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.

Psychologist Lemuel Williams providing different types of therapy in Portsmouth

Lemuel Williams

Clinician
License Type(s): MA,CT,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
13 years offering treatment

"Life without change is not living; To be uncomfortable means that change is right around the corner!" I believe these words wholeheartedly as every individual arrives at a crossroads that determine whether they move forward, backward or remain stagnant. I work alongside those who may be within a crossroad in life that has them questioning which direction to choose. In my work as a Therapist, my clinical training and experience encompasses depression, couples enrichment, grief/loss, separation/divorce, relationship issues, and other emotional/interpersonal disturbances. I specialize in trauma such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, and death/illness. As a Therapist, I subscribe to trauma-informed strength based, Cognitive/Emotive Behavioral and Gestalt models of therapies, believing in the importance and connection of choice, empowerment, thinking and feeling for creating long-lasting change within individuals and their varying "parts of self". Through exploring your sense of meaning and empowering your "choices", I can help you gain the ability to achieve personal growth, autonomy, improved relationships, regulated emotions, increased self-esteem, clarified self-identity, coping skills, increased communication and problem-solving skills, decreased anxiety and depression, improved lifestyle, and a deeper sense of self-worth.

Psychologist Elizabeth Craun providing different types of therapy in Portsmouth

Elizabeth Craun

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC,MA
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and have been counseling since 2014. I graduated from Ashland Theological Seminary with a Masters of Arts Degree in Clinical Counseling. I further specialized in additional training in trauma counseling through trainings with PESI. I have worked with clients struggling with stress and anxiety, depression, parenting challenges and coping with life challenges. I have worked in various settings, including correctional facilities, residential facilities and outpatient clinics. I utilize a Client Centered Approach to counseling; this means that we work together to help accomplish goals. You are the expert on your own life so that means I will not tell you what to do but work with you to find solutions that work in your life and with your unique situation. I meet my clients where they are at on their journey in life and it is a privilege to accompany you on your journey. In addition to the Client Centered Approach I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Techniques and Existentialism, or making meaning. Reaching out for help is a very brave thing to do and everyone needs additional support at different times in life. Seeking a qualified counselor may be the first step towards living the authentic, meaningful life you want to live. I look forward to hearing from you!

Psychologist Dr. Misty Brady-Lee providing different types of therapy in Portsmouth

Dr. Misty Brady-Lee

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
8 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed in both Texas and Virginia, with over 8 years of experience working as a mental health counselor and a family crisis counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, self esteem, perfectionism, bipolar, ADHD, relationship issues, family crisis issues., trauma and abuse. I have also provided non-medical counseling to military service members and their families. I provide a warm caring environment so you can feel comfortable opening up. My therapeutic approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, motivational and client-centered therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your specific needs and abilities. I believe everyone has the ability to change and or adjust to any situation. Therefore, It is my goal to help you identify and develop your personal strengths so you can manage challenging situations and live a more positive meaningful life. If you are ready, let's get started! Together we can work to expand your inner strengths and self-awareness so that you can make long-lasting positive changes. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Patricia (Trish) Woodson providing different types of therapy in Portsmouth

Patricia (Trish) Woodson

Clinician
License Type(s): MEd,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years offering treatment

I have been a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia since 2001. I have worked with a variety of clients ranging from children and adolescents to adults and families. I feel that my purpose as a counselor is to help someone be the best that they can be and to navigate whatever issue they may be facing. I have worked in a variety of settings: local mental health clinic, private practice and school settings with students with mental health challenges. My approach to counseling is accepting, warm and encouraging. I use solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and client centered therapy as my main approches in working with others. I have significant experience in working with parenting issues, step families, ADHD, couples counseling and grief. I work very hard to stay up to date on the most current trends and resources available.

Psychologist Diane Witmer providing different types of therapy in Portsmouth

Diane Witmer

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
13 years offering treatment

I am an LCSW in the states of Tennessee, New York and Virginia, with over 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in several therapy modalities including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, Trauma focused Treatment and EMDR. I am here to help clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Harold (Mark) Lester providing different types of therapy in Portsmouth

Harold (Mark) Lester

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Virginia with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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.

Psychologist Oneida Burgos providing different types of therapy in Portsmouth

Oneida Burgos

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years offering treatment

I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in New York, and Virginia with over 15 years of experience working in clinical practice as a psychotherapist. My therapy centers on a perspective that puts your strengths and resources back to you rather than on your problems. I believe that the helping process highlights the capacity for resilience and courage. Seeking therapy can dominate feelings of fear and vulnerability, but it should not stop you from achieving your greatest self. People can change, and you are in control of achieving your goals and aspirations. By highlighting motivation for change, you can become a better version of yourself. Change is within and when you learn your purpose, it allows desired outcomes for newly found strengths. The modalities of treatment I use are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Brief Psychodynamic Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. My clinical specialties are depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, stress management, and geriatric. I also worked with people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My therapy style is empathic, collaborative, and compassionate. I am here to provide positive regard, genuine concern, and do not believe in pathologizing labels. If you are ready to take the first step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you.

Psychologist Philippa Matheson providing different types of therapy in Portsmouth

Philippa Matheson

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Virginia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Sonia Rodrigues-Marto providing different types of therapy in Portsmouth

Sonia Rodrigues-Marto

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
21 years offering treatment

I am licensed in New Jersey and Virginia with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Paula Hill providing different types of therapy in Portsmouth

Paula Hill

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Find a therapist serving clients in Virginia

Types of therapists available to clients in Portsmouth

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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Portsmouth 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, Portsmouth therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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