Thank you for visiting my profile. I am so encouraged that you have taken the most important step toward addressing issues of concern, the first step. My name is Karen Eldridge. I joined the counseling field a little late in life though many would tell you that makes me experienced at this thing we call life with its' many twists and turns, good times and bad. I believe that my life experience, and work in other professions has prepared me to walk with clients to address a wide variety of concerns. I use a wide paint brush so to speak of my counseling style that is centered solely on genuineness, responsibility and accountability. I want my clients to be as comfortable talking to me as they would to their closest, and most trusted friend rather than a professional so very far away. I believe that together we can push aside the fear and embarrassment that too many people associate with therapy to develop a collaborative partnership to discover hidden desires and talents that will allow you to live your life with purpose and passion. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Virginia's College at Wise and a Master's in Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College. I have a PhD in Psychology from Capella University. I earned my National Certified Counselor (NCC) designation in 2013, and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) designation in April 2019. I have experience counseling adults and couples. In my free time I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

Therapy should be interactive and dynamic and this is generated from focusing on a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach with a strong grounding in Strengths Perspective. A variety of issues to include Depression and Anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, men's issues, and personality disorders are areas in which I have particular experience in treating. The relationship between therapist and client should be one of trust and competence and it should promote open communication and honesty for change to occur. My clinical experiences began in acute psychiatric treatment facilities and have taken me through a variety of environments and populations to include adolescents as well as adults. I feel the therapeutic relationship can produce change through hard work and guidance as well as creativity and persistence. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important foundations for change. The following information regarding Live Text Chat sessions is important ..please read over!!! Please take some time to read through the following guidelines. For optimal experience please be sure to have either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox installed as your browser or have the BetterHelp app on your mobile device. Please be sure to log into BetterHelp at the time of your appointment and remain on the therapy page - your therapist will initiate the live session. If your live session hasn't started even when you are logged in and are on the therapy page, message your therapist to let them know you are ready. Live sessions are usually 30 to 50 mins (please check with your therapist). Please be punctual so you can get the most out of your time with your therapist. If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, please do so up to 24 hours prior to your session start time. This will free up your therapist to help other members.

There are times in life when we face personal, professional, or relationship challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about ourselves or our choices. Hello, I am Dr. Marcela Mejia, a bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Florida and Virginia. I have been working in the field of clinical psychology, for over 25 years. Working in both clinic and private practice settings; I have extensive experience with an array of populations and their mental health challenges. I specialize in helping adolescents and adults understand and manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma related issues. It is my experience that the best results come when a therapist and client work as a team, focusing on specific goals. It is the therapeutic alliance that brings healing and helps to create momentum to accomplish your goals. It is essential that you find a psychotherapist with whom you feel comfortable discussing the important details of your life. I am committed to providing a nurturing environment and helping you develop coping skills so you can unlock your creativity and thrive, becoming the best version of yourself. I have extensive training in a range of modalities including, cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, strength-based, mindfulness-based, and humanistic therapies, and motivational Interviewing. I focus on each individual holistically, studying your point of view at all stages of the treatment through assessment of your current emotional and mental state. I offer my knowledge, experience, and expertise to help you find peace of mind, unload your suffering and pain, renew your sense of hope and freedom, and make healthy choices to move toward a full, authentic, and harmonious life. I find my work deeply rewarding and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.  Congratulations on your decision to take charge of your life and be who you are. I appreciate your courage and look forward to assisting you on this journey. You don't have to do this alone. specialties: • Depression • Anxiety / Stress • Trauma and PTSD • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder • Anger management & Communication • Relationship issues • Grief / Loss • Drug and Alcohol Addiction / Abuse • Coping with Life transitions (i.e., divorce, becoming a care giver, job loss, re-establishment sense of self / identity)

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.

I am a professional counselor with 27 years' experience previously licensed in Florida, currently licensed in Virginia. I started my career in substance abuse and codependency. I have worked with all populations on the issues of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, domestic violence, and dual diagnosis. I am a certified parents of divorce instructor for the state of Virginia. Change is hard, but rewarding. It is difficult to make change, tell people your story or go on a different path. Everyone's journey is at a different pace. Let me help you on yours. I look forward to working with you.

