availability-icon

Offered in-person & online

Our counselors offer self-harm counseling in Alexandria, VA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

1,205 people sought self-harm counseling help in Virginia in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a self-harm counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 123 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Self-harm counseling

What is self-harm counseling?

Self-harm counseling is aimed at helping individuals who struggle with harming themselves break this pattern by addressing the underlying emotional causes and working to develop new, healthier coping skills. Thriveworks self-harm therapists in Alexandria, VA are experienced in treating those who self-harm with empathy, compassion, and unconditional regard in order to help them heal and recover, both physically and emotionally.

How does self-harm counseling work?

Self-harm counseling at Thriveworks often uses cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help clients discover the connections between their thoughts and feelings and their behaviors. By assessing these areas, Thriveworks Alexandria therapists can help clients find and address the true emotional roots of their patterns and, from there, effectively adjust unwanted behaviors.

Is self-harm counseling conducted in person or online?

Self-harm counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does self-harm counseling last?

The duration of self-harm counseling will often depend on a variety of factors, such as the intensity of an individual’s symptoms or the current levels of stress present in their lives. Because of this, treatment can last a handful of months or on a continual basis over the course of years. In the end, it’s up to the client and their individual needs.

Need more help deciding?

Self-Harm Interventions in Alexandria, VA (Franconia)—Counselors and Coaches

If you or someone you love copes through self-harm, know that Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia) offers counseling for this condition. Self-harm may be the only way some people know how to survive, but when they are ready to learn new ways, the counselors at Thriveworks are ready to help them.

Various Forms of Self-Mutilation

When most people think about self-harm, they may assume that means cutting, and while cutting is one of many forms of self-mutilation, there are other ways that people injure themselves. Often, people combine different forms of self-mutilation.

Common forms of self-mutilation may include…

  • Burning—harming oneself through heat, possibly with matches, hot objects, cigarettes.
  • Scratching or cutting—using sharp objects to create lacerations upon the skin.
  • Carving, branding, or tattooing—utilizing symbols or pictures or words along with the pain.
  • Hitting—punching, biting, picking at oneself.
  • Pulling hair—forcibly and painfully removing significant amounts of hair.
  • Interfering with a wound—intentionally hindering the healing process.

Often, people’s legs, torso, and arms receive the wounds. Some people may participate in self-mutilation for a few times and then quit. Some people may struggle with harming themselves on a regular and on-going basis.

Risk Factors for Self-Harm

People in a variety of life circumstances and across different socio-economic factors often struggle with self-harm. While anyone can struggle, a few factors may make a person more likely to participate in self-mutilating actions:

  • Mental Disorders: When people struggle with a mental illness, they are often at greater risk for also participating in self-injury. For example, people who have borderline personality disorder, depression, a conduct disorder, an autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, phobias, or schizophrenia may be particularly vulnerable to self-harm.
  • Psychological Factors: Childhood abuse is often a significant factor when people self-mutilate. Other psychological trials can raise a person’s risk as well, such as bereavement, difficult relationships, unemployment, and poverty.
  • Drug or Alcohol Use: Drug and alcohol dependence and withdrawal can increase people’s risk for self-mutilation. One Northern Ireland study found that in over 60 percent of patients who presented for self-harm, alcohol was a significant factor.

Counseling for Self-Mutilation at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia)

The therapists at Thriveworks understand. Learning new coping mechanisms that do not harm one’s own body can feel like an overwhelming or impossible task, but many people are learning to process their pain instead of expressing it upon their bodies.

When you are ready to meet with a counselor, Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia) is ready, too. We offer evening and weekend appointments, and we accept most forms of insurance. Lean upon us while you heal. Contact Thriveworks Alexandria to get started—you can reach out by phone or schedule your first appointment online.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Alexandria therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

Show more
Self-pay costs at Alexandria
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Read more At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Horace Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Read more Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Horace Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Read more I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Ed Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Read more My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Louisa Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Love our therapist.
Heidi Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Read more My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Alexandria Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Read more I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Alexandria Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off of Franconia Rd., just behind Oak Tree Plaza. We share a building with MRM Associates. Right next door to us is a MakeSpace, and the closest bus stop is at Franconia Rd. & Beulah St.

Phone number

(703) 454-8246

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

7 photos