Optima Therapists in Charlottesville, VA
See all therapists in Charlottesville
Suzanne Wilberger LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I offer both in person and virtual/teletherapy sessions. I provide psychotherapy for adult men and women who are facing a wide range of life challenges. Maybe you're having difficulties due to anxiety or you are confused about your life’s direction or purpose. Possibly you have recently realized you have a pattern of becoming involved in unhealthy relationships and want to figure out why. I'll provide a comfortable, accepting, caring, and non-judgmental environment for you to gain an increased awareness of self, and to discover how this awareness can become the pathway towards growth and positive change.

Russell Grieger
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
As a cognitive-behavior's therapist with over 35 years clinical experience, my goal is two-fold with each of the people who entrust themselves into my care. One is to help them resolve the issues that are at the core of their current unhappiness. A second is to equip them with the necessary skills to lead a happy, productive life and to quickly resolve any issues that may arise in the future.

John Stone
Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
John Stone Jr. is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia who has been practicing in the mental health field for over 18 years. He has worked with individuals of all ages in the Charlottesville Community. In his practice, John is skilled in working with children, adolescents, and adults using a diversified approach that is specific to the individual’s needs. He has demonstrated skills in working with individuals in crisis and providing crisis prevention education.

Frances Ingram
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I have experience working with adolescents, and adults who are struggling with a range of life situations such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual abuse/trauma and relationship issues. I am interested in you as an individual and am committed to helping you learn what causes you to be stuck and repeating dysfunctional patterns. My approach is active, direct and flexible. I do not stay stuck in the past, but I do use past trauma as a tool to help you learn how these wounds are causing present day conflict. You will use practical strategies to create a life that meets your emotional, social and spiritual nee
Not accepting new clients

Jim Mckinley-Oakes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I have explored the mind-body connection since 1980. I use healing and recovery models of therapy that respect my clients' strength and potential. I specialize in gentle and supportive methods of assisting clients to overcome the recurrent effects of trauma. I have advanced training and experience with mind/body modalities including EMDR to facilitate healing and foster posttraumatic growth. This generally involves helping a client learn to manage the recurrent symptoms of trauma and concurrently address and heal from the cause.
Not accepting new clients

Shawn Lea Strubbe
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
Problems are not "just in our heads." Problems affect our bodies, too. We respond to them through our thoughts, feelings, and actions. I believe that "talk therapy" is important. I also believe it is important to work beyond this modality in order to give people an opportunity to integrate cognitions, feelings, and the body. This allows people to release old patterns so they can act on experiences in new, more effective ways - and change becomes possible.

Daphne Ingene
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified
Verified
I enjoy helping people establish and maintain relationships. It could be a relationship with your significant other, colleagues, or your family where values, beliefs, expectations, or even the cultures may be different. I also help people maintain a positive relationship with themselves by achieving an internal balance and being at peace with their past experiences.

Mark Glasgow Johnson, MFT, PC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PC
Verified
Verified
As a Contemplative Psychotherapist and Coach, I offer my clients a unique blend of professional and spiritual experience. For 32 years I have been counseling individuals, families, and couples. 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 in how to use their wisdom and kindness to reach more 'enlightened' functioning. I do accept insurance clients, but currently have a waiting list of several months.
Not accepting new clients

Claire Hopkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, EdS, LPC
Verified
Verified
As a counselor, I understand that trauma occurs at any age, in many different forms. It can be overt, in the case of physical abuse and death; ambiguous, in the form of divorce, break-ups, peer pressure, bullying and the impact of social media. It can also be entirely hidden from our consciousness. Counseling is a way to approach and connect with trauma in a safe place. It is a way to help yourself heal.

