Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

3,104 people sought depression counseling help at Blacksburg in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a depression 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 50 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.

Hear from our clinicians

What is your go-to approach for depression counseling?

Sarah: My go-to approach for treating depression is solution-focused and cognitive behavioral therapies. I prefer to utilize a solution-focused approach for depression because it can help ease a person into making small changes that add to big progress. It can be very easy to be self-deprecating with depression. This technique still acknowledges the difficulty without putting a spotlight on it; instead, it looks at practical solutions that help make the desired changes.

Jennie: My go-to approaches for treating depression are psychoeducation of depression and common approaches to treating depression. I like to understand my client's depressive symptoms and what most affects them when depressive symptoms are too much to handle. From there, I describe interventions I may use that address their specific depressive symptoms or areas of functioning impacted by depressive symptoms. I tend to use these approaches, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), mindfulness training, and solution-focused therapy, when treating depression.

What tools do you teach in depression counseling?

Sarah: I teach the following tools in individual therapy:

  • CBT thought records: A journaling exercise that allows the individual to identify and dissect unhelpful thoughts to retrain the thought process for long-term healing.
  • Practical solutions: Looking at real-world problems through structured problem-solving.
  • Self-compassion: Learning to treat yourself with love and support, treating yourself as your own best friend.
  • Mindfulness: The practice of being intentional with your attention and awareness.
  • Coping skills education: Providing education about the variety of coping skill and their function in long-term healing.
  • Expressive arts: Utilizes art mediums to convey emotions or thoughts when words become hard to find.

Jennie: The following tools I use in depression therapy include:

  • Validation and encouragement
  • Challenging their inner critic's judgments, negative thoughts, and beliefs
  • Explaining cognitive distortions and how these can impact our thoughts and beliefs that can sustain depressive symptoms
  • Encouraging clients to resume or retry helpful coping skills they have or currently practice for managing depressive symptoms

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in depression counseling?

Sarah: I know a client is making meaningful progress in depression counseling when they report feeling less weight on their shoulders as a result of their depression and feeling more in charge of their life as opposed to their depression making the decisions.

Jennie: I know a client is making meaningful progress in depression therapy when they report progress or changes in general mood, motivation, energy, or hopefulness. Clients may report improvements in assertive behaviors or increased self-esteem.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement depression counseling?

Sarah: Clients can supplement their time in depression counseling with a regular practice of self-care/self-love, love and kindness mindfulness (I will teach you how), and engaging your support network.

Jennie: Clients can supplement their time in depression therapy by practicing skills or exercises taught in session or from resources I share that supplement discussions in session. Clients prescribed medication for depression should follow their prescriber's directions for taking their medications.

What should someone do to prepare for starting depression counseling?

Sarah: To prepare for your first depression counseling session, you can make sure you attend to your basic needs (hunger and hydration), make a list of questions or concerns (if you find that helpful), and mentally tell yourself that counseling is a great tool for you to be able to cultivate the life you want and deserve.

Jennie: For their first depression therapy session with me, clients should come prepared to explain their experience with depression, especially symptoms and how depression impacts different areas of their functioning (e.g., cannot get out of bed, missing work, no motivation to do household tasks, do not enjoy pleasurable activities). Clients should be prepared to listen to explanations for depressive symptoms and impacts on functioning, and common approaches for treating depression. Clients should prepare to identify the approach they are ready to take to resolve their depression.

Starting Depression counseling

What can counseling do for those who suffer with depression?

Depression counseling can help those with major depression, minor depression, postpartum depression, persistent depressive disorder, and more. The providers at Thriveworks in Blacksburg, VA will develop a unique treatment plan based on your specific experience, needs, and goals.

Is it worth going to therapy for depression?

It is absolutely worth going to therapy for depression — depression counseling helps people better manage their symptoms and get back to living happier lives again.

How does depression counseling work?

Depression counseling works by helping people pinpoint life problems, distorted thought patterns, and other causes of their depression, then process and work through them in order to mitigate the negative effects those factors have on their lives.

Signs of depression

Common signs of depression include:

  • Consistent low mood
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping
  • Changes in diet (eating much more or less)
  • Withdrawal and isolation
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in previous hobbies or activities
  • Excessive substance use

Is depression counseling conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks depression counseling in Blacksburg, VA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How often should you attend depression therapy sessions?

Depression counseling can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, dependent on the severity of one’s depression as well as their needs and preferences.

How much does depression counseling cost?

At Thriveworks, we take most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay a $0-$50 co-pay per session. However, there are also self-pay options that sit around $200 per session, depending on the service and location, for those who are out-of-network.

Need more help deciding?

Actual clinical depression goes beyond just “feeling blue” or “being down.” Depression symptoms take many forms, and no two people’s experiences are exactly alike. Depression is one of the most common mental/emotional disorders in the United States. It’s believed that depression is or can be due to any combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It often begins in adulthood, and can occur in people of any age, gender, race, career, relationship status, socio-economic status.

Simply put, depression could be described as a person feeling sad and depressed for weeks or even months months on end. Everyone has a day or two of feeling low, or being in a “bad mood.” But depression is ongoing, and no matter what the external circumstances are, the depressed person is unable to pull out of this feeling. It’s often also accompanied by a sense of hopelessness, a lack of energy or “heaviness,”, and not being able to experience pleasure in the things that once brought the person enjoyment.

