South Boston is a small town full of southern charm, friendly people, and a beautiful downtown area. Living in this Virginia town leaves most residents feeling very lucky. But not everyone is experiencing the rewards of this small town living because mental wellness issues are getting in the way. If you're struggling with difficult issues, you don't have to do it alone.

Reach out to a South Boston-area mental health professional to work through stress, difficult relationships, family issues, depression, anxiety, other mental illness, addiction, and anything in between. A qualified therapist or doctor can help get you back on the road of enjoying small town living in beautiful South Boston again.

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Tara Bowles

Offering therapy in VA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
12 years of experience

Hi! I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland with over ten years of experience providing counseling services to children, teens, adults and families coping with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief/loss, trauma and substance abuse. I am originally from California where I received my undergraduate degree at San Francisco State University. My master's degree is from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond VA. My therapy approach is open, compassionate, focused and goal oriented. I am passionate about helping people recognize and build on their strengths to become the very best versions of themselves. The right therapist fit is a key element in a successful therapy experience, and I want to be that for you.

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Sherry McClanahan

Offering therapy in VA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

I believe that each one of us has unique life circumstances and that the counseling process should meet your specific needs. My style is straightforward and compassionate. My focus is on identifying your strengths and helping you to recognize your potential. I employ a client-centered approach in a collaborative effort with you to foster hope and the positive change that you desire. I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and a solution focused, strength-based approach. I work with individual adults and couples. I have worked with individuals facing issues of trauma, loss, physical and sexual abuse, and domestic violence for over 25 years. I have extensive training in complex trauma and a great deal of experience working with adults who have experienced childhood trauma My goal is to provide an open and welcoming environment for all. This is an LGBTQ safe place. My practice hours are 5pm-9pm Monday - Friday and 10am - 1pm Saturdays. I generally can respond at least once per day and sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time. Please remember that BetterHelp (or sister site!) is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services or go to your local emergency room.

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Brian Preston

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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.

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Katrina Lewis

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, career difficulties, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I believe that we all have within us the capacity to live fulfilled lives and often need just a bit of support to get there. Therapy is for everyone and can help with all different stages of life.

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Angela Meadows

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, Anxiety
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience working from youth ages 4-17 and adults ages 18-60. I have experiences primarily working with individuals with anxiety, depression, adhd, trauma, and personality disorders. I am religious/spiritual and can compliment that side of your needs if you so prefer. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Tiarra Currie

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia with over 5 years of experience providing individual therapy to clients with varying presenting problems and clinical presentations. My speciality areas have been working with people who present with symptoms of depression, anxiety, symptoms consistent with experiencing trauma, as well as those dealing with different moments of grief and loss. My therapeutic approach treats the therapeutic space as collaborative as well as intuitive. Therapy is about the content of the session as well as the process the therapist and the client create together. I look forward to working with you and I admire your journey to vulnerability and healing.

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Charlotte St. Juste

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in New York, Virginia and Maine with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Alec Spergel

Offering therapy in VA
License: MSEd,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
3 years of experience

My name is Alec Spergel and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in D.C. with 5 years experience in the field. I work with children and adults facing a wide range of mental health issues from anxiety and depression to complex trauma. The approach I take to counseling is through the lense of Narrative Therapy, which focuses on evaluating our values and beliefs and restructuring our "story" to fit the people we are and the people we want to be. I also utilize solution focused and cognitive behavioral techniques to help readjust our thoughts and behavior. Ultimately, I like to get to know my clients and find out what works best for each and every individual. Reaching out and asking for help is always difficult. It's a process that asks us to be vulnerable which, at it's core, takes unbelievable courage. I hope we can do that together and find ways to achieve your desired outcome.

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Nathalie Mizelle-Johnson

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

I am licensed in North Carolina and Virginia with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Shelby Mitchell

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficulties
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

How to find counseling in South Boston

Finding the best therapist close by in South Boston 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 South Boston. 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 South Boston, 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 South Boston 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 South Boston 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 South Boston, elsewhere in Halifax, 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 South Boston area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed South Boston 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 South Boston 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 South Boston 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 South Boston, 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 South Boston 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 South Boston 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 South Boston 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 South Boston 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 South Boston 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 24592 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 South Boston 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 South Boston 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 South Boston, 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.

South Boston has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of South Boston.

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

24592

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