Therapists in Bedford County, VA
Get the help you need now. Light Counseling exists to help you find true healing in your life, relationships, and faith. You don’t have to go alone. We are here for you and ready to help you find the light in the dark.
Get the help you need now. Light Counseling exists to help you find true healing in your life, relationships, and faith. You don’t have to go alone. We are here for you and ready to help you find the light in the dark.
Carson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach, and is currently pursuing her Perinatal Mental Health Certification. She is newly trained in ERP and is able to support individuals struggling with OCD. With over 11 years of experience, Carson has worked with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, women’s sexual addictions, postpartum challenges, miscarriage and infertility, the college-to-adulthood transition, trauma, ADHD, and more.
Carson is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, a Certified Integrative Trauma Coach, and is currently pursuing her Perinatal Mental Health Certification. She is newly trained in ERP and is able to support individuals struggling with OCD. With over 11 years of experience, Carson has worked with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, women’s sexual addictions, postpartum challenges, miscarriage and infertility, the college-to-adulthood transition, trauma, ADHD, and more.
Karina is a Licensed Resident in Counseling with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. With a strong foundation in addressing diverse mental health challenges, she specializes in supporting clients through substance use disorders, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relational concerns. Karina’s therapeutic approach integrates emotion-focused therapy with a holistic perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding each client’s unique experiences.
Karina is a Licensed Resident in Counseling with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. With a strong foundation in addressing diverse mental health challenges, she specializes in supporting clients through substance use disorders, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relational concerns. Karina’s therapeutic approach integrates emotion-focused therapy with a holistic perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding each client’s unique experiences.
Looking to feel heard, valued, and supported as you navigate life’s challenges? I’m Leah, a therapist who brings warmth, compassion, and authenticity to every session. I create a safe, client-centered space where individuals of all ages can explore their thoughts and feelings, build resilience, and foster personal growth. Believing in the power of connection and joy, I guide clients toward greater self-understanding and empowerment. To make support accessible and convenient, I offer flexible virtual sessions, so you can engage in therapy from the comfort of your own space while still receiving meaningful, personalized care.
Looking to feel heard, valued, and supported as you navigate life’s challenges? I’m Leah, a therapist who brings warmth, compassion, and authenticity to every session. I create a safe, client-centered space where individuals of all ages can explore their thoughts and feelings, build resilience, and foster personal growth. Believing in the power of connection and joy, I guide clients toward greater self-understanding and empowerment. To make support accessible and convenient, I offer flexible virtual sessions, so you can engage in therapy from the comfort of your own space while still receiving meaningful, personalized care.
Michelle Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PMH-C, RPT-S, ACS, NCC
3 Endorsed
Forest, VA 24551
Waitlist for new clients
I think the first thing someone seeking help needs to release is a sense of wrongness - "I let this happen," "I'm no good," "If only I had..." These are all normal, human responses, but they are also hurtful and create a false sense of self. The reason I became a counselor was to help those individuals carrying around guilt and shame. It affects everything - your relationships, your work, everything! I want everyone to thrive and live their fullest life. Being able to see yourself clearly, not for what you've done or did not do, is a powerful healing agent.
I think the first thing someone seeking help needs to release is a sense of wrongness - "I let this happen," "I'm no good," "If only I had..." These are all normal, human responses, but they are also hurtful and create a false sense of self. The reason I became a counselor was to help those individuals carrying around guilt and shame. It affects everything - your relationships, your work, everything! I want everyone to thrive and live their fullest life. Being able to see yourself clearly, not for what you've done or did not do, is a powerful healing agent.
Alyssa Penrod is a Licensed Resident at Light Counseling. She received her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has experience working with various ages from children to adults. Alyssa has implemented both emotion focused and cognitive behavioral therapies in her sessions. She is passionate about creating a safe space for clients to be seen and heard. When not counseling, Alyssa can be found tending to her house plants, walking one of Lynchburg’s many trails, or planning her next road trip.
Alyssa Penrod is a Licensed Resident at Light Counseling. She received her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has experience working with various ages from children to adults. Alyssa has implemented both emotion focused and cognitive behavioral therapies in her sessions. She is passionate about creating a safe space for clients to be seen and heard. When not counseling, Alyssa can be found tending to her house plants, walking one of Lynchburg’s many trails, or planning her next road trip.
Welcome to my profile! I have practiced as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia since 2009. With over 25 years of experience in multiple settings (inpatient psychiatric, therapeutic day treatment, intensive in-home, mentoring, mental health supports, residential and community crisis stabilization, treatment foster care, and outpatient), my diverse experience in the field has allowed me to build a multi-faceted approach for attending to the needs of others. Success in therapy begins with a genuine patient-therapist relationship and healthily "thinking outside the box" when looking for solutions to challenges.
