Therapist in Richmond VA – We are here to help
If you are experiencing anxiety and depression, everyday life can be hard. Having a licensed therapist with Virginia Counseling in your corner can help. I’m a local therapist in Richmond VA that can help you to develop specific skills and strategies to help you feel better.
My name is John Mathews, LCSW and I have been a mental health therapist in the Richmond, VA area for over 10 years, during which I have helped hundreds of clients facing a variety of issues.
How therapy can help
Having anxiety or depression can be both overwhelming and isolating, but you are not alone and you can feel better.
My approach to therapy is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a well-researched treatment model that is action-oriented and fast-acting. With commitment, positive therapeutic results can be achieved in relatively short time frames — sometimes as short as a few sessions.
The foundation of CBT is that thoughts and actions are a driving influence of emotion. Therefore, you can improve the way you feel by exploring how your current thought patterns and habits influence your emotions. Once you understand these patterns, you can make positive changes to your thoughts and behaviors. This will in turn improve your emotional experience. This is a process we undertake together.
I am a male LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. Taking a holistic approach to counseling, I believe in treating the whole person. I have been a licensed therapist with the Virginia Board of Social Work since 2015.
Issues I can help with
If you are struggling with any of the following issues, please reach out to me for help.
- Addiction including alcohol and drug
- ADHD
- Phobias
- Relationship
- Anxiety including anxiety attacks, social anxiety, panic attacks, and panic disorders
- Bipolar disorder (BPD)
- Depression, including grief and bereavement
- Gender issues including gender dysphoria
Who I serve
I specialize in helping the following populations:
- Adult
- Young adult
- Adolescent including teen/teenage, youth
- LGBTQ friendly, LGBT friendly, gay-friendly, transgender, trans-friendly, queer
With so many therapists in Richmond, VA, how do you find the right one?
It’s hard enough to find a therapist who you click with, let alone a great one who also understands your experience and circumstances.
I have a special connection to the Richmond area as I was born here, raised in nearby Midlothian, and have been involved in the greater Richmond community for most of my life. I received a Master’s of Social Work from VCU. And also trained in psychotherapy at VCU’s student counseling center. This experience helped me to round out my understanding of Richmond’s unique culture and challenges.
I have provided community mental health and in-home counseling and emergency services to clients all over the Richmond area. But I found my calling in providing outpatient counseling services and working one-on-one with clients. I love working with people that need help with transitions. Life transitions can bring about anxiety and depression and an experienced therapist can help. Some people I have helped are students just starting college, young adults finding their way, individuals struggling with gender identity issues, and adults transitioning into a new job or retirement.
In my free time, I enjoy taking my toddler to the park and spending time outdoors and in nature. Sailing, kayaking, and taking walks is how I recharge. I like to watch and play tennis (go Federer!) and other sports. I love history, music, reading, and writing. For over 20 years, since my teens, I have been a vegetarian.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you are looking for a therapist in Richmond, VA and you think that I am a good fit for you, I would love to hear from you.
Schedule an Appointment
If you want to schedule an appointment or if you have more questions, please fill in the form below.
Let’s talk more about how I can help.