geometry-shapes iconSelf Esteem, Self-Harming, Relationships, Grief, Depression, Anxiety
In Person & Online in Charlottesville, VA
9 years in practice
Ages served: 0-64
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Amanda accepts 24 insurers
Aetna
Anthem
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
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
Compsych
First Health Network
HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Medcost VA
Multi Plan PHCS
Optum Serve
Oscar Health
Quest Behavioral Health
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$220
first session
$160
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Amanda

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 9 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation challenges, behavioral concerns, grief, and major life transitions. I work closely with both youth and their parents to strengthen communication, build coping skills, and create a more stable and supportive home environment.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from Simmons College. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, and family systems work. I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs, focusing on practical tools and emotional insight.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I provide a safe, inclusive space where you and your family can feel heard and supported. Together, we’ll build resilience, strengthen relationships, and help you move toward greater balance and confidence.

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"I provide a safe, compassionate, and affirming space for people of all backgrounds, grounded in empathy, lived experience, and a whole-person approach to healing."

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Get to know Amanda

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I decided to become a counselor because I have a deep passion for supporting people through life’s challenges and a personal understanding of how difficult it can be to do the work of growth and healing. My own lived experiences with loss, trauma, and personal growth shaped my empathy and desire to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore, heal, and develop the skills and confidence to live more fully. I find it deeply rewarding to walk alongside individuals as they navigate challenges, celebrate progress, and build resilience in their lives

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work well with clients who are taking the important step of seeking therapy, and who feel motivated to grow, explore their experiences, and develop practical tools and insights. I provide a safe, empathetic space where clients feel heard, validated, and supported as they take steps toward meaningful change.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

One thing I wish all clients knew is that it’s completely normal to feel scared, unsure, or uncertain about what you want from therapy. The process of seeking support often helps clarify what you need, and that may evolve as you grow. Mental health is a part of everyone’s life, and there is nothing “wrong” with you for reaching out—seeking therapy is a brave and healthy step toward understanding yourself, healing, and building the life you want.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

In the first session and the early stages of therapy, clients can expect a space to share their experiences and for us to begin building a safe, supportive relationship. We’ll go through some standard questions to gather important background information, but the focus is on your comfort, your needs, and exploring what you might want from therapy. Even if you don’t have specific goals yet, we’ll work together to clarify what’s important to you and start developing a collaborative plan for growth and healing. As always, I am here for you, and this process is about making sure you feel supported and that we are a good fit for working together.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

My personal experiences with loss, trauma, and growth deeply inform my work as a therapist. Having navigated challenges myself, I understand how difficult it can feel to face your emotions, work on yourself, and seek support. These experiences fuel my empathy and commitment to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their feelings, process their experiences, and grow at their own pace. I value compassion, respect, and the belief that every person has the capacity for resilience and meaningful change, and I aim to reflect these values in every interaction with the individuals I work with

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs by taking the time to understand your individual experiences, goals, within the context of your lives. I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches and use the strategies that best fit the individual I am working with. Therapy is collaborative, so together we explore what is most helpful, set goals that feel meaningful, and adjust our approach as your needs and insights evolve. My focus is always on creating a safe, supportive space where you feel understood and empowered throughout the process.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesSelf Esteem, Self-Harming, Relationships, Grief, Depression, Anxiety, School Issues, Sleep / Insomnia, Social Anxiety, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Mood Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Open Relationships / Non-Monogamy, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Panic Attack, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Performance Anxiety, Personality Disorders, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Racial Identity, LGBTQIA+, Life Transition, Marital & Premarital, Gender Identity / Transgender, Impulse Control Disorders, Infidelity, Learning / Intellectual Disabilities, Divorce, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Dual Diagnosis, Family Conflict, Caregivers, Adoption, Coping Skills, Alcohol Use, Anger Management, Behavioral Issues, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
ApproachesTrauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychodynamic, Psychotherapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Somatic, Strength-Based Therapy, Trauma-Focused, Positive Psychology, Psychoanalytic, Multicultural, Narrative, Person-Centered Therapy, Gestalt, Integrative, Intensive Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Interpersonal, Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Family / Marital, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Culturally Sensitive, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Attachment-Based, Behavioral Therapy, Any / Eclectic
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Education and training

Years in practice
9 years
Graduating institute
Simmons College, Master of Social Work
Graduating degree
Master of Social Work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1962371419
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State of practiceVA
Practice location

Practice information

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Amanda Leake

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)she/her