Substance Abuse Counselors / Drug Counselors near Portsmouth, VA

Biography: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years experience working with individuals and couples in the state of Virginia. My most recent experience is in working with individuals with addiction and/or behavioral health issues. I have worked with people suffering with severe mental illness, such as bipolar and major depressive disorder and helped them to develop coping strategies. I have training and expertise in helping people who have a history of trauma. Particularly with identifying resources to reduce the intense feelings trauma can bring on. Many people who abuse substances suffer from trauma so it's not unusual to treat both. I also have experience working at a college student counseling center earlier on in my career. Many young adults have problems with their relationships and parents and need help navigating the transition to adulthood. I believe this vast background prepares me to work with most issues that clients may present with. I would describe my style as friendly and heartwarming. Many of my former clients have found me to be funny and lighthearted. I believe the more at ease you are with your counselor the more you'll feel comfortable to open up. I borrow from a motivational and strengths based strategy as well as using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness. Sometimes I will set goals for you to work on in between sessions. These goals will be things you identified during your session as possible steps that might help you move forward. Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. I look forward to hearing from you.

Biography: I am licensed in Virginia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, career difficulties, & 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. I believe that we all have within us the capacity to live fulfilled lives and often need just a bit of support to get there. Therapy is for everyone and can help with all different stages of life.

Biography: 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!

Biography: Hi there! My name is Dr. K.J. Edwards and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Tennessee and Virginia. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings including crisis counseling, inpatient, and outpatient working with individuals experiencing significant distress in several areas of life. Most of my clinical experience has been working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, self-harm, self-esteem, mood disorders, personality disorders, panic attacks and trauma. I approach therapy from a person-centered approach with the belief that you know yourself best and I am but a vessel to assist you on your journey towards balanced wellness. My goal is to meet you where you are and ensure a safe space to process the chaotic nuts and bolts of life and provide the support you seek.

Biography: Hello and a warm welcome to you. Life can be difficult sometimes and I appreciate that you have reached out for support. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts and Virginia. I have my Master's in Social Work from Fordham University since 2006. I am trained in treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I am also trained in Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), an evidence based treatment for trauma. In addition to being a Clinical Social Worker, I am also a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher. I am particularly interested in mindfulness and listening to the body's wisdom in moving towards healing. I have supported individuals who have experienced or are experiencing trauma related symptoms, depression, anxiety or stress. I am compassionate and I believe in your own strength and insight to move towards healing. I look forward to working with you.

Biography: Welcome to Better Help! You've taken a huge step, and I'm sure you're wondering how this works and whether it's the right fit for you. I know I felt the same way when I first came to Better Help too. My name is Jeannette Abelson, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Interpersonal Practice, from the University of Michigan in 1998. I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, trauma/abuse, addictions of all kinds, relationships/parenting and more. Over the past 20 years as a clinician, my experience has taught me that the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your personal struggles. I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing our self-awareness. Sometimes another person, one who isn't in our immediate circle, can offer a perspective or additional support, that give us movement on a difficult situation when we feel stuck. It would be my privilege to be that person for you. We all want to be able to share our personal truths and be accepted and understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when someone shares their personal story or experiences with me. Our relationship with our self and others has worth and is useful to explore in counseling. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. The frequency with which you can have access to a counselor to work through day to day emotions and problem solving is extremely beneficial for most and a nice change from traditional outpatient counseling. I usually check messages twice each day, seven days per week. I currently offer messaging and ONLY live chat sessions at this time to new clients. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check that out with me through messaging first. I look forward to working with you!

Biography: I am licensed in Virginia with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping individuals, couples, & families with depression and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, anger management and the list goes on. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am licensed in Florida and Virginia with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am a Licensed Profession Counselor (LPC) in Oklahoma and a LPC and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) in Virginia with 18 years of professional work experience. My experience includes helping individuals cope with substance use addiction, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, PTSD, and life changes. 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 & empower you in that journey.