I have 30 years experience as a counselor. I have worked in many different environments including, private practice, local mental health clinics, inpatient mental health and substance abuse clinics. I work with people to help them be the person they are and become the person they want to be. I am a real bearded Santa but am not religious. I related to the natural world in a way that I describe as spiritual, although it may not be what most people consider to be spiritual I served in the US Army both active duty and National Guard. I am a Vietnam Veteran with a total of 23 years service. I was a MFLC and worked with active duty soldiers and airmen for several years mostly at Fort Bragg but other facilities as well. I am married, have four children and eight grandchildren.

I am licensed in Virginia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

Hello and thank you for reaching out, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia who received my Bachelors and Master’s degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University (NSU) School of Social Work. I am a retired Chief Petty Officer with 20 years of active duty service, grew up in the Washington D. C. area who recognizes and embraces difference and ethnic diversity. I am well known for being an extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and caring mental health professional who has worked with clients including active duty military and Veterans with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. My clinical experience includes the use of Solution Focus, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, and other evidence-based theoretical models and perspective. My counseling style is warm, interactive but, straight forward. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My goal is to provide World Class Service, collaborate, and empower you, the client, and build upon what is working for the client by using various therapeutic models and perspectives tailored to meet the clients individual and specific needs. I am here to support and assist you as you work towards reaching your desired goals. I look forward to working with you!

