Hello! My name is Julia, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. As a mother of three young kids, I chose to go back to school to gain the necessary skills to support women and birthing people through all the complex pathways leading to and managing parenting. I vividly remember bringing my youngest in a carrier to the introductory session for the Master of Social Work program at UNC—where I discovered the profound impact of social work and fell in love with its purpose.

Although my own children are no longer babies, my clinical practice continues to center on the journey of building a family: the challenges and stressors that can arise during pregnancy and postpartum, and the ongoing adjustments of parenthood. Whether someone is navigating infertility, coping with the demands of a newborn, making the difficult decision to end a pregnancy, experiencing anxiety, depression, or other perinatal mood disorders, or grieving a loss at any stage—I am here to offer support and provide a place to heal.

I am a cisgender white woman with a deep commitment to the inherent worth and dignity of every individual person. I endeavor to bring inclusive, trauma- informed, anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, reproductive justice, and feminist principles to the forefront of my work and life.

My clinical practice draws on evidence-based approaches, including Motivational Interviewing, Integrated Behavioral Health models, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, along with specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. I maintain an active Perinatal Mental Health Certification through Postpartum Support International (PSI).

Since becoming a social worker, I have worked in diverse settings dedicated to whole-person health and well-being. My experience includes a fellowship with Veterans Affairs (VA), providing care at the Chapel Hill Community Health Center—a federally qualified health center with Piedmont Health Services—supporting patients in Labor & Delivery at Duke University Hospital, and working in the Duke Perinatal Clinic, a high-risk obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine practice.

My approach centers on creating a safe, supportive place where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, we’ll build insight into what’s working well in your life or possibly not so well and identify areas that may need change. I deeply value the opportunity to listen to your stories, reflect on their meaning, and collaborate with you to enhance your overall well-being. I look forward to our work together.

Sessions with JULIA can be

• In person at our Durham office
• Virtual

Julia Tarr, LCSW

Education

• MSW University of North Carolina
– Chapel Hill

Areas of Clinical Specialty & Advanced Training

• Maternal & parental mental health