First Responders Therapists in Chester, VA
As a dual certified Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals across the lifespan, with a strong emphasis on delivering personalized care that fosters both mental and physical well-being. I began my nursing career 15 years ago as a registered nurse, gaining valuable experience in a variety of patient care settings. This foundation has shaped my holistic, patient-centered approach as an advanced practice nurse. I prioritize compassionate, evidence-based care, integrating both medication management and therapeutic techniques to address the unique needs of each patient.
As a dual certified Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals across the lifespan, with a strong emphasis on delivering personalized care that fosters both mental and physical well-being. I began my nursing career 15 years ago as a registered nurse, gaining valuable experience in a variety of patient care settings. This foundation has shaped my holistic, patient-centered approach as an advanced practice nurse. I prioritize compassionate, evidence-based care, integrating both medication management and therapeutic techniques to address the unique needs of each patient.
My ideal client is someone who’s been carrying a lot on their own and is ready for support. They may feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or unsure how to move forward. They’re capable and self‑aware, but life has started to feel heavier than it should. They want clarity, emotional relief, and a space where they can be honest, understood, and supported as they work toward feeling more grounded and connected to themselves.
My ideal client is someone who’s been carrying a lot on their own and is ready for support. They may feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or unsure how to move forward. They’re capable and self‑aware, but life has started to feel heavier than it should. They want clarity, emotional relief, and a space where they can be honest, understood, and supported as they work toward feeling more grounded and connected to themselves.
More Therapists Nearby
I also specialize supporting those in high responsibility roles ( military, first responders, healthcare workers, business professionals, teachers).
You spend your life taking care of others; carrying responsibility, pressure, and expectations that rarely let up. It's served you well, but at a cost. As a mom, healthcare provider, Veteran (still in), and first-responder spouse, I GET it. If you’re ready to reclaim balance, purpose, and clarity, I’m here to guide you forward.
I also specialize supporting those in high responsibility roles ( military, first responders, healthcare workers, business professionals, teachers).
You spend your life taking care of others; carrying responsibility, pressure, and expectations that rarely let up. It's served you well, but at a cost. As a mom, healthcare provider, Veteran (still in), and first-responder spouse, I GET it. If you’re ready to reclaim balance, purpose, and clarity, I’m here to guide you forward.
I am trauma informed,haveexperience working with military, first responders, law enforcement and their families.
My approach is to ensure each individual, couple/family has a unique experience that works best for their current situation. I use therapeutic methods to help people of all ages work through life's problems and heal emotional pain. As we work together, I will listen carefully and will begin helping you achieve your goals
I am trauma informed,haveexperience working with military, first responders, law enforcement and their families.
My approach is to ensure each individual, couple/family has a unique experience that works best for their current situation. I use therapeutic methods to help people of all ages work through life's problems and heal emotional pain. As we work together, I will listen carefully and will begin helping you achieve your goals
I specialize in work with veterans and first responders who struggle with trauma/PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Life gets heavy. Sometimes it's life, work — what you've seen, what you carry home. Sometimes it's wounds that go way back — childhood, abuse, trauma, things that were never your fault but shaped you anyway. Sometimes it's a relationship, a transition, or just the slow buildup of too much for too long.
Whether you're a veteran, first responder, kid, teen, or adult trying to figure out the next season of your journey, you don't have to sort through it alone. Just show up as you are — we'll take it from there, together.
You've got this. And I've got you
I specialize in work with veterans and first responders who struggle with trauma/PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Life gets heavy. Sometimes it's life, work — what you've seen, what you carry home. Sometimes it's wounds that go way back — childhood, abuse, trauma, things that were never your fault but shaped you anyway. Sometimes it's a relationship, a transition, or just the slow buildup of too much for too long.
Whether you're a veteran, first responder, kid, teen, or adult trying to figure out the next season of your journey, you don't have to sort through it alone. Just show up as you are — we'll take it from there, together.
You've got this. And I've got you
For more than 20 years, I've had the privilege of helping people navigate life's challenges and discover strengths they didn't know they had. One quote has always guided my work: "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." — Maya Angelou.
Seeking therapy is a courageous first step. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, facing relationship challenges, or simply ready for change, you don't have to do it alone. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to move from simply surviving to truly thriving.
For more than 20 years, I've had the privilege of helping people navigate life's challenges and discover strengths they didn't know they had. One quote has always guided my work: "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." — Maya Angelou.
Seeking therapy is a courageous first step. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, facing relationship challenges, or simply ready for change, you don't have to do it alone. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to move from simply surviving to truly thriving.
My ideal clients are couples in high-stress, high-responsibility roles who feel disconnected, stuck in conflict, or struggling with intimacy. Many appear stable on the outside but experience distance, tension, or unresolved issues at home. They often come in wanting to improve communication, rebuild trust, and feel close again. I support them by helping identify patterns, slow down interactions, and create more effective ways of communicating. Together, we focus on restoring emotional and physical connection in a way that feels clear, practical, and sustainable.
