WE’RE HIRING!
Come join our team of 2000+ clinicians
FEATURED ARTICLE
A comprehensive guide to starting therapy
Book my first session
96% of clients feel supported and understood by their therapist
Get expert medication support, tailored to you
Check my copay estimate
Sessions cost $24 on average with insurance
Discover how starting LGBTQIA+ counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
5 therapists available in Richmond
As someone who has worked on understanding my own identity and personal challenges with mental health, I understand the importance...
About
As someone who has worked on understanding my own identity and personal challenges with mental health, I understand the importance of seeking support to help better one's quality of life.
During his professional years as a clinical social work therapist, Graeme Biddle has had the privilege of working with several populations, including clients with terminal illnesses and their family members, as well as children and adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral instability. Graeme enjoys helping clients identify tools to cope with anxiety, depression, and anger. He also has experience helping clients understand life transitions, as well as better understand periods of grief and loss.
Graeme completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as his Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon College. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) through the state of Virginia. Graeme provides a calm, validating approach to therapy, while also remaining direct, and encouraging self-accountability. While using a strengths-based perspective, Graeme utilizes several clinical modalities including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
The process of beginning therapy can be scary and overwhelming. Graeme will strive at helping provide a safe space and facilitate a collaborative approach to help you feel valued and in control of your treatment. Schedule an appointment with Graeme to begin the steps of accomplishing your personal goals.
Education and training
View more therapists in Richmond
Grounded in my own experiences of trauma, recovery, and queer identity, I support clients with empathy, authenticity, and a deep r...
Grounded in my own experiences of trauma, recovery, and queer identity, I support clients with empathy, authenticity, and a deep respect for the courage it takes to heal.
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 10 years of experience working in addiction treatment, trauma recovery, and mental health care. I work with adults navigating burnout, identity shifts, grief, and relationship struggles, as well as those seeking clarity after trauma or transition. I support individuals who feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or disconnected and are ready to rediscover themselves in a space that fosters growth, healing, and self-awareness.
I earned my master’s in social work from the University of Arkansas. My approach is trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and mindfulness-based, helping clients feel safe enough to explore what hurts and move toward healing. I strive to create a collaborative, honest space with room for humor, compassion, and genuine connection.
If you’re tired of carrying it all alone, you don’t have to anymore. Healing doesn’t require perfection, just the courage to show up as you are. Together, we’ll work toward building a more grounded, authentic life. I’d be honored to walk beside you as you write the next chapter of your story.
I collaborate with my clients to promote healing in a safe and affirming space....
I collaborate with my clients to promote healing in a safe and affirming space.
Sharon Looney is a Supervisee in Social Work with 1 year of experience in in-home, outpatient, and clinical care. They specialize in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, depression, neurodivergence (including OCD, ADHD, and ASD), and PTSD/trauma. Sharon also provides care for major life stressors including domestic and relationship issues, gender dysphoria/transition, and grief. Sharon has experience with behavioral interventions, crisis stabilization, case management, and individual psychotherapy.
Sharon received their Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. They utilize strategies from dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based practices to create a personalized experience.
Beginning therapy may not be an instant fix for life’s challenges, but it is the last step you’ll have to take alone. Sharon is ready to walk with you in this next stage of your recovery. Schedule your initial appointment today!
Meredith Golob is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an extensive history working with children, adults, and families dealing...
Meredith Golob is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an extensive history working with children, adults, and families dealing with depression, anxiety, crises, life challenges, and trauma. She is a firm believer in creating a mutually respectful and trusting therapeutic relationship in order to support clients in reaching their goals.
Meredith graduated from James Madison University as a "double duke," receiving her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology and her MA, Ed.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a strength-based counselor, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and person-centered approaches. Meredith has completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method couples therapy.
Meredith is originally from New Jersey. She came to Virginia for school and never went back! In her spare time, Meredith enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, listening to music, and spending time with her pet.
I understand what it is like to seek help from others. My goal is to be a supportive and safe environment for you to continue to c...
I understand what it is like to seek help from others. My goal is to be a supportive and safe environment for you to continue to care for yourself and your mental health while responding to life’s challenges.
Sarajayne Vanover is a Supervisee in Social Work with 5 years of experience in case management. She has worked with children, adolescents, teenagers, and adults from diverse backgrounds. Sarajayne has treated trauma histories and family instability. She enjoys helping clients develop coping skills for depression, anxiety, life transitions, and daily struggles. Sarajayne understands the impact that positive support can have and seeks to help clients meet their goals. She seeks to provide validation and support to clients by understanding who they are and what they’ve experienced.
