Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Virginia Beach, VA

"My goal is to help clients reach their best potential by exploring their abilities, strengths, and talents, which may be hidden or weakened during difficult times."

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in anxiety therapy, stress counseling, depression counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and academic issues. I meet people where they are with an open heart without judgment and walk by their side through pain, grief, confusion, and frustration towards recovery with compassion, empathy, care, and support.

I completed my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at South University and received my PhD from Regent University. I believe that everyone is unique and therefore use a holistic approach, encouragement, and active listening to promote hope, growth, and harmony in your therapeutic journey.

Gwendolyn Fisher is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has over 3 years of experience helping children and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, bipolar, oppositional defiance, trauma, PTSD, family relationships, and crisis stabilization.  

Gwendolyn earned her Bachelor's degree from Virginia Wesleyan University and her Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Gwendolyn utilizes collaborative, positive regard, solutions-focused, cognitive behavioral (CBT), person-centered, mindfulness-based, and emotionally-focused approaches to meet clients where they are, and to promote a more meaningful life.

Gwendolyn seeks to empower clients by helping them meet the goals they desire in life. With her assistance, you'll begin recognizing that you are valuable while learning to live your best life—one day at a time. 

"As one who was born and raised in the Caribbean, I understand the stigma, myth, and taboo associated with mental health, which led me to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner."

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 12 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in diagnosing and treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment that promotes healing, emotional growth, and overall well-being for each client I serve.

I earned my Master’s in Nursing, Leadership, and Management from Walden University. My clinical approach combines medication management, cognitive behavioral strategies, and mindfulness-based interventions to help clients build resilience and restore balance in their daily lives. I strive to empower each person through education and collaboration.

I welcome individuals ready to take the next step toward improved mental health. Whether you’re seeking clarity, stability, or emotional peace, I’m here to listen and guide you through the process. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful change and create a plan that supports long-term wellness and self-confidence.

"As a multi-ethnic black woman and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, I understand various perspectives from racial issues, trauma, sexuality, LGBT, and military."

Rossa Ridley is a Resident in Counseling and Qualified Mental Health Provider for adults in the state of Virginia. She has over 7 years of experience assisting adults that are seeking help with a variety of mental health issues, adjusting to life transitions, military-related issues, past incarceration, and relationship issues due to childhood trauma. 

Rossa completed her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from ECPI University, a Master of Art in Professional Counseling (Mental Health Counseling) from South University, and an advanced degree of a Master of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology. She utilizes collaborative, strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, mindfulness-based, and holistic-focused approaches within the therapeutic relationship. Rossa is also a veteran of the military which gives her the unique ability to adapt to the changing needs of those seeking help in the various transitions adults may have to maneuver in their daily lives.

Rossa strives to establish a nurturing and empathetic relationship with you to assist you with using your strengths to work through situations and/or stressors so that you can reach your goals. She believes in creating a rapport with you so that you are taking a key role in living the life you desire.

"I understand what it means to carry a lot on your shoulders, and I’m here to help you find a softer way forward."

I am a Resident in Counseling with 20 years of experience. I specialize in supporting women through life transitions, stress, grief, and the journey of reclaiming their sense of self. I create a safe and welcoming environment where clients can breathe, reflect, and take practical steps toward growth and healing. With a background in coaching and community work, I bring a compassionate, down-to-earth approach that encourages resilience and lasting change.

I hold a Master’s in Psychiatric Rehabilitation from Rutgers University. My work combines talk therapy with reflective and body-based tools to support healing and growth. I guide clients in slowing down, finding clarity, and navigating life’s challenges with confidence, compassion, and practical strategies.

I understand how hard it can be to take the first step toward help, and I offer a supportive, judgment-free space to share what’s on your heart. I welcome clients to begin their healing journey with the reassurance that they do not have to figure it out alone. Together, we will focus on creating meaningful steps toward lasting healing and self-discovery.

"Therapy is a journey, not a destination. It is about learning and growing, and it is a process that never ends."

Maria Watters is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisee (LCSW-S) with over 3 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents and adults address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Maria specializes in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma.