My ideal clients are couples in high-stress, high-responsibility roles who feel disconnected, stuck in conflict, or struggling with intimacy. Many appear stable on the outside but experience distance, tension, or unresolved issues at home. They often come in wanting to improve communication, rebuild trust, and feel close again. I support them by helping identify patterns, slow down interactions, and create more effective ways of communicating. Together, we focus on restoring emotional and physical connection in a way that feels clear, practical, and sustainable.
I specialize in working with parents in the perinatal period, first responders, and people with complex trauma histories.
I’m certified in EMDR and Trauma-focused CBT, which have been shown in research to resolve PTSD. I've received specialized training in perinatal care and can help you navigate postpartum moods, a traumatic birth, or grief after a loss. I'm also trained in first responder cultures and can help you let go of difficult work events and find peace.
I specialize in working with parents in the perinatal period, first responders, and people with complex trauma histories.
I’m certified in EMDR and Trauma-focused CBT, which have been shown in research to resolve PTSD. I've received specialized training in perinatal care and can help you navigate postpartum moods, a traumatic birth, or grief after a loss. I'm also trained in first responder cultures and can help you let go of difficult work events and find peace.
My ideal client can be a military veteran, a single parent working two jobs to make ends meet, a first responder, a business executive with decades of experience, or a college student working at the local breakfast cafe.
Healing from our psychological wounds is driven by learning to enact self-care, reframing conclusions about past trauma, and embracing corrective emotional experiences. I offer emotionally-focused, trauma-informed care with modalities designed to reorient those areas of the self that are psychologically disordered.
My ideal client can be a military veteran, a single parent working two jobs to make ends meet, a first responder, a business executive with decades of experience, or a college student working at the local breakfast cafe.
Healing from our psychological wounds is driven by learning to enact self-care, reframing conclusions about past trauma, and embracing corrective emotional experiences. I offer emotionally-focused, trauma-informed care with modalities designed to reorient those areas of the self that are psychologically disordered.
Do you struggle with feeling triggered, relationship problems, flashbacks, nightmares, depression, avoidance, or anxiety? Our Psychologists are here to help you work through past trauma, abuse, critical incidents, adversity, and life threatening events that continue to negatively impact your life.
We offer EMDR and Trauma Intensives, along with standard weekly or semi weekly therapy, for PTSD and trauma related issues.
Do you struggle with feeling triggered, relationship problems, flashbacks, nightmares, depression, avoidance, or anxiety? Our Psychologists are here to help you work through past trauma, abuse, critical incidents, adversity, and life threatening events that continue to negatively impact your life.
We offer EMDR and Trauma Intensives, along with standard weekly or semi weekly therapy, for PTSD and trauma related issues.
Safe Haven Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, LCDC, CSC, NCC
8 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23235
Angela Waggoner works with first responders, helping professionals, and individuals navigating trauma, PTSD, burnout, anxiety, grief, and major life transitions.
Dr. Angela Waggoner specializes in trauma recovery, EMDR, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) intensives for first responders, helping professionals, and individuals impacted by trauma. She offers personalized virtual and in-person care to address PTSD, burnout, anxiety, grief, and life transitions.
Angela Waggoner works with first responders, helping professionals, and individuals navigating trauma, PTSD, burnout, anxiety, grief, and major life transitions.
Dr. Angela Waggoner specializes in trauma recovery, EMDR, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) intensives for first responders, helping professionals, and individuals impacted by trauma. She offers personalized virtual and in-person care to address PTSD, burnout, anxiety, grief, and life transitions.
I also focus on the first responders, corrections personnel, and returning citizens who experience unique stresses.
My holistic, person-centered approach addresses mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. I offer strategies for the issues life may present, integrating the healing power of nature, science, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. I provide a safe inclusive space for clients to express themselves, achieve mental well-being, and develop coping mechanism
I also focus on the first responders, corrections personnel, and returning citizens who experience unique stresses.
My holistic, person-centered approach addresses mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. I offer strategies for the issues life may present, integrating the healing power of nature, science, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. I provide a safe inclusive space for clients to express themselves, achieve mental well-being, and develop coping mechanism
Now Accepting New Clients! People also seek me out to work on trauma, grief, anger, mental health, life stresses. I treat people newly in recovery from substance use disorders whether it's the first time or after many attempts. treat first responder trauma. I can hear very traumatic events when needed. Whether you have a specific goal to address or need help sorting out the root of the problem we can work on it together. Most clients are glad to know that I have ideas, I listen, assess, and I know the process to get to the core issue. I like my clients to get support and assistance quickly on the way to the deeper solutions.
Now Accepting New Clients! People also seek me out to work on trauma, grief, anger, mental health, life stresses. I treat people newly in recovery from substance use disorders whether it's the first time or after many attempts. treat first responder trauma. I can hear very traumatic events when needed. Whether you have a specific goal to address or need help sorting out the root of the problem we can work on it together. Most clients are glad to know that I have ideas, I listen, assess, and I know the process to get to the core issue. I like my clients to get support and assistance quickly on the way to the deeper solutions.
Many of my clients include veterans, first responders, executives, athletes, creative professionals, and medical providers with diverse cultural backgrounds.
