Discover how starting child therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
12 therapists available in Richmond
Grounded in my own experiences of trauma, recovery, and queer identity, I support clients with empathy, authenticity, and a deep r...
About
Grounded in my own experiences of trauma, recovery, and queer identity, I support clients with empathy, authenticity, and a deep respect for the courage it takes to heal.
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 10 years of experience working in addiction treatment, trauma recovery, and mental health care. I work with adults navigating burnout, identity shifts, grief, and relationship struggles, as well as those seeking clarity after trauma or transition. I support individuals who feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or disconnected and are ready to rediscover themselves in a space that fosters growth, healing, and self-awareness.
I earned my master’s in social work from the University of Arkansas. My approach is trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and mindfulness-based, helping clients feel safe enough to explore what hurts and move toward healing. I strive to create a collaborative, honest space with room for humor, compassion, and genuine connection.
If you’re tired of carrying it all alone, you don’t have to anymore. Healing doesn’t require perfection, just the courage to show up as you are. Together, we’ll work toward building a more grounded, authentic life. I’d be honored to walk beside you as you write the next chapter of your story.
Education and training
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Hi! I am dedicated to assisting you in navigating life’s many ups and downs with compassion and confidence....
Hi! I am dedicated to assisting you in navigating life’s many ups and downs with compassion and confidence.
I am a Licensed Master Social Work Supervisee with 28 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. I have worked with people facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship issues, and I provide compassionate, client-centered care. My focus is on helping you rediscover your strengths, build resilience, and move toward healing. I am committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you feel understood, valued, and empowered to grow.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Springfield College. My therapeutic style includes cognitive behavioral techniques, strengths-based strategies, and mindfulness practices. I strive to provide a supportive environment where you can explore challenges, uncover your inner strengths, and take steps toward meaningful change.
My goal is to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered as you work toward healing. I tailor my care to your unique needs, ensuring you feel heard and respected. Together, we will collaborate to build resilience, foster growth, and create positive steps toward the life you want to live.
As a queer person who has experienced mental health issues in the past, I strive to provide an affirming, safe environment to work...
As a queer person who has experienced mental health issues in the past, I strive to provide an affirming, safe environment to work through mental health struggles.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 2 years of direct clinical experience. I specialize in mental health treatment, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders, and child behavioral challenges. I also have experience providing crisis support and stabilization for children, adolescents, and adults. I strive to create a safe and affirming space where clients feel supported as they work toward their goals.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. My background includes crisis intervention, stabilization, and long-term support for depression and anxiety. I use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, and I strive to offer affirming, queer-friendly care tailored to each client.
I welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. Whether you are seeking tools to manage daily stressors or support through life’s challenges, I am here to provide compassionate, collaborative care. I encourage you to reach out so we can begin building a plan that feels supportive and meaningful to you.
Growing up in a working-class, single-parent home shaped my empathy, and I bring personal and professional experience to meet each...
Growing up in a working-class, single-parent home shaped my empathy, and I bring personal and professional experience to meet each client with authenticity and care.
I am William Watson, a Licensed Social Worker Supervisee with 2 years of experience. Shaped by a working-class, single-parent upbringing, I bring lived experiences and strong clinical training to my work. I support adolescents and adults facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, and life transitions. My goal is to provide steady guidance and practical support as a respectful partner who values honesty, feedback, and collaboration.
I hold a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Arkansas and blend evidence-informed care with lived experience. My sessions emphasize practical tools, steady structure, and clear goals to help clients build confidence and skills between visits.
I know that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. That’s why I focus on creating a safe, respectful space where you can move at your own pace. If you are looking for practical strategies and a collaborative therapist who meets you where you are, I welcome you to reach out because you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
As a young professional woman, I understand the challenges of navigating through life's stressors, transitions, and relationships....
As a young professional woman, I understand the challenges of navigating through life's stressors, transitions, and relationships.
Brittany Spak is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 4 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, and relationship issues.
Brittany completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from King’s College, PA, and received her Master's degree in Counselor Education from East Carolina University. She utilizes a combination of dialectical behavior, person-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative approaches to therapy while finding creative ways to meet an individual’s unique needs.
