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, a Master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling, and professional licenses as an LPC and CSOTP. I am trained in TF-CBT, LGBTQ-Affirmative CBT and EMDR.
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 learning ceramics and pottery!
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor supporting clients diagnosed with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, 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, gardening and antiquing.
I provide therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families, with a focus on substance use treatment. I bring over 10 years of clinical experience and support clients in person at our Ghent office and through telehealth.
I’m motivated by the need for accessible substance use services in our community and have worked to expand care for individuals who are underinsured or uninsured. I value helping clients find stability and recovery through compassionate, evidence-based care.
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 at the beach.
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 and I am certified in WRAP and APPR.
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.
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 at EVMS and bring creative, client-centered techniques to my work. I am also trained in TF-CBT and EMDR.
What I enjoy most about my role is getting to be. a part of different individuals’ journeys to healing. 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 trauma-informed approaches, including CBT and EMDR. I specialize in perinatal mental health care. 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 strong commitment to access in mental health care. I enjoy reading, crocheting, and spending time outdoors in my free time.
I provide counseling services to individuals, couples, families and minors 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 with my dog.
I provide therapy via telehealth for individuals, couples, and families, specializing in 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 glass lamp work art.
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 an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from ODU.
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.
I provide counseling to individuals and couples, using approaches such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and person-centered therapy to support each client’s unique needs. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University and have a special interest in working with couples and young adults.
I’m motivated by the opportunity to walk alongside clients as they grow and work toward becoming the best versions of themselves. I value creating a space where each person feels seen, supported, and understood.
I provide outpatient counseling to individuals seeking support for a variety of mental health concerns, helping clients achieve emotional well-being. I hold a MSW from James Madison University. I am also trained in EMDR and TF-CBT.
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 or mountains and walking my dogs.
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 am trained in EMDR, TF-CBT, and play therapy.
I enjoy helping clients leave the session with a renewed sense of hope and light. Outside of work, I enjoy pottery classes and taking road trips.
Real Voices
Resources
