Galax is a center for arts and old-time music, giving residents a wide variety of activities to enjoy. Yet even in such a culturally-oriented town, it is possible to find yourself drifting and uninterested in anything enjoyable. This can often be a sign of depression or other mental health concerns.

If you are suffering from a lack in interest in everything around you, Galax-area counselors can help. These licensed therapists can help you discover why you are listless and help you find meaning in your life. Contact a counselor today.

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Joseph (Joe) Gasperini

Offering therapy in VA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello, my name is Joe Gasperini. I live in Southern Virginia after having grown up in upstate New York and Los Angeles, CA. I am married and the father of eight children ranging in age from 19 to 43. During my spare time I am interested in activities of my children, sports (especially golf), travel, and insight into social behavior. Therapy is a place where you can feel heard in a supportive, comfortable and warm environment. When life is overwhelming and stressful, or relationships are struggling, counseling can help. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, we will work together to help you reduce the suffering you may feel. I want to hear about what is hurting you and stopping you from moving forward in a happy and positive way in your life. Together we will decide on a plan of action to get you back to where you want to be as quickly as possible and develop a way to keep you there. Due to my very diverse background and having gone through many of life's ups and downs myself, I have learned how best to treat a multitude of life's issues. This helps to come up with effective plans to alleviate problems by understanding where you are coming from. My approach to counseling is interactive, down-to-earth and collaborative. I strive to create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment where you feel free to openly discuss whatever issues you feel most important. Together, we can work to give you the tools you need to create the life you want. I have BS degree in Finance and Economics from Syracuse University and a MA degree in Licensed Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I am also a Certified Anger Management Specialist II. I look forward to working with you.

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Orly Katz

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
16 years of experience

Thank you for taking the first step to make a difference. My name is Orly Katz. I am a professional counselor in MD, VA, DC and in NV. I am also a maternal child nurse. My passion for relationships and individual counseling stems from my life’s experience, on the job exposure and advanced continuing education. My professional background started in the late 1970s as a nurse-midwife in Israel. In 1985, I immigrated to the USA and continued working as a maternal child nurse. Although nursing was rewarding, I felt that my work was missing a vital mental health component, that I believed was integral to a holistic approach that I wished to provide for my clients. I later obtained an education in counseling, where I focused on relationships and couples. I facilitated support groups for new mothers, new parents, and worked with children and incarcerated women. My work with a diverse population and in different cultures taught me to accept people without judgment. My pursuit for the most current, research based approaches motivates me to continuously take advanced classes and training, and to read and participate in forums and discussions. This ongoing learning process keeps me updated, while refining and expanding my therapeutic approach. In my practice, I strive to provide you with the most empathetic, yet objective environment where you feel heard, respected and validated. Together, we will collaborate to customize a plan and provide you with the most tested, up to date tools and techniques to get to your desired wish. Your input and feedback are crucial to our work together. What sets me apart from other therapists? Style: My roles as a wife and mother, life experience as an immigrant and professional background all work together by deepening my value and respect for people. I view my clients with great perspective, which allows me to balance an empathetic technique with understanding. With this approach, I am better able to provide clients with direct and straight forward therapy. Clients tend to value this way of “not sugar coating”, or “not hiding behind the bush”. Clients’ Comments: “This is exactly what I need.” Specialty: Focusing on relationships and couple counseling, I am known for getting to the root of the issue faster and assisting my clients in customizing the best therapy for them, through educating them on worthwhile, tested approaches. Clients value this method of “nailing it”, or “getting it”. Clients’ comments: “Coming here is like going to an ivy league school”. Client Led Discussion: Together with my clients we continue to evaluate the therapeutic process. I guide my clients to set their pace and progress with confidence and trust. They feel empowered. Clients’ comments: “It feels good, I am hopeful,” and “We have a road map--we are not going to be in therapy forever”. I look forward to working with you.

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Dr. Sonya Anthony

Offering therapy in VA
License: MSW, LCSW, CCM
Career difficulties
3 years of experience

My name is Dr. Sonya Anthony DSW, LCSW, CCM. I have my Doctoral Degree in Social Work, along with a certification in case management. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 yrs of community mental health experience combined with over 7 yrs of healthcare experience as a medical social worker. I would like to describe my expertise as having an integrated approach to mental health within an ambulatory care setting. My healthcare experience includes short stay hospitalization, long term acute hospitalization, inpatient rehabilitation, dialysis, cardiac rehab, and more. My mental health experience includes psychotherapy outpatient, intensive in home, and mental health skill building. My overall goal is to provide clinical approaches that are holistic while promoting for an environment that integrates behavioral health in tandem with medical services for individuals, families, and groups.

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Shane Lanzo

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionADHD
22 years of experience

I am a clinically licensed social worker in the District of Columbia (LICSW) and in Virginia (LCSW) with 21 years of professional social work experience. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and my graduate degree from New York University. I have experience with helping clients with: depression and anxiety; relationship issues; coping with grief and loss; supporting new parents; providers experiencing compassion fatigue and professional burnout; receiving new medical or mental health diagnoses; life and health changes and transitions; and issues with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience with and find it particularly rewarding to work with young adults/college age adults, new parents, those in the helping/healing professions themselves, and those facing stressful medical and/ or mental health diagnoses. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions to meet the unique and specific objectives and goals that you identify for yourself. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling life takes a lot of courage. It is a privilege to get to know you and to walk this walk with you.

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Krystal Mattox

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, anger management, & 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. 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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Catherine Nakonetschny

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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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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 Gladylu Burgos Lugo's avatar and link to their profile

Gladylu Burgos Lugo

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 18 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 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.

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Ashley Lucas

Offering therapy in VA
AddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with over 15 years of professional work experience with adults and adolescents managing emotional, behavioral, spiritual, and relational issues. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe change and growth is possible no matter what your background or current circumstances. 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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Amanda Frederick

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

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Missouri with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist, leading and directing behavioral health clinics and specialty programs. I have provided comprehensive counseling and case management services for a full spectrum of mental health needs including depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship concerns, parenting and child issues, career challenges, transition and change, resiliency, stress management, sleep hygiene, and health concerns. I have been successful in developing therapeutic relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds, using culturally competent counseling techniques. I use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to meet your unique needs, including cognitive behavior therapy, exposure therapies, and motivational interviewing. It takes courage to seek a happier, healthier and more fulfilled version of yourself, and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that next step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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How to find counseling in Galax

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Galax 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 Galax 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 Galax 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 Galax, 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 Galax 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 Galax 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 Galax 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 Galax 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 Galax 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 24333 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 Galax 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 Galax 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 Galax, 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.

Galax 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 Galax.

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

24333

Popular cities near Galax, VA

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