Brittany seeks to create a caring and validating relationship with you to help assist you in fostering a relationship with yourself and others, building upon your strengths and coping skills, to help you reach your goals while living a fulfilled and meaningful life.
Meredith Golob is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an extensive history working with children, adults, and families dealing...
Meredith Golob is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an extensive history working with children, adults, and families dealing with depression, anxiety, crises, life challenges, and trauma. She is a firm believer in creating a mutually respectful and trusting therapeutic relationship in order to support clients in reaching their goals.
Meredith graduated from James Madison University as a "double duke," receiving her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology and her MA, Ed.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a strength-based counselor, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and person-centered approaches. Meredith has completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method couples therapy.
Meredith is originally from New Jersey. She came to Virginia for school and never went back! In her spare time, Meredith enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, listening to music, and spending time with her pet.
Through many years of experience as a medical and mental health social worker, and many years of pain and growth in my own life, I...
Through many years of experience as a medical and mental health social worker, and many years of pain and growth in my own life, I have become passionate about helping others struggling at various ages and stages of life.
Annette Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 34 years of experience helping individuals, couples, families, and seniors navigate life’s challenges. She specializes in supporting those facing grief, end-of-life issues, chronic medical conditions, and mental health concerns. With decades of professional and personal experience, Annette offers compassionate guidance and a safe space for growth, healing, and hope.
Annette earned her Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University. She integrates her clinical expertise with empathy, focusing on client-centered approaches that foster resilience, reflection, and meaningful connections. Her background equips her to guide clients through change with clarity and care.
Annette believes every person deserves support during life’s transitions. Her passion lies in helping clients find strength through struggle and rediscover purpose. Whether you are coping with pain, seeking clarity, or ready to fine-tune your life and relationships, Annette is here to walk alongside you on your journey.
I collaborate with my clients to promote healing in a safe and affirming space....
I collaborate with my clients to promote healing in a safe and affirming space.
Sharon Looney is a Supervisee in Social Work with 1 year of experience in in-home, outpatient, and clinical care. They specialize in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, depression, neurodivergence (including OCD, ADHD, and ASD), and PTSD/trauma. Sharon also provides care for major life stressors including domestic and relationship issues, gender dysphoria/transition, and grief. Sharon has experience with behavioral interventions, crisis stabilization, case management, and individual psychotherapy.
Sharon received their Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. They utilize strategies from dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based practices to create a personalized experience.
Beginning therapy may not be an instant fix for life’s challenges, but it is the last step you’ll have to take alone. Sharon is ready to walk with you in this next stage of your recovery. Schedule your initial appointment today!
As someone who has worked on understanding my own identity and personal challenges with mental health, I understand the importance...
As someone who has worked on understanding my own identity and personal challenges with mental health, I understand the importance of seeking support to help better one's quality of life.
During his professional years as a clinical social work therapist, Graeme Biddle has had the privilege of working with several populations, including clients with terminal illnesses and their family members, as well as children and adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral instability. Graeme enjoys helping clients identify tools to cope with anxiety, depression, and anger. He also has experience helping clients understand life transitions, as well as better understand periods of grief and loss.
Graeme completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as his Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon College. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) through the state of Virginia. Graeme provides a calm, validating approach to therapy, while also remaining direct, and encouraging self-accountability. While using a strengths-based perspective, Graeme utilizes several clinical modalities including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
The process of beginning therapy can be scary and overwhelming. Graeme will strive at helping provide a safe space and facilitate a collaborative approach to help you feel valued and in control of your treatment. Schedule an appointment with Graeme to begin the steps of accomplishing your personal goals.
Paula O’Leary is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in the mental health field for 15 years in a variety of ...
Paula O’Leary is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in the mental health field for 15 years in a variety of settings, including outpatient, school, community-based, residential, hospital, and correctional settings. Paula specializes in treating depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, substance use, and other issues. She completed her master's degree at Cardinal Stritch University. Paula has also completed additional training in trauma and has obtained certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
Paula uses an integrated approach, which may incorporate the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, person-centered, solution-focused, and mindfulness, with a focus on each individual’s specific needs and goals. She believes in creating a safe, supportive space for individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment. Paula will assist individuals in building insight, in exploring past experiences and the impact they may be having on their current functioning, and in developing healthy ways to manage stressors. She recognizes that seeking services can feel overwhelming, but welcomes the opportunity to support you in this process.
