Portsmouth has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based treatment.
Working with a therapist can help you manage many life challenges. Whether you need to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, work through the psychological effects of sexual abuse or other trauma, or improve low self-esteem, clinical mental health counseling may be beneficial.
Professionals in the mental health field complete years of specialized training, during which they learn about various aspects of providing effective treatment, like clinical assessments and the importance of unconditional positive regard for their clients. A therapist will work with you to understand your unique challenges and create a treatment plan to help you meet your goals.
If you’re looking for a therapist in Portsmouth, VA, consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. With BetterHelp, you can attend sessions from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. Plus, you can change providers anytime for no additional fee until you find the right fit. Whether you want to work with a certified substance abuse counselor, psychologist, or social worker, BetterHelp can make therapy more accessible, flexible, and convenient.
If you need help managing symptoms of anxiety disorders or bipolar disorder, coping with the stress of family conflict, or learning how to achieve personal growth, connect with a Portsmouth-based therapist below to learn more.
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Bianca Munce
Thank you for reading my profile! My name is Bianca, I am a licensed professional counselor in Virginia with more than 10 years of experience working as a in various treatment settings. I started my career working in outpatient treatment for adolescents, have worked in residential treatment for adults, and have done online individual therapy for the last two years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. I also helped many women who have experienced trauma or post-partum depression. My counseling style is open and flexible based on your needs. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe that you are the expert in your life circumstances, my role is to support any changes that you wish to make in coping skills or managing difficult situations differently. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and motivational interviewing. Together we will design a treatment plan that meets your specific needs. It takes courage to seek help for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
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Paula Donovan
Hello there and thank you for clicking on my profile. If we meet, the first thing you will notice after my well earned wrinkles, is that I have an Irish accent! I came to the USA over 40 years ago to work at the World Bank . Then I retrained as a clinical therapist so I could focus on supporting individuals and couples using all my training and life experience around the world and in the US. I deeply believe that YOU are the best expert on your life so far. So the self knowledge that you decide to share with me can allow us to work together to ease and energize your "here and now", as well as your next steps. Together we can identify and reinforce the strengths, relationships, patterns and practices that support your resilience and well being. I can draw on many different clinical approaches in our work. There is no magic. The basic ingredient is a trusting relationship -- sometimes even with some laughter! Life can be deeply unfair. Losses and disappointments bring grief, isolation and loneliness. Traumatic events and recurring stress leave our bodies and spirits intensely vigilant and exhausted. Relationships wound us, sometimes seemingly beyond repair. Illnesses -- our own, or of loved ones, sap our vitality and hope. Life can feel stuck and meaningless. And still, you are here, now, and about to explore a new opportunity! I hope you try it. All best wishes, take great care, Paula
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Diane Witmer
I am an LCSW in the states of Tennessee, New York and Virginia, with over 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in several therapy modalities including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, Trauma focused Treatment and EMDR. I am here to help clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Ina Thompson
Hello, I am a Licensed Therapist (LPC) in Virginia, USA with over 23 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients (both adults and children/adolescents) with various mental health and/or life struggles related to depression, anxiety, coping with trauma/abuse, stress, anger and impulse control problems, grief, aging, difficulties adjusting, low self-esteem, attention deficits, autism spectrum, relational/marital problems, substance abuse issues, parenting challenges, Military/ Veterans issues, care taker fatigue/burn out, Gender dysphoria and LGBTQ issues. Some of the therapeutic techniques I utilize include but are not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and some Attachment-Based Therapy skills as well as a strength and goal oriented approach. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. With my clients I strive to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Together we can focus on the goals you would like to achieve and collaborate to bring some relief to your stressors. I offer my therapy services in both English or German language and look forward to working with you.
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Karen Bradley Jackson
I am licensed in Virginia with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Sheila Strain
I am licensed in District of Columbia and Virginia with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
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Sara Matos
With over 4 years of experience in the Social Service field, I pride myself on my dedication to the safety, wellbeing and stabilization of the children, adults, and families that I works with. My creativity allows me to utilize a series of treatment modalities to assist in successfully empowering my clients while meeting their psychological needs. My approach is non-judgmental, client-focused and strength-based which encourages my clients to freely engage in the planning and goal identification of their own treatment. A few modalities that I specializes in are: Psycho-Educational, EMDR, Play, Sand Tray, Accelerated Resolution, Solution Focused, Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I often incorporates the Stages of Change in my treatment in efforts to meet my clients, “where they are at”. I have earned a Master’s degree in Social Work and one in Public Administration. As a serious student, I've maintained a 3.97 GPA in both programs. In addition, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Qualified Supervisor and Substance Abuse Professional. I have provided services to many different populations and have embraced my time and experiences as learning opportunities and growth. I have worked in Child Protection, Program and Youth Development; along with Individual, family, Couples and Group Therapy. I have created curriculums and written proposals to establish and maintain well needed Independent Living Skills programs for adolescents that were aging out of foster care. I understand that although the typical social service organizations are closed during the evening and weekend hours, this does not mean that our clients are not in need of services. Therefore, I am often willing and able to meet with my clients during these times.
