Take the First Step Toward Better Mental Health
At The Up Center, you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Our outpatient counseling offers a safe, welcoming place to talk, heal, and grow. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship struggles, our caring counselors are here to listen and support you. We use proven methods to help you build strength, find hope, and feel more in control—so you can take positive steps toward a healthier, happier life.
Therapeutic Educational Groups
A supportive group that teaches mindfulness skills to reduce stress, improve focus, and build emotional balance.
A group designed to help separated or divorced parents work together in the best interest of their children.
Practical tools and guidance to help participants recognize triggers, manage emotions, and respond in healthier ways.
A relationship-focused group that helps couples and co-parents strengthen communication and teamwork.
A healing group for women that encourages self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth after life’s challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
We support children, teens, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, grief, relationship issues, life changes, ADHD, and stress. We are also able to support families and couples. Our clinicians tailor treatment to your needs using evidence-based approaches.
Counseling can help at any stage, not only when experiencing extreme stress or a crisis, however, some signs that counseling may be helpful include persistent sadness, irritability, changes in sleep, appetite, or typical behaviors, trouble concentrating, withdrawal from activities, excessive worry, or difficulty coping with daily stress. Counseling is also helpful when you are experiencing a major life transition such as relationship changes, job/career changes, grief and loss, or other transitions.
We offer individual therapy, family counseling, couples/relationship therapy, and specialized approaches such as trauma-informed care, group therapy, art therapy, and play therapy.
We also have therapists trained in specialized trauma therapies such as Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). Both of these therapies work well for helping individuals heal from traumatic experiences.
The length varies based on your goals and needs. Some clients see improvements in a few months, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Yes. Sessions are private and protected by law, with exceptions only when there’s a risk of harm to self or others, or as required by court order.
Yes, we provide both in-person and secure telehealth sessions to make services more accessible. (Please note that the client must be physically located within the State of Virginia at the time of the session due to state licensing regulations.)
We accept many insurance plans and offer low-cost services for those who are uninsured. We also offer a sliding fee scale for those who are uninsured and experiencing financial hardship to reduce barriers to care. We will discuss your specific insurance coverage or financial situation with you when you register to ensure you get the most up to date information regarding fees.
Therapy sessions are typically held one time per week and may begin to decrease as you meet your goals to bi-weekly or once monthly. You and your clinician will be able to determine the session frequency that meets your needs.
You can find the new client registration link at the bottom of our website, titled “New Client Registration.” Fill out the form completely and a member of our Intake Team will be in touch shortly.
No, we do not offer medication management or psychological testing at this time.
Most groups at our agency are held once weekly.
An open group allows new members to join at any time. These groups tend to have a rotating membership, so participants may meet new people throughout the program. A closed group starts with a set group of members who all begin and end together, creating consistency.
In individual sessions, you’ll meet your therapist, discuss your goals, what brought you to therapy, a brief history, and go over confidentiality. In groups, the first meeting focuses on introductions, group guidelines, and helping everyone feel comfortable; sharing is always at your own pace.
For groups which earn certificates of completion, certificates are issued approximately 7 to 10 business days after completion of the course. Successful completion of Group includes full attendance for the following number of weeks: Promoting Positive Partnerships (Batterer’s Intervention): 18 Weeks, Anger Management: 12 Weeks, Virginia ASAP: Please discuss with group facilitator how many weeks you are expected to attend based on your assessment.
Proven, Personalized Support
Our counselors use brief, goal-focused, evidence-based therapies to help clients make meaningful progress. Approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children and families, and Play and Art Therapy.
Support for All Ages
We serve clients at every stage of life—children as young as two, teens, adults, and seniors. Our counselors understand the unique needs of each age group and create personalized care to support growth and healing. We also work with military families and veterans who may face added stress from deployment or transition, as well as individuals referred through employee assistance programs or the court system. No matter your age or situation, The Up Center is here to provide compassionate care tailored to your needs.
Family Counseling
Building stronger connections at home.
Our licensed counselors work with families to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships. We provide a safe, supportive space for every family member to be heard and valued—helping you create a healthier, more connected home life.
Our Team
Our Team
As Outpatient Clinical Director, I oversee the administrative and clinical operations of our outpatient counseling programs at The Up Center. I began my journey here as an Intensive In-Home clinician before moving into leadership roles, where I now focus on ensuring quality services and supporting our dedicated clinical staff. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, a Master’s degree in Community Counseling, and professional licenses as an LPC and CSOTP.
I’m motivated by the opportunity to guide and mentor clinicians as they grow in their careers while helping clients achieve their goals. I’m especially proud of fostering a team culture where compassion and professional growth go hand in hand. Outside of work, I recently discovered my love for cooking—and I’m having fun learning new recipes!
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor supporting clients diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health concerns while also assisting with clinical leadership. I bring years of experience providing therapy and program oversight to ensure high-quality services.
I’m motivated by helping clients build confidence, resilience, and positive self-concepts as they work toward their goals. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Richelle (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/Virginia), a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC/Virginia), and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC/National). She obtained both her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work from Norfolk State University. Richelle has provided clinical therapy and other direct care services for the last 10 years to children, adolescents, adults, and families. For the last 5 years, Richelle has specialized in Substance Use Treatment as a result of the overwhelming need that she saw in the community. As a result, during her tenure at Community Solutions, she was instrumental in opening the Hampton Roads first level 3.1 inpatient facility. During this time, she served as the clinical and program director while supervising clinicians and peer recovery specialists. Most recently, Richelle was drawn to The Up Center to start a Substance Use program to ensure outpatient services were accessible to under and uninsured individuals in her community. Richelle sees clients in person in the Ghent office and via telehealth on a limited basis.
