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

"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 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 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 am committed to providing an empathic, warm, and judgment-free space where you can feel understood and empowered."

Alex Johnson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of experience. She works with clients 18+, and specializes in anxiety disorders, depression, self-esteem issues, and ADHD management.

Alex has her Master's in Social Work from the University of Michigan. She holds a child welfare certificate from Michigan State University and has experience in crisis intervention, foster care systems, and trauma-informed care.

Alex believes therapy should be collaborative and rooted in trust. She creates a warm, judgment-free space and focuses on building strong therapeutic relationships as the foundation for meaningful change.

Amanda Hunt 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.

"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. 

"I understand how life’s demands and challenges can affect every part of us, and I provide a supportive partnership to help you navigate those seasons with clarity and confidence."

I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with 7 years of experience providing care in outpatient, inpatient, and telehealth settings. I support individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and life transitions. Many of my clients seek clarity, symptom relief, and practical strategies to feel more balanced and in control.

I earned my Master of Science in nursing from Walden University. I provide thoughtful medication management paired with supportive, solution-focused care. My approach emphasizes education, shared decision-making, and realistic goal setting, grounded in evidence-based practice tailored to each person’s needs.

Seeking help takes courage, and you don’t have to navigate this alone. I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where we work collaboratively to improve symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and build lasting emotional wellness. When you’re ready, I’m here to support your next steps forward.

"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.

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.

"I know therapy takes real vulnerability, so I bring my full, authentic self to meet clients with connection and meaningful change who are looking for more than just someone to nod along."

Victoria “Vic” Tedrow is a Licensed Professional Counselor Resident with 5 years of experience. She specializes in trauma-informed care, identity exploration, and navigating life transitions. Vic is experienced in helping emerging adults and professionals manage anxiety, relationship struggles, OCD, and self-esteem challenges. Her ideal clients may feel stuck or disconnected from their values, finding themselves people pleasing, or stuck in self-criticism, and are ready to do the deep work of healing, creating healthier ways of being. Vic creates a compassionate and collaborative space for growth, clarity, and lasting change.

Vic earned a Master’s in Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University. She integrates parts work, emotion‑focused modalities, family systems, and psychodynamic approaches to help clients experience change, untangle shame, rebuild self‑trust, and reconnect with their authentic voice.

Vic understands that starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you’ve struggled to feel seen or loved. She offers a compassionate, real space where your needs truly matter. If you're ready for warmth, honesty, and an engaged partnership on your journey, she'd be delighted to get to know you.