On the banks of the North River, William Magill and his family decided to settle down in what is now known as Bridgewater, Virginia in 1746. It was first known as Magill’s Ford but was changed to Bridgeport in 1820 after the first bridge was built. However, in 1835 it was finally incorporated as Bridgewater.

It is important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health and luckily, there are many excellent mental health care experts in the Bridgewater area. Whether you need counseling, intensive therapy, or just have some questions, you can reach out to one of the therapists or counselors in and around Bridgewater for some help.

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Karen Eldridge

Offering therapy in VA
License: L.P.C.,M.Ed
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Thank you for visiting my profile. I am so encouraged that you have taken the most important step toward addressing issues of concern, the first step. My name is Karen Eldridge. I joined the counseling field a little late in life though many would tell you that makes me experienced at this thing we call life with its' many twists and turns, good times and bad. I believe that my life experience, and work in other professions has prepared me to walk with clients to address a wide variety of concerns. I use a wide paint brush so to speak of my counseling style that is centered solely on genuineness, responsibility and accountability. I want my clients to be as comfortable talking to me as they would to their closest, and most trusted friend rather than a professional so very far away. I believe that together we can push aside the fear and embarrassment that too many people associate with therapy to develop a collaborative partnership to discover hidden desires and talents that will allow you to live your life with purpose and passion. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Virginia's College at Wise and a Master's in Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College. I have a PhD in Psychology from Capella University. I earned my National Certified Counselor (NCC) designation in 2013, and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) designation in April 2019. I have experience counseling adults and couples. In my free time I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

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Lorraine Turner

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersDepression
16 years of experience

Greetings! I have been pro-actively involved in mental health practice for over 15 years and my simple goal for you is to feel well with who you are; enhance what you believe, and grow with how you see the world. Some may say this is a lofty goal, but with the work you put in, and with the discussions we have, this is achievable! I have a wide berth of experience working with diverse populations including adults, children, teens, and military personnel (whether active duty or retired). A significant part of my career has been spent with individuals with serious medical conditions, autism spectrum disturbances, trauma-related disturbances, those who wish to change their relationship with alcohol, those experiencing ongoing grief and loss, post-partum depression and children/teens with difficulties in the academic setting. This is only a partial list of experience.

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Melissa Klemkosky

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

My name is Melissa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, Virginia and DC. I received my Master's degree in Social Work from University of South Florida. I have extensive experience working with a wide range of individuals and problems, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, difficulty with life transitions, stress management, and grief. I also have professional and personal experience with military and law enforcement cultures. I use a variety of evidence-based approaches. My approach is individualized and based on the needs of each person. I treat everyone with respect, dignity, and am nonjudgmental. I believe we all have the answers on how we can live our best life and therapy is a way for us to tap into those answers. I take a collaborative approach with your treatment, as you are the expert on your life. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Ruth Ann Talley's avatar and link to their profile

Ruth Ann Talley

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSleeping disordersSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 14 years of professional work experience. I have worked as a medical social worker, a geriatric social worker and for the past six years have worked directly with military members addressing their issues to include depression, anxiety, chronic life stressors, insomnia and trauma. I’ve interacted with people from all walks of life and believe that with your participation, together, we can help you manage your current situations to a better outcome.

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Heather Fairfax

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia and California with 7 years of professional counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. As a faith-based counselor, I view therapy with a deep understanding of the spiritual aspects of life, which can be an integral part of your healing journey. My therapeutic approach is rooted in Solution-Focused Therapy, where we focus on identifying and building upon your strengths to create positive change. I believe in a client-centered approach, meaning that you are the expert of your own life, and I am here to provide a supportive and guiding role as we navigate through challenges together. One thing you'll notice about my counseling style is that I'm pretty laid back. I believe in creating a comfortable and non-judgmental environment where you can feel at ease to share your thoughts and emotions. Laughter can be a powerful tool in healing, so don't be surprised if you find me using humor to lighten the mood when appropriate. My primary goal is to foster a supportive, caring, and compassionate therapeutic relationship with you. I deeply value the trust you place in me, and I assure you that your well-being and growth are at the heart of our work together. Life can present us with various hurdles, and seeking help is a courageous step toward self-discovery and personal growth. Together, we will explore your challenges, set achievable goals, and work towards positive solutions that align with your values and aspirations. I sincerely hope that I can be a part of your journey. I am genuinely honored to walk beside you and provide the guidance and support you need to thrive.

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This is Henry "Hank" Matthews's avatar and link to their profile

Henry "Hank" Matthews

Offering therapy in VA
AddictionsRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteem
20 years of experience

Greetings, and welcome! I have been working as a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2005 and consider my role to be nothing less than a sacred trust. For more than 20 years (including my counseling internship), I have been afforded the honor and privilege of sitting down with people and talking about their lives. This affords me the awesome opportunity to provide support, resources, and encouragement – and to learn and grow together. Though my initial clinical passion was working in the field of addiction, my substance abuse work led me to equally rewarding work with couples addressing a variety of relationship issues. I also enjoy helping clients improve their self-esteem and self-confidence, and better manage their depression and anxiety – and, if need be, identify and address their grief, their losses, and their codependency. In essence, I believe the primary purpose of counseling is to validate feelings and concerns, to increase response options, and to prompt and promote new insight. I also firmly believe every person and every couple has strengths and challenges, and that identifying, facing, and addressing those challenges leads to the best possible quality of life – and the best possible quality of relationships. And I also firmly believe those who have a genuine, sincere desire to change - and who are also willing to say and do things differently - can and do change. It would truly be my pleasure to walk alongside you and assist you in facilitating change. At the very least, allow me to salute you for finding and harnessing the enormous courage it took to reach out today! Rest assured, my thoughts, prayers, and brotherly love are already with you!

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Meagan Jones

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina and Virginia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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.

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Dr. Dorothy Rutherford-Steiss

Offering therapy in VA
License: PsyD,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Indiana with my doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I primarily work with adults focusing on various concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, career/job challenges, and end-of-life concerns. I also specialize in concerns that are a result of healthcare diagnoses such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and neurocognitive issues. My counseling style is open, nonjudgmental, and interactive, treating all clients with respect, dignity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and feminine counseling that is specific to each client's needs and treatment goals. I utilize various modalities including talk therapy, Mindfulness Meditation, narrative therapy, and CBT techniques to further a client's processing. I believe that change is possible if the client is ready. Recognizing that change may be difficult, I am here to support, encourage, gently challenge, and assist my clients in their process on their journey.

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Karl Fray

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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.

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This is Melissa Miller's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Miller

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Virginia with 5 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.

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How to find counseling in Bridgewater

Finding the best therapist close by in Bridgewater 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Bridgewater. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Bridgewater, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Bridgewater or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers 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 Bridgewater area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Bridgewater, elsewhere in Rockingham, or in the greater state of Virginia.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Bridgewater area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bridgewater therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Bridgewater due to a higher cost of living. 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 Bridgewater 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 BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Virginia you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Bridgewater, 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Bridgewater 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 lead by a therapist in Bridgewater helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Bridgewater 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 Bridgewater therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist 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 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 Bridgewater 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 lot of people in VA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 22812 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Bridgewater counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Bridgewater 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 through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Bridgewater, 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.

Bridgewater has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?

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

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 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 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Bridgewater.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Bridgewater:

22812

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