I am proud of you for taking this first step toward improving your situation! Have you been in therapy before and found it helpful, but weren’t quite ready to make all the changes you wanted in life? Are you ready to do the work and face your shadow side? Looking for a therapist who can be honest and direct with you so you will stop self-sabotaging and get out of your own way? Then come learn some new skills with me! As a professional who has been in therapy before, I understand it’s not always easy. Therapy can be quite beneficial, but there are times it will require a lot of deep self-reflection, hard work, patience, time, and the uncomfortable reality of facing the parts of yourself that aren’t so nice. In fact, there are moments you may not like therapy or even me! I will be honest with you and not just tell you what you want to hear, but of course compassionately. This is a safe space, with no judgment. Therapy does require getting outside one's comfort zone, and while this may seem intimidating and scary at first, I assure you, you don’t have to be afraid because you’re not alone; I am here to guide and support you through the process of your healing journey. Don’t let your fear, anxiety, depression, grief, attachment trauma, or any other issues continue to prevent you from making the changes you want in your life. More than likely, these thoughts and behaviors protected you at some point in time, but now they’re running your life and making you feel miserable instead of happy. Don't be a victim of your circumstances. Once you come through the hard parts you will be all the better for it as you transform into the person you always knew you could be! As an INFJ, Enneagram 4, self-identified HSP, and Pisces, I have all the feels! I enjoy utilizing my strong empathy with a holistic (mind-body) approach to therapy, combining solution-focused & strengths-based techniques along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and alternative methods such as progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, breathwork, and cultural sensitivity, etc. I am a certified yoga instructor (CYT-200) and am working on my certification in Integrative Mental Health. My style of therapy is more direct, yet collaborative, so I like to ask thought-provoking questions, offer feedback, and provide practical tools for you to work on outside of the session as well as expect you to engage in sessions and have a say in what we talk about. I can only help you when I know what is going on in your life and you attend sessions consistently. If you are motivated to do the work and take that next step, I am here to encourage and empower you! One of my main approaches is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is a short-term therapy technique that can help people find new ways to behave by changing their thought patterns. The goal is for you to continue using these tools long after therapy so you can become your own support. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Minnesota and Virginia with over 9 years of experience working as a mental health counselor. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, English, and Theater minor from Dartmouth College and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Bethel University. I have extensive experience as a school-based therapist working with PreK-12th graders and their families. I have also worked in private practice and online settings providing therapy to teens and young adults. I have worked with a wide range of clients of varied ages with various concerns, including stress/anxiety, low self-esteem, anger management, identity development, codependency and attachment issues, life transitions, depression, grief/loss, social anxiety, and insomnia. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), and Experiential Play Therapy. I am still growing experience in complex trauma (C-PTSD), crisis intervention, self-harming thoughts, and the use of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) tools for emotional dysregulation.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who believes in empowering others to succeed. I have 12 years of experience providing both Christian and Non- Christian counseling. I also believe that establishing a rapport is paramount during the therapy process, and once created, I will identify and utilize the most effective therapeutic approach that will maximize your time, as well as allow you to reach your therapeutic goals. This includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Crisis Intervention Strategies, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychotherapy. l have experience working in both individual and group therapy settings. I am described by former clients, supervisors, and colleagues, as a person who is caring and compassionate, with a known reputation for establishing a good rapport with others and treating all with respect, with a focus on expressing the dignity and worth of all individuals. Since obtaining my Master's Degree in the year 2013, I have devoted my time to developing my skills as a therapist and to increasing my knowledge of issues pertaining to mental health and human behavior. I am currently pursuing my Ph. D degree in the field of Social Work with and specialty focus on Crisis, Disaster, and Intervention as they pertain to human behavior. I would like to thank you as well as, commend you for taking the first step toward becoming the best version of yourself. I look forward to working with you! Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Mironda Womack, a licensed therapist. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on my name on this page. I generally check my messages here a few times per day, Monday -Friday, and respond as quickly as I can. I appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer, as I may be tending to other members or professional/personal responsibilities. I would also appreciate it if you would take the time to read over the telemental health informed consent form and afterward, submit a statement with your full legal name, DOB, and current state of residence, a statement indicating that you agree/confirm the terms and conditions of the form, along with an attachment of your driver's license or photo ID. TELEMENTAL HEALTH INFORMED CONSENT: I understand that the service provided through BetterHelp is not intended for crisis situations and urgent needs. While my therapist, Mironda Womack, LCSW (VA LCSW #0904013707) is a licensed therapist in the state of Virginia, Better Help services and/or online or text-based services may not be the best avenue for me to receive mental health care. If the use of this site or online services is not appropriate for my situation, I understand that my therapist will assist in providing me with additional options of in-person referrals where I can obtain care. VERIFICATION OF IDENTITY AND LOCATION AT THE TIME OF THE SESSION: I understand and agree to provide my therapist with a COPY OF A VALID PHOTO IDENTIFICATION, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport, at the start of our work together. This is to verify my identity including my legal name, date of birth, home address, and proof of VA state residency. If my address on the submitted ID is not included or is not current, I will provide my clinician with my current correct address with proof. I agree to provide my clinician with a phone number to reach me in an emergency, as well as an emergency contact name and number. I understand that there will be no recording of any of the online sessions by either party. All information disclosed within sessions and written records pertaining to those sessions are confidential and may not be disclosed to anyone without written authorization, except where the disclosure is permitted and/or required by law. I understand that, for safety reasons, my therapist will NOT meet with clients in a moving vehicle, and that failure to comply will result in the session being canceled. I understand that if I am having suicidal or homicidal thoughts, actively experiencing psychotic symptoms, or experiencing a mental health crisis that cannot be resolved remotely, it may be determined that telemental health services are not appropriate and a higher level of care is required. IN A CRISIS SITUATION, I AGREE THAT I WILL EITHER: TEXT: You can text the Crisis Text Line by texting “Help” to 741-741 PHONE/VOICE: Call the Crisis Hotline via phone at (800) 273-8255 You can also call your psychiatrist, primary care physician, or medical/mental care providers for assistance IN PERSON: Go to your nearest emergency room for in-person help if you are in an immediate crisis. I understand that my confidentiality is