This is Lydia Peters's avatar and link to their profile

Lydia Peters

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW,LMSW
Family conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

My name is Lydia Peters, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia. I earned my Masters of Social Work degree from Adelphi University. I've worked in many different settings with different populations. I possess a vast amount of experience with the elderly along with individuals living with developmental disability, traumatic brain injury (TBI), mental illness, chemically addiction, homelessness, individual’s accused of sexual offense or sexually deviant behaviors , children identified as medically frail, adults admitted to acute medicine & Veterans. My experience has taught me that the most important aspect of counseling is building connection in order to share guidance through difficult situations. A healthy therapeutic alliance brings forth a different perspective & additional support. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental in my role as a therapist. I will continuously honor that role , respect confidentiality and support an open and honest working relationship. Let's work together towards your success.

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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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Menzo Faassen

Offering therapy in VA
License: LPCC
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Hi, my name is Menzo Faassen. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Tennessee and New Mexico. I received my B.S. in Psychology in 1999 from Middle Tennessee State University and I received my M.S. in Community Counseling from Austin Peay State University in 2009. I work full time in Richmond, Virginia (moved here in January of 2022). I am working for a community mental health center as a therapist. I have worked in community mental health and addiction treatment centers since 2007. I have worked with adults and teenagers with trauma, addiction, depression, grief/loss and LGBT issues. I am also a proud member of the LGBT community. My approach to therapy starts out with the basic Rogerian (person centered approach). But, I also incorporate Psycho dramatic techniques (but I can only do this in a video session) into my approach. Psychodrama is a combination of counseling and theater and is often referred to as Shakespearean Psychology. I start where you are. I believe that you are the expert on you and that this is your therapy not mine. So I will tailor my approach and style to what your goal (not my goal) is. I can be as directive as you need. I can function well dealing with thoughts and emotions, looking for solutions, and even a look into reality. A few things to be aware of: 1. While you can send messages to me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you may not get an immediate response. Depending on what time you sign up, I could be sleeping, eating, or working with another client. I do respond within 24 hours of getting a new client and often will respond sooner, but you will probably not get an instant response from me. Bear in mind that I do have a full time job that I work during the day. I am not able to respond between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM (Eastern Standard Time in the US). Please be patient with this. 2. Prior to beginning therapy I request that you send me your home address and phone number. If you prefer you can send a copy of a photo ID. I request this information for a few reasons. The first is so that if there is an emergency (you present with a plan to hurt yourself or somebody else, or I suspect there is child abuse involved) I can alert the authorities in your location. It is also my ethical duty to assure that I am licensed to provide services in the state you reside. 3. Sending messages back and forth is fine, but you will get more value out of BetterHelp if you schedule a live chat, phone or video session with me. You can do that by selecting the schedule session on the right hand side of the screen. 4. It helps to have a goal in therapy, so one question that I will ask is "what do you want to get out of therapy" or "what brought you to therapy". I only ask so we have a direction to go. 5. The more information I have about you the better. So, in way of introduction, some things you may want to share include (your childhood information, any traumatic events, previous relationships, current relationships, work history, family background/relationships, your previous therapy experience, etc.). In other words, use the first message to give me the autobiography of you. I have been in counseling myself and know how scary it can be to enter into the process and I try to make this as comfortable as possible. I look forward to walking with you as you begin this journey of healing and transformation.

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Juanita Stokes

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and in Washington, DC. I have a MA degree in Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University in Arlington, VA and a MA in Religious Studies from Howard university School of Divinity, Washington, DC. I have more than 10 years of experience in helping clients (Individuals and couples) with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I take a person-centered approach to therapy to help the client increase self-awareness, respecting the individuality and uniqueness of each client. I believe self-awareness is key to staying on top of your typical reactions to specific events, challenges, and people. As a retired US Government, GS-15 Deputy Director, I am also familiar with workforce issues. 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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Damaris Vanderhall

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
15 years of experience

What sets me apart from other counselors is my ability to meet the client “where they are”…Whether that is a client with a severe and persistent mental health disorder or a client that I only meet with for a few brief sessions to help them work through a “tough period” in their lives. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been working in the behavioral health field since 2005. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cedar Crest College in 1998 and my Master’s In Social Work from Kutztown University in 2010. I have worked as a therapist on a multidisciplinary treatment team in inpatient facilities and outpatient clinic settings. I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy which has been proven effective in changing thought process and/or behavior to get more out of life. Simply stated – life isn’t black OR white and we often miss the importance of approaching things from a “gray point of view”. Thinking dialectically has changed how I communicate and handle stress and I embrace every opportunity to teach those skills to those who need them. Depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and communication issues, addiction (your own or a loved one’s) are just a few of the things I have focused on with clients throughout my career. I feel grateful every time I have an opportunity to work with someone who trusts me enough to be vulnerable and willing to allow me to help them reach their goals.

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Jennifer Kem

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW
Grief
10 years of experience

I have lived in Nevada since 1996. I am aware of community resources. I am a licensed clinical social worker, licensed in the State of Nevada. I have a bachelor's and masters in social work. I then completed my clinical internship working with children diagnosed with (SED) Severe Emotional Disturbance and their families and supportive team. I have counseled children ages 4-18 and their families, attending interdisciplinary and team care coordination meetings. Issues included but were not limited to depression, anxiety, grief and loss, foster care/adoption. I have worked with clients facing imminent immigration and deportation issues. My undergraduate internship was in hospice and a local community resource center. I have worked with the senior and disabled population, providing active listening and resources and connections to supportive services in their communities. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Darlene Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Darlene Smith

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Mary Callender's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Callender

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Fonda Lyles's avatar and link to their profile

Fonda Lyles

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with depression. I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy approaches in practices to support clients in overcoming difficulties that are preventing them from living productive and satisfying lives. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Yumi Lemaster's avatar and link to their profile

Yumi Lemaster

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW 4004,64031
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
9 years of experience

No one in life is perfect, including me! Being able to identify, relate and empathize with you as my patient is probably one of my greatest strengths. The special relationship formed between you and I, ensuring trust, confidence, and ability to truly work through the issues are of utmost importance. I believe everyone has something to work through in their lives. By providing evidence based therapy and unconditional positive regard, I have been very effective in my treatment history. I will always begin where you feel you need to go in therapy and allow you to guide me in your struggles, what you need most and what you desire to gain from therapy. This is a two way relationship and feedback throughout the therapeutic process will only enhance the therapeutic relationship towards your goals. I wish for you to find the inner peace and strength that I know everyone has within them and to be able to achieve and live the life that makes you feel truly alive! As for some information about myself, I am a retired Army social worker and love that I have had the ability to work with Soldiers throughout a multitude of issues to include PTSD, depression, anxiety, phase of life issues, grief and loss, marital counseling, substance abuse, domestic violence intervention, parenting skills, and adjustment issues. My background and strengths are in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Prolonged Exposure and other desensitization therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and Supportive Therapy. I like to provide psycho-education and lots of coping skills, self-reflective, and other psychological tools to allow patients to learn and grow via hands-on materials. Growth comes with constant practice and application of the things we learn. I hope you will allow me to be part of your journey and I look forward to meeting you.

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How to find counseling in Pennington Gap

Finding the best therapist close by in Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap. 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 Pennington Gap, 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 Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap, elsewhere in Lee, 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 Pennington Gap area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap, 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 Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap 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 24277 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 Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap, 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.

Pennington Gap 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 Pennington Gap.

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

24277

Popular cities near Pennington Gap, VA

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