Biography: I am licensed in New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

Biography: Hello, My name is Dr. April Brewer and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC. I have gained a diverse professional experience as a U.S. Air Force Medic (Active Duty), Psychometrician for ages 3- adults (U.S. Navy Civilian), DUI & Drug Court Counselor, Mental Health Therapist (Veterans Affairs Medical Center), Behavioral Health Treatment Court Coordinator/Mental Health Clinician (Superior & State Court), Military & Family Life Counselor on DOD installations, and Private Practice providing individual, couples, family, & group therapy, psycho-education, and consultation services for individuals of all ages. I earned a Doctor of Behavioral Health at Arizona State University, focusing on integrated behavioral health care to manage behavioral health programs, and prevent, manage, and improve chronic medical conditions, a M.S. Clinical Counseling, a M.S. Human Services, & a B.S. Human & Social Services Administration from Bellevue University. I believe in taking an eclectic approach to meet your unique needs and I am looking forward to helping you reach your overall health, wellness, and life goals. I am ready to get started when you are! Cordially, Dr. April Brewer, DBH, LPC, ACS

Biography: Results driven former program administrator for mental health clinics in Texas and Iowa, licensed clinical social worker in Iowa and Texas (LCSW/LISW) . Subject matter expertise in public policy advocacy, community organizing, grant writing, budgeting, medical social work and case management with vulnerable adult and youth populations. Previously on Texas Council Board for Children's Special Initiatives. Love to present to groups on various trauma and mental health topics for CEU opportunities, excellent oral and written communicator highly skilled in developing and presenting curriculum, database management and ability to multitask and handle complex situations. I have worked at the VA and I have experience with military families, having been a part of my family of origin and my current family. Counseling modalities include CBT, Motivational Interviewing, OCD-ERP, Trauma Informed Care and Stages of Change.

Biography: I am licensed in District of Columbia and Virginia. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of the District of Columbia and a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, LGBTQ+ related issues, trauma, & abuse. As a therapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I used evidence-based approaches, to guide my clients in understanding how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, empowering them to break free from negative patterns and develop healthier coping strategies. My communication style is a blend of compassion and directness. I deeply care about my clients and aim to create a supportive, empathetic environment where they feel heard and understood. At the same time, I believe in being honest and clear, especially when it comes to helping clients face difficult truths or take actionable steps toward their goals. My approach is collaborativeI'm here to guide you, but I'll also challenge you when needed to help you grow. In our sessions, you can expect a warm and non-judgmental space where we can explore your concerns together. However, I also believe in getting to the heart of issues and offering practical, real-world strategies to move forward. It can feel both validating and motivating to work with methere will be moments of deep reflection and moments of tough love, but always with the intention of helping you achieve meaningful change.

Biography: Hello, My name is Epiphany and it would be my pleasure to work with you. To give a brief background on myself, I am a native of Newport News, VA. I graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. After gaining life experience I made a career change for helping people with physical health to help people with their emotional and mental health. I went on to obtain my Master's in Education in Counseling and community Counseling concentration from Virginia State University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. I have more than 10 years of experience working with a wide range of people including, mild to severe mental diagnosis, addiction and recovery, LGBTQIA community, crisis intervention, and individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. All my previous experiences have made me the therapist I am today. I look forward to forward to working with you in the future.

Biography: I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, New Jersey, and Virginia (Texas LPC: 78816; Virginia LPC: 0701010791; New Jersey LPC: 37PC00934800) with four years of counseling experience. I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling. I further specialized in Addictions Counseling at UNC Charlotte and Trauma and Disaster Counseling at East Carolina University. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision from National Louis University. I have worked with clients struggling with substance use, depression, and anxiety. I have worked in varied settings including correctional facilities, homeless shelters, psychiatric hospitals, and outpatient clinics. I am a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider through Evergreen Certifications. I utilize a Client Centered Approach to counseling; this means that we work together hand in hand to help you accomplish goals. I view my clients as experts on themselves, what does that mean? That means that I will not tell you what to do, but work with you to find solutions that are unique to you! I meet my clients wherever they are on their journey and considering it a privilege that you allow me to accompany you on your journey. As well as utilizing Client Center Approaches, I also use Cognitive Behavioral Techniques and Mindfulness techniques. Reaching out for help is an act of bravery. We all need additional support from time to time. Seeking a qualified counselor can be the first step towards living the authentic life that you want to live. I look forward to hearing from you!