fully protected by law with the exceptions of these circumstances: If my therapist has concerns or suspicions of abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, someone with a disability, or someone otherwise unable to care for themselves. If I present as a risk of harm to myself or others in the professional judgment of my therapist. If my therapist is legally compelled through a subpoena or court order in any court proceedings regarding my care (This is extremely rare, and if it were to happen, we would discuss it thoroughly.). If I choose to sign a Release of Information form. I have read, understand, and agree to the Client Terms of Service at https://www.betterhelp.com/terms/ 70 THIS INCLUDES UNDERSTANDING AND AGREEING THAT: My Better Help clinician cannot provide, verify, or produce reports related to the clinical diagnosis of a mental health condition. While trained to do so, services of this nature must be provided outside of the Better Help site/services at the discretion of my provider. My Better Help clinician cannot provide proof of attendance at, or reports regarding progress in, the use of the site, or services provided through the site. This includes documentation for court, custody agreements, employers, or any other party. My Better Help clinician cannot provide letters of support for Emotional Support Animal designations (or ESA.) I understand that I can seek out online therapy services from another therapist other than Mironda Womack, LCSW or another clinician OUTSIDE of Better Help if I have needs for clinical diagnosis, biopsychosocial assessment with diagnosis (including psychological testing), or referrals for treatment that come from the legal system, child welfare services, or my employer, and may require documentation or proof of attendance. PRIVACY OF SESSIONS: I understand that the privacy laws that protect the confidentiality of my protected health information (PHI) also apply to telemental health unless an exception to confidentiality applies (i.e. mandatory reporting of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult abuse; danger to self or others; I raise mental/emotional health as an issue in a legal proceeding). If having a “live” session with my clinician, my clinician will ensure my privacy by being alone at the time of sessions, as well as having “white noise” devices playing in the meeting space. I understand that I am solely fully responsible for the privacy in my own environment for meetings. To ensure the greatest privacy, my clinician recommends: Ensuring that I am alone in the room I am meeting Using headphones for phone and video sessions whenever possible Muting the microphone (or turning off apps) that listen to my environment, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Siri on Mac devices, or Bixby on Samsung devices If possible, place a Bluetooth speaker or device outside of the space I am in that plays “white” noise or music to mute any options of hearing me speak during sessions. Scope/Location of Practice I understand that my therapist is ONLY able to work with clients who reside in Virginia full-time. This is a legal requirement for their clinical license to practice, and they will not jeopardize their licensure status by violating this rule. If you are quarantined out-of-state, traveling, working, or residing at college outside of Virginia, please let your therapist know at the start of your work together. There may be some exceptions that can be made; however, you must be a primary resident of Virginia. RISKS AND BENEFITS OF COUNSELING: I understand that there are risks, benefits, and consequences associated with telemental health, including but not limited to, disruption of transmission by technology failures, interruption and/or breaches of confidentiality by unauthorized persons, and/or limited ability to respond to emergencies. I understand that the privacy laws that protect the confidentiality of my protected health information (PHI) also apply to telemental health unless an exception to confidentiality applies (i.e. mandatory reporting of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult abuse; danger to self or others; I raise mental/emotional health as an issue in a legal proceeding). First and foremost, I can’t help if you aren’t here! In making an appointment, you are committing to that time for yourself to the exclusion of others. If you must CANCEL an appointment, you must provide NO LESS THAN 24 HOURS' NOTICE. Failure to cancel in advance may result in changes to the type or frequency of sessions your clinician is able to offer. To gain the most from the therapy process, it’s helpful if you are honest about your commitments to self-examination, understanding, and our relationship. This includes any concerns you may have regarding services or with me. I want to serve you well and appreciate any feedback you may have that will help me to do so. Unwise applications of new learning are a common risk in therapy (e.g. being too harsh when learning to assert yourself) as well as feeling as though you are regressing when feeling vulnerable. Therapy is a process that is often like taking three steps forward and one step back at times, but the overall momentum should be forward. Talking openly about this can help minimize stress about this process. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of others that participate in your counseling sessions, such as in family therapy sessions. In marital therapy, secrets between spouses work against successful outcomes; in this regard, your counselor is not obliged to keep secrets of one spouse from the other spouse. It is best to avoid abrupt terminations from counseling and to honestly discuss, preferably by video or phone, the reasons for your desire to end care or transfer to a different clinician. This method can maximize growth and health at these times. TERMINATION OF SERVICES: If you do not interact with me for a period of time (either through appointments or messaging back and forth), I cannot ethically continue a treatment relationship with you. Sometimes I am not the best fit to work with a client for a variety of reasons (personal fit, clinical experience, schedule availability, etc.) Clients can decide to end services or change counselors at any time, however, it is in your best interests to let your therapist know you are doing so in advance. If you’d like to switch counselors within Better Help, you can do so by clicking on the icon in the top right corner of the “Counseling” page and choosing “Change counselor” from the drop-down menu. Make sure you specify in the feedback to support what you are looking for that is different. If you have any trouble with this, please reach out to Support at Contact@betterhelp.com. Know that if you decide to take this action, you will lose all written correspondence with me at that time on your client dashboard. To cancel your BetterHelp subscription, contact Customer Service via email (contact@betterhelp.com) or online at https://www.betterhelp.com/contact/ and ask them to cancel your account altogether. If you cancel your account and decide to return at a later date, Better Help will prompt you upon logging in about whether you would like to return to work with me or find a different therapist. Please know that while I am happy to resume working with you at a later time, this is subject to my availability to see new or returning clients at that time. If you do not cancel your account or request a new therapist, you will continue to show as an “inactive” client on my caseload whether or not you are logging in to the site or participating in services or not. Please note that your agreement for counseling services with me is considered no longer valid once you have not been in contact with me here for a period of 30 (thirty) calendar days. Exceptions to this are only made in the discussion of clear dates and plans between us on a case-by-case basis. On the Better Help site/app, I will continue to send you this same message regularly until you either: 1. respond and resume contact with me, 2. change therapists, or 3. cancel your account. Thank you. BY PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING REQUESTED INFORMATION VIA A MESSAGE YOU ARE LEGALLY AGREEING TO THE TERMS OF THIS FORM: I HAVE READ AND FULLY AGREE TO THE CONDITIONS AND TERMS OF THE CLIENT INFORMATION FORM, ENTER THE DATE THAT YOU AGREED, ALONG WITH YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME, DOB, CURRENT STATE OF RESIDENCE, FULL ADDRESS, COPY OF A CURRENT PHOTO ID OR DRIVER'S LICENSE, ALONG WITH A STATEMENT STATING "I ALSO AGREE TO NOTIFY MY CLINICIAN OF ANY CHANGES PERTAINING TO THIS INFORMATION AND UNDERSTAND THAT MY CLINICIAN WILL DO THE SAME".

