The name Damascus was given to the local post office before it became known as the city of Damascus. As you go through life, you send out many messages, hoping people will be receptive. But what if you feel like people aren’t understanding you, or you’re having trouble communicating?

A nearby Damascus-area counselor can help you with any mental health or emotional issues you are struggling with, including stress, anxiety, or depression, among many others. There are licensed mental health professionals that can support you through the difficulties you are facing. Consider reaching out to a therapist near you today.

This is Meghan Graham's avatar and link to their profile

Meghan Graham

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersDepression
10 years of experience

It takes courage to seek support when faced with adversities and challenging life situations. Counseling can offer a safe and supportive space for processing and healing. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of clinical counseling experience. My clinical experience includes, but is not limited to, supporting people struggling with trauma exposure, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, difficult life transitions, eating disorders, relational concerns, behavioral concerns, intimate partner violence, and those experiencing suicidality. My counseling style is to build a therapeutic alliance where we can approach challenges and this therapeutic journey as a team. I have worked with people from all diverse walks of life and believe in treating everyone with respect, empathy, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines trauma informed interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic, and psychodynamic counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Whatever you are facing, please know that you are not alone. I hope to join you on this journey of growth and healing. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions and I look forward to speaking with you soon!

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Brian Preston

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Christy Hopwood

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionADHD
21 years of experience

I began working in the mental health field in 1993. I worked in residential treatment facilities with teenage girls and boys until I received my Master's in Social Work at the University of Louisville in 1999. Since 1999, I have been employed as a social worker for severe mentally ill adults, counselor and a director in foster care settings, counselor in psychiatric residential treatment facility for teenage girls and prepubescent boys, intensive in home counselor for children and teenagers with their families for the past 15 years, and outpatient mental health counselor for adults, families, and couples. I opened my private practice in 2008 where I see adults and couples who are dealing with depression, anxiety, marriage problems, relationship issues, grief, loss, parenting issues, anger, substance abuse, domestic violence, PTSD, trauma, stressors, work place problems, financial difficulties, ADHD, bipolar, mood disorders, and personality disorders. I use person centered therapy where I focus on the totality of the client that includes their mental, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual (if applicable), and recreational health and how they are meeting those needs. I use cognitive behavior therapy to help clients identify thinking patterns and cognitive distortions/faulty thinking errors that are impeding their progress and ways to replace those thinking errors with rational thought. I ask about family history, trauma, and if those trauma's are impeding present day life. I used shot term solution therapy where needed to help client's develop goals and strategies with their input to meet their needs. I help clients identify coping skills for problems and ways to implement those skills.

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This is KaShawna Watson's avatar and link to their profile

KaShawna Watson

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed therapist in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Laura Siminski

Offering therapy in VA
Relationship issuesParenting issuesADHD
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 20 years of professional work experience. I help clients create meaning in their lives and support their personal growth. Stress and anxiety, parenting, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and areas that I am able to support. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am a client centered, solution focused counselor.

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Michael Reynolds

Offering therapy in VA
License: MS
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

My name is Michael Reynolds. I am a person-centered therapist, which means that my focus is helping clients realize their full potential. I have over 8 years of professional counseling experience, working with clients’ presenting issues including depression, anxiety, family issues, ADHD, anger management, emotional abuse, and trauma. I am a compassionate person, I believe in treating everyone the way I would like to be treated, with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. My counseling approach is eclectic therapy. Eclectic therapy draws on multiple theoretical orientation and techniques to find the best fit for clients’ needs. I understand that is takes a great deal of courage for people to seek more fulfilling and satisfying way of living. I am available to assist clients in their effort to empower themselves. I care about people especially the ones I encounter and look forward to offering assistance.

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Amanda Davis

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling life takes courage. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will help you overcome the challenges you are facing right now. I am here to support you in that process. I take a very collaborative approach with clients to find solutions that make sense and are centered on your best interests. Therapy will give you space to feel heard and validated. Let's take that next step together.

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This is Dana DeHart's avatar and link to their profile

Dana DeHart

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
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, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. Individuals that I have been able to support in therapy describe me as down to earth, very supportive, and genuine in my approach. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I check my messages early in the morning (between 5am -5:30AM) and in the afternoon (5pm-5:30pm).

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This is Kaitlin Carter's avatar and link to their profile

Kaitlin Carter

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefEating disorders
6 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to Better Help! My name is Kaitlin Carter, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with 6 years of professional experience. I have a wide variety of goals I've helped clients work towards, and identify areas of expertise in: helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, working with clients from all backgrounds. 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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This is Debra Welpe's avatar and link to their profile

Debra Welpe

Offering therapy in VA
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 Damascus

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Damascus 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 Damascus 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 Damascus 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 Damascus, 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 Damascus 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 Damascus 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 Damascus 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 Damascus 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 Damascus 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 24236 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 Damascus 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 Damascus 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 Damascus, 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.

Damascus 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 Damascus.

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

24236

Popular cities near Damascus, VA

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