Navigating life stressors can be difficult, and speaking with a therapist can help. When finding a therapist, Chesapeake, VA has a few different options.

Different in-person professional counseling practices and outpatient community centers are available, or you can work with an experienced counselor on an online platform like BetterHelp. Whether you are seeking mental health services for behavioral challenges, low self-esteem, anxiety disorders, or family conflict, speak with a Chesapeake-based professional in the mental health field to find your authentic self and live a more fulfilling life.

 

Psychologist Dr. Sonya Medina providing different types of therapy in Chesapeake

Dr. Sonya Medina

Clinician
License Type(s): Ph.D
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
24 years offering treatment

I am a clinical psychologist with over 23 years of clinical experience. I have provided therapy in juvenile justice, residential treatment and currently Veterans. I have experience treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, women’s issues and substance abuse. I primarily approach therapy from a cognitive behavioral perspective. I seek to help clients understand how unhelpful thinking patterns prompt negative emotions and keep a person stuck and unrecovered. I see therapy as an opportunity to help my client identify the roots of unhelpful thinking patterns, identify opportunities for change and engage in the work of modifying behaviors that often lead to distress. The best quality of life for my client is the overarching treatment goal. I see the therapeutic process as a safe and supportive environment in which negative cycles may be broken. I work hard to establish a therapeutic relationship through compassion and genuine feedback. Therapy is a collaborative endeavor and I appreciate the honor of walking this journey with those in pain. I love what I do!

Psychologist Alesha Perkins providing different types of therapy in Chesapeake

Alesha Perkins

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW,CCM
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
15 years offering treatment

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and North Carolina. I've been working in this field for over 20 years with over 15 years of experience in providing individual and family therapy. I have worked in a variety of settings and provided therapy to children, adults and geriatric populations. I have worked with clients dealing with a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, divorce, career challenges, substance abuse, medical diagnoses, etc. I enjoy connecting with people and helping them to make changes to meet the goals they have set for themselves. My counseling style is nonjudgmental and empathetic. I want clients to feel empowered to lead and know they have the autonomy to make the decisions they choose with no judgment. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, motivational interviewing and solution-focused counseling. I'm easygoing and authentic which makes it easy for clients to freely talk to me. I'm glad that you have decided to start this journey towards being a better you. I'm here to guide you on this journey and look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Marian Smith providing different types of therapy in Chesapeake

Marian Smith

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC,LMHC,NBCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
21 years offering treatment

I am a licensed counselor in the states of Florida and Virginia and life coach. I have been honing my skills for over 20 years. Many people have difficulties with feeling overwhelmed and anxious, particularly after a major life change or traumatic event. I listen to each client carefully. Together we create a specific plan for your better future. You will have specific objectives and will see your progress. You can get back your sense of peace and well being, feeling back in charge of your life, calm and confident I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationships, parenting and life transitions. You will be treated with respect , compassion and sensitivity. My goal is to get to the core of whatever is bothering you and help you find satisfaction with your choices and feel that you are living in accordance with your values and on a path to your highest potential in your life rather than simply surviving day to day. I have helped individuals and families explore new ways of looking at problems through a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Counseling, and Emotional Freedom techniques. In the end, however, it is not a technique that resolves a problem but that you find fresh strategies to enable you to transform blocks and limitations into creative energy, calm, and confidence. 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: to equip you with new skills and cheer on each new success. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Shérral Harding providing different types of therapy in Chesapeake