Welcome to my profile! I have practiced as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia since 2009. With over 25 years of experience in multiple settings (inpatient psychiatric, therapeutic day treatment, intensive in-home, mentoring, mental health supports, residential and community crisis stabilization, treatment foster care, and outpatient), my diverse experience in the field has allowed me to build a multi-faceted approach for attending to the needs of others. Success in therapy begins with a genuine patient-therapist relationship and healthily "thinking outside the box" when looking for solutions to challenges.
Trish Mccoy Kessler
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CEDS, iaedp, Consult
1 Endorsed
Forest, VA 24551
Not accepting new clients
Empower staff currently has openings for in-person and telehealth appts for counseling and medication management. (434) 219-5621 I started Empower Counseling, PC to address the specific needs of women and teenage girls; however, everyone is welcome at Empower! As the owner and founder of Empower Counseling, we are always growing to support the needs of our community. Please see our website to view our amazing team of counselors. www.empowercounseling.info My goal is to provide a place for clients to feel safe, learn about themselves, find healing, increase confidence, and return power back into their lives.
Empower staff currently has openings for in-person and telehealth appts for counseling and medication management. (434) 219-5621 I started Empower Counseling, PC to address the specific needs of women and teenage girls; however, everyone is welcome at Empower! As the owner and founder of Empower Counseling, we are always growing to support the needs of our community. Please see our website to view our amazing team of counselors. www.empowercounseling.info My goal is to provide a place for clients to feel safe, learn about themselves, find healing, increase confidence, and return power back into their lives.
As a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia, my hope is to engage in a collaborative therapeutic alliance with each individual & couple: fostering self-efficacy, developing new coping skills, focusing on strengths, and finding solutions that support your journey for self-discovery and overall healing.
As a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia, my hope is to engage in a collaborative therapeutic alliance with each individual & couple: fostering self-efficacy, developing new coping skills, focusing on strengths, and finding solutions that support your journey for self-discovery and overall healing.
Justin is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years of experience working in various roles in the mental health field. He completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. He has experience in working with children and adults with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorders. He has also spent a great deal of his career working as a crisis counselor.
Justin is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years of experience working in various roles in the mental health field. He completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. He has experience in working with children and adults with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorders. He has also spent a great deal of his career working as a crisis counselor.
Just stop thinking about it, they say - and you want to, but how? What if something goes wrong? It did that one time. You are not alone: many people get stuck in thoughts and feelings that are intrusive and time-consuming. If you are tired of feeling trapped inside your own head, there is hope. My passion is helping people get unstuck from thoughts and feelings related to past and present experiences including child and adult complex traumas, PTSD, OCD (Obsessive-compulsive Disorder), scrupulosity, and back into living life.
Just stop thinking about it, they say - and you want to, but how? What if something goes wrong? It did that one time. You are not alone: many people get stuck in thoughts and feelings that are intrusive and time-consuming. If you are tired of feeling trapped inside your own head, there is hope. My passion is helping people get unstuck from thoughts and feelings related to past and present experiences including child and adult complex traumas, PTSD, OCD (Obsessive-compulsive Disorder), scrupulosity, and back into living life.
I believe it is crucial for those seeking counseling to encounter a safe and compassionate environment. My goal is to meet clients where they are with warmth and connection. Whether I am helping clients navigate relationship wounds, digging into attachment, making room for personal growth, or processing the impact of trauma, I utilize evidence-based practices that promote person-centered and strength-focused approaches. I hope that clients leave the therapy experience with greater access to internal calm or peace, increased awareness and insight, new skills, and expanded knowledge about themselves, others and the world around them.
I believe it is crucial for those seeking counseling to encounter a safe and compassionate environment. My goal is to meet clients where they are with warmth and connection. Whether I am helping clients navigate relationship wounds, digging into attachment, making room for personal growth, or processing the impact of trauma, I utilize evidence-based practices that promote person-centered and strength-focused approaches. I hope that clients leave the therapy experience with greater access to internal calm or peace, increased awareness and insight, new skills, and expanded knowledge about themselves, others and the world around them.
My clientele encompasses a diverse range of individuals and couples, spanning the age spectrum from adolescence to adulthood. My areas of expertise include addiction counseling, athlete support, and pastoral and missionary care. Should any specific area of interest not be explicitly listed, please do not hesitate to contact me to inquire about my availability and suitability for your needs.
