Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Richmond, VA (Shockoe Bottom)

"It is my honor to listen and guide you as you embark on your journey of self-discovery, change, and gaining new skills and perspectives to thrive in your life."

Megan Essex is a Licensed Resident in Counseling with 2 years of experience. She specializes in helping individuals navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and trauma. Megan has worked in a psychiatric treatment facility as well as outpatient settings and blends her education, life, and professional experience to aid clients in easing emotional pain and gaining perspective. She is passionate about helping others address their unique challenges and explore the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Megan completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regent University. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and person-centered therapy.

Megan is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and supported. She will meet you where you are and build a strong therapeutic relationship to help you grow. It takes courage and humility to ask for help, and Megan is here when you are ready.

"I understand the importance of individualized treatment as every client is different and deserves the opportunity to have a say in their goals and life."

Emily is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8 years of experience in the field of behavioral health. Emily has experience working within acute and residential mental health settings. She is passionate about the holistic approach, recognizing the effect of life's experience on the body, and individualizing treatment to each of her clients. Emily specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, and major life transitions.

Emily is an England native who has resided in Virginia for the last 21 years. Emily completed her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. Emily utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, motivational interviewing, rational emotive therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Emily believes in the importance of recognizing how one's body experiences emotions in order to understand how to move forward in life.

Emily is confident in her abilities to work together toward each client's goals. Emily will create individual treatment plans with techniques specialized to your needs. Emily is honest in her sessions and will assist in guiding you to reach your full potential.

"As a counselor, I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental, empowering, and empathetic space for my clients to grow in their goals and gain the skills/tools to manage their depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and major life transitions."

Amanda Steiner is a Resident in Counseling with 5 years of experience in the mental health field. Amanda specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, religious trauma, and major life transitions. Amanda is passionate about assisting clients in finding internal safety, meeting their individual goals, and breaking cycles of generational trauma.

Amanda completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health from Regent University. As an artist, painter, quilter, gardener, baker, and coffee enthusiast, Amanda enjoys incorporating art and creativity into her therapeutic approach. Amanda utilizes multiple treatment approaches including person-centered, family systems, and attachment-based therapies, as well as mindfulness. Amanda strives to create a safe and empowering environment as she partners with clients to achieve their therapeutic goals and navigate life's challenges.

Amanda believes your story is important and worth hearing. If you think Amanda is a good fit for you, schedule an appointment with her today!

"As a survivor of many different life experiences, I am able to work with clients and understand the challenges that life can often bring them. "

Stephanie Tingler is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 7 years of experience in the counseling field. She is extremely passionate about walking alongside clients and providing the support and tools to help them reach their personal goals and live the life they desire.

Stephanie completed her Master's degree in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. She has experienced many different mental health challenges and knows what it’s like to work through them and experience true happiness through hardship. She utilizes a variety of therapy methods including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), attachment-based therapy (ABT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Stephanie wants to help you take the first step to healing and living your best life. She looks forward to helping you gain new insight about who you are and help you learn ways to use new tools to reach your goals and grow in your own strength. If you’re ready to begin your journey schedule an appointment with her today.

"As an African-American female, I understand the presenting issues of financial and racial disparity, cultural bias, and intergenerational issues."

 Vanessa Johnson is an LPC and Certified Substance Use Counselor for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Vanessa offers over 30 years of experience in helping individuals with physical, emotional, and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, and substance use. She has worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified Substance Use Counselor with the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is also an Ordained Minister experienced in pastoral counseling.

Vanessa facilitates the growth experience for her clients using strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, and reality counseling to assist her clients with the issues they are presenting. She is compassionate and respects the individuality and cultural backgrounds of her clients. Vanessa has the ability to establish a healthy rapport with her clients, understanding it takes courage to ask for help.

“I believe counseling is a partnership with the counselor and client striving to achieve a healthy life purpose for self,” says Vanessa.

"I am a trained mental health professional."

Dr. Naharia Holt-Elliott is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor (LPC, CSAC, NCC, ACS) in the state of Virginia with more than 10 years of experience. She is also a mother and Army veteran who specializes in helping adult clients and families that are having difficulties managing stress and anxiety, struggling with coping skills, anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, combat, substance abuse, family and relational issues. 

Dr. Holt-Elliott offers cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectal behavioral therapy, and cognitive processing therapy, depending on the client's needs and preferences in sessions. She treats each family and individual as unique, offering individualized care that aims to empower each client to succeed, and remain motivated to change. 

