Therapists for Adults in Charlottesville, VA
As a Contemplative Psychotherapist and Coach, I offer my clients a unique blend of professional and spiritual experience. For 34 years I have been counseling individuals and families. My work is enriched by over four decades of engagement in Buddhist philosophy and practice. This background offers expertise in helping individuals and couples find authentic love, and parents more mindful and ethical parenting. I also coach many clients on how to use their wisdom and kindness to reach more 'enlightened' functioning. I do accept a limited number of insurance clients.
As a Contemplative Psychotherapist and Coach, I offer my clients a unique blend of professional and spiritual experience. For 34 years I have been counseling individuals and families. My work is enriched by over four decades of engagement in Buddhist philosophy and practice. This background offers expertise in helping individuals and couples find authentic love, and parents more mindful and ethical parenting. I also coach many clients on how to use their wisdom and kindness to reach more 'enlightened' functioning. I do accept a limited number of insurance clients.
I see clients of all ages from toddlers to adolescents and adults.
My clinical expertise includes mood disorders, depression, anxiety, childhood behavioral disturbances, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, physical and sexual abuse victims, autism spectrum disorders, and individuals with intellectual disability.
I see clients of all ages from toddlers to adolescents and adults.
My clinical expertise includes mood disorders, depression, anxiety, childhood behavioral disturbances, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, physical and sexual abuse victims, autism spectrum disorders, and individuals with intellectual disability.
I am a Resident in Counseling with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I offer a unique perspective with an extensive and varied background from my 28-year career in the United States Air Force in fighter aircraft maintenance. I am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT, and other strengths-based modalities such as DBT, person-centered, and solution-focused therapies. I enjoy multi-dimensional approaches to treatment founded on evidence-based practices tailored to each client’s individual needs.
I am a Resident in Counseling with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I offer a unique perspective with an extensive and varied background from my 28-year career in the United States Air Force in fighter aircraft maintenance. I am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT, and other strengths-based modalities such as DBT, person-centered, and solution-focused therapies. I enjoy multi-dimensional approaches to treatment founded on evidence-based practices tailored to each client’s individual needs.
Dr. Kacey Wilson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Charlottesville, VA. Dr. Wilson integrates therapeutic modalities across somatic, trauma-informed, relational, and psychodynamic approaches. She offers EMDR, somatic, and mindfulness techniques for individuals seeking recovery from traumatic experiences. Specialty areas include developmental trauma, interpersonal challenges, grief and loss, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, cross-cultural integration, and existential inquiries. Her approach encourages self-discovery, compassionate inquiry, growth, and integration.
Dr. Kacey Wilson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Charlottesville, VA. Dr. Wilson integrates therapeutic modalities across somatic, trauma-informed, relational, and psychodynamic approaches. She offers EMDR, somatic, and mindfulness techniques for individuals seeking recovery from traumatic experiences. Specialty areas include developmental trauma, interpersonal challenges, grief and loss, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, cross-cultural integration, and existential inquiries. Her approach encourages self-discovery, compassionate inquiry, growth, and integration.
My specialty is in working with medical, nursing, law, and other graduate and professional students seeking help managing anxiety and trauma. I am warm, curious, and down-to-earth.
My specialty is in working with medical, nursing, law, and other graduate and professional students seeking help managing anxiety and trauma. I am warm, curious, and down-to-earth.
I’m a licensed psychotherapist located in downtown Charlottesville.
I use a blend of therapeutic approaches to support you in a way that feels both practical
and meaningful. At times, we’ll focus on the present—working with tools from Cognitive BehavioralTherapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you manage anxiety, negative thought patterns, or habits that feel hard to change. This part of the work is more structured and gives you strategies you can use in your day-to-day life.
I’m a licensed psychotherapist located in downtown Charlottesville.
I use a blend of therapeutic approaches to support you in a way that feels both practical
and meaningful. At times, we’ll focus on the present—working with tools from Cognitive BehavioralTherapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you manage anxiety, negative thought patterns, or habits that feel hard to change. This part of the work is more structured and gives you strategies you can use in your day-to-day life.
After building rapport and trust and learning your history, you can expect CBT to treat distorted thinking, incorporation of the 12-steps to treat addiction and co-dependence, Adult-wounded parts inner dialogue and mindfulness grounding to heal trauma, and non-violent communication, compassionate curiosity, and deep listening for couples therapy.