As a licensed therapist serving Massachusetts and Virginia, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore their unique challenges and strengths. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, with a particular focus on addressing stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship dynamics. My therapeutic practice is deeply rooted in understanding individual experiences, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals, those struggling with social anxiety, and people working through life transitions. I'm committed to helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, and overcome feelings of isolation or disconnection. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I support clients in addressing a wide range of concerns—from workplace stress and interpersonal challenges to personal growth and healing. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, gain insight, and create meaningful change at your own pace. I approach each therapeutic relationship with genuine empathy, respect, and a belief in your inherent capacity for growth and transformation. Together, we'll work collaboratively to help you navigate your unique journey toward emotional well-being.

I am licensed in Maryland with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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.

I am licensed in Virginia with 34 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, & 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!

As a licensed therapist in Virginia, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, improve communication skills, and find meaningful connections during life's challenging transitions. I have extensive experience supporting individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem challenges. My therapeutic work focuses on addressing isolation, life purpose exploration, and healing from significant life changes such as divorce or trauma. My practice is deeply rooted in creating a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and develop resilient coping strategies. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I'm committed to walking alongside you as you rediscover your inner strength and build a more fulfilling life. Whether you're experiencing panic attacks, processing past trauma, or seeking to understand yourself more deeply, I'm here to provide thoughtful, personalized support that honors your individual path and potential for growth.