Therapy can help you learn healthy coping skills to overcome many challenges in life, like family conflict, low self-esteem, or the symptoms of a mental health condition. If you’re interested in therapy, consider online therapy. Barriers like a lack of available providers or concerns about cost can make it difficult to find in-person treatment. An online platform like BetterHelp can make therapy more accessible and convenient.

With BetterHelp, you can establish a therapeutic relationship with a licensed clinical social worker, clinical psychologist, or other mental health care professional from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. The therapists on the platform provide individual treatment to young adults, middle-aged people, and seniors, using evidence-based interventions to help them improve their overall wellness and meet their treatment goals.

Whether you feel stuck in your life or need help working through the psychological effects of family conflicts, therapy can help.  If you’re looking for an online therapist, VA has many options available. The Virginia therapists, social workers, and counselors below are licensed to provide online therapy statewide.

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Alexandra Noel

Offering therapy in Virginia
License: MA,LPC,CSAC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Alexandra Noel, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with certification in substance abuse (CSAC). I have been working in this field for over 12 years, and areas of expertise include military related populations, addiction recovery, coping with stress, adjustment to new life changes, and trauma. Congratulations on taking the first step in bettering your current situation! You will find that the counseling process is not easy. In fact, It is oftentimes difficult talking to a stranger about the sensitive challenges you face. I get it. My counseling style is person-centered and solution focused. In less "clinical" terms, this means I prefer to take on an approach tailored only to YOU that will allow me to provide you with customized tools based on your specific circumstances. Being solution focused, we will use the past as a reference point to identify the roots of your challenges, but we will place more focus on using a strengths based approach to identify resources and solutions to create change. When working with me, you'll gain access to both a teammate and an advocate to guide you along the way to healing. I am no miracle worker; I cannot promise to wave a magic wand in the air and create change overnight. Despite this, I will always collaborate with you to guide, encourage, provide insight, and celebrate even the smallest milestones together. With all of that said, you are in the driver's seat during sessions with me. You provide the starting point, destination, and any identified roadblocks from the past or anticipated future, and I will provide the map and tools to take you to your destination. Our work together will take you on a journey, and I am eager to partner with you along the way!

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Stephen Murphy

Offering therapy in Virginia
License: MSW,LICSW,PIP
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Alabama, Virginia, Georgia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. My experience includes clinical social work, risk management, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, case management, crisis intervention, advocacy, brokerage, education, and facilitation working with diverse groups of children, adolescents, and adults in medical social work, child welfare, mental health/chemical dependency, corrections, HIV/AIDS, and Veteran Affairs. While working with these clients, I have acquired necessary clinical skills relevant to culturally diverse practice and effective outcomes. I am a well-organized, highly motivated, and an energetic team player dedicated to meeting my clients where they are through both micro and macro level social work interventions. Working in Mental Health for over 12 years, I've learned that people are literally trying to put the pieces of their life together just to make it through the day. Being sensitive to this, I've developed my practice model around the following quote, "We're only as strong as our weakest link; therefore do your best to strengthen someone today!" My goal every day is to strengthen someone (self-included) in some area. Let's Live in Purpose so we can Win on Purpose!

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Dr. Gwendolyn Drake

Offering therapy in Virginia
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I believe that a sense of compassion is essential in dealing with life's challenges, and I take my work and my clients seriously. Seeking help is difficult enough, and it's my job to make the process easier by offering my clients a warm, empathic, and safe place to address their challenges and concerns. If you are struggling with a particular issue, or simply looking for a safe place to express yourself, I'm excited to begin the process with you. I am a clinical psychologist with 17 years of experience, and am currently licensed in Virginia, Tennessee and Arkansas. I was excited to join the BetterHelp team because I have always believed that mental health services are more effective in a range of formats, and in a manner that makes them accessible anytime and anywhere. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, stress and adjusting to many of the challenges life throws our way. I utilize a client-centered approach (meaning that YOU are the expert on you) that will allow you to identify your own strengths and resources, as well as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based and dialectical behavior therapeutic approaches. I look forward to speaking with you!

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Sherry McClanahan

Offering therapy in Virginia
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

I believe that each one of us has unique life circumstances and that the counseling process should meet your specific needs. My style is straightforward and compassionate. My focus is on identifying your strengths and helping you to recognize your potential. I employ a client-centered approach in a collaborative effort with you to foster hope and the positive change that you desire. I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and a solution focused, strength-based approach. I work with individual adults and couples. I have worked with individuals facing issues of trauma, loss, physical and sexual abuse, and domestic violence for over 25 years. I have extensive training in complex trauma and a great deal of experience working with adults who have experienced childhood trauma My goal is to provide an open and welcoming environment for all. This is an LGBTQ safe place. My practice hours are 5pm-9pm Monday - Friday and 10am - 1pm Saturdays. I generally can respond at least once per day and sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time. Please remember that BetterHelp (or sister site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services or go to your local emergency room.

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Charlotte Schafer

Offering therapy in Virginia
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemADHD
8 years of experience

I hold both, a Bachelors of Science degree in Christian counseling, and a Masters of Art , in professional counseling from Liberty University. I performed my residency at Counseling Alliance of Virginia, in Charlottesville Virginia. I was with them three years before moving on to open my own small business. I’m well skilled in working with individuals, both women and men, as well as, the elderly. My use of therapy is integrative, although I do have my favorites; which include, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness grounding skills. I am also equipped to give Christian-based counseling when desired, and enjoy weaving in faith-based counseling for a more holistic approach.

