Mental Health Therapy in Alexandria

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Therapists in Alexandria

Dr. Joseph Prewitt-Diaz

Alexandria, Virginia - Licensed Professional Counselor
Online

I am a Bilingual (Spanish/English) Pastoral Counselor with over three decades of experience accompanying individuals and communities through some of life’s most challenging circumstances. My work has focused extensively on survivors of disasters and crises, individuals affected by humanitarian emergencies, and those navigating the complex realities of migration-related trauma. Throughout my career, I have also provided support to disaster response personnel experiencing compassion fatigue, as well as to veterans facing adjustment and reintegration challenges. These experiences have shaped a practice grounded in presence, cultural humility, and a deep respect for the human capacity to endure and rebuild. I believe that healing begins with accompaniment—the willingness to walk alongside individuals with empathy, attentiveness, and compassion. My approach emphasizes creating safe spaces where people can process trauma, rediscover meaning, and reconnect with hope. I am particularly attentive to those who, due to age, loss, or prolonged hardship, feel overwhelmed or unable to move forward. My work is guided by a commitment to restoring dignity, fostering resilience, and supporting individuals not only in surviving adversity, but in reclaiming a sense of purpose and possibility. Additional Areas of Focus: I work with individuals facing concerns related to self-esteem, attachment, communication, blended family dynamics, family-of-origin issues, fatherhood, commitment concerns, and infidelity. I also support people coping with disaster-related stress, immigration challenges, multicultural concerns, prejudice and discrimination, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress, life purpose questions, and young adult transitions. My practice also includes work with first responders, veterans, and individuals or families navigating adoption, foster care, intellectual disability, and other complex personal or relational concerns.

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Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims

Alexandria, Virginia - Licensed Professional Counselor
Online
In Person

Hello and welcome to the first step toward empowering your life. My name is Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims (I go by Dr. Sims) and I have over 20 years of clinical counseling experience in a variety of settings. My preparation to serve you includes a PhD in Psychology, MS Counseling, MA Behavioral Psychology, and BS in Clinical Psychology. I am licensed by the Washington, DC Board of Health as a Professional Counselor (LPC) and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) by NBCC. I have spent many years in training to ensure that I am able to provide the most relevant, researched, and solution driven counseling services to you. I have worked with clients exhibiting a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, personality disorders, transitional life changes, military life issues, and caregiver challenges. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My counseling style is attentive and genuine. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and solution-focused counseling in an environment of holistic growth. I am to provide the support needed to cultivate unconditional respect and open communication. My primary objective is to guide clients toward emotional wellness and peaceful restoration of the soul. I look forward to engaging upon this journey with you. -Dr. Deborah Harris-Sims, NCC, LPC, DMHC

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Ellen Walker

Alexandria, Virginia - Clinical Social Worker
Online
In Person

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in Washington, DC. I am a little older than most, in my early 60s, but am an open-minded optimist. I have over 20 years of experience working in Mental Health and Child Welfare settings so there aren’t too many issues that I haven’t dealt with. I have worked with couples, families, individuals, and children with a variety of issues to include physical and emotional trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship challenges and life transitions. I would describe my approach to therapy as eclectic, drawing on a variety of modalities to best serve a client’s needs and goals. The modalities that I feel have proven most useful are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I typically meet with my clients once weekly for 45 minutes. We begin by getting to know each other so that I can learn about the issues that brought them to seek counseling. You can expect me to walk with you through whatever difficulties you are facing and help you learn more about yourself and the way you interact with the world. I view the therapeutic alliance as a partnership requiring mutual trust, respect, honesty, communication, and commitment to do the work. I can interact with you in whatever manner you are most comfortable. I find it helpful initially to participate in video sessions so that we can get to know each other better; however, I am also available to you via phone and text if that is more comfortable for you. Much of my availability is in the mornings and on the weekends, although I do have a high degree of flexibility. I check messages at least once during each weekday. Taking the first step in seeking help can be challenging, however it is important to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with and can trust. I look forward to working with you and your journey! SPECIALTIES • Trauma and abuse • Grief • Self esteem • Depression Also experienced in: Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Intimacy-related issues , Parenting issues , Anger management , Career difficulties , Coping with life changes , Compassion fatigue , Caregiver Issues and Stress , Commitment Issues , Communication Problems , Child abuse and neglect, Emptiness , Family Problems , Forgiveness , Guilt and Shame , Hospice and End of Life Counseling , Mid Life Crisis and Posttraumatic Stress Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 29 SERVICES OFFERED ________________________________________ LICENSING LICSW #LC300783 (Expires: 07/31/2021)