With Dr. Holt-Elliott's assistance, individuals and groups alike can receive professional support and guidance during hard times. After all, that's when a mental health professional like Dr. Holt-Elliot is most needed. 

"I have a strong passion for helping individuals process their experiences and learn how to better navigate their world. I strive to position myself as a constant learner who practices in collaboration with you to help meet your needs."

Dana Crone is a Resident Clinical Social Worker. Her clinical experience includes work in inpatient hospitalization, community-based treatment, and outpatient treatment. As a queer-identified POC, she understands the unique issue of identity exploration and intersectionality. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Dana specializes in racial identity, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and borderline personality disorder.

Dana completed her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.

We all go through challenges in life. Dana is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. She believes that the client is the expert in their life experiences. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today!

"As a woman and a person of color, I understand the need for diversity, inclusion, and equality."

Sharane Leabough is an LCSW Supervisee who has more than 6 years of experience. She has worked with children and their families in both mental health and child welfare capacities. Sharane specializes in serving individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, child therapy, coping skills, family conflict, as well as career and mental stress. Sharane desires to work with pre-teens, teenagers, and adults who are willing to engage in the therapeutic relationship. Sharane is open to working with children, as she has experience serving children and their families.

Sharane obtained her Master's degree in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. Sharane incorporates multiple modalities when serving clients, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. She also incorporates compassion, emotional, faith-based, and culturally sensitive approaches.

Sharane enjoys working with clients to identify their needs and goals. She has made a commitment to be present for her clients through each stage of the therapy process. Sharane believes that it is essential to recognize that clients are the experts in their own lives, and she is ready to help clients identify solutions to overcome their current struggles.

"I believe there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so I meet each client where they are while working to improve their strengths and address weaknesses."

Heather Hiner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 7 years of experience. She specializes in assisting adults and seniors who have a range of concerns including chronic illness, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, relationships issues, parenting challenges, behavioral problems, as well as mood and personality disorders. Heather also has expertise in working with the geriatric population.

Heather received her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and also holds a Master's degree in Health & Wellness Counseling from Liberty University. Heather has previous experience in Crisis Intervention, Medical Social Work, and Disaster and Recovery Services. Heather utilizes a variety of clinical approaches that are targeted to client needs including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and mindfulness-based methods.

Heather truly believes in assisting others in meeting their goals and has a desire to partner with clients to help them have the greatest success. Heather feels that it is important to assist others in identifying their strengths to overcome all of life’s challenges, and is ready to help you achieve a higher quality of life.

"I meet the client where they are, with what they are experiencing. It's about what the client feels they need in that moment."

Gina Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has 8 years of experience working with adults who suffer from a wide range of mental health concerns in various settings. Gina specializes in treating depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, anger, stress, chronic health concerns, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Gina completed her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Temple University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) with a clinical concentration at the University of New England. She utilizes a cognitive behavioral, mindful, motivational, and strengths-based therapeutic perspective to partner with each client for empowerment towards living the most authentic and emotionally healthy life. 

While searching for a therapist for her own family member, Gina experienced firsthand the difficult and overwhelming process it was. Her goal is to provide a safe, judgement-free environment where clients can feel heard, valued, and comfortable to identify and process any challenges they may be facing during these unprecedented times. 

"As a woman who has overcome multiple life challenges, I want to assist you with resiliency. I'm going to meet you wherever you are currently and help you thrive"

Tammy Simms is a supervisor in Social Work who has worked in the mental health field for 10+ years, working with children as young as age 5 and adults up to age 99. She enjoys working in the mental health field assisting individuals in managing life issues including grief, anxiety, depression, anger, PTSD, and trauma.

Tammy completed her Master of Social Work at Our Lady of The Lake University. She is a widow and has experienced loss, and she understands the struggles of moving forward toward resilience. Tammy utilized various treatment approaches including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and family system therapy.

We all come from different walks of life and may have similar, yet different, challenges or struggles. Tammy is confident she can support you by meeting you where you are currently in your journey, and help you move forward toward growth. If you are ready to take this journey, please schedule an appointment with her today!

"I care too much about you to ever judge you; let's put some puzzle pieces together as a team!"

Alexandra “Alex” Cromer is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 4 years of experience partnering with adults, families, adolescents, and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma-related disorders. Alex completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Virginia Tech and her Master of Education (MEd) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the College of William & Mary.

