Working with a therapist can help you manage many life challenges. Whether you need to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders, work through the psychological effects of sexual abuse or other trauma, or improve low self-esteem, clinical mental health counseling may be beneficial.

Professionals in the mental health field complete years of specialized training, during which they learn about various aspects of providing effective treatment, like clinical assessments and the importance of unconditional positive regard for their clients. A therapist will work with you to understand your unique challenges and create a treatment plan to help you meet your goals.

If you’re looking for a therapist in Portsmouth, VA, consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. With BetterHelp, you can attend sessions from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. Plus, you can change providers anytime for no additional fee until you find the right fit. Whether you want to work with a certified substance abuse counselor, psychologist, or social worker, BetterHelp can make therapy more accessible, flexible, and convenient. 

If you need help managing symptoms of anxiety disorders or bipolar disorder, coping with the stress of family conflict, or learning how to achieve personal growth, connect with a Portsmouth-based therapist below to learn more.

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Anchetta Sutton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Portsmouth
Counselor License Type(s): EdS,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
4 years of experience

I am an Education Specialist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio. I am also a Christian who believes that one of the greatest counseling verses in the Bible is found in Revelation 12:11: we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. I believe talking things out is helpful for so many reasons, so I do my best to create a safe space to allow you to feel comfortable saying whatever you need to say. I have been in helping professions in some manner for over 20 years. I have experience with stress, depression, anxiety, postpartum depression/anxiety, and couples. I use Christian Counseling techniques, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, strengths-based, and mindfulness techniques. I believe awareness of our thoughts and how we choose to process them can change the trajectory of our outcomes. I would be honored to be a part of your journey as you work to achieve your goals.

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Lisa Mccarton/weiss

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Portsmouth
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementADHD
20 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to the BetterHelp community! My name is Lisa McCarton and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing in Virginia for 20 years. I have specialized in psychotherapy and social work with children, adolescents and families. I have been providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations, to include: behavioral problems; trauma issues; family relationships; mood disorders; school issues; and sexual abuse issues, among other areas. I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2000 with a Masters in Social Work. I began my post-masters clinical work in a residential treatment facility for emotionally and physically abused children. I provided therapy, as well as case management, for children and families. I would describe my approach as goal oriented, and client centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Problem-Solving Therapy and Strength-Based Approach. All of these modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and/or behaviors. The goals are to change patterns of maladaptive or unhealthy thinking in order to improve behavior and life situations. This helps people identify faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking and learn better ways of coping with life's full variety of stressors. Difficult and painful times are part of the human experience. I understand seeking help can be a vulnerable step to take. Exploring the healing process or enriching one’s personal growth, first and foremost, requires establishing a trusting and an emotional supportive relationship. Change is not easy, but it is possible.

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Shakiya Harrison

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Portsmouth
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience

Hello! My name is Shakiya Harrison. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia. I received my undergraduate degree in Social Work from Virginia State University and my Masters degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University. I have been a Social Worker for more than 7 years and have vast experience working with individuals from all different backgrounds who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. Much of my experience has been with individuals who are struggling with life sustaining medical conditions, end of life challenges, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, PTSD and substance abuse. As a clinician, I am always open-minded, willing to learn and enjoys learning about each of my clients psychosocial needs and how I can assist them in achieving their goals as well as improving themselves. The therapeutic interventions that I primarily use includes cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, task centered practices and the crisis intervention model. I look forward to empowering my clients and uplifting them throughout their therapeutic process. I am available for chat, email, phone and virtual sessions.

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Stephen Chop

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Portsmouth
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Maryland and Virginia with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I have specific training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Object Relations. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, 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 journey.

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Melanie Nix

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Portsmouth
LGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia and North Carolina with 18 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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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Leslie Fehrman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Portsmouth
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio and Virginia with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Debra Welpe

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Portsmouth
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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.

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Robert Jones

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Portsmouth
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
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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Janice Gillmore

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

There is nothing that brings me greater joy than helping my clients live authentic, healthy, happy, fulfilling and productive lives. I have been devoting the last 34 plus years of my life to this cause. I entered the mental health profession in 1990 and have been on a journey ever since to discover the most effective ways to help people become more self-actualized, to realize their full potential. This is my passion in life. My life is dedicated to serving others in a caring and compassionate way. I hold a Master's Degree in Counseling and Human Development. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia. I have extensive experience working with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families in both the private and public sectors. My focus has been on working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, women's issues, codependency and recovery, spirituality, separation and divorce, grief, and family issues. My primary specialty is spiritual counseling. I like to call myself a PsychoSpiritual Therapist. I am a certified yoga teacher and a certified meditation teacher. My own spiritual journey began in 1982. As my career has evolved over these past decades, so has my commitment to my own spiritual evolution. As a result, I have developed a passion for helping others grow spiritually. My style of spiritual counseling is grounded in knowing that each individual has their own path, their own way of expressing what is spiritually significant to them, whether it's a formal religious path or a less traditional one. As clients progress on their chosen spiritual path, there comes a greater sense of peace and happiness in their lives. There comes a greater sense of being balanced in body, mind, and spirit. Transformation takes place on an internal level, and as a result life tends to get better on an external level as well. As our interior landscape evolves spiritually, we tend to attract more of what is truly meaningful to us into our lives. Great change may take place also as we begin to make decisions that are more in line with who we are spiritually. If you want more information on learning how to meditate or yoga, I can provide this information upon request.

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Esi Daniels

Clinical therapist offering therapy in VA, Portsmouth
Family conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in South Carolina and Virginia with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Portsmouth

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

Therapists in Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 23704 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 Portsmouth counselor?

Before seeing your Portsmouth 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. Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, 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.

Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth.

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

23701, 23702, 23703, 23704, 23705, 23707, 23708, 23709

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