventions
- Support for return to daily function and work readiness
Telepsychiatry and Flexible Care
- Convenient telehealth appointments for ongoing psychiatric evaluation and therapy
- Access to expert care across Virginia regardless of location
- Patient-centered approach ensuring continuity and customization of care
Frequently Asked Questions
What symptoms define Long COVID?
Common symptoms include severe fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, headaches, and difficulty concentrating lasting 3+ months post-COVID infection.
Is Long COVID a mental health issue?
It involves complex neurological, physical, and psychiatric components. Anxiety and depression often co-occur and require integrated psychiatric care.
How is Long COVID treated at Virginia Integrative Psychiatry?
Through personalized therapy, medication management, holistic wellness coaching, and coordinated multidisciplinary support.
Can I receive treatment remotely?
Yes. Telepsychiatry services provide confidential psychiatric care across Virginia.
How long does recovery from Long COVID take?
Recovery is individual and may require ongoing support; many benefit from structured psychotherapy and holistic strategies for symptom management.
Begin Your Path to Recovery from Long COVID
Long COVID is a complex condition, but expert, compassionate help is available. Virginia Integrative Psychiatry is dedicated to supporting those impacted with tailored, integrative psychiatric care that fosters recovery, resilience, and restored function.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential evaluation and take the first step toward healing.Virginia Integrative Psychiatry offers specialized, integrative treatment for Long COVID, recognizing the unique mental and physical challenges faced by individuals suffering from post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.