As a clinician, I understand that individuals have different backgrounds and experiences that make them unique....
As a clinician, I understand that individuals have different backgrounds and experiences that make them unique.
Marissa Bell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and families address their unique challenges and needs. Marissa has a diverse professional background working with individuals of different ages and needs. She specializes in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorder, trauma, and major life transitions. Marissa completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Marissa is very passionate about supporting and guiding others in finding solutions and overcoming challenges. Marissa utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, person-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Despite the challenges and situations that happen in life, Marissa is confident that she can support and empower individuals through navigating life challenges. Marissa can support others in developing coping skills and establishing goals. If you are ready to start therapy, schedule an appointment with her today.
As someone who has experienced the impact of mental health challenges, I provide a unique perspective, level of understanding, and...
As someone who has experienced the impact of mental health challenges, I provide a unique perspective, level of understanding, and empathy towards others.
Victoria Staten is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience. She has experience practicing in a variety of clinical settings providing both inpatient and outpatient mental health services to both adolescents and adults. Victoria focuses on helping. She has experience treating individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, traumatic experiences, adjusting to life changes, challenges within relationships, and low self-esteem.
Victoria received her Master's degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Radford University. Victoria utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), and more.
Victoria wants you to know that even though you are the only one who can take steps towards taking back control over your mental health, you do not have to take those steps alone. Schedule your session today.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is to offer rapport-building activities. This helps strengthen trust in the therapeutic process. I enjoy implementing interactive games in therapy to help kids visualize some of the important topics and issues discussed.
I teach the following tools in child therapy:
I know a client is making meaningful purpose in child therapy when they are able to emotionally regulate themselves better and interact well in their relationships.
The client can supplement their time in child therapy by practicing some of the tools reviewed in sessions to help with emotions and thought processes.
To prepare for their first child therapy session, a child can talk to a trusted adult to voice their feelings or ask questions.
Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks Richmond.
Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in Richmond, VA have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.
It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.
Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in Richmond, VA is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.
Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
There is no greater pain for a parent than a child who is not well, whether physically or emotionally. Worrying about your son or daughter can make every day nearly unbearable. It can be difficult for you, as a parent, to think about much else. Your fears and concerns may have been building for some time and you cannot ignore them any longer. Perhaps there is an intense and immediate event in your child’s life that is extremely concerning and you feel unprepared to cope or help your child recover.
Unfortunately, when dealing with emotional or psychological problems, this is not usually the case. Some problems in life require the help of a professional. Seeking professional help for your child may be the best way to help them face the issue. Thriveworks Richmond child therapists and psychologists are happy to help today. Reach out today to get started.
The reasons to consider therapy for your child vary depending on the child’s age. Dealing with a trauma for a toddler is significantly different than dealing with this same issue with a teenager. A trained child therapist can work with any age child, using different techniques to communicate with them, identify the problem, and work towards a solution.
Common reasons to pursue child therapy may include:
You may have read this list and not immediately seen your child’s problem. Thriveworks Richmond child therapy can still help. It may be difficult to clearly identify the problem for you as a parent, but you know your child would benefit from therapy. This is the first step in helping your child live a more full, happy life. Realizing that you and your child need help coping with a trauma, or establishing new ways of communicating, is an important step in the healing process.
There are many unique and important ways that a child therapist can help deal with the problems of this age group. As any parent knows, talking with a toddler is very different than talking with a teenager. A trained counselor or therapist will use several techniques to find what works best for your child.
These methods of child therapy may include:
A combination of methods is often used to best treat the combination of problems and issues that a child presents in the office. We will work with your child to find what works best and helps foster clear communication and progress.
Our child therapy professionals are ready and able to help you and your child. They have experience dealing with the same issues you and your child are grappling with right now. They are ready to help with whatever your child is dealing with, whether big or small.
At Thriveworks, we pride ourselves on not operating with a waiting list. We have appointments available in the next week. We also offer evening and weekend sessions, and we accept most major insurances.
We are ready and able to help you and your child process and cope, and function and thrive in home and school. Call Thriveworks Richmond child therapy at 804-554-0356. It would be our honor to walk with you on this journey of healing.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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