Find an African American/Black therapist in Lynchburg, VA

Trish Earhart is a Licensed Resident in Counseling with a year of experience in the mental health field. She has worked for 8 years as a middle school counselor and assists children, adolescents, and families with academic, social, and emotional learning services. Her specialties include anxiety, depression, panic disorders, family and parenting challenges, grief, and trauma.

Trish received her Master's in Education in School Counseling/Clinical Counseling from Liberty University. Trish's clinical approaches include mindfulness techniques, systems/family methods, and solution-focused therapy techniques.

Trish believes counseling is a partnership between the client and the therapist to identify areas of need and create workable solutions. She wants to help build your strengths and problem-solve areas of concern by collaborating for optimal success. Reach out today!

Kayla Norris is a Licensed Resident in Counseling with 1 year of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in helping adults and seniors manage anxiety and heal from parental trauma. Kayla also has experience in supporting individuals as they manage depression, adjust to life changes, and recover from traumatic situations.

Kayla received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2024. She integrates a faith-based approach into cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapies to help clients achieve their goals.

Kayla believes that healing looks different for everyone, and collaborates with her clients to help them find solutions for their unique needs. She encourages you to reach out to schedule an initial appointment today!

April Gardner is a Resident in Counseling with 4 years of experience. She works with adults (and their loved ones) dealing with a variety of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia and related disorders. April also has experience working with the incarcerated and addiction disorders. She has worked in settings including hospice care, bereavement, community mental health, inpatient hospital, emergency service, and private practice.

April Graduated from Liberty University with her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She specializes in solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement. April is non-judgmental and believes that together people can impact the world for the better.

You are the master of your future, and April will partner with you to help set goals and take steps to a better tomorrow. No matter where you have been in the past, the path to healing is only a day away. April warmly invites you to schedule an appointment!

Geoffrey Dill (he/him) is a Resident in Counseling (RIC) with years of experience working in the mental health field. He is passionate about providing therapeutic care to clients dealing with shame, specializing particularly in eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ needs, trauma, depression, and low self-esteem.

Geoffrey completed his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and became licensed as a Resident in Counseling in 2023. Additionally, after meeting supervision and educational requirements, he received his credential as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). In sessions, Geoffrey uses an eclectic approach, pulling especially from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CPT), and narrative therapy.

Geoffrey is confident that he will be able to support you on your mental wellness journey by providing a calm, restorative space where you'll be seen and understood and teaching coping skills to confront your everyday challenges. Schedule your appointment with him today.

Kandice Ketterling is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults in a variety of clinical settings. Her professional career consists of providing service with inpatient and outpatient services, In-home services, school settings, and hospice. 

Kandice received both her Bachelor's in Psychology and Masters of Professional Counseling at Liberty University. Her main approach to counseling is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) but also incorporates Gestalt therapy, solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and person-centered therapy to help improve quality of life, self-awareness, and coping skills.

Kandice believes in maintaining a safe space, encouraging each of her clients to share as they feel comfortable. She'll support you as the unique individual that you are, helping you to achieve your identified goals.

Bryan Hunsley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 5 years experience working alongside children, adolescents, adults, and couples who are seeking help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, and crisis intervention. 

Bryan completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Religion and his Master of Arts (MA) in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. He utilizes an eclectic approach toward counseling and incorporates techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy. 

Bryan enjoys providing support and encouragement through the counseling process. He seeks to engage with clients in a meaningful way to help them understand how to move forward in meeting their goals and continue their process of personal growth. 

Christopher is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 3 years of experience working in a variety of counseling settings, including ambulatory crisis stabilization, inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment, and school-based services. Christopher has extensive experience treating clients with mood disorders; anxiety disorders; trauma- and stress-related- disorders; and disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders. 

Christopher completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Randolph College and Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lynchburg College. He believes in the power of strength-based and person-centered approaches to counseling and that providing a nonjudgmental and encouraging environment can help to stabilize and support individuals with a variety of mental health conditions. 

Christopher enjoys forming open and empathetic relationships with his clients and walking with them through their path to healing and actualization. He utilizes elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, anger management, mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy to assist his clients in reaching their goals and improving the quality of their lives.

Megan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia who has 10 years of experience in working with youth, adolescents, and adults in various clinical settings. She has experience in working with depression, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, trauma, relationship issues, stress management and self-esteem issues. Megan graduated from the University of Virginia with her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and obtained her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Longwood University. 

Megan utilizes person-centered, supportive, collaborative, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and mindfulness-based methods to assist individuals with meeting their personal counseling goals. She believes that each individual or couple faces unique challenges and offers a variety of different strategies to assist individuals with meeting personal and relationship goals. 

Megan strives to build warm and supportive relationships with individuals and couples to promote positive growth during services. She believes that everyone has the opportunity to lead full and meaningful lives and should have the opportunity to better themselves!