Biography: Taking the first step of signing up for therapy is courageous. I am honored to join you in this part of your journey. I am licensed in New Hampshire, Maine, and Virginia with three decades of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients cope with addictions, career challenges, exploring authentic self, and life transitions. I also specialize in 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. I work directly with my clients to establish a schedule of appointments. This means my availability is not seen on the BetterHelp calendar. Also, since migrating onto the telehealth platform, I have noticed it is a good idea for me to schedule "no screen" time in my calendar-- this has become essential for my well-being and ability to remain fully present with my clients. Therefore, it is important to know I am typically not available from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday morning. I look forward to working with you. Most kind regards, Angela

Biography: I am licensed in Virginia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: Hello, thank you for visiting my page. I am a therapist licensed in Hawaii with 5 years of professional experience. I have the most experience in working with substance and process addictions in addition to relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I truly believe that self examination is the key to a fulfilling life, and applaud anyone willing to take the sometimes difficult step of opening up to someone. I come from a strengths based perspective, and utilize CBT & DBT as therapeutic modalities.

Biography: I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, International Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I have over 10 years of experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship concerns, mood disorders, disruptive behaviors, self-esteem, substance use, trauma, and LGBTQ.. I've been utilizing skills from treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Family Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness-based interventions. My therapy style is to provide a safe and relaxed space as I am here to guide you through the process and assist you along your journey. Talk to you soon!

Biography: I am licensed in Hawaii, Oregon, Oklahoma and Alabama with 5+ years of professional licensed counseling-specific work experience in addition to 20+ years of healthcare experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse, ADHD, career stressors, medical stressors and many more. I have several years of experiencve working with addictions, including previously directing a Medication Assisted Treatment center of over 500 clients, including methadone, suboxone and more. 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. My casual, yet still professional style often helps clients relax and share openly.

Biography: Hello! First of all, take a second and give yourself a ton of praise for recognizing that you are having difficulties and reaching out for help! You have already conquered one of the most difficult steps in the process! So a little about meMy name is Sarah Axley and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I obtained my education at Virginia Commonwealth University in psychology and social work. In addition to my Master's Degree in Social Work, I also completed a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Aging Studies with VCU's Department of Gerontology. I have provided psychotherapy since 2009 in an outpatient mental health clinic, an intensive community-based setting and now in a hospital, where I am currently employed full time. I obtained my License in Clinical Social Work in 2012 while doing my clinical work in an outpatient mental health service where I worked with individuals of all ages, backgrounds and with various diagnosis, to include Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Spectrum Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Trauma Related Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I am considered to be an LGBTQ+ informed psychotherapist. I have experience working with clients dealing with grief/loss. I have also provided psychotherapy services to help clients better manage stressors due to COVID and the current social and political climate. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a collaborative one. Whether it is to process/gain insight, to build on skills to manage symptoms, to change thinking patterns to better serve you, to improve communication, etc., we can work together to help you to better understand yourself and to help achieve your goals. I use a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches (cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, mindfulness training, etc.), based on your needs and preferences. I operate from a strength's perspective. You are more resilient than you realize. With the right and knowledge and tools, you can manage anything! I see clients Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday late morning/afternoons. In between sessions, you will likely be completing tasks to help you work to achieve your goals. That is where a lot of the work happens! If I sound like I could be a good fit for you and what you're looking for in a psychotherapist, let's do this! Warm regards and well wishes, Sarah Axley, LCSW

Biography: I am licensed in Maryland with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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!

Biography: I am licensed in Virginia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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!

Biography: I've worked closely with active duty military couples experiencing the challenges or military lifestyle that can, if not addressed, impact family stability. I possess a non-judgmental attitude and have an appreciation and respect for diversity and the value of individual differences associated with race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexual orientation, age or disability. My goal is to establish and maintain professional rapport with my clients in order to support them in resolving issues and problems of which they are finding difficult to navigate or resolve. I am genuinely concerned and sensitive to the needs and feelings of other's and am committed to provide effective service delivery, recognizing that experiences, perceptions, and worldviews are unique to each individual. Looking forward to the opportunity to meet and work with you

Biography: Maybe you have waited a long time to seek help and suffered in silence. Perhaps you've become accustomed to this discomfort or a pain. Or maybe you desire change through seeking understanding and want a greater sense of wellbeing. Therapy can help you with this process of personal growth and healing. Whether you have a crisis, traumatic experience, significant life challenge or are wanting to experience greater fulfillment therapy may be for you. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and helping people heal from traumatic experiences. I also enjoy working with people struggling with anxiety and depression, self-esteem and body image, and substance abuse/recovery from addiction. I believe through understanding and awareness, we can move toward becoming our true selves and deeply experience life. As a therapist, I am nonjudgmental, genuine, compassionate and goal oriented. I believe humor helps humanize the therapeutic experience. My treatment philosophy is primarily based in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy. I am trained in EMDR and certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy.

