You may have worked hard in your life to put yourself in the most strategic of positions to find success, security, and happiness. Bristol, Virginia is a town that knows all about strategic positions. It’s located in the center of a five-state area, providing access to Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina.

Bristol and its surrounding area is home to many qualified mental health counselors who can help you in those times when you feel like you’ve lost your way, when you’re having a tough time getting back into that perfect position in life. Please don't hesitate to reach out to one today.

This is Frederica Banning's avatar and link to their profile

Frederica Banning

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Bristol
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,ACSW,C-IQ Conversational Intelligence Coach
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
30 years of experience

Aloha as we say in Hawaii! My nickname is 'Rickie' and I would like to welcome you to BetterHelp. You have taken an important first step in reaching out for counseling help. A little about me: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with licenses in VA and HI. I hail from the East Coast originally, and have lived in Hawaii for about ten years. I have 25+ years as a psychotherapist, working with adults. I have worked with a diversity of client populations, ranging from working with the military, LGBT, women's groups, and clients in specialty areas around healing with relationship challenges, self-esteem and building self-confidence, grief and loss, anxiety and stress reduction, managing change, depression, substance abuse, especially alcohol abuse and family impact, incest, trauma, and eating disorders. I draw from several therapeutic styles, including solution-focused, integrative which combines person-centered and psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and Gestalt. I value insight and goal-setting as keys to behavioral change. I can also share with you that I’ve trained with some of the best as mentors and trainers, including Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross-the world's leading authority in grief and loss work, and Virginia Satir-the world's leading expert in family systems and couples work. A fun fact about me: I went up in a hot air balloon to celebrate my 30th birthday! Now let’s talk a bit about your counseling… In these first days and weeks, the process may feel slow at times, but we need to build trust so that I may sync my style to your needs so that you can best achieve your goals. The BetterHelp counseling space is where you have your voice, it is your safe space to express and where you are free to ask questions and freely share about how our process is flowing. Whether this is your first time or not in counseling, it is important that you be open about how things are going. If you are new, I will explain the counseling process along the way. Remember that I am your guide to inspire you forward but you are always in charge of your healing journey. When life knocks us down, we all need a warm heart and safe space where we can sort things through. I am here to help, whether you are navigating life challenges, repairing relationships with yourself and others, healing loss, or building change resilience. Reaching out takes courage. A committed counseling journey leads to healing and peace. I could share that I trained with Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Virginia Satir. I would rather say that I listen to connect, not to judge or reject. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”-African Proverb. Reach out. Let’s explore, together!

This is Dr. Stephen Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Stephen Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Bristol
Counselor License Type(s): Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesADHD
11 years of experience

Welcome! I am a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. As your psychotherapist, I will work with you to increase your understanding of self, others, and relationships. I will help you to increase your skills for coping with past traumas, present challenges, and future worries. Through compassion and validation, I will strive to reduce your distress and increase your hopefulness about the future. I am committed to understanding you as an complex, whole person with a personal experience and story. Whether you are joining psychotherapy for the first time, returning to treatment, coming alone, or with others, I am ready to meet you where you are in your treatment journey. So, lets get started!

This is Ellen Minter's avatar and link to their profile

Ellen Minter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Bristol
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hello and welcome! My name is Ellen Minter and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been working in the helping profession for 17 years. Over the years, I have worked with various populations in various capacities. In addition to being a therapist, I have spent time as a teacher, sexual assault victim advocate, hospice social worker, and direct support professional for the developmentally disabled. I learned many things in these roles and it is those things, accompanied with my own personal life experiences that have most equipped me with the necessary skills and understanding to help you navigate the transitions of your life. My therapeutic style is humorous, warm, and direct. While my role may be to help you feel better, I find that minimizing and appeasement are counterproductive to that goal. Always, I am honest and direct. I am very open-minded and I try to be respectful of all I work with. I have a bit of a multi-modal approach. I find that various techniques from different approaches, can work in conjunction in different situations. Life is hard and unpredictable. I hope to help make things easier for you.