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Free Mental Health Resources in Virginia

NAMI Virginia offers various free, peer-led programs to support residents affected by mental health conditions. Peer-to-Peer helps you understand mental health and recovery while Family-to-Family is an option for family members and friends. Basics addresses concerns of parents and caregivers. Each program seeks to educate, support, and empower participants.
Mental Health America of Fredericksburg has several programs that support community mental health including assistance to connect individuals with resources, matching isolated older adults with trained volunteers, educational initiatives to raise awareness and prevent suicide, and support groups that assist individuals facing mental health challenges.
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Teens & Students Men Women Seniors Veterans Disability
The Southside Behavioral Health “We Stand Together” initiative provides resources and support for LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies. They host annual summits to promote community education, inclusion, and protection. Virtual support groups for parents of LGBTQ+ youth offer guidance on building trusting relationships and understanding identities.
Provide Services for
BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women
The LGBT Life Center in Norfolk, Virginia serves the community with comprehensive resources that include free condoms, stress reduction materials, education to prevent HIV, ready made meals, pantry items, and housing assistance to improve economic stability in better health. Programs empower young Black LGBTQ males and promote safe and healthy relationships.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women Seniors Depression PTSD Anxiety Grief Eating Disorders Substance Abuse Domestic Violence
Virginia's Community Services Board and Behavioral Health Authority are the primary entry points for publicly funded mental health and substance use services. The agency serves each county, ensuring localized access to essential services including case management, outpatient counseling, and emergency services. They play a crucial role in promoting recovery and wellness.
Chesterfield County's mental health support services provide comprehensive programs for residents of all ages including individualized counseling that focuses on mental health and addiction treatment. Prevention services promote community wellness through education and early intervention, and same-day access allows residents to get immediate assistance without an appointment.
The Virginia Telemental Health Initiative expands access to mental health services to uninsured and underinsured individuals. They utilize pre-licensed volunteer providers to offer free telehealth services, with an average wait time of 11 days. They collaborate with free and charitable clinics statewide to ensure thousands receive services that address their mental health needs.
This organization offers a comprehensive range of programs to support individuals with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and developmental disabilities. You can receive mental health counseling, support, and substance use treatment. They promote the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and provide 24/7 pre-admission screening services.
Fairfax County's Healthy Minds Fairfax program improves access to services across the lifespan for mental health and addiction care. This includes hotlines and warm lines, drop-in centers for peer run support, support groups, and family support partners to offer additional assistance. The resources help improve emotional well-being and connect you to appropriate care.
Mental Health Virginia offers mental health support resources throughout the state including the Peer-Run Warm Line, which provides confidential support for non-crisis assistance. Recovery Education delivers peer facilitated webinars and the Probation Peer Support program offers virtual, voluntary support to individuals under probationary supervision with mental health challenges.
The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services tailors programs to support military service members, veterans, and their families. They partner with organizations that provide free counseling and supportive services to address employment, education, legal, and transition challenges. Programs deliver personalized care coordination and peer support when navigating behavioral health concerns.
Provide Services for
Men Women Veterans Disability Depression PTSD Anxiety Grief Substance Abuse
Fredericksburg Counseling Services is a free mental health clinic providing mental health screening, individual and family counseling, case management, and educational presentations. The mission is to provide accessible counseling and related services at no charge to help low-income and uninsured individuals overcome mental and emotional challenges that affect their quality of life.
The University's program provides free, short-term counseling to faculty, employees, fellows, and eligible patients. The service promotes wellness by helping create positive change, manage stress, and achieve work-life harmony. Eligibility includes being a recent patient referred to a specific program or an employee residing in Virginia at the time of service.
Provide Services for
Teens & Students Men Women
The Women's Initiative provides free, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive programs for women and gender expansive individuals in Central Virginia. Services include counseling, support groups, and wellness workshops that cater to the unique needs of Black, BIPOC, and Latino communities. They provide LGBTQ+ affirming spaces and arts-based therapeutic activities.
Provide Services for
BIPOC LGBTQ Women Seniors Depression PTSD Anxiety Grief Substance Abuse Domestic Violence
This organization provides culturally competent care tailored to the LGBTQ+ community. Services include family planning education, hormone therapy, HIV management, mental health support, pain management, referrals for gender affirming surgery, preventive care, and sexual health services. Providers are trained to address concerns in a judgment-free environment that respects the individual's needs.
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BIPOC LGBTQ Men Women
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