Alex utilizes relational, collaborative, strength-based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, person-centered, and emotionally-focused approaches to therapy, always maintaining the creativity, flexibility, and awareness necessary to best meet the needs of every unique client. She seeks to establish a warm and caring relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths and better collaborate with you towards meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.

"I understand the issues and struggles that many of us face, and I have a gentle but direct approach for those seeking services."

Kirstie James is a Supervisee in Social Work with 1 year of experience providing individual counseling to children, adolescents, and adults. She works with children through difficulties centered around behavior and emotional awareness, and with adults seeking grief support, stress management, and help adjusting to life transitions. Kirstie’s goal is to empower individuals to develop autonomy and self-reliance via an environment that provides safety and security. She offers active listening, reflection, and interactive feedback to her clients.

Kirstie received her Master of Social Work from Walden University. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques. Kirstie makes the therapeutic environment fun for children by incorporating games and offers a calm, relaxed, and open environment for adults.

Kirstie is a warm, vibrant, and understanding therapist willing and eager to assist clients through the triumphs and difficulties of daily life. She will help you break down goals into manageable steps and support you every step of the way. Reach out to Kirstie today!

Justin Michaud is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LCPC) with over 7 years of professional experience working with clients of all ages to help them cope with family conflict, couple's issues, PTSD, trauma, depression, stress, and more.

Justin served as a Director of therapy services at a residential program for young adults and has seen some of the lowest valleys that patients have walked through, and sat with them in that valley so that their loneliness was not so daunting on the journey of empowerment and recovery. They have also seen patients on the highest peaks of their life and stood with them as they basked in their triumphs of empowerment and recovery.

Justin can be the guide that you need when you feel lost along your journey through life and would be honored if you allow them to help you achieve the mental health you desire.

"As a systemic therapist, I know that taking the first steps towards change may be the hardest steps you take in life, but you don't have to explore your path alone."

Sara Kuntz is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of professional experience working with clients of all ages who are struggling to manage conditions or issues related to postpartum depression, academic-related problems, low self-esteem, sex, sexual orientation, chronic stress, and women’s issues. 

Sara graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Art Therapy from Seton Hill University and continued her education, receiving her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hill University, as well. Since graduating, her education has given her opportunities to take mental health jobs in a variety of different specialties. Sara has been able to own her own practice, work as a mobile therapist, and prides herself on being a positive, compassionate, hard-working therapist who strives to help clients develop a strong sense of self-awareness.

Sara will help you to recognize the impact of systemic influence as you work towards a more functional, fulfilling life with her professional support. Through meaningful sessions that put an emphasis on personalized care, you can start developing a stronger sense of self-purpose and clarity. 

"As a first-generation Haitian American who understands the complexities of cultural identity and the importance of support, I am committed to creating a safe and compassionate space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered on your journey toward healing and growth."

Tamara Joseph is a Supervisee in Social Work with over 8 years of experience supporting at-risk youth, families, and adults facing challenges including depression, anxiety, behavioral health issues, substance abuse, chronic illness, relationship difficulties, adjustment disorders, parenting challenges, and mood and personality disorders. She also has significant expertise in working with the geriatric population, and her background includes crisis intervention, medical social work, behavioral health, and substance abuse recovery. Tamara is deeply committed to helping her clients achieve their goals and uncover their potential.

Tamara earned her Master's in Advanced Clinical Social Work from the esteemed Delaware State University. Utilizing approaches tailored to each client's needs, Tamara incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based methods.

Tamara understands that reaching out for help can be daunting and is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where clients can share their experiences without judgment. Tamara invites anyone seeking guidance to take that first step toward healing and growth, knowing that together they can work towards a brighter future.

Amanda Buff is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor (LMHC-NCC) with nearly 10 years of clinical experience helping people in search of therapeutic support and guidance as they work through life obstacles. She specializes in helping clients who are faced with depression, codependency, anger, low self-esteem. addiction, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and more.

She earned her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Monmouth University in New Jersey and takes a therapeutic approach that is individualized to the client, family, or couple to ensure their needs are addressed properly from a caring and empathetic place. Some of her approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strengths-based, solution-focused (SFT), mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy techniques (DBT). 

Amanda comes from an empathetic and compassionate perspective, to help you improve your sense of well-being. She will strive to help you recognize your personal abilities to overcome challenges in your life, and collaboratively develop a plan to achieve your personal and therapeutic goals.