Rebeccah McCully is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. She has spent time serving in school-based therapeutic programs, including group counseling, school-based outpatient services, and providing individual therapy. Rebeccah has a special heart for supporting women through life's toughest and most transformative moments. With extensive experience working with mothers facing postpartum depression, infertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), she offers empathetic care to help women navigate these challenges. Rebeccah is also skilled in addressing anxiety and depression, providing a safe and comforting space for individuals to explore their feelings and find effective coping strategies. She supports those experiencing infidelity and the pain of betrayal, helping them heal and move forward.

Rebeccah earned her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She uses a holistic and personalized approach to therapy, integrating techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and faith-based counseling.

Rebeccah's counseling style is characterized by empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences. She values cultural sensitivity and strives to ensure that everyone in her practice feels valued and understood. Rebeccah is dedicated to helping her clients find hope, healing, and resilience in their most challenging times.

Christel Hammett is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with children from early childhood to adolescence and their families. She specializes in treating adjustment disorders, anxiety, attachment, autism spectrum-related issues, depression, low self-esteem, chronic stress, trauma, and more. 

She has her Bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from the University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She has experience in outpatient treatment, crisis counseling, and in-home behavioral treatment. Christel utilizes an eclectic approach with a primary approach in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) while also utilizing behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, psychoeducational, and attachment-based approaches. 

Christel enjoys working with individuals to realize their strengths and ability in treatment with the overall goal of working on healing. She encourages self-reflection so individuals can grow from their treatment and move forward with personal growth. Christel focuses on a person-centered approach to improve overall functioning.

Ruth Ware is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Virginia. She is also Board Certified in Telemental Health. Ruth has 25+ years of experience helping adults and those with issues related to depression, anxiety, life transitions, and addictions issues find their way back to the road of recovery and happiness. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Oklahoma State University and received a Master of Human Relations from University of Oklahoma. She also has a Master of Business of Administration. Ruth utilizes collaborative, strengths-based, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based and experiential approaches to therapy to assist clients to meet their treatment objectives. She remains mindful of individual differences and needs in the process and brings years of experience that allow flexibility and alternatives to meet the needs of each individual. Ruth believes in meeting her clients where they are at the moment. She strives to help them to experience a therapeutic relationship that will allow them to grow and change in the direction they wish to go in their life.

Jonathan White is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has 3 years of experience. He has walked with patients through a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, panic disorders, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. He has worked in the adult population with experience in adolescent care.

Jonathan earned a Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Tennessee. He has experience integrating motivational interviewing techniques, Christian counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy with pharmacological treatments. This experience continues to serve him well as he advocates for the well-being of each of his patients.

Jonathan believes that to help someone, you have to first hear them. In meeting you where you are, he believes that there can be healing. He believes in a patient-centered approach that empowers you as the patient to set and achieve goals that result in you obtaining your highest quality of life.

Toy Draine is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. With over 25 years of experience providing career and academic counseling to students, she specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, body positivity, career counseling, work stress, domestic abuse, family conflict, grief, marital and premarital concerns, narcissistic personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, PTSD, and more. Toy works with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan.

Toy holds a Master’s in Public Health from The George Washington University and a Master’s in Counseling and Student Personnel Services from Fordham University. She utilizes a strengths-based, evidence-informed approach to help clients build resilience, navigate challenges, and work toward personal growth and relational harmony.

Life's twists and turns can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed, but you deserve the guidance and support to navigate them. Whether addressing mental health concerns or life transitions, Toy is dedicated to creating a compassionate, safe, and empowering environment for all clients. Take the first step towards a brighter future by reaching out today.

Jesse Byers is a LPC in the state of Virginia. The client-centered and cognitive approach that Jesse uses has shown to be helpful for clients who are facing issues such as, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, addiction, relationship conflicts, infidelity, men's issues, impulse control, life changes, and premarital counseling. Jesse maintains that people are multifaceted and that spiritual, physical, physiological, emotional, and historical factors can play a role in whether we are living healthy, fulfilling lives. Jesse’s aim is to build trust and respect throughout the counseling relationship so that the experience is positive and clients have the support needed to thrive.

Jesse encourages a safe, therapeutic environment so that clients can explore root causes for hang-ups and begin to make conscious decisions for the positive changes that they seek. He provides feedback and gives clinical assessments throughout the counseling process so that you have all the information that you need to track progress and reach your goals.

Jesse believes that every person is made in God’s image, holds intrinsic value, and is worthy of mutual respect and love by others. Therefore, he encourages clients from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, and cultural perspectives to reach out for counseling. He has experience using faith-integrated and psychology-based interventions for therapy.

Lynn Lemon is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 5 years of clinical experience working with adults in the mental health field. Lynn has experience with individuals diagnosed with anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, substance abuse disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. 

She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Lynn’s therapeutic approach, although eclectic, is greatly influenced by Psychodynamic theory. Each client comes to therapy with different needs and Lynn collaborates with them developing a unique treatment plan. 

She believes in order to move forward one must look within and to the past to uncover obstacles preventing change. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also used to assist the client in changing negative thought patterns and exposure therapy is also used to overcome the avoidance of situations causing anxiety.