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Laura Ponds
I am licensed in Virginia with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & bipolar disorder. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Kimberly Byrd
I have been licensed in Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2011 and prefer cognitive behavioral (a form of talk therapy) and/ or solution-focused, goal-oriented approaches to treatment. If you find it helps to talk when you’re worried about something, I might be a good fit for you as a therapist. I will provide empathy and support in a non-judgmental environment as we work through your struggles together. I am a Christian of the Baptist faith specializing in Christian counseling and working with women. Let me know if you’d like me to pray for or with you! We know that where two or more are gathered in His name, He is in the midst. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to empower you on that journey with support, empathy, and understanding. I check messages daily. If you need immediate assistance, please call or text 988, call 911, or contact your local emergency services program.
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Dr. Margaret Robertson
I am a retired Navy Chaplain with 10 years of enlisted service and 8 years as a chaplain. I retired in 2008 and then worked as a mental health crisis worker and worked in private practice, then I housed homeless Veterans. I have a wide variety of experiences with many different types of people in many different situations. My expertise is in crisis and trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety and severe mental disorders. I am also quite friendly and easy to get to know and help you understand what's going on in your life. I can't say I know everything, but I can say that if I don't know it, I'll do the research to find out. Love research. I have two Master's degrees and a doctorate. My doctorate is also in ministry from Regent University. I have further PhD work in counseling and education from Capella University. So I can honestly say that learning is key to understanding. Of course, one of those is in counseling. I have counseling licenses in two states (Oregon and Washington). My other degree is in ministry. I have worked in ministry and in the secular field which, I believe, gives me a good balance in helping people where they are at. I don't push my beliefs on anyone. It is my understanding that I am to journey with people. I know the answers are there but finding the answers is like taking a journey together and when the answer is found, you are the one who finds it. I am just there to guide and provide some information. You choose the direction. Philosophy and Approach: I believe that everyone can reach an optimum state of health and has the potential to recover from life’s difficulties, and even trauma. I employ an eclectic approach with a strong reliance on person-centered, cognitive-behavioral aspects and the recovery model. Formal Education and Training: I hold a master’s degree in counseling from Liberty University. My major course work included human growth and development with an emphasis on marriage and family counseling, individual counseling; all classes required for a licensed counselor’s certificate in Oregon and Washington. My major at Liberty University was Marriage and Family Therapy. I also hold a Doctor of Ministry from Regent University with major coursework in Clinical Pastoral Education. My undergraduate degree is from the University of Oregon, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. I abide by the Oregon and Washington Boards Code of Ethics. To maintain my counseling license, I am required to participate in continuing education, taking classes dealing with subjects relevant to this profession. As a client of an Oregon and Washington licensee, you have the following rights: ∗ To expect that a licensee has met the qualifications of training and experience required by state law; ∗ To examine public records maintained by the Board and to have the Board confirm credentials of a licensee; ∗ To obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics; ∗ To report complaints to the Board; ∗ To be informed of the cost of professional services before receiving the services; ∗ To be assured of privacy and confidentiality while receiving services as defined by rule of law, with the following exceptions: 1) Reporting suspected child abuse; 2) Reporting imminent danger to you or others; 3) Reporting information required in court proceedings or by your insurance company, or other relevant agencies; 4) Providing information concerning licensee case consultation or supervision; and 5) Defending claims brought by you against me; ∗ To be free from discrimination because of age, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, national origin, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic status.
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Portsmouth, Virginia
Finding the best therapist close by in Portsmouth can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Portsmouth region and in the state of Virginia. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Portsmouth or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Portsmouth area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Portsmouth, elsewhere in Portsmouth (city), or in the greater state of Virginia. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Portsmouth area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Portsmouth due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Portsmouth may not take health insurance, some in the state of Virginia may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Virginia you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Portsmouth online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Virginia working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Portsmouth psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Portsmouth above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day.
Portsmouth therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy in Portsmouth is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in VA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 23708 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Portsmouth therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Portsmouth therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Portsmouth licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. An experienced clinician can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based licensed clinician in Portsmouth, Virginia can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Counseling with an online Portsmouth provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Virginia
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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