I support our counseling team with administrative needs, scheduling, and ensuring smooth coordination of services for clients. My background includes work with individuals, groups, and systems to promote access to mental health care.
My passion for trauma-informed care and reducing barriers to services motivates my work every day. I am happiest when I am outside, especially near the water or in nature.
As the Clinical Intake Coordinator, I am one of the first points of contact for clients, helping them access services and providing initial support and referrals. I am a Registered Peer Recovery Specialist with forensic peer support training.
I enjoy seeing individuals receive the services and care they need to start their path toward wellness. Outside of work, I love caring for plants and creating a green space at home.
I work with individuals to help them reach their goals using art therapy and mental health counseling approaches. I received my Master’s degree in Counseling and Art Therapy and bring creative, client-centered techniques to my work.
What I enjoy most about my role is getting to know people’s stories and helping them express themselves in meaningful ways. I also enjoy plein air painting during long hikes in my free time.
My role is to help clients improve their emotional well-being using evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I integrate various counseling techniques to best support each client’s unique needs.
My motivation for working in a non-profit setting comes from a passion for helping others achieve their personal goals and emotional wellness. I enjoy reading, crocheting, and spending time outdoors in my free time.
I provide counseling services to individuals, couples, and families using evidence-based practices such as TF-CBT and EMDR. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with specialized training in trauma-informed care.
I’m motivated by the desire to help others develop healthier coping skills and improve their mental well-being. Outside of work, you can often find me at the beach enjoying the outdoors.
I provide therapy via telehealth for individuals, couples, and families, addressing concerns such as depression, anxiety, grief, autism, and substance use recovery. I draw on both personal and professional experience with military families to inform my approach.
I’m motivated by the tremendous need for access to quality mental health services in our community. I especially value witnessing personal growth and positive change in the lives of others. Outside of work, my spouse and I moved to Tennessee in 2021, but we love visiting Virginia and D.C. to spend time with family and friends.
I serve as an outpatient clinician providing mental health and substance use counseling for individuals and families. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience supporting people through trauma-informed care.
I value working in a supportive environment where we can create meaningful change for clients. Outside of work, I enjoy playing soccer, coaching, and engaging in community activities.
Kirsten (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/Virginia and California) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT™). She attended San Diego State University (SDSU), graduating in May 2017 with a Masters in Social Work (MSW), and a Pupil and Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) to allow her to provide mental health services in the school setting. Kirsten started her journey as a school-based mental health provider at an elementary school in Escondido, CA, for four years. She then was involved in mental health treatment in the school-setting in Virginia for two years, following her move to the Tidewater area. Kirsten began working as an Outpatient Clinician for The Up Center in June 2024. Kirsten specializes in working with school-aged children (ages 5-12), utilizing child-centered and directive play therapy approaches, informed by client-centered and CBT theories. She sees clients in-person at the Ghent Office and virtually on a part-time basis.
I am a Resident in Counseling, working toward licensure while providing mental health counseling for individuals and families. I hold a B.A. in Sociology from Norfolk State University and a Master’s degree in Counseling.
The Up Center’s long-standing reputation for helping people through difficult times motivates me every day. It’s important to me that people feel seen and supported in their journeys. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
As an Outpatient Clinician, I provide individual counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults to support their mental and emotional wellness. I’m a Supervisee in Social Work with professional experience in trauma-informed care and person-centered therapy.
I’m motivated by the opportunity to help individuals and families navigate challenges and find strength in their stories. I especially enjoy seeing smiling faces and hearing how clients are growing in confidence and stability through their counseling journey.
Sam (she/her) is a Resident in Counseling working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. Sam pursued her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Regent and graduated in December 2022. Sam is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), and Gottman Level 1 training for Couples therapy. She currently utilizes EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Therapy to approach the uniqueness of her clients. Sam has a special interest in working with couples and young adults. Sam believes every person who shares space in session with her is unique. Sam works alongside her clients while exploring their journey of becoming the best versions of themselves.
I provide outpatient counseling to individuals seeking support for a variety of mental health concerns, helping clients achieve emotional well-being. I hold a BSW from James Madison University and have experience working with diverse populations.
I enjoy being an active part of the 757 community and helping clients find strength and hope in their journeys. Outside of work, I love visiting the beach and spending time outdoors.
I oversee the Foster Care and Team Up mentoring programs, ensuring high-quality support for youth and families across Hampton Roads. In addition to her role as director, I currently sees Outpatient clients on a limited basis, both in person in the Ghent office and via telehealth. I’m trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy and TF-CBT (Trauma Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). With over 20 years of child welfare experience and a Master of Social Work degree, I bring deep knowledge and dedication to my role.
As a Hampton Roads native, I’m passionate about helping children and families thrive and reach their full potential. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and engaging in community activities.
I serve as an outpatient counselor, providing therapy and mental health support for individuals and families. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have experience supporting clients through trauma-informed approaches.
I’m motivated to work at The Up Center because it creates opportunities for people to heal and grow. Outside of work, I enjoy pottery classes and exploring creative hobbies.
As a clinician in Outpatient Counseling Services, I develop individualized treatment plans, connect clients with community resources, and foster long-term recovery through compassionate, evidence-based care. My role allows me to support clients through therapy, advocacy, and skill-building as they work toward wellness and independence.
I’m inspired by seeing clients gain confidence and develop the tools they need to thrive. I’m especially proud of helping people achieve lasting progress through comprehensive, person-centered care.
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