Find a Therapist in Richmond, VA

Joyce Morene is a dedicated counselor with over 25 years of experience providing counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and families in both school and community mental health settings. Her approach is deeply personalized, utilizing an array of techniques and theories including play therapy, expressive arts, cognitive-behavioral therapy, developmental psychology, Gestalt therapy, family systems, and solution-focused strategies. Joyce is particularly passionate about addressing a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, PTSD, trauma, abuse, grief, depression, ADHD, and sexual orientation. With specialized training in childhood sexual abuse, attachment, and trauma, she integrates traditional talk therapy with expressive arts, play therapy, sandtray therapy, and EMDR into her practice. Additionally, Joyce is skilled in administering the MARI card assessment for enhanced therapeutic insights.

Brian Caperton is a dedicated licensed professional counselor (LPC) who offers his expertise to adults grappling with a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, substance use, attachment, and trauma. He fosters a deep passion for healthy child development and education, frequently collaborating with families to support their needs. Brian believes in the power of relationship and care in the therapeutic process. With four years of clinical experience, he skillfully employs various mediums—such as art, music, mindfulness, meditation, workbooks, and talk therapy—in his practice. Known for his relaxed demeanor, he prides himself on cultivating healthy, nurturing relationships with each individual he works with. With over 15 years of experience working with children, Brian's approach is grounded in compassion and a genuine understanding of client experiences. He applies therapeutic play and attachment theory principles when working with younger clients. For teenagers and adults, he integrates mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing techniques. Brian has a passion for connecting clients to their communities and supports those seeking counseling, offering guidance tailored to each unique situation. He aims to serve clients and their families effectively and is a resource for additional services as needed. Brian sends best wishes to all and looks forward to making meaningful connections.

Dr. Melvin Dowdy is a seasoned psychologist with over 48 years of clinical experience, specializing in providing compassionate support for adults and elders facing various life challenges. He believes that therapy should align with the values of those seeking help, nurturing a partnership that facilitates healing and growth. By focusing on the client's present experiences, Dr. Dowdy helps individuals explore what is working, what isn't, and what may be missing from their lives. His therapeutic approach integrates Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Positive Psychology, and the Gottman Method, among others, to empower clients through their life transitions. The process is intentionally collaborative, much like physical therapy, aimed at stretching and strengthening emotional well-being. While he no longer conducts psychological evaluations, Dr. Dowdy remains dedicated to his clients' journeys towards a more mindful and fulfilling existence.

Adam Dale Pearson is a compassionate licensed professional counselor, MA, LPC, LCPC, LMHC, who understands the intricacies of mental health from both personal experience and professional practice. Having been a patient himself for 15 years and practicing as a counselor for 12 years, Adam knows the journey of therapy intimately. He believes in a structured therapeutic process typically lasting between 8 to 16 weeks, where his aim is to guide clients through transforming their symptoms from severe to moderate and eventually from moderate to mild. Adam's ultimate goal is to empower clients to become their own therapists, navigating and conquering the War of the Mind while learning the skills to manage their emotions effectively. He cultivates a space where clients learn to love and appreciate themselves for the first time. Adam is available to initiate the first session promptly, conducting intake and clinical interviews via video or phone. He approaches therapy as a collaborative effort, providing honest feedback that encourages growth and resilience. Having experienced pain, feeling lost, and hopeless himself, Adam closely relates to his clients’ struggles, using his expertise and relationship-building skills to foster an environment of support and improvement. In Adam’s counseling sessions, clients are encouraged to embrace the work necessary between sessions, equipping themselves with new coping skills and techniques that pave the way for their healing and progress.

Amy Goss is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist (MA, LMFT) who understands that seeking therapy can feel intimidating. She believes that the most crucial element in therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist. Amy prioritizes building a foundation of trust and connection with her clients, guiding them as they embark on their journey of change. Her expertise shines in helping individuals navigate unhappiness in relationships, break cycles of unhelpful patterns, and embrace the journey toward becoming their best selves. With a focus on compassion and culturally sensitive practices, Amy empowers clients to reconnect with their true selves, facilitating healing from past traumas. She offers her services to both individuals and couples, bringing valuable experience to her work with the LGBTQIAP+ community, particularly with transgender and gender non-conforming clients. Amy also provides support in writing letters for gender-confirming medical interventions. In addition, she identifies as a sex-positive therapist, demonstrating awareness and comfort within kink and poly relationships. For those who resonate with her approach, a conversation about therapeutic needs could be the first step toward meaningful change.

Betsy Hudson, LCSW, is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and Therapist dedicated to guiding individuals through their toughest challenges. She understands the deep pain that can accompany the end of a relationship, job loss, or personal crisis, and she recognizes the feeling of being unmoored in life. Betsy celebrates those ready to take the courageous step toward healing and control over their lives. Life is too precious to be entangled in toxic relationships, past traumas, or overwhelming anxiety. There is a path to feeling unstuck, filled with hope and self-discovery, and Betsy is here to facilitate that journey. Her approach integrates a blend of effective therapeutic methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, and the Gottman Method, tailored to individual needs. With certifications in Adoption Competency and a background as a Battering Intervention Program facilitator, Betsy offers a safe, inviting space for exploration and growth. She believes that joy and fulfillment are within reach and that everyone deserves emotional freedom. She warmly welcomes those feeling anxious about starting therapy, assuring them that together, they can carve out the fulfilling life they deserve.

