Great discussion
Valerie Smith, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Valerie is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 5.0 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Valerie. View 8 reviews
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Virginia
Recent reviews
Valerie was very knowledgeable regarding my issues that I was experiencing . She also gave me referrals to programs to address my concerns. Valerie was a pleasure. I high recommend her services. Former Client
More about Valerie
- 23 years' experience
- Female
- LCSW
I have practiced as a clinical social worker for over 20 years in public, general hospital, psychiatric hospital and private settings treating all ages, genders and races. I have training in PTSD, critical incidence debriefing therapy, childhood trauma, and alcohol and substance abuse treatment. My approach is more conversational then interrogational. Most people come to me with relational, self-image or work issues, depression or anxiety and we work through ideas to overcome these dilemmas.
Married late in life and with a child in college I now come to the office with a wealth of lifetime experiences. From fast food restaurants to general district courts to law firms to corporate to not-for-profit agencies, I have encountered all types of work situations and peoples. I actually draw from many of these experiences to validate, give wisdom and help others in similar places.
Many of us today lack the family or community support to deal with day to day issues. That’s why I’m here – to make suggestions for practical solutions, to make connections to childhood belief systems – and change them if beneficial, to provide reassurance and to give comfort. You don’t need to do it alone. Try at least one session and see if you don’t feel better!
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse
Grief
Depression
Addictions
LGBT
Family conflicts
Intimacy-related issues
Eating disorders
Parenting issues
Anger management
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Coping with life changes
Compassion fatigue
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Codependency
Communication problems
Control issues
Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
Domestic violence
Family of origin issues
Fertility issues
First responder issues
Guilt and shame
Hearing impaired
Hospice and end-of-life counseling
Immigration issues
Mood disorders
Post-traumatic stress
Workplace issues
Young adult issues
Treatment Approaches
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Valerie Smith's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1215095450.
- LCSW · Virginia · 0904005575 · Expires June 2025
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Valerie Smith
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Great discussion
Valerie was very knowledgeable regarding my issues that I was experiencing . She also gave me referrals to programs to address my concerns. Valerie was a pleasure. I high recommend her services. Former Client
She is so lovely and knowledgeable! She listens so well and gives me such helpful feedback. I appreciate her so much!
Takes the time to truly listen and address concerns, even offering additional resources such as helpful literature, etc. Very accommodating schedule-wise.
Valerie is seriously great! She has understood me and my situation, has been able to read between what I say and what is really going on.
Valerie listened and provided validation and support. She is easy to relate to and offered helpful comments. I felt much better after speaking with her. Her faith-based perspective was reassuring.
I’m so grateful to have had Valerie Smith as my counselor.
Valerie is very personable and makes difficult conversations feel lighter. Her response time is always beyond expectations, and she provides actionable tips and helpful “homework” which are greatly appreciated. I feel that Valerie takes the time to validate and explore emotions and reflections as they naturally arise; she has never left me feeling unheard nor rushed on to the next topic too quickly. Highly recommended!
Frequently asked questions
Does Valerie Smith offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Valerie Smith works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Valerie Smith speak?
Valerie Smith speaks English.
How many years of experience does Valerie Smith have?
Valerie Smith has 23 years of experience.
Where is Valerie Smith licensed to practice?
Valerie Smith is licensed to practice in Virginia.
Does Valerie Smith accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Valerie Smith does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Valerie Smith offer?
Valerie Smith offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Valerie Smith?
Valerie Smith can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Valerie Smith?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.