Biography: Hi! My name is Arianna, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. As a therapist I support individuals in becoming the best versions of themselves. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction, and are ultimately looking to live more full and authentic lives. My approach to counseling is client centered. I believe everyone has the tools within themselves to resolve whatever challenges they are facing; my role is to guide you to look internally to find and develop them. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help make connections between what you think, how you feel, and how you behave. My process includes assisting you with finding solutions to problems and building on innate qualities and strengths. My main objective is to help individuals develop healthier relationships with themselves and others and create the tools necessary to live the most fulfilling lives they can. Clients can expect to feel heard, seen, and supported in their journey to emotional and psychological wellness. If you are ready to take that step, I look forward to working with you!

Biography: Life is ever changing; the challenge is to be able to manage and keep moving forward while maintaining a positive and healthy mindset. Most of the time the answers to our questions, fears and even desires are just a matter of reaching forward to take action and working through it. Let's work together, I'm here to help. We are communal beings and benefit from the assistance of someone coming along side us to help. That is what I believe therapy is a collaborative effort to reach your desired goals. I am a graduate of Regent University (2011) with a Master's degree in counseling, a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. As an outpatient therapist, I enjoy working with individuals, families, and children. I have extensive experience working with groups, individual counseling, premarital, marital, couples, family relationships, adults, adolescents and children. I have worked with children in schools as a therapeutic day counselor, intensive in-home counselor working with at- risk children and their families. I have also facilitated support groups for individuals dealing with depression, anxiety and bipolar.

Biography: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals. I have completed additional training in DBT, Trauma Competency, Mindfulness and Financial Social Work. I truly believe that with hard work, patience and support recovery and wellness is attainable for everyone. My goal as a clinician is to support individuals in the developing and/or strengthening of their talents, coping skills and abilities to overcome mental health, emotional and/or substance abuse challenges. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness and I use a strengths perspective. I will tailor our interaction and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek help and support to attain 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 and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Biography: I am licensed in Virginia with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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.

Biography: Hello, My name is Vanessa Smith LPC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Louisiana. I have over 10 years of experience working with mental health. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds and concerns. I have worked with individuals addressing concerns of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, anger, substance abuse, life changes (loss of job, loss of family member, etc.). Also, I have experience working with returning citizens. I would describe my style of therapy as warm and interactive. I believe in being person-centered and humanistic. I believe the client is the expert on his or her life. I prefer to assist the client by guiding and assisting through inner knowing, interpersonal changes, and healing. My overall goal is to assist people in working towards fulfillment of their maximum potential, healing, and gaining a new perspective on life.

Biography: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 37 years of experience. I have worked in a wide variety of settings and with a wide variety of issues. Many of my focus areas have been mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and trauma issues. I have been a clinical supervisor for several decades and utilize a recovery approach to my work. I work in a private group practice that work on a variety of issues including life adjustment and coping with stress. I have been a consultant doing trainings and program development. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and issues.

Biography: I am licensed in Virginia with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

Biography: I am a clinical social worker licensed in Missouri with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist, leading and directing behavioral health clinics and specialty programs. I have provided comprehensive counseling and case management services for a full spectrum of mental health needs including depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship concerns, parenting and child issues, career challenges, transition and change, resiliency, stress management, sleep hygiene, and health concerns. I have been successful in developing therapeutic relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds, using culturally competent counseling techniques. I use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to meet your unique needs, including cognitive behavior therapy, exposure therapies, and motivational interviewing. It takes courage to seek a happier, healthier and more fulfilled version of yourself, and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that next step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Biography: I want to welcome you to Better Help! I know that reaching out to a therapist can often be overwhelming and difficult so I would like to applaud you for willingness to take that step. I graduated from SUNY Albany with a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. and M.Ed from Columbia University in Psychological Counseling. I am licensed in Virginia (LPC) and Massachusetts (LMHC). I have worked in numerous settings including outpatient mental health and addiction treatment centers, as a contractor for the Department of Children and Families, and Day Treatment Programs. I have experience in both group and individual counseling working with children and adults. My treatment approach is adaptable depending on the needs of the client. I believe in the importance of client and therapist collaboration in order to determine the best course of action for the therapeutic process. Therapy is not a one size fits all process and the client's voice is pivotal when discussing action, change, and needs. I look forward to working with you!