Sarajayne completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) in Clinical Practice as well as her Master of Science in Conflict Analysis & Resolution from George Mason University. Sarajayne has received training in Motivational Interviewing and approaches conflict with a Narrative Practice lens.
We have all experienced the highs and lows of life. Sarajayne strives to provide a safe space and a welcoming environment for individuals as they talk through whatever is on their minds and process what life has brought their way. If you are ready to start your journey, schedule an appointment with her today! She is looking forward to meeting you!
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
Not ready to book? Contact me
Look for a confirmation email in your inbox shortly. We'll help find you a provider and guide you through everything you should know about starting care at Thriveworks.
No membership fees or subscriptions
Evening and weekend sessions
Award-winning therapy & psychiatry
What support are you seeking?
You acknowledge that by submitting this form, you are providing what may be considered “sensitive data” and consent to Thriveworks Privacy Policy & Terms. By submitting this information, you consent to receive communication from Thriveworks about our services via automatic calls, artificial or pre-recorded messages, or texts at the phone number provided, or by email at the address provided. You have the option to opt out of communications.
We will contact you with availability updates based on the preferences you provided for up to six months.
LGBTQIA+ counseling is a type of queer affirmative counseling dedicated to assisting individuals and couples in navigating the intricate intersections of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health, with a primary goal of fostering well-being, self-acceptance, and affirming a client’s life experiences as a queer individual. Although not all LGBTQ+ individuals seek specialized counseling, a substantial number discover vital support and empathy within these inclusive and affirming therapeutic settings.
Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Richmond, VA typically begins with an initial assessment to understand your specific needs. LGBTQ+ counselors aim to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for anyone within the LGBTQ+ community by encouraging self-acceptance and offering an understanding of your identity and experiences. LGBTQ+ therapy addresses issues like coming out, discrimination, mental health challenges, and gender transition, and provides support for LGBTQ+ relationships.
LGBTQ+ counseling is incredibly important because it can help queer individuals accept their identity, learn self-love, and give them important tools for facing the challenges of being a queer person in today’s society, among many other benefits. LGBTQ+-affirming therapists can understand the unique perspective and experiences of queer individuals as they help them process past trauma, address family conflicts, treat issues with anxiety, and more.
Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Richmond, VA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The number of sessions for LGBTQ+ counseling depends on the specific needs and goals of the individual. It could encompass a relatively limited series of sessions or extend into a longer counseling plan. The precise quantity and duration of sessions typically emerge through collaborative discussion with the counselor, taking into account the client’s progress and their therapeutic objectives.
Respect. Freedom. These are bedrocks of mental health. When these are compromised, mental health will suffer. People deserve for respect. They were born to be free. That means they deserve the space to express their weaknesses and strengths, dislikes and likes, gender and sexuality.
Those in the LGBTQ community encounter more obstructions in their path toward this freedom and respect. The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Richmond understand those roadblocks—the unique difficulties that the LGBTQ community have to handle. We are committed to offering holistic and affirmative mental health care to our LGBTQ clients. Reach out today for help.
People within the LGBTQ community often have a more difficult path toward freedom and respect than others, and they often need particular guidance and support for the journey. What are some of the things that make their journey more difficult? Here is a small glance of the toll that discrimination, rejection, and harassment can take:
That is why Thriveworks Richmond offers affirmative counseling to those within the LGBTQ community. We believe everyone deserves care. We believe people should be empowered to be who they are.
As our clients and therapists build trust, they often tackle topics such as…
When you think about what is happening in your life right now, what would it be like to have help? What would it be like to have an ally? What would it be like to have healing and acceptance and respect? The therapists at Thriveworks Richmond are ready to walk with you on your journey if you are ready too. When you contact our office, know that a real person will answer your call. We do not have voicemail, but our scheduling specialists help our clients find an appointment that work for their schedule.
New clients often have their first appointment within the week. Weekend and evening sessions are offered, and our therapists are credentialed with many insurance panels which means we can accept many different forms of insurance.
Your mental health matters. You are not alone. Let’s work together. Call Thriveworks Richmond today for LGBTQ inclusive therapy and counseling.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Shown in ET
12 photos
Call us to book
Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session.
Book online
Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps.