CFA is a multi-year Arlington Magazine Best Mental Health Practice Winner and Top Vote Getter—recognition fueled by the trust of our community. Most referrals come from current and former clients who confidently recommend us to friends and family, a testament to our strong reputation for effective, results-driven mental health care.
Child & Family Associates of Greater Washington (CFA) was founded on four core values: make a connection, do the ordinary extraordinarily well, do the next right thing and go the extra mile. These values guide how CFA clinicians engage with clients, collaborate with schools and physicians, and build lasting, meaningful therapeutic relationships.
At the helm is Steven M. Harner, Psy.D., a trailblazer in mental health innovation across the greater Washington region. His vision shaped CFA into a vibrant, multidisciplinary group practice of 16 skilled therapists and psychologists, providing personalized care to children, adolescents and adults.
From anxious children and emotionally overwhelmed teens to adults facing major transitions, CFA clinicians offer care that is responsive, practical and grounded in addressing real-life needs. Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, family systems and solution-focused approaches, they create treatment plans that reflect each person’s strengths and goals. Every plan is thoughtfully tailored, so clients feel understood, equipped and empowered with the tools they need to thrive.
At its core, CFA is defined by a strengths-based, skill-building philosophy—an approach that emphasizes what’s working, cultivates resilience and empowers clients to make meaningful, sustainable change.
Dr. Harner’s leadership is influenced by decades of meaningful contribution to both clinical care and systems-level change. He was instrumental in establishing the D.C. Superior Court’s Office of the Parenting Coordinator and extends his expertise beyond clinical settings—coaching entrepreneurs and business leaders to manage teams, navigate interpersonal dynamics and grow with purpose. He is also a frequently requested speaker on clinical and business topics.