If you have been feeling like you do not want to do anything or that you just do not want to even get out of bed, you may be suffering from depression. Some other symptoms include fatigue, confusion, and sadness. A Fredericksburg based counselor can help you find out if you have depression and help you figure out what to do about it. 

Located along the Rappahannock River you can sit and watch the sunrise or sunset, throw a line in to catch some fish, or even take a dip in the water if it is warm enough. Although, when you have depression you do not feel like doing much so if you are having some of these symptoms, you should talk to one of the counselors in Fredericksburg about helping you feel better. 

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Linda Giles

Offering therapy in VA
License: LPC, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

My interactive style is very down-to-earth, infused with sincere and deep compassion. My therapeutic style could be described as eclectic because I will tailor my approach to your needs. I pull strategies from cognitive restructuring, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, rational-emotive, and reality therapies. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor as well as a Licensed Family and Marriage Counselor with over 28 years of experience in psychotherapy. I hold licenses in both Virginia and in North Carolina. I have extensive experience in helping clients with symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger management challenges, basic coping skills, workplace issues, relationship issues, parenting, and many others. Emotional irregularity underlies the challenges most people have that drives them to seek services, and I teach several powerful and simple techniques designed to help regulate these uncomfortable symptoms. I have an expertise in ages 5 - 75. I fully understand and empathize with the difficulty most clients experience in making that first phone call, and will do my best to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. I will be with you every step of the way towards your healing process and am looking forward to meeting you!

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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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Charlotte Schafer

Offering therapy in VA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemADHD
7 years of experience

I hold both, a Bachelors of Science degree in Christian counseling, and a Masters of Art , in professional counseling from Liberty University. I performed my residency at Counseling Alliance of Virginia, in Charlottesville Virginia. I was with them three years before moving on to open my own small business. I’m well skilled in working with individuals, both women and men, as well as, the elderly. My use of therapy is integrative, although I do have my favorites; which include, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness grounding skills. I am also equipped to give Christian-based counseling when desired, and enjoy weaving in faith-based counseling for a more holistic approach.

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Caroline “Carly” Barrows-Compton

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
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, 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!

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Angela Coleman

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

I am licensed in Virginia with 23 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 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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Dr. Mirriam Ford

Offering therapy in VA
Parenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes, couples counseling, & executive and professional coaching. 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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Victoria Baker

Offering therapy in VA
License: MA,LPC,CRC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
30 years of experience

Welcome to Better Help. I am Victoria and I am very happy to be able to offer you a variety of styles of communication through video chat, speaking on the phone or emailing. I have over 35 years of counseling experience and provide a positive and warm environment to help you move forward on your journey. I use a Reality Therapy based counseling approach along with CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). My specialty areas are Career Changes, Life Changes, Parenting, Stress and Anxiety counseling. I have much first hand experience as a career military spouse and truly understand the stressors that military life puts on families. I am fluent in ASL and work daily with Deaf and Hard of Hearing people as well as those with vision loss. I have been practicing yoga since 2001 and look forward to helping you find a variety of techniques to help you cope with life's daily stress through healthful activities. I check messages 3 times daily but always leave a message stating your optimum contact method and preference for time.

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Gwen Sperling

Offering therapy in VA
License: L.C.S.W.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

Hello my name is Gwen. I'm a licensed clinical social worker and I have worked in the behavioral health and substance abuse field for over 20 years. My first education in the area of counseling was in my third semester of college where I was introduced to the work of Dr. Carl Rogers. Dr. Rogers believes the role of the therapist is to be an empathic presence which creates a sense of safety. When you feel safe, it allows you to dive down deeper into your experience to figure out what happened, how is that playing out in your daily life and re-creating the suffering you are trying to avoid. I believe everyone has the answers within themselves for all the questions they have about themselves and others. We live in a culture that doesn’t necessarily encourage reflection and self examination. In fact, for some it is discouraged. My empathic presence, will allow you to find your way as we walk through that experience again, seeking a sense of completion so it no longer occupies your body. Allowing you to fit better within yourself. Together we can gain deeper insight, and develop strategies to cope with emotions, and subsequent behaviors. Please let me offer you my perspective about emotion. I believe our emotions are our ‘feelings” in response to what we are sensing outside of ourselves. These emotions can be used as a roadmap in life. A road map that allows learning to better to enable you to have more control over what you say and do. Learning through self-awareness and reflection can lead to greater inner peace. In my maturation process I had to learn how to regulate my emotions and tolerate the frustration I may feel when I don’t get what I want. Using these two behaviors, emotional regulation and tolerating frustration can lead to greater self-control and typically an increase in one’s self esteem. Please join me in the voyage of you, as you seek greater inner peace.

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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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Yvonne Oree

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW,LCAS,CCS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Getting to that place in life where true serenity is achieved can often be a difficult and challenging puzzle to solve. What does serenity mean to you? It’s different for everyone. My goal as a therapist is to help individuals and families find out how to make those puzzle pieces come together in a way that fits best for them. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina. I am also a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist and Certified Clinical Supervisor with over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families in both mental health and substance abuse. I am committed to providing a therapeutic environment that will be both supportive and nurturing. I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds to assist them in resolving a multitude of concerns including trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, addiction, self-esteem, relationship concerns and women’s issues. My counseling style is client centered, strength based, and solution focused. I believe in meeting clients where they are, in that moment, without judgment. I take an honest, respectful, and straight-forward approach to service delivery. I utilize evidenced based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma Focused Therapy. Taking those first steps toward a more fulfilling, rewarding, and happier life requires courage. I would love to assist you by providing therapeutic environment where you feel empowered to begin overcoming challenges by utilizing healthier coping mechanisms and thought processes. I look forward to meeting you and working with you!

How to find counseling in Fredericksburg

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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 22404 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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg, 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.

Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg.

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

22401, 22402, 22403, 22404, 22412

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