Shérral Harding

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years offering treatment

Life can be so challenging at times and hard to navigate when everything seems to be going the opposite of what we hoped or wish for. Considering the current climate of the world and our everyday struggles it can feel like a daunting task just to keep the motivation for the day. It’s as if life begins to feel more like a routine than an enjoyable journey. What used to be amusing or a previous interest just doesn’t feel that way anymore and that can be hard to fathom. Truth is, you are not alone as we all have these moments of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, frustrated, empty, hurt, confused, hopeless, irritable, and/or worthless. Or maybe you’ve encountered some recent changes that have caused you to feel off-balanced, hyper-distracted, disorganized, or unmotivated. Whatever roadblock you are currently facing, I am here to support you through your journey to regaining peace, balance, and/or healing. I look forward to supporting you by providing a safe space starting with an open conversation, meeting you where you feel comfortable in a judgment-free zone. I am a licensed therapist in the state of Virginia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and PTSD, depression, adjustment issues, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and more. You have already taken the first step in your transformation and healing journey by starting this process, which is huge! I am proud of you and you deserve to experience peace and empowerment. Allow me to help you better thrive in your journey.

Psychologist James Harmon providing different types of therapy in Chesapeake

James Harmon

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
30 years offering treatment

My full name is James Phillip Harmon but I generally use my middle name, Phillip or Phil; however, I am not too fussy about this. I live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and have worked in both in-patient and outpatient settings as a Licensed Professional Counselor for just over 30 years. These settings have allowed me to work with people who are experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse and addiction issues, pretty much general practice. My initial counseling education was in Adlerian Psychology. This foundation has been strengthened and expanded with later training in Marsha Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Alfred Adler was a social psychiatrist who taught that all human behavior has a purpose that makes sense to the individual. He taught that we develop a personal understanding and beliefs about life that we use in our efforts to address the challenges of finding where we belong in society, finding how we can best contribute to society and in establishing and maintaining relationships. Adlerians believe that we all have what are called "mistaken beliefs" things that are true because we believe them but are only true to us, not in the more general context of society as a whole. A more contemporary approach, that in my opinion builds upon some of what Adler taught, is Marsha Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This approach sees the individual as being the expert on and about themselves. Again, we have mistaken beliefs that are our truths and the issue becomes adjusting these beliefs, if we choose to do so, to help us respond in a more effective manner to the challenges life presents. Therapy is something that happens between two equal partners, not a technique that is imposed. The therapist and client may have very different beliefs and opinions about what is happeneing. Both are correct; they simply disagree. The best solution to a problem is the one that is most effective for helping the client build the life they want to have. I believe that you have the ability, the strength and the courage to identify and make needful changes that can help you have a more satisfying life. It can a bit of work but is well worth the effort. A large part of the therapist's job is to ask questions, make comments and suggestions, maybe challenge a bit to help the client find their answers.

Psychologist Marilyn Garcia providing different types of therapy in Chesapeake

Marilyn Garcia

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Iowa, New Jersey, New York and Virginia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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!

Psychologist Elizabeth Allen providing different types of therapy in Chesapeake

Elizabeth Allen

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
25 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Missouri with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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.

Psychologist Shantell Turner providing different types of therapy in Chesapeake

Shantell Turner

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
20 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Maryland and Virginia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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. 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.

Psychologist Katherine Gwaltney providing different types of therapy in Chesapeake

Katherine Gwaltney

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Virginia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Jahaira Sykes providing different types of therapy in Chesapeake

Jahaira Sykes

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years offering treatment

Welcome to a space of healing and growth! Treating behavior alone does not resolve the root issue. I help individuals navigate challenging times by uncovering and healing underlying traumas, which in turn alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety. I also offer compassionate guidance for adults facing the pain of relational betrayal, equipping them with practical tools to heal and move forward. In our sessions, clients frequently share that they feel truly heard, supported, and safe to explore their emotions without fear of judgment. As we work together, they begin to notice tangible progress, equipped with practical tools and strategies to manage their challenges. They leave sessions feeling more grounded, empowered, and confident, knowing they have the skills to navigate whatever life throws their way. The journey toward healing is deeply personal, and I’m committed to creating a space where you feel safe, understood, and capable of real growth.

Find a therapist serving clients in Virginia

Types of therapists available to clients in Chesapeake

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 Chesapeake that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), 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 Chesapeake available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Chesapeake 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, Chesapeake therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Chesapeake region and in the state of Virginia.

How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want 

Therapists in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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