Denise Williford

With a career spanning over two decades, Denise Williford, LCSW, PMH-C, has dedicated her professional life to providing evidence-based, trauma-informed care to a diverse range of clients. Her journey in mental health began in 1997, and since then, she has honed her expertise in supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families through life's most challenging moments.

Denise's academic background forms a solid foundation for her practice. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Plymouth State University, followed by a master's degree in Social Work from Simmons University. This comprehensive education, combined with years of hands-on experience, has equipped her with the tools to address a wide spectrum of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief and loss.

A significant turning point in Denise's career came through her work in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Here, she worked closely with parents of premature and sick infants, as well as those who had experienced perinatal loss. This profound experience ignited her passion for perinatal mental health, a field in which she has since become a certified specialist. Her advanced training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, attachment, and parent-child relationships allows her to offer specialized support during the critical periods of pregnancy and postpartum.

Denise's commitment to perinatal mental health extends beyond her clinical practice. She has served as a volunteer for Postpartum Support Virginia, leading support groups, and for Postpartum Support International as a HelpLine volunteer. These experiences have deepened her understanding of the unique challenges faced by new and expecting parents, further informing her compassionate approach to therapy.

As a recent addition to the team at Partners in Women's Mental Health, Denise brings her wealth of experience and specialized knowledge to a practice dedicated to supporting women's mental health. Here, she continues to provide vital mental health care during pregnancy and the postpartum period, helping clients navigate the complex emotional landscape of parenthood. Denise's approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring that her clients receive the most effective and up-to-date care available in the field of perinatal mental health.