This is Amanda Gushard-edwards's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Gushard-edwards

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Bristol
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is April Dalby's avatar and link to their profile

April Dalby

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Bristol
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I have been a licensed Mental Health Counselor providing care to individuals and families for five years. I started my career working in county jail, working with offenders. After the County Jail, I took a job managing a court-ordered residential treatment center for addiction in Colorado. Although I have a strong passion for working with offenders to reintegrate back into society, my career took another path three years ago. I found a passion working with the LGBTQ+ community, children, teens, couples, and families as they overcome daily struggles in their life. Over the past three years, I have worked with individuals suffering from mental health issues, reuniting families after separations, parent coaching, and marital counseling. There is no greater joy than assisting clients in finding their strengths and ways to use their strengths to overcome life obstacles by creating a new narrative.

This is Violetta Battle's avatar and link to their profile

Violetta Battle

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Bristol
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland and Virginia with more than 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with issues related to self-esteem, building confidence, motivation, challenging relationships, family conflict, parenting, anxiety, and depression. 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. 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.

This is yvetta smith's avatar and link to their profile

yvetta smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Bristol
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients 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.

This is Michelle Williams's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Williams

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Bristol
Counselor License Type(s): MMFT,LPC
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

Welcome to the start of your new life. My name Michelle Williams, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Dallas, Texas. With today's stigma and false beliefs about counseling, many individuals go without help. Others wait till all else fails before getting help. However, no matter when you seek help you should be able to do so with a professional who is willing to understand and listen to your story and help you on a journey to finding your better you. I have a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2015 and a MA in Human Service Counseling: Crisis Response and Trauma from Liberty University in 2016. While my education offered me the tools and skills to be a counselor, my personal life experiences and my interaction with clients have increased my passion for helping others in need. I am currently a counselor at Christian Works for Children where I work with children, teens, adults, and couples who are seeking to understand that point in life where everything seems to be at a standstill and help to figure out what’s needed to jump-start life again. I am also the owner of private practice geared towards serving the community offering affordable counseling to those in need. My approach to counseling is allowing the client the ability to narrate and edit their own story. Through psychoanalysis, the client is able to read, write, narrate, and rewrite their life scripts offering them the opportunity through cognitive-behavioral techniques the ability to change any situation in their lives by breaking down their stories and their beliefs surrounding their stories and the challenges they believe are hindering them. I allow the client to build and structure the counseling session in a way that it’s not like your normal counseling but more like a quiet place to think, a place to laugh, a place to shed those much needed tears, and an opportunity to take off the day to day mask we hide behind and just be. Therefore, no matter the issue: depression, anxiety, stress, work, family, PTSD, physical or emotional abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, trauma, personality disorder, schizophrenia, marital problems, or just someone to vent to, I’m here.

This is Dawn Cooperstein's avatar and link to their profile

Dawn Cooperstein

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Bristol
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesADHD
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona and Virginia with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with ADHD and neurodivergence, LGBTQIA2+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with life changes. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Tiffany Layne's avatar and link to their profile

Tiffany Layne

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Bristol
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia with 12 years of professional work experience. I believe that through challenges or trauma great healing and growth can happen. My mission in working with individuals is to tap into your strengths and help you develop effective coping skills to transition to a place of growth. My goal is to provide a warm, respectful, and nonjudgmental space in which to explore your resilience and restore balance. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & depression. 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. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Bristol

Finding the best therapist close by in Bristol can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist 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 in Bristol that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Bristol. 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 or are new to counseling in Bristol, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

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 clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Bristol 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 counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Bristol or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Bristol therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Bristol area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

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 Bristol, elsewhere in Bristol (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 therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Bristol area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bristol therapist?

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 Bristol 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:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Bristol 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 therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Bristol online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Bristol, 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 in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Bristol psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists 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 Bristol 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.

Through BetterHelp therapy, 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 counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

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. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Bristol provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Bristol?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Bristol 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 and therapists 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 Bristol therapy 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 Bristol therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art 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 or therapists 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 24201 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 in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Bristol counselor?

Before seeing your Bristol therapist, 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. Bristol therapists here 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 why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a 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 Bristol 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 Bristol 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.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist 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. A psychologist 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 psychologist in Bristol, 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.

Bristol 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 online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists 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 therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

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 the leading online counseling platform for Bristol, Virginia

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Bristol therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy 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.

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

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Bristol.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Bristol:

24201, 24202, 24203, 24205, 24209

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist