Haley Lipton Polo

MSW, LCSW, LICSW

Perinatal Mental Health Specialist

book a consultation
book a consultation

If welcoming you to my website was like welcoming you to my home, here’s what you’d hear me say…

  • It’s so good to see you, come on in.

  • Let me take your coat and I’ll hang it right here.

  • Sure! You can keep your shoes on if you want.

  • Can I get you something to drink? Some tea, maybe?

  • I got that brand you like.

  • Let’s go sit on the couches where it’s more comfortable.

  • I put out an extra blanket for you just in case.

  • I’m so glad you came.

  • Tell me everything.

start the conversation
start the conversation

Therapy with me is

Human

I’m a real live human who genuinely cares!  I will bring my whole self to sessions just like you do. This relational approach allows me to balance professionalism with authenticity so we can build a real connection that models safety and trust.

Welcoming

I want to help you feel seen and heard. I take a strengths-based and whole-person approach and welcome every part of you. My practice is welcoming to individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, cultures, family structures, and religions.

Practical

You’re coming to therapy because you want something to change, right? In sessions with me you'll find a safe and supportive space to process your thoughts and feelings…and you will leave our sessions with concrete strategies to implement in your daily life.

Specialized

You deserve personalized, nuanced, expert care and nothing less! I’ve narrowed my area of focus so that I can align my work with the clients I serve best. Our work together will be uniquely tailored to suit your needs.

a little backstory

Before HLP

I opened HLP Therapy & Support PLLC in 2024 after working in pediatric hospitals for several years. I loved that work and I think of it often. The years I spent counseling the caregivers of NICU babies and medically complex children helped prepare me for the work I do now.

Now What?

I’ve seen high highs and low lows. I’m ready to jump into the deep end with you. I’m ready to be the face of calm in the midst of whatever you’re facing. I’m ready to help you understand what is happening and how to live with it. I’ve been counseling adults, parents, and caregivers for my entire career. This is what I do best!

How so?

Now I spend every day supporting clients I adore. I help my clients feel seen, safe, heard, and supported. Clients often come to me feeling anxious or overwhelmed by grief. I help my clients understand themselves. I help them cultivate a sense of calm even as they wade through uncertainty. We work together to build confidence and resilience through effective coping mechanisms. Clients leave sessions feeling less alone.

I believe everyone deserves high-quality support and I want to be part of your team.

sounds good to me
sounds good to me

Education

Credentials

Experience

Approach

Education & Credentials

  • Licensure:

  • District of Columbia Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LC200002143)

  • Commonwealth of Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (0904015925)

  • Training:

  • Master of Social Work - University of Pittsburgh, Advanced Standing, 2019

  • HRSA Fellowship for Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, 2018-2019

  • Bachelor of Social Work - James Madison University Honors College

  • Postpartum Support International - Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Certificate Course

  • Maternal Mental Health NOW - Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Training

  • Relevant work experience:

  • Maven Clinic - Mental Health Provider

  • Children’s National Hospital - Social Worker II Complex Care Team, Ethics Committee Member

  • UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Social Work Field Placement, NICU

  • Medstar Georgetown University Hospital - Social Work Intern

  • James Madison University Office of Disability Services - Peer Access Advocate

Therapeutic Approach

  • My approach is warm and collaborative.

  • We’ll take a look at your life and uncover the patterns that are keeping you stuck. I’ll help you take meaningful steps towards change.

  • I take a holistic, integrative approach to therapy. In addition to exploring the mind-body connection, I’ll take into account the many experiences, roles, systems, and identities that shape you.

  • My work is inclusive, trauma-informed, and rooted in cultural humility.

  • I prioritize flexibility. I know my clients have very full lives, and I want to make it as easy as possible for you to show up for therapy.

  • I believe that therapy can be used for mental health maintenance. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy!

  • I am strengths-based and non-judgmental.

  • I rely on evidence-based treatment methods including:

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction & Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Psychodynamic Theory

  • Relational Therapy

Experience & Expertise

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Life transitions

  • Grief & Loss

  • Pregnancy

  • High-risk pregnancy

  • Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders

  • Postpartum Anxiety

  • Postpartum Depression

  • Postpartum OCD

  • Birth trauma

  • NICU/PICU stays

  • Medically complex children

  • Infertility

  • IUI

  • IVF

  • Egg-freezing

  • Egg/sperm donation

  • Surrogacy

  • Adoption

  • Chemical pregnancy

  • Ectopic pregnancy

  • Pregnancy loss/miscarriage

  • Stillbirth

  • Infant death

  • Termination for medical reasons

  • Caregiver support

  • Chronic illness

  • Burnout

  • Medical trauma

  • Perimenopause

  • People-pleasing

  • Perfectionism

  • Relationship issues

  • Low self-esteem

  • Body image concerns

  • Parent-child relationships

  • Health & wellness goals

  • Support for non-birthing partners

Ready to get started?

I’ll help you feel heard.

I’ll help you understand.

I’ll help you feel calm, centered, and capable.

You could be days away from the conversations that change your life.

work with me
work with me