My clientele encompasses a diverse range of individuals and couples, spanning the age spectrum from adolescence to adulthood. My areas of expertise include addiction counseling, athlete support, and pastoral and missionary care. Should any specific area of interest not be explicitly listed, please do not hesitate to contact me to inquire about my availability and suitability for your needs.
Amy Feigel is a Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor and former California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Amy received her pre and post graduate education from Liberty University and has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families.
Amy Feigel is a Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor and former California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Amy received her pre and post graduate education from Liberty University and has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families.
Imagine a space where you feel heard, seen, and safe. A place to unload all of your anxiety, stress, and fears. Therapy is meant to be a place to be wholly yourself and to explore the most difficult aspects of your life. My goal is to help you find solutions and to empower you to live life to the fullest. I seek to empower clients to take charge of their own stories in an environment that is confidential and comfortable.
Imagine a space where you feel heard, seen, and safe. A place to unload all of your anxiety, stress, and fears. Therapy is meant to be a place to be wholly yourself and to explore the most difficult aspects of your life. My goal is to help you find solutions and to empower you to live life to the fullest. I seek to empower clients to take charge of their own stories in an environment that is confidential and comfortable.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have an incredible opportunity to sit with those who experience struggles within themselves, within their relationships, and within their faith. I am passionate about working alongside my clients to bring healing and restoration to the areas of life that feel overwhelming, confusing, and chaotic. I have experience working closely with anxiety, depression, spiritual and identity issues, relationship struggles, and family of origin issues. I hope to give you a warm, safe space to begin untangling and understanding your story on your journey to wellness and wholeness.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have an incredible opportunity to sit with those who experience struggles within themselves, within their relationships, and within their faith. I am passionate about working alongside my clients to bring healing and restoration to the areas of life that feel overwhelming, confusing, and chaotic. I have experience working closely with anxiety, depression, spiritual and identity issues, relationship struggles, and family of origin issues. I hope to give you a warm, safe space to begin untangling and understanding your story on your journey to wellness and wholeness.
I work with individuals, chidren, & couples to help them process trauma, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and build stronger, more connected relationships. I'm especially passionate about supporting individuals as they heal from childhood and family wounds, guiding children as they experience the ups and downs of growing up, and helping partners become friends again. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel safe to be yourself—where your story is heard with compassion.
I work with individuals, chidren, & couples to help them process trauma, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and build stronger, more connected relationships. I'm especially passionate about supporting individuals as they heal from childhood and family wounds, guiding children as they experience the ups and downs of growing up, and helping partners become friends again. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel safe to be yourself—where your story is heard with compassion.
Libby is a Licensed Professional Counselor for Virginia and South Carolina. She received her master's in counseling from Liberty University and she received her doctorate through Liberty University in marriage and family counseling. She specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and spiritual issues. She is certified as a premarital and marital counselor and also as a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT). She currently provides in-person, telehealth, and group counseling opportunities for all ages.
Libby is a Licensed Professional Counselor for Virginia and South Carolina. She received her master's in counseling from Liberty University and she received her doctorate through Liberty University in marriage and family counseling. She specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and spiritual issues. She is certified as a premarital and marital counselor and also as a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT). She currently provides in-person, telehealth, and group counseling opportunities for all ages.
If you feel stuck between who you are now and who you want to become, you are not alone. Many people struggle with an ongoing inner conflict—wanting change but feeling unsure how to move forward. These experiences can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, there is a way forward.
If you feel stuck between who you are now and who you want to become, you are not alone. Many people struggle with an ongoing inner conflict—wanting change but feeling unsure how to move forward. These experiences can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, there is a way forward.
Dr. Doris DeMato brings over twenty years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor to Light Counseling. She earned her doctoral degree in counseling from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. She has extensive experience working with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many of Dr. DeMato’s clients navigate feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, phase of life problems, interpersonal conflicts, and family of origin concerns that have become overwhelming and are impacting work and relationships.
Dr. Doris DeMato brings over twenty years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor to Light Counseling. She earned her doctoral degree in counseling from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. She has extensive experience working with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many of Dr. DeMato’s clients navigate feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, phase of life problems, interpersonal conflicts, and family of origin concerns that have become overwhelming and are impacting work and relationships.
See more therapy options for Bedford County
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Bedford County, VA
100+
Average cost per session
$125
Therapists in Bedford County, VA who prioritize treating:
| 88% | Anxiety |
| 81% | Depression |
| 72% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 71% | Relationship Issues |
| 68% | Stress |
| 64% | Self Esteem |
| 59% | Grief |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 94% | Aetna |
| 85% | Anthem |
| 75% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Therapists in Bedford County, VA see their clients
| 79% | In Person and Online | |
| 21% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 83% | Female | |
| 17% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Bedford County?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.


