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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Lynchburg, VA

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

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance. Scheduling is easy — call our team and they’ll help you find your perfect match.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting Trauma/PTSD therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Military / Veteran, Domestic Abuse, Narcissism, LGBTQIA+, Infidelity, +11 more

I’m passionate about helping others tap into their inner strength and find healing.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Stress, Women’s Issues, Career, +6 more

As a wife and a mom, I bring empathy, insight, and dedication to guiding individuals and families toward healing and growth.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +20 more
Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, ADHD, +6 more

As a counselor, I am excited to work with my clients on their goals and to help them increase overall functioning to where they are able to move forwa... As a counselor, I am excited to work with my clients on their goals and to help them increase overall functioning to where they are able to move forward in life and have the skills needed to handle challenges and symptoms. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Medical / Health Issues, Self Harm, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +17 more

I firmly believe that the counseling process is a collaborative one, and I am excited to walk alongside you during this journey.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +7 more

As an experienced therapist, I will work to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for clients to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Military / Veteran, Chronic Illness, Medical / Health Issues, Domestic Abuse, Anger, +12 more

I can't fix your problems, but I can help you develop the tools you need to find a solution that works for you.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, ADHD, +6 more

As a working wife and mother of two adult children, I understand the struggles that life can bring.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +22 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +8 more

Having 15 years of experience working in the field, I understand the need for others to improve the ability to cope and improve their overall quality ... Having 15 years of experience working in the field, I understand the need for others to improve the ability to cope and improve their overall quality of life. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +10 more

As a dedicated counselor who values empathy and authenticity, I’m passionate about walking alongside my clients and creating a warm, genuine space w... As a dedicated counselor who values empathy and authenticity, I’m passionate about walking alongside my clients and creating a warm, genuine space where they can navigate life’s challenges and discover their path to healing and growth. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +6 more
Domestic Abuse, LGBTQIA+, Stress, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, +4 more

My goal as a counselor is to support my clients in developing practical skills to apply in their day-to-day lives so they can authentically author the... My goal as a counselor is to support my clients in developing practical skills to apply in their day-to-day lives so they can authentically author their narrative. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +22 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +7 more

As a counselor who has worked extensively with clients who have experienced many forms of trauma, I understand the difficult process it is to heal fro... As a counselor who has worked extensively with clients who have experienced many forms of trauma, I understand the difficult process it is to heal from these experiences. Read more

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +19 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, Postpartum / Pregnancy, +5 more

As a therapist, I consider it a great honor and responsibility to listen and share in the thoughts, feelings, and life experiences of others.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +22 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, +9 more

I am looking forward to meeting with you to assist you in the healing process.

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO, +21 more
Domestic Abuse, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Stress, +9 more

Your trauma is not your fault, but healing is your responsibility.

Ethan Zehr

Hear from Ethan Zehr, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Ethan Zehr's profile

What is your go-to approach for PTSD/trauma therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people in PTSD/trauma therapy is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. I find the best benefit in EMDR therapy because it allows improvement from trauma symptoms using a protocol with bilateral movement while processing traumatic memories and our core beliefs about these experiences.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I teach the following tools in EMDR/trauma therapy:

  • Building multiple coping/grounding skills to be able to safely process trauma.
  • Creating target sequence planning which involves building a map of experiences.
  • Processing protocol.
  • Revaluation to see if the target is correct.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy?

When the client is able to demonstrate an overall improvement in functioning, a decrease in negative symptoms due to trauma, and recall and speak about the event or events without a high level of distress or negative emotions.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement PTSD/trauma therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in PTSD/trauma therapy with certain recommended books to read or certain videos to watch to better understand the EMDR process.

What should someone do to prepare for starting PTSD/trauma therapy?

To prepare for their first EMDR/trauma therapy session, a client can work on their coping skills for self-regulation to help with being able to cope with processing the trauma symptoms.

Starting Trauma/PTSD therapy

What is PTSD/trauma therapy?

At Thriveworks, Trauma/PTSD therapy involves dedicated efforts to address and navigate through past and/or recent traumatic events. Therapists specializing in trauma create a secure environment to process and heal from these experiences, aiming to reduce trauma-related symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.

How does PTSD/trauma therapy work?

Our Thriveworks providers use Trauma/PTSD therapy treatments like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR, CBT, and exposure therapy with the goal of helping clients process the traumatic events they have experienced so that they can to start feeling safe and secure again.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:

  • Flashbacks and distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances
  • Intense anxiety and irritability
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood and thought patterns
  • Increased arousal, like difficulty concentrating or exaggerated startle response

How do you overcome PTSD triggers?

The best way to overcome PTSD triggers is to seek the assistance of a professional therapist, such as those at Thriveworks, who can help you to understand and treat your PTSD triggers.

What type of therapist is best for PTSD?

In most cases, a therapist who specializes in Trauma/PTSD therapy is the best type of mental health professional to address the symptoms of PTSD.

Is PTSD/trauma therapy conducted in person or online?

PTSD/trauma therapy 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 should you go to therapy for PTSD?

If a client is working through a single traumatic event that occurred as an adult, trauma or PTSD therapy may only take a few months, but in general, it can take a year or more to effectively treat trauma symptoms and PTSD. The duration of treatment is highly dependent on the client and the severity of their symptoms.

How successful is therapy for PTSD?

The success rate of therapy for PTSD depends entirely on the individual’s symptoms, commitment to attending sessions, and personal abilities.

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 Lynchburg therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • 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

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

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

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

Show more
Self-pay costs at Lynchburg
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
★★★★★
My therapist is always there for me when I need him and always helps me out of a dark place. I really appreciate him.
Tyra Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Other than an insurance issue that was quickly fixed I've had an excellent experience with Thriveworks and it's helped my mental health greatly.
Devin Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
April Gardner is very talented at her job. She really tries to you with a positive outcome and relaxation. The communication process is very convenient.
Tiffany Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love my therapist. Also I love the experience of getting to do it in a safe space at home
Nicole Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I always learn something at my sessions and leave feeling like it was an hour well spent. My counselor is able to quickly access me and address my current needs. My improvement with this counselor has been much better than a prior one with another organization.
Read more I always learn something at my sessions and leave feeling like it was an hour well spent. My counselor is able to quickly access me and address my current needs. My improvement with this counselor has been much better than a prior one with another organization.
Cara Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I'm very happy with my counselor and the service in general. The flexibility of scheduling, the empathy and direction of Brian Hunsley has been most useful, and our therapist/patron is I improving all the time. I trust him, and that is rare in today's society.
Read more I'm very happy with my counselor and the service in general. The flexibility of scheduling, the empathy and direction of Brian Hunsley has been most useful, and our therapist/patron is I improving all the time. I trust him, and that is rare in today's society.
Renee Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My Therapist is awesome and amazing.
Dameeka Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Tiffany is easy to talk to. She's fun and laid back but makes sure the time together is what I need it to be. The ease of Thriveworks has also been noteworthy. An email reminder of the meeting with the zoom link always shows up the day before and the morning of the appointment so you don't forget!
Read more Tiffany is easy to talk to. She's fun and laid back but makes sure the time together is what I need it to be. The ease of Thriveworks has also been noteworthy. An email reminder of the meeting with the zoom link always shows up the day before and the morning of the appointment so you don't forget!
Tim Mar 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Lynchburg is located on Jefferson St. in the heart of the downtown area. The James River runs directly behind our building, which we share with Zola’s Beauty Studio and Stimulus Adverstising and Web Design.

Phone number

(434) 771-0495

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

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