Lynn believes everyone has value and is capable of living the life they dream of. The environment that one is raised in greatly influences how one feels about themselves and interacts with others. There are unconscious patterns that play a role in one’s ability to make choices that will take them from where they are, to where they want to be. To identify the maladaptive automatic responses is the key to growth and to live the life of ones dreams. 

Katie Amar is a Licensed Professional Counselor Resident with 1 year of experience. She specializes in helping individuals navigate anxiety disorders, depression, relationship issues, grief, childhood and sexual trauma, life changes, identity conflicts, and religion. Katie enjoys working with older adolescents and young adults to explore the roots of their issues. She is most familiar with counseling female clients but welcomes individuals of all genders. Katie fosters strong connections through empathy, compassion, and authenticity to create a safe and supportive space where individuals feel truly heard.

Katie received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive processing therapy, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Katie also offers Christian counseling for those seeking a faith-based approach.

Katie understands that seeking help is a courageous step, and she is here to support you on your journey. She is committed to helping you uncover your strengths and navigate life's challenges. If you're ready to take steps toward a fulfilling and healthy life, Katie looks forward to partnering with you.

Stephanie Pitts-Riley is a Resident in Counseling with 4 years of experience. She is dedicated to helping others navigate life transitions, process grief or trauma, and explore their identity. Stephanie’s ideal client wants to collaborate to regain control of their narrative. Motivated by her own experience navigating mental health, Stephanie is committed to supporting children, adolescents, and adults on the journey toward embracing their authentic selves. She works with all populations, backgrounds, and diagnoses.

Stephanie holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She blends counseling theories and techniques to tailor interventions to meet each client's specific needs. Stephanie offers EMDR, traditional talk therapy, and children's therapies and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

With an extensive background in mental health services and social work, Stephanie effectively advocates for clients in a hands-on manner. She fosters accountability and personal growth by creating a space of acceptance, respect, and kindness. Reach out to start your path to healing and self-discovery!

Jacob Sitton is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has experience working with adults of all age groups and in individual, couple, and group contexts. Though Jacob has worked with clients experiencing a variety of issues and conditions, he most consistently finds himself counseling individuals struggling with chronic anxiety, depression and suicidality, low self-esteem, grief, relational difficulty, and both men's and women's issues. In addition, Jacob has had the privilege of working with clients who are overcoming trauma, battling addiction, or living with borderline personality disorder.

Jacob completed his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. He adopts a collaborative approach to counseling, acknowledging the client as the expert on their experiences. Jacob's role is to help the client foster the awareness necessary to evaluate their experiences free from any unhealthy measures of worth, and to equip them with the tools to respond appropriately to those experiences.

Jacob holds a deep reverence for the resilience and perseverance his clients exhibit by pursuing mental health, and he regularly finds himself inspired by their progress. Even taking this first step toward wellbeing by exploring potential counselors deserves recognition. If you are willing, Jacob encourages you to take the next step as well and reach out.

Danielle Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Danielle specializes in trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and substance misuse.

Danielle completed her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, somatic breathing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy (SFT).

Our trauma impacts us everyday but doesn't have to. Healing is challenging but it is worth the effort. If you're ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

Jeanie Felty is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia who has 12 years of experience providing therapeutic services to individuals in a variety of outpatient settings. She has a passion to support those seeking help with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, perinatal loss and infertility, trauma and adjustment issues, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and life transitions. She is trained in perinatal mental health, trauma crisis response, Christian counseling and is an adoption competent counselor.

Jeanie completed her Master's in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. She utilizes an array of therapy strategies with respect to each client’s unique needs and goals as the foundation of a successful counseling experience. She often uses approaches such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, person-centered, solution-focused, and narrative therapies. She strongly believes in a collaborative treatment process to build a secure and motivating therapeutic relationship.

Jeanie recognizes that the process of therapy can feel daunting at times and is honored to come alongside those individuals who wish to focus their well-being as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of life.

Joshua Kee is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 12 years of clinical mental health experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who have experienced various symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger management, parent/child difficulty, mood disorders, stress management, ADHD, impulse control issues, and family and relationship issues, among others.  

Joshua is highly skilled in building rapport and trust with his clients in order to create an effective therapeutic alliance. He received his Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2014. Joshua utilizes an eclectic approach that is rooted in cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT), dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma-focused cognitive approaches (TFCBT), and mindfulness and meditation-based approaches. 

Joshua works to address negative thought patterns and habits while restoring self-regulation and improving daily functioning. He seeks to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for his clients to achieve their therapeutic goals. 

Ethan Zehr is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 5.5 years of experience in the mental health field. Ethan has worked as a therapeutic mentor, CASA volunteer, crisis stabilization clinician, outpatient clinician, and emergency services clinician in Virginia. He is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their challenges and increase overall functioning. Ethan specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, men's issues, relationship issues, major life transitions, and building mindfulness/coping skills, etc.

Ethan completed his Bachelor's in Religion at the University of Georgia and his Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Ethan utilizes multiple treatment approaches including person-centered techniques (Rogerian), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness.

As overwhelming and unpredictable as life can be, we can all use professional help at times. Ethan meets clients where they are and works to help clients improve their overall functioning. If you are ready, please schedule an appointment with Ethan.