Big Stone Gap, Virginia is tucked in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains and still breathes Americana. With its big-hearted, homey people, Big Stone Gap was the perfect location for the movie by the same name. At times, life can also seem like there are too many gaps between joyous times.
Every day doesn’t have to be a picture perfect, but you don’t have to live with days or weeks of feeling out of touch with the rest of the world. Get matched with one of the professional licensed counselors in the Big Stone Gap area and emerge from the depths to start enjoying life again.

Dr. April Brewer
Hello, My name is Dr. April Brewer and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC. I have gained a diverse professional experience as a U.S. Air Force Medic (Active Duty), Psychometrician for ages 3- adults (U.S. Navy Civilian), DUI & Drug Court Counselor, Mental Health Therapist (Veterans Affairs Medical Center), Behavioral Health Treatment Court Coordinator/Mental Health Clinician (Superior & State Court), Military & Family Life Counselor on DOD installations, and Private Practice providing individual, couples, family, & group therapy, psycho-education, and consultation services for individuals of all ages. I earned a Doctor of Behavioral Health at Arizona State University, focusing on integrated behavioral health care to manage behavioral health programs, and prevent, manage, and improve chronic medical conditions, a M.S. Clinical Counseling, a M.S. Human Services, & a B.S. Human & Social Services Administration from Bellevue University. I believe in taking an eclectic approach to meet your unique needs and I am looking forward to helping you reach your overall health, wellness, and life goals. I am ready to get started when you are! Cordially, Dr. April Brewer, DBH, LPC, ACS

Esther Reynolds
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and have been in a private practice for over 25 years. I work with individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, ADHD, and traumatic experiences (physical, emotional, and sexual). Family conflicts and relationship issues are also a focus of my practice. My approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and rational emotive behavior therapy. I often coordinate mindfulness, insight-oriented approaches, and storytelling in my sessions, depending on an individual’s uniqueness. My primary goal is to develop a therapeutic relationship built on trust. I believe that the client’s motivation is key to success and that all motivation must start with a destination, chosen by the client. I see myself just as a facilitator, guiding the client towards that destination. I look forward to working with you!

Dr. David Ford
Hello all!!! I am a person-centered counselor who is licensed in NC, VA, and NJ. I have 10 years of counseling experience and I am also a Board Certified Counselor and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. I am a Counselor Educator and have been teaching graduate and doctoral students for seven years. My clinical orientation is integrative and includes cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, and rational/emotive approaches. My clinical experience includes working with adults dealing with addictions, HIV/AIDS, racial identity development, racial trauma, gender identity development, gender expression, issues around affectional orientation, depression/anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, and members of the LGBTQ+ and Same Gender Loving communities. I also work with career/occupational concerns. I believe in creating a brave space for my clients where they have the courage to bring their authentic selves without being silenced, marginalized, or judged. Authenticity and open communication are key to building a strong therapeutic relationship and both are a two-way street. We can challenge other, grow with each other, and work together as we travel your pathway to wellness.

Michelle Price
Hello! My name is Michelle Price and I am registered as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Supervisor with the Board of Counseling in Virginia. I have over 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. Positions that I have held in the counseling field include Clinical Program Manager of Counseling Services, Outpatient Services, Crisis Services, Intensive In Home Services and Therapeutic Day Treatment Services. Counseling Background: All of my counseling experience has been through community mental health services, as I enjoy working with a diverse population with various needs. My theoretical orientation comes from a cognitive behavioral (CBT) point of view. While this is the predominant modality that I utilize, I do pull techniques from other models if they prove to be beneficial to the individuals I work with. I enjoy using CBT in my practice because it is easy to grasp, very flexible to implement to the individual's needs and it is evidenced based (has been proven to be effective). Areas that I have received training in include Trauma-focused CBT, Attachment Based Family therapy(ABFT), Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA), and Al’s Pals. I have also been trained with administering the K-SADS. I am so happy for you with taking the hardest step in counseling. Reaching out for help is not an easy task at all but it is the first step towards healing and finding peace. I do look forward to working with you in this new journey that you are about to take. .

Mary Messerschmidt
I am a therapist licensed in Virginia with over 20 years of experience tailoring treatment services to each individual, honoring and respecting every unique life story. I have also just recently become a life coach. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that a caring, authentic therapy relationship, combined with finely tuned, innovative interventions can shape life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion and I don't rely on labels, we are all evolving every day. My therapy and counseling specialties include: Individual psychotherapy Anxiety, fear, and the courage to make it through adversity Couple counseling & marriage therapy Self-esteem, shame issues Grief, trauma / PTSD or abuse therapy Depression Life coaching It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Sam Lee
I am licensed in Virginia with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

Arielle Shipp
I am licensed in Virginia with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

Dr. Bethye Valenzuela
I am an Army Veteran and a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Virginia with 25 years of professional work experience. My experience is in helping clients with stress , anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, & anger management. I have an extensive history counseling active duty/retired military and their family members. 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.

Randiesa Spires
I’m a licensed clinical social worker with over 16 years of experience as a psychotherapist and health coach. Specializing in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, relationship challenges, career obstacles, I also provide support to those who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My approach is warm, interactive, and client-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, avoiding stigmatizing labels. Using a combination of cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, EMDR, I customize our sessions to meet your unique needs. Taking the first step toward a happier, more fulfilling life takes courage, and I’m here to empower you on that journey. Ready for change? Let’s work together to achieve your goals. Start your journey to a better life today! I look forward to supporting you.

Karen Crawley-Buckholtz
I am licensed in Maryland with 19 years of professional work experience. I hold a BA in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and a MA in counseling psychology from Bowie State University. I am a Certified Grief Informed Professional. I also have extensive training and experience in grief and loss, stress and anxiety, depression, trauma, perinatal and postpartum depression, relationship issues, hospice, illness and disability issues, cultural diversity /special populations, working with first responders, and meeting the unique needs of active duty military and veterans. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am eclectic in my clinical approach and will adapt to to your needs in choosing therapeutic approaches and in assisting you in developing treatment goals to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe you know your needs better than anyone. I also believe that you have many strengths that with support, will be tools you can use in overcoming the things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage, and I am here if you are ready to get started.
Find a therapist serving clients in Virginia
What types of therapists are available to clients in Big Stone Gap?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Big Stone Gap that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Big Stone Gap available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Big Stone Gap therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Big Stone Gap therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Big Stone Gap region and in the state of Virginia.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Big Stone Gap can help 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 therapist in Big Stone Gap may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Big Stone Gap offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.