Emporia, Virginia sits along the Meherrin River and was born when the two smaller towns of Hicksford and Belfield joined to become one. Perhaps Emporia is aptly named as it continues to be an enchanting stop along the route to beautiful beaches on the Virginia coast. Emporia was recently ranked among the top five cities for retail sales per capita. While leisure and hospitality are staples of Emporia’s culture, it seems impossible to relax and enjoy when your mental wellness is lacking.

You don’t have to miss out on a stroll among the lovely shops or a jaunt across the glistening beach sands. You can put your bad days behind you when you make the effort to match up with a treatment specialist in the Emporia area. With a bit of help, you can again see the beauty in the people and land that surrounds you.

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Sabrina Cleveland

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Emporia
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Sabrina and I am so excited that you’re taking this step to reach out for help.  I’m passionate about creating a safe space where people are free to be open and genuine without fear of judgement. Everyone faces trials and difficulties in life and it is my honor to be able to walk alongside someone and offer support.  In the past there has been a stigma on people who seek out mental health treatment and my hope is that one day, that stigma will disappear completely. Caring for your own mental health and well being is a vital component to overall healthy living. Getting help when you need it is absolutely the best thing you can do for yourself and the other people in your life. My approach is somewhat laid back – no two people are the same so each time I work with someone I want to tailor my style and feedback to best meet their needs. I want to make sure you feel safe enough to be authentic in communicating your needs with me. We will work together to help you meet your goals and get you where you want to be! I’m looking forward to meeting you and learning about what makes you who you are and how I can support you in your journey toward wellness. Let’s get started! 

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Dr. Bradley (Brad) Bull

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Emporia
Counselor License Type(s): MDiv,PhD,LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

Yes, family therapists work with individuals. In fact, most of the work I have done has been with individuals. It helps to hear “family therapy” as “systemic therapy.” Systemic therapists focus on how “big picture” factors (family, work, society) influence us and, thus, how we have to cope with them. My training has been both academic and from “the school of hard knocks.” In 2005, at age 40, I completed my PhD in child at family studies with an emphasis in counseling at the University Tennessee. I was taking a heavy course load, working two part-time jobs, and raising two young children. I consider my time as client at the student counseling center the most important part of my training. I completed my family therapy training at Good Shepherd Counseling Center under one of the earliest family therapists in Tennessee. I started by training as an undergraduate psychology major (and creative writing minor) at Carson-Newman University. I then went to seminary where I majored in pastoral counseling and worked as an aide at internationally known Norton Psychiatric Clinic. People describe me as down to earth. I grew up the son of teachers and grandson of farmers. I have baled hay, fed cattle, and spent a summer pulling steel from a 1500-degree furnace and driving a fork lift. I also was captain of my high school soccer team. If I’m not working, I’m riding my bike, watching a movie, reading a book, playing scrabble, hiking, canoeing, or refinishing furniture.

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Regan Harker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Emporia
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

If you are looking for better help, you have come to the best place. My holistic approach to therapy embraces a mental and emotional perspective to support your overall health and well being. I attended the University of Virginia and have an MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have worked in diverse settings including outpatient, intensive in-home, emergency settings, and schools, allowing me to provide individual and family counseling to adults and children. My versatile background helps identify many challenges to progress and overcome barriers. My areas of experience include helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, and trauma and abuse. 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. 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 and empower you in that journey, and I know we accomplish that together.

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Sarah Collett

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Emporia
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Welcome! Often people feel anxious when starting therapy for the first time. If this is you, take a deep breath and know this is very common. You are in good company! Whether you feel stuck in a rut, drowning, or somewhere in between, there is hope for you! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am here to help you navigate life’s bumpy paths. I have over a decade of experience working w/ individuals, families, & caregivers on a wide variety of issues that will help us along our journey together. It takes bravery to get here! I am proud of you and can’t wait to take the next step with you towards the best you! A little about me: I’ve been working in the healthcare field for about 15 years and providing counseling for the last 5 of those years. I have a special certification in working with individuals with chronic, complex, or serious illnesses but love when I get the opportunity to help people navigate difficult life seasons, anxiety and relationships. My approach is collaborative, you are the expert in your life and I am here to help you reach your goals.

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Andrew "Drew" Taylor

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Emporia
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, and approach all cases with non judgment. I will work with you to identify your most critical concerns, and to explore what you would like to get out of therapy. I look forward to getting to know you!

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Dr. Dorothy Rutherford-Steiss

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Emporia
Counselor License Type(s): PsyD,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Indiana with my doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I primarily work with adults focusing on various concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, career/job challenges, and end-of-life concerns. I also specialize in concerns that are a result of healthcare diagnoses such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and neurocognitive issues. My counseling style is open, nonjudgmental, and interactive, treating all clients with respect, dignity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and feminine counseling that is specific to each client's needs and treatment goals. I utilize various modalities including talk therapy, Mindfulness Meditation, narrative therapy, and CBT techniques to further a client's processing. I believe that change is possible if the client is ready. Recognizing that change may be difficult, I am here to support, encourage, gently challenge, and assist my clients in their process on their journey.

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Lisette Fundora

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Emporia
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Virginia with 11 years of professional work experience in outpatient and inpatient therapy, psychiatric hospitals, and halfway houses. I am a Navy Veteran therefore take pride in being able to understand and help regarding the challenges of a military lifestyle. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, bipolar disorder, & 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.

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Robert Jones

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Emporia
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Diana Rader

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Emporia
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

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Kiah Mutter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Emporia
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem and confidence, ADHD, executive dysfunction, and life transitions. 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. My approach balances genuine compassion with structured support towards growth. Together we will navigate your concerns and struggles, working to strengthen your sense of self, improve your ability to cope, and build healthy habits. In every session, you will meet with encouragement, warmth, and a small dose of humor. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I want you to believe you deserve something different. I want you to believe you can reach for something different, something more. I am here to support & empower you in your journey to a more confident and capable you.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Emporia

Finding the best therapist close by in Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia. 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 Emporia, 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 Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia, elsewhere in Emporia (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 Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Emporia, 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 Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia 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 23847 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 Emporia counselor?

Before seeing your Emporia 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. Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia 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 Emporia, 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.

Emporia 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 Emporia, 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 Emporia 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 Emporia.

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

23847

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