As your therapist, I will guide you to recognize learned patterns of thinking, acting and feeling that may be creating suffering in your life. Together we will explore where and why you learned those patterns and what purpose they served. Once fully understood, you will find the self-compassion and courage to release those learned patterns and cultivate healthier ways of being. Through this process you will find greater self-awareness, self-compassion and new ways to create healthier relationships with yourself, others and life in general.
After building rapport and trust and learning your history, you can expect CBT to treat distorted thinking, incorporation of the 12-steps to treat addiction and co-dependence, Adult-wounded parts inner dialogue and mindfulness grounding to heal trauma, and non-violent communication, compassionate curiosity, and deep listening for couples therapy.
As your therapist, I will guide you to recognize learned patterns of thinking, acting and feeling that may be creating suffering in your life. Together we will explore where and why you learned those patterns and what purpose they served. Once fully understood, you will find the self-compassion and courage to release those learned patterns and cultivate healthier ways of being. Through this process you will find greater self-awareness, self-compassion and new ways to create healthier relationships with yourself, others and life in general.
Alison Smoke is a seasoned social worker with 17+ years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
I provide personalized, client-centered therapy where your goals guide each session. Together, we’ll create a safe, empathetic space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to work toward meaningful change.
Alison Smoke is a seasoned social worker with 17+ years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma.
I provide personalized, client-centered therapy where your goals guide each session. Together, we’ll create a safe, empathetic space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to work toward meaningful change.
I believe we all just want to do, feel and be a little better every day. I use an approach based in kindness, compassion, mindfulness and strength to help you find a way to be better everyday in your life and your relationships. I will help you explore emotional lability, past trauma, feeling stuck, and lack of hope for a better future. Grief, fear and feeling overwhelmed often stops us from being the best we can be. If you want to move towards a better you, I can offer some help
I believe we all just want to do, feel and be a little better every day. I use an approach based in kindness, compassion, mindfulness and strength to help you find a way to be better everyday in your life and your relationships. I will help you explore emotional lability, past trauma, feeling stuck, and lack of hope for a better future. Grief, fear and feeling overwhelmed often stops us from being the best we can be. If you want to move towards a better you, I can offer some help
I work with adolescents and adults facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, sexual abuse, and relationship challenges.
I offer flexible scheduling to make therapy accessible and comfortable.
Mon–Thu, 8 AM–6 PM: In person or Telehealth
Sat, 8–10 AM & 7–10 PM: Telehealth only
Sun, 10 AM–3 PM: Telehealth only.
My goal is to provide options that fit naturally into your life so you can get support when you need it.
I work with adolescents and adults facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, sexual abuse, and relationship challenges.
I offer flexible scheduling to make therapy accessible and comfortable.
Mon–Thu, 8 AM–6 PM: In person or Telehealth
Sat, 8–10 AM & 7–10 PM: Telehealth only
Sun, 10 AM–3 PM: Telehealth only.
My goal is to provide options that fit naturally into your life so you can get support when you need it.
I enjoy working with people who are in transitional phases of life like emerging adulthood, when questions of identity and relationships become more pressing and intense.
People often seek out therapy when they are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or alone. These feelings may cause symptoms of anxiety, depression, difficulty managing anger, or dependance on food or substances to cope. As a therapist I enjoy creating a relationship that is warm, consistent, and safe to explore difficult feelings or experiences while figuring out what symptoms like anxiety, or depression are trying to tell us. Having someone who is curious about the way you think and feel can be truly transformative. This process can lead to the rediscovery of your own innate constructive forces, bringing relief and much needed change.
I enjoy working with people who are in transitional phases of life like emerging adulthood, when questions of identity and relationships become more pressing and intense.
People often seek out therapy when they are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or alone. These feelings may cause symptoms of anxiety, depression, difficulty managing anger, or dependance on food or substances to cope. As a therapist I enjoy creating a relationship that is warm, consistent, and safe to explore difficult feelings or experiences while figuring out what symptoms like anxiety, or depression are trying to tell us. Having someone who is curious about the way you think and feel can be truly transformative. This process can lead to the rediscovery of your own innate constructive forces, bringing relief and much needed change.
I provide couple counseling both in person and online. The majority of my clients are ready to continue to grow, both as individuals and in their relationships, but are finding that old patterns might be getting in the way. My goal as a clinician is to balance emotional validation and safety with action-oriented approaches.