Maria completed her Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at the University of Kentucky. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and solution-focused therapy (SFT).

Maria's personal and professional experience enables her to provide the guidance and support her clients are seeking. She 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. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

"Counseling is like a mirror, and my job is to pull out and reflect the qualities already within you for you to see more clearly."

Sydney Ferguson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Resident (LPC-R) with over 3 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, women's issues, and work related stress.

Sydney completed her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Old Dominion University. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy (PCT), and some existential therapy, as well. Sydney is excited to continue working with teens and adults.

If you are ready to make a change and learn to love yourself, schedule an appointment with Sydney today. She's ready to help you grow and heal.

"As a surviving victim of trauma and child of a violent broken home, I understand the growing stress and emotions children have nowadays and needing a safe, open, and understanding place to be yourself."

Kelly Conner has been a resident in counseling for over a year. Kelly has over 10 years of experience in the mental field with both children and adults. She specializes in treating kids on the autism spectrum, divorce, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and OCD diagnoses. Kelly has a background of being a registered behavior technician (RBT) for ABA therapy with children on the autism spectrum for several years. Kelly also has a creative side to help children and families with new perspectives and techniques tailored for each individual.

Kelly has a great way of communicating and building trust and rapport quickly by involving the person's strengths and preferred activities. Kelly likes to use multiple approaches like person-centered play therapy, directed play therapy, sensory play, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and trauma-focused CBT.

It takes a village nowadays. It's okay to not be okay. Everyone needs help at times. Kelly is here for support and comfort to help you achieve your goals and to be there for those rough times. She will be there with you every step of your journey. If you are interested and ready for your journey, schedule an appointment with Ms. Kelly.

"As a 27-year-old male, I know how it can feel when you try to take it one day at a time, and then several rough days come at once."

Aaron is a Resident in Counseling with nearly 2 years of experience in the mental health field. He has been hit with various hardships and successes in life. This, coupled with his professional experience, enables him to equip his clients with skills to help them keep their heads up even when they feel they have fallen.

Aaron graduated with his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. He utilizes existentialism, Gestalt theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and other counseling models.

Aaron builds meaningful relationships with clients, gives them the tools and techniques to cope with life’s challenges, and enjoys watching people come out stronger than they started. If you are ready to take the journey with Aaron, book an appointment with him today!

"I want my clients to know that their story is important and give them empathy and hope that things can get better."

Dr. Patricia Colby is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 37 years of experience working as a mental health professional. She specializes in treating adults and seniors who are suffering from concerns or conditions related to addiction, anxiety, depression, career issues, divorce, eating disorders, stress, pregnancy, prenatal and postpartum-related issues, low self-esteem, sexual abuse, substance use, trauma, and PTSD. 

Dr. Colby completed her Master’s degree in Community Clinical Psychology from Norfolk State University and received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis on Depth Psychology, from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Additionally, she has completed a two-year course as a healing prayer minister which blends the practice of Psychology and Spirituality. 

Dr. Colby looks forward to hearing your story. She is eager to help you explore your experiences and to walk through your healing with you. She has worked with individuals in inpatient, residential, and outpatient treatment settings. Dr. Colby provides a supportive, non-judgmental space where you're able to express yourself and find healing. If you're ready to work with Dr. Colby, reach out to schedule an appointment today.

"As someone who has over 20 years in recovery and lost a significant number of family members and friends I am extremely sensitive to the painful yet rewarding process of change. "

John McAnulty is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), Internationally Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (ICADC), and a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist (CGRS) in the state of Virginia who has 20 years experience partnering with adults and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, men’s issues, women's issues, grief, loss, bereavement, healthcare professionals and relationship issues. 

He completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Florida State University University and received his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Troy State University. John utilizes relational, collaborative, strengths-based, cognitive behavioral (CBT), mindfulness-based, solutions-focused, and emotionally-focused approaches to therapy. 

He always maintains the creativity, flexibility and awareness needed to assist every unique individual and couple. John bases his therapy upon the premise of person-centered therapy. John 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.