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Keisha Wood

Offering therapy in Virginia
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my page, my name is Keisha. I love helping people solve their problems and meet their goals. I would love the chance to get to know you and help you to be the best version of yourself that you can be. I am a LCSW—Licensed Certified Social Worker in Arkansas; I have a bachelors and masters degree in social work; I earned my Master’s Degree from the University of Tennessee in 2005. However, I have been working in the social work field since 2003. I have experience working in a variety of settings (outpatient, school-based, hospital, home health). I've helped children and families as well as adults of all ages. I began conducting online therapy in 2016. I fell in love with this new format of therapy! Outside of BetterHelp I have a private practice that I also run outside of my home. My counseling approach is warm, relaxed and individualized to best meet your needs. I prefer an interactive style to build on your existing strengths. I like to use a variety of evidenced-based approaches, focusing on education to ensure you have the tools and skills needed to help yourself. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and solution-focused counseling, and positive psychology. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am committed to approaching your presenting issue with dignity, respect, empathy, and without judgement. As my client, you will be supported but also challenged in order to develop insight and self-awareness into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Therapy is not just about talking. It is also about learning positive strategies to help facilitate coping, enhance the ability to work through life’s struggles and challenges, and build resilience. Please be selective about the counselor/therapist you choose. It is an important choice and you need to feel comfortable with whomever you choose. Reaching out for help takes a lot of courage and you have already taken such an important first step. I am here to support you towards change and a happier life. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals! Being a professional on this platform, it is my goal to contact you within at least 24 hours of receiving a message from you. However, there are times where a 25-72 hour window may be necessary such as the weekend (please note that the weekend takes place each Friday-Sunday so that messages received during this time will be addressed on Monday). Rest assured, I will always get back to you. In the meantime, I would like for you to familiarize yourself with my schedule of availability. There, you can schedule to contact me for a live chat session. If there is a day/time that is not available, but you would like to check to see if it may be available, but you would like to check to see if it may be available do not hesitate to reach out to me via your chat room. I'll let you know if scheduling that day/time is feasible. Also, keep in mind that this forum does not provide any type of emergency services. Therefore, if you or someone you know believes that you/they are in need of urgent assistance and/or that you/they are in crisis (i.e. suicidal/homicidal and/or attempts), please call 1-800-273-TALK (24 hours/day), dial 911 or visit your local emergency room. Looking forward to hearing from you! "Try to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud." Maya Angelou "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt Some fun facts about me: I am happily married to my wonderful husband Brandon for almost 15 years! I have two dogs: two Bichon Frises. I have been to Scotland four times and got engaged there! It’s my favorite place on earth. I love ice cream!

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Vincenza Bonarelli

Offering therapy in Virginia
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
23 years of experience

Hello and Thanks for visiting my page. Sometimes life can bring challenges. Intense feelings of anger, loneliness, anxiety, and grief can overwhelm us. During such times it is important to reach out to a caring professional for support. I have been providing help to individuals in private practice for over 20 years. I am often asked what therapeutic perspective I am skilled in using. As an LCSW I utilize a wide range of models from cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) to short term psychodynamic interventions. It mostly will depend on you and what is going on for you. But despite the treatment perspective, I find that what matters the most is the trust and connection that my client and I can make together for fostering a healing process. Whether you're hurting from grief, anger, sadness, stress, anxiety, or relationship burnout, it is important that your needs are attended to. I hope I can work with you in meeting your intention to heal from your current stress from daily living.

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Leah Pavela-Mullins

Offering therapy in Virginia
License: LCSW,C-ET
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

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Nichole Henderson

Offering therapy in Virginia
License: EAGALA Member,AAMFT Member,Sex Trafficking Advocate
Stress, AnxietyGriefIntimacy-related issuesCoachingCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I offer unique, specialized faith-based therapy services designed to help individual adults, couples and families build Victorious identities. Providing two-way discussions that bridge the gap to help you with difficult life transformations. It's time to unlock fear, pain, confusion, unresolved grief, loss, and any barriers keeping you from living a Christ-filled lifestyle. Serving individuals & couples who seek to enrich and maintain healthy marital relationships. Together we will create a safe space to motivate intentional transformation! https://victoriousbeginnings.com/

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Jasmine DeBeary

Offering therapy in Virginia
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, serving clients in LA, OR, PA, VA, WV, with over 14 years of experience in behavioral and mental health across various settings, including hospitals, schools, and outpatient facilities. As a Certified Trauma Professional, with extensive and ongoing training and certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I primarily treat clients with ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, grief, and trauma. My therapeutic approach is centered on tackling current issues with practical solutions that improve your well-being. It involves holding you accountable and providing the insights you need, rather than what you might want to hear. I recognize that no textbook or degree can rival first-hand experience. Bearing in mind that I may not fully grasp my client's personal experiences, I excel at offering a professional and personable perspective, maintaining an open mind, and always remembering that my clients are the experts on their own lives. The evidence-based treatment modalities that I use in session, are solely determined by my client's individual needs and personal goals. I appreciate research and utilize only evidence-based treatment modalities that have proven to be effective. Life's tough and oftentimes, the demands of daily life can become overwhelming, leading to feelings of defeat, exhaustion, and stress that impact one's relationships, job performance, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Whatever it may be that you are going through, be encouraged to know that you certainly are not alone. I am here and I am here to help.

How can a counselor support you?

Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.

Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 3,078,759 people live in VA, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.  

The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.

Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?

People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

The mental health therapists in Virginia support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression or depressive conditions
  • Adjustment issues
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma
  • Relationship conflicts and concerns

Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.

If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.

Emergency services to contact in a crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.

How much does a therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.

Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.

When should I get a therapist in Virginia?

Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.

Is online therapy the safe option?

Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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