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

As a therapist who is based in Virginia Beach, I know how overwhelming it is to find a mental health professional who is a good fit. Maybe you’re asking around on Facebook groups for recommendations, you are figuring out whether the therapist is worth the investment, you are maybe even wondering if you can actually be helped by the therapist.

Maybe you hate it here and didn’t come here by choice (I see you military folks!). However, just because Virginia Beach isn’t perfect, doesn’t mean life doesn’t come up and you don’t sometimes need support. If you’re looking for a life coach, counselor, therapist, or psychologist I’d like to help you find someone who can help.

I want to help you find a therapist in Virginia Beach, VA

It’s intimidating finding a therapist whether it’s your first time or your umpteenth time. Here are some tips I would tell a friend or family member who is looking for someone to talk to.

Tip #1: Recognizing Your Needs & Preferences

Start by getting clear on your needs, preferences, and situation. Here are some questions you can answer to get you in the right direction.

Why therapy now? What issues do you want to address in therapy? This could be anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc.

Do you prefer traditional talk therapy or do you want a rapid, unique option such as Accelerated Resolution Therapy in Virginia Beach?

Some practicalities to consider: do you prefer in-person or online therapy? Do you have insurance coverage? What’s your budget for sessions? What is your availability for therapy (Mondays, evenings, etc.)?

What are some need-to-haves and nice-to-haves when it comes to your therapist? What are some non-negotiables for counseling?

Do you need medication or someone who specializes in diagnostic testing? A psychologist or other medical professional, such as a physician, may be who you’re looking for. Therapists and counselors are typically master’s level clinicians and cannot prescribe medication. Some therapists can provide evaluations for diagnoses such as autism and ADHD. A psychologist or medical professional usually have doctoral degrees.

Life coaches and therapists are similar in that they can help navigate emotional challenges and more, but they differ in their approach. For example, there are no standard licensing or educational requirements in life coaching. Therapists usually have a graduate degree and a license, such as an LMFT, LCSW, or LPC. A life coach may be able to see you if you live anywhere in the country, whereas a therapist who is licensed in Virginia can only see people who are physically located in that state. It is possible for a licensed professional to have a coaching business on the side, but double check during a free consultation or on their website.

Tip #2: Explore Online Directories

There are online directories and referral services available to widen your search. Heads up: Don’t start with this tip unless you want a ton of options! Know that if you find a virtual therapist in Virginia Beach, VA, they are generally available to see anyone in the state of Virginia.

Here are some popular directories:

• Psychology Today: You can search for online therapists in the state of Virginia or in-person therapists locally. You can specify your insurance, specialization, therapist’s gender and more.

• Open Path Collective: This site provides access to therapists who offer affordable sessions.

• Neurodivergent Therapists Directory: This site connects neurodivergent individuals (autism/ADHD/dyslexia for example) with neurodivergent therapists.

Searching on your insurance’s website or calling your insurance plan directly can be a hit or a miss. You can print out a whole list of therapists only to find out that the data is out of date, some therapists are no longer in network with your insurance, or they are completely full and not accepting new folks.

If you work for a company that has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), they may offer short-term therapy. Check your human resources department for this.

If you’re attending college or university, there are sometimes limited counseling sessions on-site.

Tip #3: Seek Referrals from Professionals and Trusted People

Your primary care physician can make recommendations tailored to your needs and medical history.

You can ask friends, family members, or colleagues for recommendations if they have experience with therapy.

Lesser known resources can include Facebook groups that are central to where you live in Virginia Beach, VA. You can anonymously ask others’ for their recommendations for therapy. You can keep your post brief to “I need a compassionate therapist for trauma, what are your recommendations in Virginia Beach?” or another location. Some therapists are on Yelp and have a business page on Google so that you can see reviews.

Tip #4: Contact potential therapists

First, check out a few therapists’ websites! Many of your questions can be answered on a well-designed website. If you have any other questions after checking out their website, write them down and don’t forget to bring them to a consultation.

Reach out to a few therapists who seem like a good fit and schedule initial consultations. Consultations are usually free and done over the phone. Websites typically have a phone number, email address, and/or contact form for you to initiate contact.

Some therapists you contact are actually a part of a group practice, which is made up of several therapists under one company name. Some group practices, usually assistants, will have you fill out a questionnaire so you can get matched up with one of their therapists or you can request to see a specific therapist. The therapist you are matched up with is usually still able to provide you a free consultation.

During the consultation, pay attention to how comfortable you feel with the therapist, their communication style, and their approach to therapy. Do you feel at ease with them? Do they clearly communicate? Do they show that they are qualified to help you?

Get a jump start on your therapist search and contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation in Virginia Beach, VA!

I hope this blog helps you find the right support. If you are feeling stuck, fill out my contact form for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person.

I specialize in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, trauma and dissociation, addiction, autism and ADHD, anxiety, depression, and the LGBTQ+ community in Virginia Beach, VA.