Dumfries, Virginia is a town that reinvented itself over and over. Dumfries started as a merchant town before tobacco plantations and smaller farms sprang up in the early 1800s. Nearby waterways providing shipping transportation for crops. As the nutrients in the land wore out, townsmen went to work in the iron mines. Today, Dumfries is experiencing revitalization once again as the population from Washington D.C. experiences growth. Too much change can cause some people to struggle with staying mentally healthy.

Change doesn’t have to mean you have to live with feeling unsettled. The professional mental health counselors in the Dumfries area stand ready to help you feel more stable. The right match of a counselor can make a positive difference.

Psychologist Courtney Grossnickle providing different types of therapy in Dumfries

Courtney Grossnickle

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
10 years offering treatment

Hello, my name is Courtney but I go by CC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland and Virginia. I have been in the field for 8+ years working with clients in various fields including; crisis counseling, in-home therapy, family therapy, hospitalization, and foster care. In all those fields, I have primarily worked with clients who have suffered from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, conduct disorders, co-occurring disorders, personality disorders, family conflict, and many more. Those are big ways of saying that I have worked with a wide range of problems and a range of client populations. I am an eclectic counselor who believes that every client is different and deserves a unique treatment plan that is created together. I will work diligently alongside you, creating a treatment plan that will help you reach your goals in counseling. I also deem confidentiality most important and will always protect your rights in our counseling relationship. Seeking out counseling can often feel scary and overwhelming and my goal is to help you feel comfortable, accepted, and cared for. Not only is it my job to help others, but it has been a passion engraved in me since I was a kid. Other than confidentiality, i believe that listening to my clients makes the most difference. The last thing a hurting person needs is another person giving them advice. I focus on listening to my clients and hear their needs and wants. Once I have grasped the issues at hand, together we will work on bringing you to a healthier place where you feel peace. If you are wanting to be heard and understood than I am the counselor for you; so go ahead, take this next step with me and let's begin the journey of becoming the you that you want to be!

Psychologist Dr. Darlene Anderson providing different types of therapy in Dumfries

Dr. Darlene Anderson

Clinician
License Type(s): PhD, LPC, NCC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment

Hello, I am Dr. Darlene Anderson, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the state of North Carolina, and a Nationally Recognized Board Certified Counselor (NCC). I have 30 years of experience working with teens, adults, couples, and families in various settings such as community mental health facilities, schools, hospitals, detention centers, and private practice. I graduated with my bachelors degree from Purdue University - West Lafayette, IN, my masters degree in Counseling from the University of the District of Columbia, and most recently with my doctorate degree in Social Work from Morgan State University - Baltimore, MD in 2018. I have worked with clients in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina through various issues and concerns, which includes depression, drug and alcohol abuse issues, low self esteem, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflict, codependency issues, trauma, behavioral issues, and stress related issues. My clinical approaches include the following: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy . Taking the steps to improve one's life requires courage, change, and commitment. So great job in taking this first step. I believe that everyone has the internal capacity to bring positive change in their thinking and overall lives . I am here to help you through the process and at the pace in which you are most comfortable. Looking forward to working with you!

Psychologist Merissa  Pryor providing different types of therapy in Dumfries

Merissa Pryor

Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,LCSW,LLC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Family conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years offering treatment

Sometimes in the journey of life we could all benefit from someone to journey with us during the difficult times. My name is Merissa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over eight years experience in individual counseling as well as advocacy, and mental and emotional health. I specialize in empowering individuals that may be struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, or relationship issues. My main therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as I believe there is so much power in learning how thoughts influence behavior and emotion and then changing those negative patterns. I also incorporate holistic counseling and solution based therapy among other treatment approaches and tailor my approach to your needs. I am empathetic, non-judgmental, and very passionate about the work I do. I enjoy being able to help others heal, grow and achieve their goals. I am excited about beginning this journey with you!

Psychologist Gail Conner providing different types of therapy in Dumfries

Gail Conner

Clinician
License Type(s): LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have worked with a broad range of clients in the community, as well as a psychiatric inpatient setting. I have provided counseling services for teens, individuals with addiction issues, women with abuse history, and individuals in the geriatric population. I am a caring, compassionate individual that values the unique qualities of everyone I meet, and work to assist them in identifying their special strengths and assets. I understand the courage it takes to reach out and ask for help from someone they have not met, and work to make this process comfortable and safe

Psychologist Caroline “Carly” Baker providing different types of therapy in Dumfries

Caroline “Carly” Baker

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years offering treatment

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, coping with grief and loss, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Mary Owen providing different types of therapy in Dumfries

Mary Owen

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
9 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Alabama and Virginia with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, depression and loneliness, self esteem, and trauma and abuse. I also work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Keri Barrett providing different types of therapy in Dumfries

Keri Barrett

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Pennsylvania and Virginia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Carol Mayer providing different types of therapy in Dumfries

Carol Mayer

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
15 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Virginia with 35 years of professional work experience with teens, adults, and families. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to meeting with you and finding how we can work together toward your goals.

Psychologist Kristel Byrd providing different types of therapy in Dumfries

Kristel Byrd

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
3 years offering treatment

I am passionate about women's empowerment and helping individuals show up in relationships and life as their authentic selves. My work focuses on guiding people to set boundaries, process trauma, and understand core beliefs, attachment, and relational patterns. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life changes, managing ADHD, and working toward greater balance and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. I foster a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their religion, spirituality, sexuality, and other sometimes taboo subjects they may have felt unable to discuss with others. There is no judgment—only encouragement to embrace one’s true self as a path to growth and fulfillment. Through exploration and accountability, I help clients discover their passions, develop purpose, and connect with their inner selves to achieve self-actualization. I work with people aged 18 to infinity, cheering them on every step of the way.

Psychologist Claire Thombs providing different types of therapy in Dumfries

Claire Thombs

Clinician
License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
13 years offering treatment

Hi, I have over 20 years experience working with clients in counseling and mental health. I have worked closely with clients experiencing trauma, grief and loss, family issues, relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, work and school conflict and many other life issues and challenges. I have used various evidence based therapeutic interventions throughout my career, which has resulted in great success for those who I have been honored to provide care and support. You have what it takes to conquer all of life challenges and I am grateful to walk with you and provide the support and encouragement that will help.

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Types of therapists available to clients in Dumfries

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Dumfries that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.

Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform

Mental health therapists in Dumfries available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Dumfries therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Dumfries therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Dumfries region and in the state of Virginia.

How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want 

Therapists in Dumfries can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Dumfries may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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