Shameka Clark-Savage
Hello All, My name is Shameka Clark-Savage and I was born and raised in Virginia. I completed my undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts & Education and Masters of Education in School/Community Counseling at Virginia State University. I completed my internship providing outpatient therapy for a Christian Counseling organization where I worked with an array of disorders and life changing situations. I also worked at The James House which is a domestic violence shelter/safe haven for individuals who have experienced physical abuse or sexual trauma at any point in their lives. Throughout my counseling experience I've had the pleasure of working with individuals experiencing grief, depression, career changes, relationship concerns, and stress related issues. I've worked with individuals with diagnoses of Bipolar, Major Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and Schizophrenia. My strengths are I am very resourceful and really take pride in helping individuals access those resources. My Therapeutic approach focuses on the Cognitive Behavioral Approach. I thoroughly believe that if you can change the way that you think and approach a situation then you can change the behavior and outcome. I love when my clients are able to find the happy medium and able to function at their best potential possible. With the twists and turns of life you may find yourself having difficulties juggling it all or maintaining your sanity. Let me help you figure it out. Your mental health is vital and I'm glad that you have taken the time to focus on your self-care. I look forward to working with you through your process.
Hannah Hall
Hello! What a brave step you are taking in searching for a counselor to walk with you on your journey! I know it can be a hard and sometimes frustrating step to take, but it’s important to take care of yourself! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and have been counseling for over ten years. I earned my Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University. I have experience working with adolescents, children, and adults in individual, family, couples, and group settings. The issues I have the most experience working with are anxiety and stress, depression, trauma, and family and parenting issues. The things that influence my counseling the most are a person-centered environment (respect and working together toward goals and treatment), attachment-orientation (focusing on your relationships and how people have shaped you), trauma-informed and body-based approaches (realizing that so much of our life is affected by our experiences and how our body experiences things). I believe that it is important to be aware of how our body experiences life and emotions. I emphasize becoming more aware of how our reactions, emotions, and way we are in the world are reflected in our bodies and how turning our focus here can help us heal! I have particular training in trauma and resiliency, play therapy and parenting techniques, energy anatomy and soul psychology, and nonviolent conflict transformation. I received my undergraduate degree in Peace, Justice, and Conflict studies and Art, so I lean on those disciplines as well. I am experienced in talk therapy, expressives, play therapy, Focusing, energetics, and body-based interventions. Together we can take the next step toward healing and wholeness!
Angela Thomas - Jones
Taking the first step of signing up for therapy is courageous. I am honored to join you in this part of your journey. I am licensed in New Hampshire, Maine, and Virginia with three decades of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients cope with addictions, career challenges, exploring authentic self, and life transitions. I also specialize in working with compassion fatigue. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I work directly with my clients to establish a schedule of appointments. This means my availability is not seen on the BetterHelp calendar. Also, since migrating onto the telehealth platform, I have noticed it is a good idea for me to schedule "no screen" time in my calendar-- this has become essential for my well-being and ability to remain fully present with my clients. Therefore, it is important to know I am typically not available from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday morning. I look forward to working with you. Most kind regards, Angela
Emily Franko
I am licensed in Massachusetts, Ohio and Virginia, with 15 years of professional, clinical 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.
Amanda Dodd
I am licensed in Virginia with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression and anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, and many more. I can provide faith-based OR secular therapy. I am also a kink-friendly, poly-friendly, sex-positive therapist. 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. I am here to support you on the journey to a more fulfilling and satisfying life, whatever that may look like for you!
Farah Westbrook
Thank you for taking the time out to view my profile. Finding the right therapist to meet your individual needs is a very important step and I am hopeful that I will be able to assist you. I find great passion in assisting my clients in meeting and surpassing their full potential. After I obtained my Bachelors degree in Psychology, I continued my education and received a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am licensed in multiple states, a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider. I have experience with working with individuals of all ages, ethnicities, races, religions, sexual orientations, and genders. Although I use multiple counseling techniques (Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, etc) in order to meet my client's individual needs, my work with clients is primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy perspective. I believe that the connections between rationality and emotion as well as mind and body are essential in accomplishing behavioral change through logical thinking. Becoming more aware of damaging automatic thoughts and acquiring the ability to revise cognitions impacts one’s behaviors and ultimately may lead to positive change. In addition, I hold a great appreciation for the unconscious and the power it has over one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The intimate process of making the unconscious conscious is a fundamental step toward growth, development, and change. Being able to recognize how unresolved conflicts from the past influence the present and manifests in unhealthy cyclical patterns gives one the power and confidence to take control. It is my belief that therapy is an intense, engaging, rewarding, and collaborative process. One of the main purposes of therapy is for one to gain a deeper understanding of self by exploring personal experiences, perspectives, and expectations. Regardless of the presenting issue, I provide my clients with a high level of respect, honesty, and genuineness. After successful completion of therapy, it is my hope that my clients will be able to incorporate what will be presented throughout therapy sessions into multiple life circumstances.
Clatoyia Andrews
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia, Delaware and Maryland. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral health services to adults and teens with a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and family issues. My experience is varied and across settings. I have provided individual skill building services to those with serious mental illness, facilitated groups in school settings and provided brief psychotherapy intervention through telephonic and emergency room settings. I tend to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy and Strengths-Based Therapy. My therapy style is pretty laid back. I have been described as supportive, caring, and compassionate, with a pretty good sense of humor. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now, and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. A top priority for me is to meet you where you are and adjust my approach to what will work best for us as we work together. EDUCATION Masters of Social Work NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY 2016
Laura Ferriola
I am licensed in Virginia with 4 years of professional work experience. I have been in the mental health field for 20 plus years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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.
Gayle Bradley-Starkes
I am licensed in District of Columbia, Maryland, & Virginia with 29 years of professional experience as a mental health therapist. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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 takes courage and commitment. I am delighted that you chose to get started to move forward on the pathway to your personal growth. I am here to support you in that process.
Antoinette Goss
Greetings! my future counselees. I am Antoinette Goss, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Trauma Therapist, National Certified Counselor, and a Substance Abuse Counselor. I use various types of evidence based clinical approaches to therapy such as, Cognitive behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing Therapy, Solution focus Therapy, Client Centered therapy and any other models that would meet the specific needs of the client, family teen or couple. I bring not just book knowledge, but my shared life experiences, in order to bring hope and healing to your struggles. My hope is that you will allow me to come along side you to give you tools, resources , and support that will help you enjoy your life again.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Pulaski
Finding the best therapist close by in Pulaski 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 with therapists in Pulaski that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Pulaski. 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 with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Pulaski, 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 for therapists. 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 therapists able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Pulaski region and in the state of Virginia. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Pulaski or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Pulaski therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Pulaski area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find Pulaski 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 Pulaski, elsewhere in Pulaski, or in the greater state of Virginia. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Pulaski area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Pulaski therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Pulaski due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Pulaski may not take health insurance, some therapists 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Virginia you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.
How is a licensed therapist on this Pulaski online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Pulaski, 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 Pulaski psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Pulaski 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 while working with BetterHelp therapists. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Pulaski helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched with one of BetterHelp's therapists today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified Pulaski 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.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 Pulaski therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Pulaski?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Pulaski 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions in Pulaski therapy sessions.
Pulaski therapists 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 Pulaski 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 Pulaski 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 psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in VA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 24301 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Pulaski counselor?
Before seeing your Pulaski 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. Pulaski therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Pulaski.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Pulaski 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 with a Pulaski counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Pulaski, 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.
Pulaski 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 during telehealth appointments?
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 for Pulaski, Virginia
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 Pulaski 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 to customer service 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Pulaski:
24301