Biography: Hello! My profile says John, but I prefer to go by my middle name, David. I am a licensed therapist in Virginia and Indiana with 17 years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience working with clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. As a veteran and former first responder, I also understand the unique life experiences of those populations, and greatly enjoy serving those who serve their community and nation. I am comfortable supporting the style of communication that works best for you, but I'm a firm believer in at least occasional video sessions. Being connected to people is vitally important to our mental wellness, even if it's over a video link. I do ask all my clients to participate in a video session early during our work together, and at least periodically after that. I believe that YOU are the expert on you! I am here to listen, guide, explore, support, and empower you on your "wellness expedition". I'm proud of you for starting this journey, because it takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life, and to take the first steps towards a change.

Biography: My name is Alec Spergel and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in D.C. with 5 years experience in the field. I work with children and adults facing a wide range of mental health issues from anxiety and depression to complex trauma. The approach I take to counseling is through the lense of Narrative Therapy, which focuses on evaluating our values and beliefs and restructuring our "story" to fit the people we are and the people we want to be. I also utilize solution focused and cognitive behavioral techniques to help readjust our thoughts and behavior. Ultimately, I like to get to know my clients and find out what works best for each and every individual. Reaching out and asking for help is always difficult. It's a process that asks us to be vulnerable which, at it's core, takes unbelievable courage. I hope we can do that together and find ways to achieve your desired outcome.

Biography: Hi there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Arizona and Virginia. In addition, I am a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner in Virginia. I love working with people of diverse backgrounds who may be struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse/dependency, trauma and adjustment stress. My counseling approach is open and friendly. I encourage my clients to express themselves freely and to ask whatever questions they many need to. I primarily utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing techniques in my work, although I adapt techniques to meet each clients unique needs. I work collaboratively with each client to develop a treatment plan that works for them and to set realistic goals for positive change. I believe it takes courage to step outside of one's comfort zone to ask for help. I am here to partner with you on your journey to wellness. I look forward to working with you!

Biography: I am licensed in Virginia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have extensive background in working with people that have been involved in the criminal justice system and are transitioning back into the community or having difficulty adjusting. 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.

Biography: Rayvonne "Ray" is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with a passion for providing the best quality of services to individuals struggling from a variety of mental health challenges. Ray received his Master's degree from Pace University in Mental Health Counseling. Ray has over 20 years of experience working in the field of Mental Health with children, adolescents, and adults. Ray has worked in a variety of settings which include schools, inpatient mental health facilities, community-based programs, hospitals (Emergency Department), and group homes. One of Ray's greatest strengths is that he has a genuine ability to connect with clients. Ray assists his clients by drawing on their strengths and helping them develop healthy lifestyle habits that set the foundation for overall life stability. Some of his specialty areas are trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, ADHD, psychosis, and life transitions. Ray work's 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!

Biography: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have worked with a broad range of clients in the community, as well as a psychiatric inpatient setting. I have provided counseling services for teens, individuals with addiction issues, women with abuse history, and individuals in the geriatric population. I am a caring, compassionate individual that values the unique qualities of everyone I meet, and work to assist them in identifying their special strengths and assets. I understand the courage it takes to reach out and ask for help from someone they have not met, and work to make this process comfortable and safe

Biography: I am masters trained licensed clinical social worker in Virginia with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have assisted clients as they have coped with stress and anxiety, addictions, loss, and depression. Treating everyone with respect, empathy, and compassion is important to me. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your needs. I recognize the courage often required to take the first step start therapy, and I am glad that you have decided to do so.

Biography: Hello and Welcome My name is Megan Hines, PhD, LPC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Virginia. I also hold a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a Concentration in Crisis and Trauma. In addition, I have completed a 2 year intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with Behavioral Tech. My work includes working in both inpatient hospital settings and outpatient community mental health settings where my work has included individual counseling and group counseling as well as Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP). My theoretical orientation includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). As a a therapist, I have worked extensively with clients who have mental health concerns and/or alcohol/substance use concerns. I am here to offer and create a safe, secure, and supportive space for you to discuss the concerns and challenges which are bringing you to therapy. I am here to listen, support, and walk through these moments with you. Offering skills and techniques in a meaningful way for facing those challenging moments and providing self-empowerment while building a life worth living. Please, reach out if I can be of help to you in your journey.