How Do I Know if I’m Depressed?

If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:

  • Ongoing sadness, anxious, or “empty” mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness, or extreme pessimism
  • Irritability
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Less physical energy or fatigue
  • Moving or talking more slowly
  • Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Changes in sleeping habits: difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, oversleeping
  • Change in appetite and/or weight changes
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
  • Physical discomfort with no apparent physical cause
  • Physical discomfort that is not relieved even with treatment

Certainly, not everyone showing a few of these symptoms is depressed, AND not everyone who is depressed will have all of these symptoms. Some have just a few while others may experience many. However, a person experiencing several of these symptoms regularly, as well as low mood really should be seen by a professional to determine if a diagnosis of depression is present. Even those with only a few symptoms may benefit from treatment for depression, to prevent their depression from worsening. The severity, duration and frequency of symptoms will vary depending on the individual as well as on the stage of the illness.

Risk Factors for Depression

Depression, especially in midlife or older adults, can co-occur with other serious medical illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. These conditions are often worse when depression is present. Sometimes medications taken for these physical illnesses may cause side effects that contribute to depression. A doctor experienced in treating these complicated illnesses can help work out the best treatment strategy.

Risk factors include:

  • Genetics – a personal or family history of depression
  • Life events, even good ones such as the birth of a baby, or a new job
  • Retirement, loss of job/income
  • Traumatic event
  • Death of a loved one
  • Relationship issues or changes such as marriage or divorce
  • Conflict
  • Abuse
  • Stress
  • Certain medical conditions and/or medications
  • Substance Abuse

Can Depression Be Cured?

Sometimes depression occurs in response to a specific event in one’s life. But for some, depression is a condition that will be with them their entire life. Ongoing treatment/therapy is crucial, to help prevent relapses and to maintain ongoing mental/emotional wellness. The good news is that depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is. It’s important to understand that no two people are affected the same way by depression and there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment or approach that works best for you. At Thriveworks Blacksburg depression counseling, our therapists are trained and experienced in treating depression. They’re understanding, patient, compassionate, and ready to work with you towards getting back to experiencing joy in your life. Call to schedule an appointment as soon as tomorrow – sometimes even today!

Call 540-376-3348 for Thriveworks Blacksburg depression counseling today, or schedule online to get started today.

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 Blacksburg therapists and counselors accept 34 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Connecticut | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas HMO

  • 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

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Self-pay costs at Blacksburg
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

4.7 Thriveworks Blacksburg reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
So nice, reassuring, helpful for what I needed. Explained everything very well. I feel I don’t have a bunch of questions I should have asked.
Read more So nice, reassuring, helpful for what I needed. Explained everything very well. I feel I don’t have a bunch of questions I should have asked.
Blacksburg May 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Turns out our councilor in Blacksburg is working out great! This was a good idea. Highly recommend! Kudo's to Kelly.
Read more Turns out our councilor in Blacksburg is working out great! This was a good idea. Highly recommend! Kudo's to Kelly.
Blacksburg Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
We have been providing the billing services to Thriveworks Blacksburgs for a good period of time now, we have had excellent professional relationship with all the staff there. They are true professional, always provide us the helping hand. And are very efficient is providing response to any query of questions. It is truly amazing working with them.
Read more We have been providing the billing services to Thriveworks Blacksburgs for a good period of time now, we have had excellent professional relationship with all the staff there. They are true professional, always provide us the helping hand. And are very efficient is providing response to any query of questions. It is truly amazing working with them.
Blacksburg Jun 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
When I arrived at the Blacksburg office for counseling I got a peaceful feeling. The paper work was not daunting and my counselor greeted me in a friendly and professional manner.
Read more When I arrived at the Blacksburg office for counseling I got a peaceful feeling. The paper work was not daunting and my counselor greeted me in a friendly and professional manner.
Blacksburg Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I appreciated the location of the Blacksburg office. It's a pleasant place, just off the highway and feels safe. While I waited I was met by pleasant staff and refreshments.
Read more I appreciated the location of the Blacksburg office. It's a pleasant place, just off the highway and feels safe. While I waited I was met by pleasant staff and refreshments.
Blacksburg Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
The waiting room was so inviting and the counselor had recognized me that made me feel very comfortable. I was tense from the unknown of therapy and it was so good to be "humanized."
Read more The waiting room was so inviting and the counselor had recognized me that made me feel very comfortable. I was tense from the unknown of therapy and it was so good to be "humanized."
Blacksburg Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I met the Thriveworks owner to inquire about the services offered. She was very helpful with her answers, she was very patient as she gave me her time and focus, and made me feel entirely at "home."
Read more I met the Thriveworks owner to inquire about the services offered. She was very helpful with her answers, she was very patient as she gave me her time and focus, and made me feel entirely at "home."
Blacksburg Apr 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Close to downtown Blacksburg and easy to get a hold of. Just what is needed for this area.
Blacksburg Dec 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

We share a building with several other businesses including Fresenius Kidney Care Montgomery County, the Islamic Center of Blacksburg, and Thermostats Service and Repair Company. Next door to us Robinson, Farmer, and Cox Associates, an account service. Nearby is also a Courtyard by Marriott hotel and Park Commercial Realty.

Phone number

(540) 361-6270

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • 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

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