Dr. April Brewer
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
Dr. Stephanie Gore
I hold a BSW, MSW, and DSW. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia and North Carolina and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. Drawing upon extensive experience with at-risk youth, individuals, and families in crisis and those facing situational challenges, I provides individual, family, and couple’s therapy. I am also involved in my community through my church, professional, and international organizations. As a professional with over nearly two decades of training in multiple specialty areas with mandated and non-mandated clients, I bring practical life experience to my view of the world. Seeking support is a powerful step toward your journey to a more fulfilling life. My desire is to help you feel more powerful, find peace, become more self-aware, and become your best self. I utilize cognitive-behavior therapy, family systems therapy, family stress models, and solution-focused therapy as appropriate. At times, we are able to manage and maintain our lives through the challenges it brings but at other times, we need some additional support. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and help you identify and use your strengths to facilitate your goals for growth and change.
Dr. Scott Lovaas
Thanks for taking peek at my bio! My approach is wholistic--meaning I draw upon a variety of clinical theories. My first task to to provide deep listening in an effort to understand. I try and look at the whole picture and how the pieces all fit together for you and your context. I am direct, candid, and solution focused with kindness, curiosity and gratitude as my foundation. A little about me: I have three advanced degrees in divinity, social work and media studies and I have worked in a wide variety of settings across 13 states. I also have five grown daughters. Wanderlust is in my blood--I have been fortunate to have travelled to over 80 countries, and always hoping there is more on the horizon. Additionally, I am a certified Laughing Yoga instructor--Ho, Ho, Ho, Ha, Ha. Innovation and creativity are in my wheelhouse. All these diverse experiences and education inform all that I do and who I am. I would love to learn about you and talk about your journey.
Menzo Faassen
Hi, my name is Menzo Faassen. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Tennessee and New Mexico. I received my B.S. in Psychology in 1999 from Middle Tennessee State University and I received my M.S. in Community Counseling from Austin Peay State University in 2009. I work full time in Richmond, Virginia (moved here in January of 2022). I am working for a community mental health center as a therapist. I have worked in community mental health and addiction treatment centers since 2007. I have worked with adults and teenagers with trauma, addiction, depression, grief/loss and LGBT issues. I am also a proud member of the LGBT community. My approach to therapy starts out with the basic Rogerian (person centered approach). But, I also incorporate Psycho dramatic techniques (but I can only do this in a video session) into my approach. Psychodrama is a combination of counseling and theater and is often referred to as Shakespearean Psychology. I start where you are. I believe that you are the expert on you and that this is your therapy not mine. So I will tailor my approach and style to what your goal (not my goal) is. I can be as directive as you need. I can function well dealing with thoughts and emotions, looking for solutions, and even a look into reality. A few things to be aware of: 1. While you can send messages to me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you may not get an immediate response. Depending on what time you sign up, I could be sleeping, eating, or working with another client. I do respond within 24 hours of getting a new client and often will respond sooner, but you will probably not get an instant response from me. Bear in mind that I do have a full time job that I work during the day. I am not able to respond between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM (Eastern Standard Time in the US). Please be patient with this. 2. Prior to beginning therapy I request that you send me your home address and phone number. If you prefer you can send a copy of a photo ID. I request this information for a few reasons. The first is so that if there is an emergency (you present with a plan to hurt yourself or somebody else, or I suspect there is child abuse involved) I can alert the authorities in your location. It is also my ethical duty to assure that I am licensed to provide services in the state you reside. 3. Sending messages back and forth is fine, but you will get more value out of BetterHelp if you schedule a live chat, phone or video session with me. You can do that by selecting the schedule session on the right hand side of the screen. 4. It helps to have a goal in therapy, so one question that I will ask is "what do you want to get out of therapy" or "what brought you to therapy". I only ask so we have a direction to go. 5. The more information I have about you the better. So, in way of introduction, some things you may want to share include (your childhood information, any traumatic events, previous relationships, current relationships, work history, family background/relationships, your previous therapy experience, etc.). In other words, use the first message to give me the autobiography of you. I have been in counseling myself and know how scary it can be to enter into the process and I try to make this as comfortable as possible. I look forward to walking with you as you begin this journey of healing and transformation.
Charles Koah
I am licensed in Virginia with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with executive and professional coaching. 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.
Jacklyn Kenny Rothenberger
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.
LaToya Sutton
I am licensed in Virginia with 8 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 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.
Demetre Curry
I am licensed in Virginia. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Lynae Johnson
I am licensed in Delaware with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & bipolar disorder. 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.
Dr. Emma Norfleet
I am licensed in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, with over 40 years of experience in the mental health field. Over the past 2 decades, I have explicitly focused on TRAUMA and its negative impact on the lives of children, teens, adults, and the elderly population. I integrate both evidenced-based psychotherapies and faith-based principles to help survivors of trauma learn how to "TRIUMPH OVER TRAUMA." I help clients with mood-related disorders, stress and anxiety, cope with grief and loss, and trauma, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. As a Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS I), I offer an eight or 12-week anger management class. I have over 20 years of experience working with couples and families to improve their communication and relationships with each other. I provide a therapeutic, open, and safe environment for clients to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey. So, let's step up into the PAIN to access your GAIN.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Amherst
Finding the best therapist close by in Amherst can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Amherst that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Amherst. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Amherst, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Amherst region and in the state of Virginia. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Amherst or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Amherst therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Amherst area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Amherst, elsewhere in Amherst, or in the greater state of Virginia. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Amherst area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Amherst therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Amherst due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Amherst may not take health insurance, some in the state of Virginia may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Virginia you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Amherst online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Amherst, Virginia working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Amherst psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Amherst above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Amherst provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Amherst?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Amherst therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Amherst therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Amherst therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in VA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 24521 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Amherst counselor?
Before seeing your Amherst therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Amherst therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Amherst licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Amherst counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Amherst, Virginia can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Amherst has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Amherst, Virginia
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Amherst therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Amherst:
24521