Biography: It's great news that you're here! It takes a lot of courage to reach out and ask for help, especially since so many of us think that we "should be able" to take care of what's bothering us on our own. Whether you are seeking counseling to address a specific situation or you just want to take stock of your life in general, you are acknowledging that you would like things to be different. For change to happen, well, things need to change. What we often don't realize is that changing requires taking action, and that in of itself is a skill to be learned and practiced. My name is Jes Conway and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 19 years of experience working with individuals, families and couples in a wide range of settings. I really am excited to get to know you and to see how I might be of service. You and I both have knowledge to bring to our work together, for you are the expert on your own life and experiences, and I have some skills to teach and methods to help you find the ways to practice these that best suit your personality and preferences. A major theme in much of my work is teaching clients how to capitalize on difficult moments, thoughts and feelings rather than attempting to push them away. By learning to take a peek at these unpleasant experiences, we can begin to realize that they are very useful in helping to identify some of the thought and behavior patterns that have led to our frustrations and dissatisfaction. Of particular interest to me is exploring with clients how alcohol/substance use is affecting their lives. I find that some of my most rewarding work is with people who suspect or know that they are having difficulty due to powerlessness over substances. I utilize a non-judgmental and curious approach and truly am interested in helping others discover what substances are doing for them, so that we can find alternate ways to achieve the same results. If abstinence or recovery is already your goal, it's helpful to know that outpatient counseling is a wonderful compliment to your chosen recovery program. In addition, I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, lack of purpose or meaning, low self-esteem/ self-worth, life transitions/feeling "stuck," and relationship issues. I am also a strong proponent of communication and assertiveness training; I believe that it's essential to affirm and validate one another's experiences, regardless of whether we agree or disagree. I look forward to meeting and working with you. Take care until then.

Biography: I am clinically licensed in both West Virginia and Virginia with almost 10 years of professional work experience in mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & 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.

Biography: My name is Gwendolyn Young, I come to the counseling profession with life experiences that have molded me into the unique and determined person that I am today. While in my storm I did not understand, at times I felt hopeless. However, once I was able to break through the tension, I became mindful and aware of who I am as a person. Today I now understand that there are lessons to learn from the good things in life as well as the bad experiences that life has to offer. The benefits of those lessons were astronomical. Through it all I never gave up on myself even if the odds were totally against me. I am a licensed professional counselor and addiction specialist. I have earned a master's degree in professional counseling, a master's degree in addiction counseling and a post-master's in addiction specialization. I am a dedicated counselor that understand the many turmoil's of those who seek my help. Additionally, I am a person-centered clinician skilled in the use of various theoretical orientations that will help the person to break through their life situation (s).

Biography: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia. I have over 25 years working as a Social Worker in multiple environments including rehabilitation centers, hospitals and now in private practice as a psychotherapist. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions and getting into and moving forward in recovery, coping with grief and loss, anxiety and depression. Helping people cope with life's changes and challenges is my passion. 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 & empower you in that journey.

Biography: I am licensed in Virginia with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina and Virginia with 16 years of professional work experience with adults in the military and the civilian sector. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, substance use, domestic violence, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma or 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. 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!

Biography: 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.

Biography: I am licensed in Virginia with 5 years of therapy work experience, and 13 years of social work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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 sign up for therapy can be intimidating; I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: Hello! My name is Christy Watson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arkansas and Virginia. I have experience working in a variety of therapeutic settings, including inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient treatment, and residential therapeutic communities. I specialize in supporting clients navigating depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma, and relationship challenges. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology and my Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. My approach to therapy is client-centeredI believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to support and guide you in the direction that feels right for you. Using a strengths-based and solution-focused approach, I integrate various treatment modalities to help you identify your inner wisdom and cultivate a sense of balance. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I assist clients in exploring the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to uncover patterns that may be contributing to distress. My work is also informed by mindfulness and acceptance-based practices, drawing from Buddhist principles of compassion, presence, and letting go of suffering. Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy playing video games, cooking, crafting, listening to music, traveling to new places, and learning about different cultures. I also find peace in mindfulness practices and spending time with my dog.

Biography: I have a Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology and am licensed in three states including Maryland, New York, and Virginia. I have seven years of clinical work experience. I have a particular intesrest in people suffering with anxiety and/or mild to moderate or moderate depression. as well as those who need help coping with medical/health issues. I am Cognitive-Behavioral in my therapy approach, although I use other evidence-based treatments as needed, including Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Specialties: Anxiety and stress Depression Pain Management Weight Management

Biography: I am licensed in California, Texas and Virginia with more than 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship issues, co dependence, military family issues, LGBTQ+ challenges, work stressors, life skills, grief & loss - including pets, etc. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions 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.

