Even in natural areas where nature prevails, sometimes you need help to overcome these barriers. Luckily, there are counselors in Suffolk that are ready to help you tackle the problems in life.

Suffolk is known for many of the natural waterways, protected natural areas and refuges, and the fact that it was hit by a huge tornado back in 2008. But, just like how the city did, you can always recover from the tornadoes of life, and with the help of a mental health counselor in the area, you can take back your life regardless of the damage that’s happened, and any other struggles that happened along the way.

This is Sara Duckery's avatar and link to their profile

Sara Duckery

Offering therapy in VA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience providing counseling services to adolescents, adults and families. I work a great deal with adolescents and young adults dealing with anxiety, learning issues, depression, ADHD, OCD, self-esteem, anger issues and experience working with military families. I have a Master's Degree from the University of Maryland-Baltimore in Social Work. I completed internships in the school system and hospital system working with children with complex medical needs. I currently am a school social worker in the Washington, DC area. I use a variety of therapy techniques helping my clients reach their goals that are set in a collaborative process. I strongly believe that it is a team approach in helping my client's achieve success in their treatment. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I strive on being honest with my clients and providing a safe environment to express their needs and feelings. My integrative approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy and solutions-focused approach. I will also ask for you open feedback about how you feel our sessions and goals are progressing. I have training in EMDR, TF-CBT and sand tray therapy. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, body combat and boot camp classes, searching for new instant pot recipes and traveling. It is hard to ask for help and you have taken the first step in doing so, so that is one step towards achieving your goals. I am here to support you in your journey to happiness. I look forward to working with you!

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Goldie Oakes

Offering therapy in VA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
17 years of experience

Hello. My name is Goldie Marker Oakes, Licensed Professional Counselor, and I look forward to working with you. My professional clinical career began in 2006 providing treatment in the mental health field. My primary therapeutic modality includes a strong but eclectic therapeutic modality that incorporates a strong clinical perspective using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. If you are comfortable with this approach, I also use a holistic and Christian perspective using Mindfulness and Relaxation Therapy, prayer and scripture. My goal as your therapist is too help you find peace, joy, and happiness in life. My job is to help you learn how to overcome your life events, emotions and experiences that have caused you problems functioning normally, relating to others, or even finding motivation to continue on your life's path. My professional experience with both includes clinical approach with a Christian mindset that includes: • treating clinical concerns such as anxiety, social anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and other clinical concerns. • relationships • self-image, self-esteem, and efficacy • anger management and self-harm behaviors and impulse control My therapeutic approach often incorporates homework such as reading Christian literature or specific scripture, journal and self-reflective writing and practice of specific CBT and DBT strategies outside the clinical setting, at home, and in the community, all of which supports your growth and progress. My goal is for your growth to be internal as you move towards defining or redefining your relationship with Christ. This means a great deal of your progress requires your need to periodically evaluate your own progress through self-evaluation and self-reflection, in addition to my own clinical assessments with your progress. My goal as a counselor is to help you find peace, joy, and happiness in life as you learn to overcome those things in your life that have caused a loss of functioning individually or within the family dynamic. This path is not always an easy one; however, God promises us that we Never have to travel that path alone.

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Natalie Summit

Offering therapy in VA
License: LPC,CMHC and CCMH,LMHC and LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
26 years of experience

In 2019, I retired from a local Law Enforcement agency where I provided crisis intervention services to the community. It was a remarkable 20-year career helping people on "the worst day of my life." Many of those calls for service included assisting individuals and families dealing with mental illness, addiction, domestic violence, sex crimes, child and elder abuse/neglect, and death-related situations (natural, suicide, homicide, and accidental). I learned three things; people are incredibly resilient, desperate to be heard, and open to options when respect and trust exist. My ideal client meets all three. I offer in-home and telehealth counseling. My work and personal history lend themselves well to assist many individuals and families. In addition, I have a particular interest in working with First Responders, both sworn and civilian. If you are interested in speaking with an open-minded, culturally competent, and creative solutions therapist, please reach out with your inquiry or interest. I welcome challenging, complicated, and creative content issues. Thank you. I look forward to assisting you! Specialties: Addiction - Anxiety - Depression - Trauma - GLBTQ Treatment Approach: Brainspotting - Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) - Culturally Sensitive - Family Systems - Humanistic - Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) - Motivational Interviewing - Person-Centered - Positive Psychology - Strength-Based - Trauma Focused

