This is Charlotte Whipkey's avatar and link to their profile

Charlotte Whipkey

Offering therapy in WV
License: LICSW
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

We will get along well if you are a problem aware individual who is looking for ways to build relationship with your emotions. You want to quit overcoming, conquering, strategizing AT your emotions. You are now ready to get to the root cause of what is troubling you, to experience long term change and learn to show up from an authentic place.

This is Ashley Hutchens's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley Hutchens

Offering therapy in WV
License: LICSW,ACSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

Welcome! For the last seven years, I have been working in a community mental health setting with all ages and backgrounds. In doing so, I have gained experience in bettering the lives of people with depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, relationship issues, family conflicts, self-esteem issues, addictions and many others. My passion for counseling is driven by the small changes that lead to remarkable discover. In using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, your thoughts will lead the way in new behaviors and an improved mood. My care and compassion helps others feel safe and comfortable when expressing themselves or when providing a trauma narrative. Social work is at my core, allowing us to find solutions that create harmony for you, your health, your family, your goals, your community, and your enjoyment.

This is Kristina Wiley's avatar and link to their profile

Kristina Wiley

Offering therapy in WV
License: MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
19 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in West Virginia with over 19 years of experience working in the mental health profession. I have worked with a wide range of clients whose concerns range from depression and anxiety to complex trauma and compassion fatigue. In addition, I have counseled individuals with relationship issues, low self-esteem, self-injurious behaviors, grief, addiction concerns, and many others. My counseling style is authentic and collaborative. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, and equality. My counseling approach blends cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, rational-emotive, dialectical behavioral, motivational interviewing, and trauma informed approach. I will modify our dialog and treatment plan to meet your specific needs. If you desire to have a happier and more satisfying life, you should take time to discuss your concerns with someone who will listen and who cares about your mental health. I am here to give you the support you need. I look forward to working with you.

This is Erin Krusec's avatar and link to their profile

Erin Krusec

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2008 in WV and PA with significant clinical experience in a variety of settings including inpatient, residential and community treatment. My clinical experience includes working with clients who present with mood and related disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety, trauma and stress related disorders, gender responsive treatment, healthy communication skills, substance abuse issues and other mental disorders. I utilize integrated therapeutic approaches to include Trauma-based treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Strength-based Therapy. I tailor my treatment to what is most helpful to you based on my training and experience. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Tiffany Stock's avatar and link to their profile

Tiffany Stock

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio and West Virginia with more than 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss and other difficult issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I work very hard to make sure our dialog and your treatment plan meets 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 mainly provide live chat sessions, phone calls and asynchronous messaging.

This is Anthony Locascio's avatar and link to their profile

Anthony Locascio

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in West Virginia with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & career difficulties. 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.

This is Jennifer Ratliff's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Ratliff

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Hi, I'm Jennifer Ratliff, MSW, LICSW. I have worked in the social work field for over 25 years, with experience in protective services, foster care, adoption, as well as in adult and juvenile probation. I'm experienced in serving couples, adults, teens, and families. I am currently licensed in the State of West Virginia. I have experience treating individuals experiencing stress and anxiety, relationship issues, communication problems, depression, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and confidence. I've been married 24 years and have 3 children, I understand the struggles of marriage and parenting. I love the outdoors and all things water. I live near the Greenbrier river and enjoy kayaking, swimming and fishing. I'm also an animal lover and have 3 dogs, 2 cats and a rabbit. My family are active members of Bethesda Church and are involved in our community. I believe that you are the expert of your story, and its OK to need help navigating this changing, confusing and at times harsh world. I have found everyone possesses strengths / gifts that will assist you in overcoming the 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 and I look forward to getting to know you better.

This is Katy Schoen's avatar and link to their profile

Katy Schoen

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficulties
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I hold a license in West Virginia with 3 years of professional work experience. I graduated from West Virginia University with a B.A. in Psychology, Southern New Hampshire University with a M.S. in Developmental Psychology, and a M.S. degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University. At this time, I am only able to provide services to West Virginia residents who are currently in the state of West Virginia at the time of service. I am unable to see non-West Virginia residents and West Virginia residents who are outside of the state at the time of service. I do not provide Christian-based counseling or work with anyone under the age of 18 years old. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert on yourself and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. My counseling style is laid back and compassionate. I enjoy using a sense of humor in my sessions. I like to focus on identifying your personal strengths and helping you to utilize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you work through difficult things so you can make the most appropriate decision for yourself at this time in your life. I 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Keith Welsh's avatar and link to their profile

Keith Welsh

Offering therapy in WV
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
23 years of experience

PLEASE NOTE: Presently I am only available for unlimited messaging but am not available for live appointments except very sporadically when I have cancellations week to week with my full caseload of clients. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified EMDR Therapist. My primary specialties are treating general and specific anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, "imposter syndrome," anxiety which has led to depression, and confidence issues. I am also well versed in coaching, relationship dynamics, parenting, and family history complications. I am a very solution focused therapist with the notion of helping you achieve emotional wellness and happiness in your life as soon as possible. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice at Shippensburg University where I graduated Magna Cum Laude and as the Distinguished Military Graduate. I served six years as a Commissioned Officer in the US Army and later spent eleven years in the private sector employed by behavioral health companies. I earned a Masters in Social Work from Temple University, entered private practice and practiced traditional talk therapy including cognitive behavioral interventions, marriage and relationship counseling, family counseling, group therapy, and EMDR therapy.​ I later spent two years working as a therapist and administrator for an International Mission agency based in the UK. While living, traveling and working in fourteen countries on five continents, I gained experience with mental health interventions across cultures in treating trauma, depression, anxiety and PTSD. ​During this time I evolved my practice into specializing in EMDR Therapy which I have practiced now for 22 years and virtually since 2016. In 2018 I became a Senior Executive Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. I am honored to serve our all clients including Veterans as I am also a Veteran myself and enjoy serving people from all walks of life. I continue my clinical practice virtually from Pennsylvania and Delaware serving clients all over the United States and around the world, having treated clients on every continent so far except Antarctica!

This is Helen Farrah-McGrail's avatar and link to their profile

Helen Farrah-McGrail

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
35 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with a myriad of issues, but especially stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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!

How to find counseling in Chesapeake

Finding the best therapist close by in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake, 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake, elsewhere in Kanawha, or in the greater state of West Virginia.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake may not take health insurance, some in the state of West 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 West 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 Chesapeake, West 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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 WV, 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 25315 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake, West 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.

Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake.

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

25015, 25315

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist