This is Elizabeth Snow's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Snow

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW,CSAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

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!

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Lawrence Matheny

Offering therapy in VA
License: M.Ed.,LPC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
34 years of experience

Hello and welcome. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the Virginia. My wife and I have been married for over 40 years, and we have two adult children and a grandchild. I worked for over 35 years in psychiatric hospitals and a community-based mental health and substance abuse settings. Throughout my professional career, I have offered counseling with individuals, couples, and families, helping them to overcome their struggles (serious and persistent mental illnesses, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and addiction, marital and parenting issues, religious issues, trauma, grief and loss). My background in pastoral ministry spans over 40 years, with 16 of those being as an ordained minister. In addition to my master’s degree in Counseling I hold a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry. Over the years I have worked with clients from all walks of life. I've had clients from all faiths (and no faith) backgrounds, straight and LBGTQIA, children, teens, adults, parents, grandparents, and people in Hospice and their families. I believe that you are the expert of your life. I will help you find ways to utilize your strength to overcome your struggles and move you from your current situation to where you want to be. If a faith tradition has been important to you, I am comfortable exploring those resources with you to help you achieve your goals in counseling. I believe that life is about change, and real change in one’s life can start in the therapy session. If I can assist you in making the changes you need in your life, then I have been successful as a counselor. You can do this. You can feel better and achieve your goals. I'm looking forward to helping you do so.

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Janelle Natal

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 18 years of experience in the social work field. Specifically I have worked over 10 years in the mental health field. I have worked with clients with concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder and relationship issues. I have worked with clients that have experienced trauma. I am a holistic psychotherapist. I believe in looking at the client as a whole person , not just their mental health needs. I will focus on a client's overall wellness. My approach is eclectic and strength's based. I will utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic , Psychodynamic and Strength's Based. I will formulate a treatment plan based on the client's specific needs. It takes strength to make changes in your life, let me assist you with bringing about those long standing changes in your life. If your ready to move forward I am willing and ready to support you in this process change. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Natalie Summit

Offering therapy in VA
License: LPC,CMHC and CCMH,LMHC and LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
26 years of experience

In 2019, I retired from a local Law Enforcement agency where I provided crisis intervention services to the community. It was a remarkable 20-year career helping people on "the worst day of my life." Many of those calls for service included assisting individuals and families dealing with mental illness, addiction, domestic violence, sex crimes, child and elder abuse/neglect, and death-related situations (natural, suicide, homicide, and accidental). I learned three things; people are incredibly resilient, desperate to be heard, and open to options when respect and trust exist. My ideal client meets all three. I offer in-home and telehealth counseling. My work and personal history lend themselves well to assist many individuals and families. In addition, I have a particular interest in working with First Responders, both sworn and civilian. If you are interested in speaking with an open-minded, culturally competent, and creative solutions therapist, please reach out with your inquiry or interest. I welcome challenging, complicated, and creative content issues. Thank you. I look forward to assisting you! Specialties: Addiction - Anxiety - Depression - Trauma - GLBTQ Treatment Approach: Brainspotting - Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) - Culturally Sensitive - Family Systems - Humanistic - Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) - Motivational Interviewing - Person-Centered - Positive Psychology - Strength-Based - Trauma Focused

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Valerie Lees

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Hello. My name is Valerie Lees. I am a Licenced Clinical Social Worker in Pennsylvania and Virginia as well as a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I have been helping people lead happier, more fufilling lives for over 20 years. I received my Bachelor's degree in Dietetics from Drexel University in 1989 and my Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia Unversity in New York City in 1992. My work has included inpatient psychiatric settings, outpatient psychiatric clinics, crisis work, and private practice. I specialize in working with adults who suffer with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, addictions, ADD, trauma, and marital /relationship discord. I work with individuals to help them regulate their nervous systems, thoughts, and emotions so they can recover and find peace, safety, stability, and happiness. You are the key to your own recovery, I am here to guide you, empower you, and give you the tools you need to get back to being you. I use various mind and body techniques including: Postive Psychology , Cognitive Behavioral therapy, mindfullness, NLP, and meditation/vizulazation/breathing techniques. Each person is diffrent and based on your needs and your goals, we will develop a plan together to get you to a place of stability and peace. It takes courage to seek help, I applaud you for doing so, you should be proud of yourself! I look forward to helping you on your journey to the new you. Valerie Lees, MSW, LCSW, CCATP, CCTP

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Kristen Johnson

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyGriefBipolar disorderDepressionCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience

Reaching out to schedule an initial therapy session can be intimidating. For this reason, my priority as a therapist is to provide a safe and confidential space for my clients in which they can share and feel heard and understood. I am passionate about providing to each individual a unique and creative therapeutic approach to meet their specific goals and needs. My approach incorporates cognitive behavioral, expressive arts, and solution-focused techniques. The intention behind my work is to help my clients build self-confidence and increase self-awareness, thus enhancing their potential to attain personal goals in therapy and make desired positive change in their lives. My counseling experience includes assisting individuals with life transitions, grief, anxiety, communication, depression, infertility, stress management, relationship difficulties, and addictive behaviors. I also see clients who are experiencing perinatal and post-partum anxiety and/or depression. During my 25-year career, I have worked in a variety of therapy settings, including private practice, hospice care, public mental health agencies, and treatment centers.

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Susan Owen

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in South Carolina and Virginia with 35 years of professional work experience. My clinical background includes assisting clients with stress, anxiety, and depression. I also work with indviduals dealing with life stage issues, workplace concerns, coping with grief and loss, self -motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My preference for service delivery is through live video or phone. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Let me help you with your journey to better!

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Shekila Melchior

Offering therapy in VA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 12 years of professional work experience. I hold a Master's Degree in Counseling and a PhD in Counselor Education. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. My areas of speciality are Relational Cultural Therapy, Decolonized/Liberatory practices and am a somatic experiencing practitioner. 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!

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Nathalie Mizelle-Johnson

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

I am licensed in North Carolina and Virginia with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Melanie James's avatar and link to their profile

Melanie James

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am a licensed psychotherapist with 7 + years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with life changes , motivation, self esteem & confidence building. 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.

How to find counseling in Buena Vista

Finding the best therapist close by in Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista. 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 Buena Vista, 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista, elsewhere in Buena Vista (city), 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 Buena Vista area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista, 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 24416 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista, 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.

Buena Vista 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Buena Vista.

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

24416

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