Kathleen Lowry is a dedicated licensed professional counselor specializing in anger management, having successfully guided hundreds of clients through their struggles. She believes that utilizing anger constructively is one of the most empowering skills individuals can develop, which fuels her passion for her work. Kathleen recognizes that mastering anger, whether the concerns are significant or minor, enhances self-confidence, improves relationships with oneself and others, and positively impacts work life. Her extensive training in self-regulation, trauma, somatic awareness, and the dynamics of assertiveness versus aggressiveness equips her to handle a diverse range of issues, including relationship drama and family of origin contributors. With a compassionate approach, she encourages clients, knowing that the methods she employs can be transformative. Kathleen understands that it takes immense courage to confront one's anger and to seek help, which is why she positions her clients in charge of their journey, serving as a supportive guide along the way. Her aim in therapy is to empower individuals by expanding their choices, helping them regain self-trust, and offering relief from internal struggles. With her vast expertise in emotional regulation, Kathleen collaborates with clients to address thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and body-oriented experiences, ensuring the most effective approach is tailored for each individual. Additionally, her years of study in successful relationship models and experience working with hundreds of couples enable her to grasp the intricacies of relationship interactions and how to navigate them effectively.

Avail, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist, specializes in person-centered, healing-focused, and goal-directed holistic psychotherapy. Employing a holistic approach, Avail examines the interconnectedness of various aspects of a person's life, understanding how issues in one domain can influence others. Avail uses evidence-based conventional therapies alongside complementary and alternative therapies, including meditation, mindfulness, and stress management techniques such as progressive relaxation, guided imagery, and deep-breathing exercises. This versatile methodology effectively addresses a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and mood regulation. With a focus on holistic practices, Avail emphasizes the essential connection between the mind, body, and spirit, perceiving each client as a whole being with interlinked emotions, physical sensations, thoughts, and spiritual experiences. Clients are guided towards a deeper understanding of their whole self, fostering self-awareness and self-acceptance. While currently not accepting new clients, Avail encourages engagement through social media channels for ongoing mind-body content and offers holistic healing products such as Sage, Palo Santo, CBD, and Yoni Steam essentials, alongside the Avail Wellness Academy, an online course designed to support personal growth.

Adam Pearson is dedicated to helping individuals on their journey towards mental wellness. With 12 years of experience as a therapist and 15 years as a former patient, he uniquely understands the challenges clients face, having navigated through similar struggles himself. Adam believes that therapy is a collaborative effort, aiming to equip clients with the skills they need to manage their emotions independently. Typically, therapy sessions last between 8 to 16 weeks, with a focus on transitioning symptoms from Severe to Moderate, and eventually from Moderate to Mild. He creates a supportive environment where clients are heard and challenged, receiving the insights they need to facilitate real change. Adam emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning and practicing new coping techniques between sessions to enhance healing. With a commitment to fostering self-love and acceptance, Adam ensures that every client feels the transformative power of therapy. By providing flexible session options through video or phone, he is responsive to clients' needs, often scheduling appointments within 24 hours. Clients can expect a thorough first session involving an intake assessment and personalized treatment plan, laying the groundwork for a successful therapeutic partnership.

Dr. Kevin Tarlow is a Licensed Psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges. He recognizes that many seek therapy when feeling stuck, whether due to depression, anxiety, unwanted relationship patterns, or the aftermath of a painful experience. He also understands that external stressors like discrimination, abuse, and trauma can significantly impact one's well-being. Dr. Tarlow provides a supportive, confidential, and challenging therapy environment where patients can explore their relationship experiences and emotional attachments. This insightful approach often helps his patients address the underlying issues of stress, anxiety, and unresolved emotional pain that affect their connections with others. With a commitment to guiding individuals through their journey of self-discovery and recovery, Dr. Tarlow empowers each person to step out of their comfort zone and find new coping strategies. His experience in assisting patients in overcoming obstacles and finding relief makes him a compassionate ally in the pursuit of mental wellness.

Tracy Atkinson is a compassionate and skilled Licensed Professional Counselor (MS, LPC) who specializes in working with adults facing challenges such as anxiety, transgender issues, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Tracy employs an integrative approach to therapy, blending various methodologies including Compassion-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her sessions are characterized by a conversational, informal, and philosophical style that fosters a safe and welcoming environment. In addition to providing individual counseling, she facilitates a weekly process group aimed at all genders, offering a supportive space for individuals to explore their experiences together.

Paula Jean is a dedicated psychologist who employs an eclectic therapeutic approach, actively engaging with clients throughout the process. She invites her clients to explore their self-judgment and encourages a genuine curiosity about their lives. Together, they examine patterns of functioning and how past experiences shape the present, aiming for authenticity through self-awareness. With over 30 years of specialization in women's mental health, Paula has particular expertise in areas such as eating disorders, sexual abuse, and lesbian issues, while also addressing broader concerns like relationships, depression, and anxiety. She works with women, adolescents, and couples, ensuring that her therapeutic space is inclusive and supportive. Although she infrequently accepts new patients, Paula always allocates time for those she has previously worked with, reinforcing her commitment to their ongoing mental health journey.

Alex Carroll is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who brings 8 years of valuable experience to his role as a therapist. He possesses a strong ability to connect with a diverse range of individuals, having worked in various settings within the mental health field. Specializing in helping adults navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, grief, and loss, Alex employs several therapeutic modalities including Experiential Therapy, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of Charleston and completed his Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. Alex's approach through ISTDP—a psychodynamic and emotion-focused therapy—is characterized by a deeply engaged style that emphasizes moment-to-moment observation. This allows for a profound emotional connection aimed at fostering enduring personal change. Viewing therapy as a collaborative journey, he encourages individuals to recognize themselves as the experts of their experiences, working alongside them to address the roots of their challenges through care, compassion, and respect, ultimately guiding them towards achieving their personal goals.