I'm a licensed psychologist (since 2018) with a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kansas. My work has largely been shaped by my experiences working at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers as a clinician and Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator as well as uniformed experience as the Chief of Behavioral Health in the Virginia Army National Guard.
Many of my clients include veterans, first responders, executives, athletes, creative professionals, and medical providers with diverse cultural backgrounds.
I'm a licensed psychologist (since 2018) with a PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kansas. My work has largely been shaped by my experiences working at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers as a clinician and Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator as well as uniformed experience as the Chief of Behavioral Health in the Virginia Army National Guard.
Accepting New Clients
Catalyst Counseling is a group therapy practice serving clients in Virginia, DC, and Maryland. We help individuals, couples, and families get matched with the therapist on our team who best fits their needs, so you can begin care without long wait times.
Accepting New Clients
Catalyst Counseling is a group therapy practice serving clients in Virginia, DC, and Maryland. We help individuals, couples, and families get matched with the therapist on our team who best fits their needs, so you can begin care without long wait times.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Is putting everyone else's needs ahead of your own starting to take its toll? Do you wonder if life should somehow feel better than this? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, detached, and overwhelmed by the demands of life and how to sustain healthy relationships, keep work-life balance, and find meaning and purpose in their daily lives. Sound familiar?
Whether you are a frontline worker carrying the weight of cumulative stress or a fellow therapist on the verge of burnout, therapy can be a place to pause, reset, and begin to heal.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Is putting everyone else's needs ahead of your own starting to take its toll? Do you wonder if life should somehow feel better than this? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, detached, and overwhelmed by the demands of life and how to sustain healthy relationships, keep work-life balance, and find meaning and purpose in their daily lives. Sound familiar?
Whether you are a frontline worker carrying the weight of cumulative stress or a fellow therapist on the verge of burnout, therapy can be a place to pause, reset, and begin to heal.
I help adults, couples, first responders, nurses, and high-stress professionals navigate emotional challenges, PTSD, substance use, and life transitions.
With over 25 years of experience, I help individuals, couples, and families navigate anxiety, trauma, addiction, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Therapy focuses on understanding patterns, building healthier coping strategies, supporting recovery, and creating meaningful change.
I help adults, couples, first responders, nurses, and high-stress professionals navigate emotional challenges, PTSD, substance use, and life transitions.
With over 25 years of experience, I help individuals, couples, and families navigate anxiety, trauma, addiction, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Therapy focuses on understanding patterns, building healthier coping strategies, supporting recovery, and creating meaningful change.
I work exclusively with First Responders and their spouses and families, offering a space where their unique experiences are understood and respected.
Since mid-2023, I’ve spearheaded the Law Enforcement Wellness Initiative, a program primarily focused on supporting patrol officers. Through regular ride-alongs, I build trust by experiencing their work firsthand, which allows me to provide real-time or follow-up support after critical incidents.
I work exclusively with First Responders and their spouses and families, offering a space where their unique experiences are understood and respected.
Since mid-2023, I’ve spearheaded the Law Enforcement Wellness Initiative, a program primarily focused on supporting patrol officers. Through regular ride-alongs, I build trust by experiencing their work firsthand, which allows me to provide real-time or follow-up support after critical incidents.
My clinical background spans from intensive in-home counseling for youth and teens, school social work, to working on inpatient psychiatric units for both children and adults, and providing crisis intervention in the community and emergency departments.
Much of my career has been dedicated to crisis work—assessing and supporting individuals experiencing severe emotional distress, suicidality, trauma, and acute mental health challenges. I work closely alongside law enforcement as a mobile crisis clinician, responding to complex situations involving safety concerns and overwhelming stress.
My clinical background spans from intensive in-home counseling for youth and teens, school social work, to working on inpatient psychiatric units for both children and adults, and providing crisis intervention in the community and emergency departments.
Much of my career has been dedicated to crisis work—assessing and supporting individuals experiencing severe emotional distress, suicidality, trauma, and acute mental health challenges. I work closely alongside law enforcement as a mobile crisis clinician, responding to complex situations involving safety concerns and overwhelming stress.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My experience includes treating mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD in adults and adolescents. I also work with gay/lesbian/ bisexual/ and transgendered clients. I work with people to improve their self-esteem, self-confidence, handle anger issues and relationships. My goal is to empower individuals to take control of their lives. I believe people have the ability to heal themselves and talking with someone can make a difference.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My experience includes treating mood and anxiety disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD in adults and adolescents. I also work with gay/lesbian/ bisexual/ and transgendered clients. I work with people to improve their self-esteem, self-confidence, handle anger issues and relationships. My goal is to empower individuals to take control of their lives. I believe people have the ability to heal themselves and talking with someone can make a difference.
See more therapy options for Chester
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for Chester
- Ashland
- Bon Air
- Chesterfield
- Colonial Heights
- Glen Allen
- Henrico
- Mechanicsville
- Midlothian
- North Chesterfield
- Petersburg
- Powhatan
- Richmond
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.