Life can be a struggle at times. No matter what you do, you may be haunted by your past, or held back by your depression or anxiety. It can be a challenge to triumph over the hurdles life throws at you, however, you can do it. One person who can help you is a counselor based in Charlottesville. 

Charlottesville has its own history to deal with. It’s been a town of political struggle, and recent struggles at that. However, despite this, the town carries on. A counselor can help you overcome any struggles you may have, but you must speak to one first.

This is Rebecca Gillis's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Gillis

Offering therapy in VA
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
4 years of experience

I am a warm and accepting counselor licensed in Virginia with over 4 years of experience working as a child, adolescent, and early adult counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have a passion for working with those who are feeling lost or unsure of themselves. I believe deeply in working together to develop a sacred and healing place that is needed for growth and transformation to happen. My counseling style is accepting, nonjudgmental, and interactive. I believe all change begins with curiosity and taking a first step. I strive to create space for healing, connection, and courage. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic counseling, and wellness model, which means I work hard to facilitate a process that will accomplish your goals by focusing on strengths and sources of resilience. I believe in creating a therapeutic counseling relationship that promotes unconditional positive regard and acceptance. My goal is that you will feel safe to entrust our relationship to hold your stories and this will enable you to take the risks needed for growth and self-exploration moving forward. It's not easy to change and seek help. It takes strength to demand more out of life and to move yourself to this place. If you are ready to stop going with the flow and take charge of your of your journey. I am here to guide, support, challenge, and empower you. I look forward to working with you soon!

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Anne Butz

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

I've worked in the mental health field since 1999 and have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2002. My work as a therapist focuses on promoting health and healing, as well as identifying a person's inner strengths and their own sense of purpose. Today's world and our relationships can feel stressful and complicated. Depression, anxiety, addictions, and relationship challenges can be a result. Therapy can help any one of us navigate our emotions and our world so we can feel more connected and less stressed.

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Dr. Sonya Medina

Offering therapy in VA
License: Ph.D
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist with over 23 years of clinical experience. I have provided therapy in juvenile justice, residential treatment and currently Veterans. I have experience treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, women’s issues and substance abuse. I primarily approach therapy from a cognitive behavioral perspective. I seek to help clients understand how unhelpful thinking patterns prompt negative emotions and keep a person stuck and unrecovered. I see therapy as an opportunity to help my client identify the roots of unhelpful thinking patterns, identify opportunities for change and engage in the work of modifying behaviors that often lead to distress. The best quality of life for my client is the overarching treatment goal. I see the therapeutic process as a safe and supportive environment in which negative cycles may be broken. I work hard to establish a therapeutic relationship through compassion and genuine feedback. Therapy is a collaborative endeavor and I appreciate the honor of walking this journey with those in pain. I love what I do!

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Hannah Phillips Hale

Offering therapy in VA
License: MA,LPC,ATR
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

My name is Hannah Phillips Hale. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia, as well as a Registered Art Therapist, currently working toward Art Therapy Board Certification. I am also currently working on my Infant Mental Health certification, as I spent a great deal of professional time focusing on early child development and the dynamics of family interactions. Though I have been licensed since only 2019, I have over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with individuals of various ages (pregnant mothers and their unborn children, children from birth on and their caretakers, adolescents, teenagers, parents, older individuals), families and couples in a variety of settings (in-home, in office/outpatient, schools, community programs, and more). I strive to approach others with curiosity and an opportunity to learn while also teaching. I see the therapeutic relationship as a kind of partnership, where both you and I work together to collaborate and determine what is or isn't working, and what goals are most appropriate for now or for the future. By using a simplistic approach and focusing on the present moment, we often find confidence and motivation more easily, in order to achieve that "low hanging fruit" of achievable goals. Then, we can also address the big picture with further focus on the small and important details. It is about the process rather than the product. This is the phrase that I like to reference, in regards to our life experiences and within therapy/counseling experiences. As we work toward healing, we often want to find a solution or an answer. Oftentimes, the solutions or answers arise during the process of experiencing and learning. I hope to offer this process of discovery to you, through various therapeutic techniques, and especially through Art Therapy. One does not have to be an artist or have any experience making art, in order to be able to benefit from Art Therapy techniques. In my work, I utilize creative and expressive techniques with clients in order to support a sense of exploration, discovery, and the power that comes with creating. Other approaches and methods that are used in my work include Person-Centered, Supportive and Motivational Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Humanistic/Existential, Mindfulness Based techniques, Psychodynamic Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy. Much of my time in the field has focused on working alongside individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, lack of purpose or motivation, low self-esteem/self-concept, managing life changes or stagnancy, and relationship issues/communication challenges. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a powerful tool that can be used both in the counseling experience itself and also in other relationships, as our interactions and learning opportunities ripple out to impact us in other environments and situations. I look forward to potentially meeting you, learning about you, and working to support you, as we move forward in this life!

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Donda Goodson

Offering therapy in VA
License: MA,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

My name is Donda Goodson and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama. I obtained my undergraduate degree from Auburn University in Vocational Rehabilitation and my Master's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Rehabilitation Counseling. I received my counseling license in 1992 from the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling. The majority of my clinical experience is from mental health agencies and private practice. I have worked with clients ages 4 to 74 with various issues to include anger management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, individuals struggling to maintain sobriety, those with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders and parents doing their best to parent but find themselves struggling and feeling frustrated. Through the utilization of client-centered and cognitive behavioral therapy, I work to help you work through obstacles and reach your personal goals.

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Evelyn Saunders

Offering therapy in VA
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed as a LPC and LMFT in Virginia for more than 10 years. I have experience with clients who are dealing with depression and anxiety along with other issues involving sleep disorders, motivation and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, and dignity, showing sensitivity, and compassion as we work through issues that are unique and specific to your needs. I am here to give you support and encouragement .

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This is Maria Grimshaw-Clark's avatar and link to their profile

Maria Grimshaw-Clark

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
28 years of experience

I work with clients in transforming their emotional pain into opportunity for growth. Clients work with me in reducing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges. I help my clients in replacing old coping skills with better and insightful new methods, creating new connections and mindsets. I have been working with individuals, couples and families for three decades and have enjoyed being present for many incredible “Aha” moments. My training in family mental health, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and Zen meditation ( to name a few) has been instrumental in making helpful connections with clients of all ages.

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This is Renee Bobbie Agee's avatar and link to their profile

Renee Bobbie Agee

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with over 20 years of professional work experience providing psychotherapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, and life transition challenges. 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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Cynthia Murchison-Grice

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 8 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 depression and grief. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment or criticism. My foundational approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also use modalities from Solution Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Counseling, and Behavioral Therapy. Life's daily challenges can become overwhelming. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. Don’t give up on you, there is help! I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Allison Maciorowski Stellatos's avatar and link to their profile

Allison Maciorowski Stellatos

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. Specifically, I have counseled clients dealing with infertility issues and the transition to parenthood. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I also strongly believe in the benefits of therapy and counseling for everyone. 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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How to find counseling in Charlottesville

Finding the best therapist close by in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville. 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 Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville, elsewhere in Charlottesville (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 Charlottesville area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 22905 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville, 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.

Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville.

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

22901, 22902, 22903, 22905, 22906, 22907, 22908, 22909, 22910

Popular cities near Charlottesville, VA

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