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Dr. Marie Smith

Offering therapy in VA
License: Ph.D.,NCC,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

Dr. Marie Smith I have received a Ph.D. and possess board licensure and certification at the state and national l level, as a licensed professional counselor, counselor supervisor, school counselor: k-12, educator and administrator. I have over 25 years of counseling experience. My clinical experiences have been across the age-span. I have provided treatment in schools, hospitals, clinics, and correctional facilities for adults and juveniles. My scope of professional practice crosses the age span, focusing on societal established transitional milestones and the expectations in which we measure and develop personal self-acceptance through family, peer groups, school, career, and intimate relationships, as we cross various developmental stages. As a veteran educator and administrator, I am able to integrate past and present experiences, with reflective thoughts of how we arrive to our current place, from childhood to adulthood. My educational training also includes the ability to work with individuals previously diagnosed in childhood, young adulthood, or adult acquired disabilities, such as developmental disabilities, ADD/ADHD, impairments in learning: Specific Learning Disability, behavior, including sensory impairments such as autism, and cognitive/intellectual disabilities. Family and couples' therapy is highly advocated, in my practice, when the evidence presents the need beyond individual or online therapy to achieve the articulated counseling goals. Referrals will be recommended, as identified. In the therapy session, the presenting concerns may include, but is not limited to: Coping Skills Anger Management Anxiety Depression Interpersonal Relationships-Teen through Adulthood Adjustment and Adaptive Behavior Concerns Trauma and Resiliency: Adverse Childhood Experiences Divorce, Custody, and Mediation College and Career Readiness Workplace Dynamics Problem Solving Skills

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Timothy Smith

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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. 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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Lora Larcomb

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Pamela Crepps

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
20 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with life changes, & compassion fatigue. 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 can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Elaine Boomer

Offering therapy in VA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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 can take courage, but you'll be so glad you did!

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This is Janice Hembree's avatar and link to their profile

Janice Hembree

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

I am licensed in Virginia with 40 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. 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 Yvette Coronado-Mercer's avatar and link to their profile

Yvette Coronado-Mercer

Offering therapy in VA
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
7 years of experience

Everyone deserves to feel joy and ease by themselves and in their relationships and how they relate to the world or even a stranger. A Holistic Approach - we pay attention to what you need - mind, body, AND spirit. We look at what is affecting you - maybe it's your relationships, what you put in your body, finances, community, or lack thereof... I have been a licensed therapist for 7 years and have been a counselor and a parent of two since the 2000s. I am also an artist, activist, and dancer. You will learn to use your strengths and connections more and build on these while challenging old negative beliefs. I have experience in helping clients through their relationship with their body, sensuality, and self. Learn to connect more meaningfully with family members and friends. Work through intimacy or connection issues. Evidenced-Based Practices - I am fully trained and experienced in EMDR for deep relaxation and decreasing negative self-talk and feelings. The EMDR flash technique can be used for single trauma episodes (a car accident or assault). Purpose and Presence - I also use existential and experiential therapy interventions (rehearsing difficult conversations or getting in touch with the thoughts and feelings in the present moment). Express Yourself! I incorporate, as wanted, expressive arts (journaling, creative writing, art, and dance). Walk and Talks! Healthy movement during talk therapy - stretching and outdoor walk and talks. Usually, we work for a few months weekly together then go down to every other week as we meet your unique and specific needs. I am here to support and empower you in your work toward a preferred life experience. Again, you deserve to feel joy and ease. Schedule your first appointment.

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How to find counseling in Suffolk

Finding the best therapist close by in Suffolk 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 Suffolk. 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 Suffolk, 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk, elsewhere in Suffolk (city), or in the greater state of Virginia.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Suffolk area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk, 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 23438 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk, 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.

Suffolk 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 Suffolk.

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

23432, 23433, 23434, 23435, 23436, 23437, 23438, 23439

Popular cities near Suffolk, VA

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