Biography: My name is Carla Jones, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia. I earned my Masters of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. I have owned my practice since 2008, working with individuals, couples, children, and families focusing on issues such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, parenting and family struggles, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, as well as life changes. I believe in using a cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approach to treatment. I believe in helping people learn to manage their symptoms, emotions and thought life. Each session will be tailored specifically to meet your unique and specific needs. I am aware seeking counseling can be difficult. I am happy you have made this decision to take care of yourself. Working together, we can achieve your desired goals. I look forward to working with you. Carla Jones LCSW

Biography: I am licensed in Virginia with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I do have availability for scheduling sessions late evenings and early mornings.

Biography: Greetings! my future counselees. I am Antoinette Goss, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Trauma Therapist, National Certified Counselor, and a Substance Abuse Counselor. I use various types of evidence based clinical approaches to therapy such as, Cognitive behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing Therapy, Solution focus Therapy, Client Centered therapy and any other models that would meet the specific needs of the client, family teen or couple. I bring not just book knowledge, but my shared life experiences, in order to bring hope and healing to your struggles. My hope is that you will allow me to come along side you to give you tools, resources , and support that will help you enjoy your life again.

Biography: Hello- I have been a licensed LPC counselor in Missouri for the past five years and was recently licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, District of Columbia, Maine, and Virginia. Working with individuals, families, and couples has provided me with the ability to assist individuals throughout many aspects of their lives. I have had training in DBT, CBT, EMD-R and continue to grow my therapeutic knowledge through self-training and through clinical training. I have had the pleasure of working in many different fields throughout my life time and feel this has provided me with the ability to look at situations from a variety of different perspectives. I firmly believe that when a person makes the choice to make changes in their life then they are on the path to becoming who they want to be. I look forward to hearing from you and assisting you with determining who you want to be. Thank you, Savannah Harness, LPC

Biography: I am licensed in Virginia with 39 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, abuse, depression, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with Focused. 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! Our focus is to help individuals heal, recover, energize, and become aware of their inner strength. We provide the opportunity to have a safe, neutral environment to discuss your concerns and innermost needs to customize a holistic, personalized treatment plan through counseling, skill building, and exercises to recover from trauma, impaired coping, and functioning. Our experiences enable us to offer comprehensive, outpatient, individualized, and holistic mental health care. We provide a neutral ground to individuals, families, and the community through various programs and services to meet your wellness needs.

Biography: I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of Virginia with more than 6 years of experience working in the counseling/social work field. My experience includes working with individuals of various ages to address topics such as addiction, mental health diagnosis, depression, anxiety, OCD, family conflict, life changes and history of abuse. My counseling style is solution focused. I strive to provide a comfortable atmosphere for you to share what is on your mind without judgement and provide reflective listening and empathy. I am sensitive, respectful and strive to create an environment where you feel safe to share your thoughts and feelings. Each discussion is specific to your needs and what makes you feel most comfortable. My goal is to work with you and help you identify the goals you want to achieve and the best path to take to get there. You have already taken the first step in moving towards living the life you want to live. Change can be difficult and navigating the world of counseling can be tough, but I am here to offer guidance and support. I look forward to talking with you!

Biography: Hi, I am licensed in Florida with 7 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 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. I am proud you for taking the first step and I look forward to the therapeutic journey. I also provide therapy in Spanish. SE HABLA ESPAOL. Hola, Tengo licencia en Florida con 7 aos de experiencia laboral profesional. Tengo experiencia ayudando a clientes con estrs y ansiedad, enfrentando adicciones, motivacin, autoestima, confianza y depresin. Creo en tratar a todos con respeto, sensibilidad y compasin. Adaptar nuestro dilogo y plan de tratamiento para satisfacer sus necesidades nicas y especficas. Dar el primer paso para buscar una vida ms plena y feliz requiere valenta. Estoy aqu para apoyarte en ese proceso. Estoy orgulloso de que hayas dado el primer paso y espero con ansias el viaje teraputico.

Biography: 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!

Biography: My name is Richelle and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in Virginia. I have over seven years of experience working with adults and families challenged with mental health and/or substance use. I love working with people and connecting them to resources needed to work through the challenges they may experiencing. I use a combination of approaches but mainly will focus on being client centered and meeting your needs. I am happy you stopped by and I look forward to connecting with you!