I provide couple counseling both in person and online. The majority of my clients are ready to continue to grow, both as individuals and in their relationships, but are finding that old patterns might be getting in the way. My goal as a clinician is to balance emotional validation and safety with action-oriented approaches.
I specialize in working with teens and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional issues.
You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that don’t really fit who you are anymore. Maybe your emotions feel like a lot to manage, or past experiences still sit with you in a way that’s hard to shake. It can feel like your own thoughts are getting in the way of the life you actually want to live. You may be navigating ADHD, anxiety, or autism, whether diagnosed or just wondering if that fits your experience. You’re not just looking for temporary relief, you want real change. You want to understand what’s actually going on under the surface and figure out how to handle things in a way that actually works well.
I specialize in working with teens and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and emotional issues.
You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that don’t really fit who you are anymore. Maybe your emotions feel like a lot to manage, or past experiences still sit with you in a way that’s hard to shake. It can feel like your own thoughts are getting in the way of the life you actually want to live. You may be navigating ADHD, anxiety, or autism, whether diagnosed or just wondering if that fits your experience. You’re not just looking for temporary relief, you want real change. You want to understand what’s actually going on under the surface and figure out how to handle things in a way that actually works well.
My name is Kellie, and I would be honored to meet with you and collaborate on what you are looking for in therapy. I graduated with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. Specific treatments areas I specialize in: Identity, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Suicide ideation, Religious-trauma recovery, complex-ptsd, ptsd, emotionally immature parents, emotional regulation, as well as personality and mood disorders.
My name is Kellie, and I would be honored to meet with you and collaborate on what you are looking for in therapy. I graduated with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. Specific treatments areas I specialize in: Identity, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Suicide ideation, Religious-trauma recovery, complex-ptsd, ptsd, emotionally immature parents, emotional regulation, as well as personality and mood disorders.
I provide psychodynamic therapy for adolescents and young adults, and play therapy for children.
I work at a group practice, and the number listed is for our intake coordinator who will help you get set up for your first appointment. You can also email me directly. We will have 2 - 4 assessment sessions to explore what you or your child needs help with, after which we will agree on an appropriate treatment plan.
I provide psychodynamic therapy for adolescents and young adults, and play therapy for children.
I work at a group practice, and the number listed is for our intake coordinator who will help you get set up for your first appointment. You can also email me directly. We will have 2 - 4 assessment sessions to explore what you or your child needs help with, after which we will agree on an appropriate treatment plan.
I’ve worked with teens and adults in multiple settings.
Accepting short-term clients for summer 2026! Do you criticize yourself every time you look in the mirror? Rely on unhelpful coping skills, and perhaps feel stuck? As a therapist, I am here to help you develop insight into your behaviors and how they serve you. Together, we can work through “the whys” and help you shift the way you think and act. I strive to create a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and safe space for clients to explore their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I pull from person-centered and psychodynamic theories, CBT, and ACT in my work, but always work to collaborate with clients and tailor sessions toward your needs.
I’ve worked with teens and adults in multiple settings.
Accepting short-term clients for summer 2026! Do you criticize yourself every time you look in the mirror? Rely on unhelpful coping skills, and perhaps feel stuck? As a therapist, I am here to help you develop insight into your behaviors and how they serve you. Together, we can work through “the whys” and help you shift the way you think and act. I strive to create a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and safe space for clients to explore their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I pull from person-centered and psychodynamic theories, CBT, and ACT in my work, but always work to collaborate with clients and tailor sessions toward your needs.
Hello! I began as a Resident in Counseling in 2022 after earning my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I’ve worked with individuals ages 5 to 65, offering group, couples, and individual counseling. My experience includes anger management, career advising, and trauma-centered care. I use mindfulness, art, storytelling, and thought awareness to support emotional intelligence and self-understanding. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or ADHD, I walk alongside my clients to help them overcome challenges and build the life they want to live.
Hello! I began as a Resident in Counseling in 2022 after earning my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I’ve worked with individuals ages 5 to 65, offering group, couples, and individual counseling. My experience includes anger management, career advising, and trauma-centered care. I use mindfulness, art, storytelling, and thought awareness to support emotional intelligence and self-understanding. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or ADHD, I walk alongside my clients to help them overcome challenges and build the life they want to live.