Cara Marinucci
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, FAMI
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
As a Licensed Professional Counselor for many years, I am continually inspired by the transformative moment that happens in the counseling process. There is a sacredness in being present to another as a guide on this journey we call life. Whether it is exploring inner resources for healing and growth or the possibilities for deep and lasting change, it is an honor to work with people that are desiring a better way to be themselves in the world. My own journey has taught me that being truly present and engaged allows space for the unknown to be revealed, acknowledged, and eventually integrated into the service of the whole self.
Not accepting new clients

Deborah Sinek
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Can you use your mind to reduce your suffering, rather than increase it? Or to increase meaning and depth in your life? You can, but most people need a little help with this. Sometimes a sympathetic family member or wise friend can help a great deal; other times when a knowledgeable, compassionate professional is a better choice. Perhaps your internal life feels out of control, or you're feeling stuck, repeating ineffective patterns of relating to yourself and others. I work with people to help them understand themselves and their situation, manage stress better, and make positive changes happen.
Not accepting new clients

Jody Sweeney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Clients coming to see me are generally in one of three categories: 1) People who are unhappy and know why. They have experienced loss, mistreatment, oppression, trauma, major illness, discrimination, or other experiences that they identify as the source of their distress. 2) People who are unhappy and don't know why. They may feel depressed, anxious, or dissatisfied with their lives and not know the reason. 3) People who feel okay but want to come to life more fully and feel even better.
Not accepting new clients

Riley Koren
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMT
Verified
Verified
Through 13 years of work as a massage therapist, I have seen a variety of ways in which emotional trauma lodges itself in the physical body. I feel passionate about supporting people through exploration of this potent mind-body-spirit system toward healing and resolution.

Faye N Whaley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified
Verified
With over 25 years professionally, I have assisted many individuals and couples to gain insight into their life, reactions and decision making that is creating difficulty in relationships. The focus of Cognitive Behavorial Therapy (CBT) ( the cornerstone of my approach) is to empower clients to improve their lives through an understanding of individual control over thinking, responses and behaviors. A CBT approach in therapy offers change while highlighting client strength and diversity. My expertise, life experiences and guidance offers an open, accepting environment that creates results. With commitment to the process, Your life will change in a positive way!

Angela D'Amelio
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Finding the right therapist - one you feel comfortable with, trust, and can be open and honest with - is essential to your healing. I am committed to facilitating an environment of acceptance, hope, and encouragement. I help individuals who are dealing with depression, anxiety, relationships, and women's issues. My goal is to help you feel empowered, and to create a balanced life and a renewed relationship with yourself and others. Together, we will develop skills, build emotional strength, and find the path toward living out your goals.

Andrea Dilley-Frame
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
Andrea Dilley-Frame is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (SSAC-C) and a former Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (RC-C). She has over 17 years of experience working with adult clients who are dealing with the effects of grief, Life transitional issues, low self-esteem, sexual abuse, stress, trauma, PTSD, women’s issues, anxiety, depression, anger issues, dysfunctional relationships, poor coping skills, family conflict, and more. Andrea obtained a Master’s of Science from Virginia Commonwealth University, Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, VA.

Adam D Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RPT-S
Verified
Verified
I work with children, adolescents, and young adults who are struggling with a wide range of symptoms including ADHD, learning disabilities, developmental difficulties, autism spectrum challenges, depression, anxiety, or substance use issues. Many of my clients have been struggling with adjusting to a life change, such as grief/loss, or a change in family dynamics.

Wrenn Carlson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I am a clinical psychologist with experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy in outpatient and inpatient settings. My areas of interest include working with couples, parents of adolescents, high-stress families, and women with trauma histories. I enjoy working with couples and families to help them find new ways of communicating with each other and their children. I provide comprehensive psychological assessments for children and adults using cognitive, achievement, and personality measures. I aim to make assessments a useful addendum to therapy, psychiatric care, and improved classroom and home functioning.
Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified
Verified
Our program is designed for those wanting to recover from addiction but finding that once a week treatment appointments are not enough but don't meet criteria for a residential program. Clients in our program attend 3 three-hour meetings a week for 12 weeks. Each client starts with a full diagnostic assessment and medical evaluation by our medical director. Program content is educational, clinical treatment, and 12-step work. We have rolling admissions so you can start within a few days of first calling us. Groups are run by a male and a female therapist. We encourage family participation.

Christopher Moutenot-Small
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified
Verified
In all of my work, I use an integrated mind-body-relationship approach to address challenges related to trauma, attachment, transitions and disruptions, stage of life issues, depression, anxiety, and issues involving sexuality, identity, purpose, and meaning.
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How can I find a therapist in Charlottesville?
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Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online or over the phone 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.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the United States, 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.
What type of therapist is right for me?
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, psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
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.
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.
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.