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.

Joanna Martorelli
I am a creative, energetic mental health counselor licensed in Massachusetts, Texas, and Virginia with over 11 years of experience working as a licensed mental health counselor and board certified art therapist. I am comfortable treating adults with various degrees of concerns and/or mental illnesses and have a significant amount of experience working with active duty military, military families, and veterans . My counseling style is warm, interactive, genuine, professional and supportive to foster self exploration and expression of feelings in session without fear of judgement. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach to counseling is eclectic to meet the needs of my client but often combines cognitive-behavioral, short term solution focused, motivational interviewing and dialectical behavioral concepts. I can tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. For times when there are no words, I am happy to switch to utilizing metaphor, art or creative arts therapies. What I love about online therapy is that it's so flexible. When you reach out to me, I will be in touch with you within 24 hours, so you can message me any time, anywhere. I am available for live sessions over instant messenger, telephone or video chat. When it comes to your treatment, you're in charge - we can communicate in whatever way makes you feel most comfortable. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Jeanne Brown
My name is Jeanne Brown and I am very happy you reached out and look forward to working with you! I want to provide you with an understanding of my mental health training and experience. My hope is that you will receive clarity through the discussion of my counseling approach, values and goals for our therapeutic relationship. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in both New York State and Virginia, Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor (RPT-S) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). I graduated from Capella University and earned a Master’s degree in Human Services with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling and moved to Virginia where I improved my skills and expertise. I obtained a Certificate in Contemporary Theory of Compulsive and Addictive Behavior and a Certificate in Play Therapy from Capella University. I have worked in Virginia in the mental health profession as an individual, family and group therapist since 2012 and before that, in New York State since 2010. I have over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, parents, adults, families and groups in many different roles. Counseling is both multi-faceted and multi-cultural; empathy, sensitivity, and the ability to adapt are important factors in implementing therapist and individual roles. The relationship between therapist and the individual is one of common choice exploring human needs and goals culminating in the wellness of the person. The individual remains the central priority in the counseling relationship. I utilize a non-directive person-centered approach, which provides a safe and secure environment where individuals can explore strategies to effectively grow and make healthy changes in their lives. My passion is working with adults, adolescents and children and adolescents with substance use issues, anxiety, depression, anger, and defiant behaviors. I have worked in a community-based setting, an outpatient setting and held several administrative roles. I utilize a non-directive person-centered approach when working with adults. My belief is that individuals know what they need to do to make improvements in their life, and by taking an active lead, will discover their own solutions. My role is to provide support, empathy and acceptance as their growth takes place. I also utilize a non-directive person-centered Play Therapy approach when working with children and adolescents. Play Therapy is a way of helping children cope with distress, using play as the medium of communication between child and therapist. The method is based on the central assumption that play is the way that children communicate, explore their environment and eventually work through their challenges. It is the child’s way of making sense of their environment. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. Having access to a counselor to reach out to for support and encouragement is extremely beneficial for most and a great change from traditional counseling. I usually check my messages at least two times per day, everyday. I offer messaging, live chat and phone sessions. I look forward to meeting you!

Linda Giles
My interactive style is very down-to-earth, infused with sincere and deep compassion. My therapeutic style could be described as eclectic because I will tailor my approach to your needs. I pull strategies from cognitive restructuring, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, rational-emotive, and reality therapies. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor as well as a Licensed Family and Marriage Counselor with over 28 years of experience in psychotherapy. I hold licenses in both Virginia and in North Carolina. I have extensive experience in helping clients with symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger management challenges, basic coping skills, workplace issues, relationship issues, parenting, and many others. Emotional irregularity underlies the challenges most people have that drives them to seek services, and I teach several powerful and simple techniques designed to help regulate these uncomfortable symptoms. I have an expertise in ages 5 - 75. I fully understand and empathize with the difficulty most clients experience in making that first phone call, and will do my best to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. I will be with you every step of the way towards your healing process and am looking forward to meeting you!

Ashley Pipino
14+ years of experience with individual counseling including most mood disorders. Previous experience with serious mental illnesses in adulthood and work with children ages 5 - 18. Graduated with a Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 2010 and have been working in counseling/behavioral health and private sector consulting as a fully licensed clinician since 2014.

Dr. Lattisha Naylor
My name is Dr. Lattisha “Seba-Ka” Naylor and I'm a licensed professional counselor and life coach training instructor. My academic background comprises a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision. I commenced my professional journey as a probation specialist with the Department of Corrections and subsequently obtained certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Upon completing my Master’s degree, I acquired licensure as a clinician and currently hold the designation of Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. Additionally, I am honored to serve as the president-elect of the Virginia Association of Counselor Education and Supervision, an organization dedicated to providing support to more than 20 colleges and universities offering counseling programs. Upon the completion of my doctoral studies, I have continued to offer therapy to individuals facing diverse mental health challenges. Moreover, I have expanded my expertise in coaching, which has become one of my areas of specialization. Apart from practicing as a life coach, I also deliver board-approved education and life coaching training through my coaching academy.

Lisa Gore
I am licensed in Virginia with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Keri Scribner
I am licensed in Virginia with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Sonia Rodrigues-Marto
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.

Leah Crawford
I am licensed in Virginia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self- esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with substance abuse and understand the difficulty beginning that journey. 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! I am excited to help you find your best self.

Sarah Nickerson
My name is Sarah Nickerson and I was born and raised in upstate New York, before moving to Virginia in 2012. I received by BA in Psychology at SUNY New Paltz and my Masters in Social Work from the University at Buffalo. I currently hold my LCSW license. I have over 10 years of experience working with children and families with behavioral issues, trauma, anxiety, depression and anger issues. I have experience in the Foster Care System, Child Protection Services, Multisystemic Therapy, and Equine Therapy. I also come from a Christian background and add Christian values and a Christian lens to our sessions, if desired. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in Virginia
What types of therapists are 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), therapeutic 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 as psychologists 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 can a therapist 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.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Portsmouth offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.