I provide therapeutic services to a diverse client population, working with teens, young adults, and adults.
I work collaboratively with clients to address concerns including anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, relational difficulties, and life transitions. My goal is to help clients build practical coping strategies while fostering insight, resilience, and overall well-being.
I provide therapeutic services to a diverse client population, working with teens, young adults, and adults.
I work collaboratively with clients to address concerns including anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, relational difficulties, and life transitions. My goal is to help clients build practical coping strategies while fostering insight, resilience, and overall well-being.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples on topics that do not always get the focused attention they deserve: relationship dynamics, men and men’s issues, sex and sexual harm, and academic stressors. I have also worked with a number of people seeing a therapist for the first time.
Working with clients on these topics involves exploring issues like communication breakdown, cycles of criticism and/or feeling ignored, grief and loss, emotional and physical intimacy, processing sexual harm, professional burnout, and stress management.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples on topics that do not always get the focused attention they deserve: relationship dynamics, men and men’s issues, sex and sexual harm, and academic stressors. I have also worked with a number of people seeing a therapist for the first time.
Working with clients on these topics involves exploring issues like communication breakdown, cycles of criticism and/or feeling ignored, grief and loss, emotional and physical intimacy, processing sexual harm, professional burnout, and stress management.
Catherine M. Lawder, LCSW, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Waitlist for new clients
For 30+ years my clinical practice has focused on helping people live healthier, happier, more contented lives. Together, we can work to give you the tools you need to create the life you want and develop a plan to maintain it. When life is overwhelming and stressful or relationships are struggling, therapy can help. My practice offers a place where you can feel heard in a supportive, comfortable and non-judgmental environment. You can feel free to discuss whatever issues are bothering you. I participate with Anthem, Blue Cross/Shield, Sentara and Aetna and accept clients paying out-of-pocket.
For 30+ years my clinical practice has focused on helping people live healthier, happier, more contented lives. Together, we can work to give you the tools you need to create the life you want and develop a plan to maintain it. When life is overwhelming and stressful or relationships are struggling, therapy can help. My practice offers a place where you can feel heard in a supportive, comfortable and non-judgmental environment. You can feel free to discuss whatever issues are bothering you. I participate with Anthem, Blue Cross/Shield, Sentara and Aetna and accept clients paying out-of-pocket.
See more therapy options for Charlottesville
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FAQ - About Adult Counseling
Why should adults see a therapist?
Adults may benefit from therapy for a wide range of reasons—whether it’s managing symptoms of a diagnosed mental health condition like anxiety or depression, navigating life transitions, coping with grief or trauma, or simply seeking support during a challenging life period. Many adults find that therapy helps them build healthier coping skills and better process their emotions, which may lead to better relationships and reduced stress. It’s important to note that, unlike psychiatrists or primary care physicians, therapists do not prescribe psychiatric medication. However, they will often work alongside prescribing clinicians to ensure coordinated care and can provide behavioral therapy as an important addition to psychiatric medication. Mental health concerns can look different in adulthood than in childhood or adolescence, so finding a therapist with expertise working with adult clients is important. Conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for instance, may present or resurface differently in adulthood than in childhood or adolescence. Adult-specific stressors, such as job strain, caregiving responsibilities, relationship challenges, financial stress, or identity transitions, can also influence the onset and type of symptoms an individual experiences. Adult-focused therapists, therefore, are trained to understand these complexities and tailor care accordingly.
How do I know if a therapist is the right fit for me?
When seeking care, it’s important to understand a therapist’s treatment specialties and their overall approach to treatment . Some therapists focus on common adult conditions like anxiety or depression, while others specialize in areas such as trauma, substance use disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It’s also important to consider a therapist’s training when seeking care. Therapists hold various licenses depending on their training and state requirements. Common therapy credentials include Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs). Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) receive additional doctoral-level training and may focus on assessments or more specialized therapeutic approaches. All of these professionals can provide talk therapy but do not prescribe medication. When searching for a therapist, consider their credentials and training background to ensure a good fit.
How do I find a therapist who sees adults?
Psychology Today’s online directory allows you to search specifically for therapists who work with adults. Each provider profile includes key information such as clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, licensure, accepted insurance plans, languages spoken, and session fees. Reviewing these details can help you determine whether a particular provider aligns with your needs and can indicate whether they are a good match for adult clients.