Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!
Melissa Torres
As a licensed therapist in Virginia, I bring 6 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on creating compassionate, culturally responsive spaces for healing, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. I am particularly passionate about working with diverse populations, including women, veterans, first responders, and individuals navigating multicultural experiences. My approach honors each person's unique journey, focusing on themes of self-love, healing from past wounds, and rebuilding personal strength. My therapeutic work emphasizes understanding complex emotional challenges like social anxiety, workplace stress, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients develop resilience, process difficult experiences, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. As a bilingual therapist fluent in English and Spanish, I strive to provide inclusive, culturally sensitive support that respects individual identities and experiences. My commitment is to walk alongside you with empathy, respect, and genuine care.
Delores Smith
I am a clinically trained social worker with more than 40 years of experience. My treatment specialties include depression, anxiety, and grief counseling. I assist with the resolution of work-related concerns. I am also a trained life coach, helping people make decisions related to changes they would like to have in their lives while achieving work/life balance. I also provide behavior modification, problem-solving, and motivation therapy. I work with couples of all kinds, knowing that being a couple or family cannot be defined only in the traditional sense. I take a broad view in this area. The basis for my efforts is insight therapy. I encourage those who work with me to consider how their decisions and actions enhance or impair the attainment of their goals. This type of understanding is critical for making meaningful life changes. My work is for and about you! We will go as far and as fast as you are able. Although I offer clarity in recognizing the issues that concern you, I will never take you where you do not want to go. Our work will be free of judgment, allowing you to speak and respond openly. I will always respect you and value what you share with me. You have made the right decision by embarking on a therapeutic relationship. I hope you choose me to help guide you on that journey.
Preston Page
I have 30 years experience as a counselor. I have worked in many different environments including, private practice, local mental health clinics, inpatient mental health and substance abuse clinics. I work with people to help them be the person they are and become the person they want to be. I am a real bearded Santa but am not religious. I related to the natural world in a way that I describe as spiritual, although it may not be what most people consider to be spiritual I served in the US Army both active duty and National Guard. I am a Vietnam Veteran with a total of 23 years service. I was a MFLC and worked with active duty soldiers and airmen for several years mostly at Fort Bragg but other facilities as well. I am married, have four children and eight grandchildren.
Chiara Ascari
Hi there! I'm so glad you're here! You've taken the very important first step towards a happier future for yourself! My name is Chiara Ascari and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia! I earned my Master's in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1999. I've worked in many different settings, primarily with individuals but also with family groups. We have worked together on challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, parenting, and more. Challenging experiences offer us an opportunity to grow by increasing our self-awareness. Talking with someone outside of your social circle about things going on in your life can be very beneficial in increasing that self-awareness. It can be a safe space to help you move towards a new goal for yourself. I would be honored to be that supportive, empathetic, non-judgmental person that could be just what you need to challenge yourself and grow towards the best version of yourself that you aspire to be. We will do this using primarily client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and solution-focused therapies but also any other methodology that seems to be the right fit for you. I will meet you where you are and together we will go from there. The great thing about Better Help is that you are welcome to message me any time. Being able to access your counselor as you work through day-to-day problems and the emotions they bring with them is a nice change from your traditional outpatient counseling and can be very beneficial. I frequently check my messages in order to be available for you. I am available for messaging and for live chats at this time. Your preference, your choice. I look forward to working with you!
Gwendolyn Young
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).
Kyle Yoder
I am a licensed mental health therapist in Virginia & West Virginia. I have an MS in Professional Counseling & Psychology, a BA in Communication Studies, and an AA in Biblical Studies & Theology. I have experience in helping clients with depression and anxiety, family and relationship issues, intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem and confidence, success coaching and career difficulties. I also have extensive experience helping individuals and couples process grief and trauma. 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 a more fulfilling life, and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Marvin Skinner
I am licensed in Virginia with 43 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping Children, Teen and Adult clients with relationship, family, spirituality, career, work issues, stress and anxiety, depression, sexuality and identity issues, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I use a cognitive behavioral and existential therapeutic approach to help people progress to a more fulfilling life. 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!
Robert Brown
I am licensed in Virginia with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. I see the counseling relationship as a collaborative partnership in which I assist clients in defining their issues and formulate goals for treatment. My style is a blend of person-centered and solution-focused counseling with paying special attention to family history and interpersonal dynamics. I am delighted that you have taken the first step to healing and change by seeking counseling, and I look forward to working with you.
Dr. Michael Till
I am licensed in Michigan (ACTIVE), Illinois, Ohio, Washington State (ACTIVE), Virginia (ACTIVE) and Missouri with 34 years of professional work experience. Currently, completing requirements to practice in California. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, marital and couples therapy, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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.
Erricker Sessoms Lee
I am licensed in North Carolina and Virginia with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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. 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.
Ilkem Onder
I am licensed in Florida and Virginia with 8 years of professional work experience. As a therapist, I believe that it is important to understand holism when treating the mind, body and behavior and thus look at things as a whole. My mission is to help my clients discover their own beliefs and how to move towards a healthier and fulfilling life. I strive to formalize various treatment approaches that are geared to fit the client’s individual needs and further help address maladaptive patterns in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.
Theyazan Kohaif
I am a licensed mental health professional in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Colorado, Vermont and Virginia with a decade of experience supporting clients through a variety of challenges. My expertise includes working with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I am committed to providing care that is grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Understanding that each individual is unique, I tailor our conversations and treatment plans to align with your specific needs and goals. I am here to support and guide you on this meaningful journey toward growth and healing.
Shannon Shackford
As a licensed therapist in Virginia, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, improve communication skills, and find meaningful connections during life's challenging transitions. I have extensive experience supporting individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem challenges. My therapeutic work focuses on addressing isolation, life purpose exploration, and healing from significant life changes such as divorce or trauma. My practice is deeply rooted in creating a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and develop resilient coping strategies. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I'm committed to walking alongside you as you rediscover your inner strength and build a more fulfilling life. Whether you're experiencing panic attacks, processing past trauma, or seeking to understand yourself more deeply, I'm here to provide thoughtful, personalized support that honors your individual path and potential for growth.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Norfolk, Virginia
Finding a therapist near you in Norfolk, Virginia starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Virginia is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Virginia, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Virginia, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Virginia
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Virginia, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Virginia
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Virginia
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Virginia through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Virginia
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Virginia, including residents in Norfolk.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Virginia do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Norfolk, Virginia
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Norfolk and the surrounding VA area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.