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2,877 people sought sexual assault therapy help in Virginia in the last year

Discover how starting sexual assault therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 130 therapists in Virginia available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Sexual assault therapy

What is Sexual assault therapy?

Sexual assault therapy helps victims heal from their assault and trauma. Sexual assault can take a number of forms, from the abuse of a child to the violent sexual assault of an adult. No matter what kind of experience you or a loved one has had, our therapists in Virginia Beach, VA will be ready to get to work on helping you find a path toward a better future.

How does Sexual assault therapy work?

Sexual assault therapy works by helping victims process and move forward from their traumatic experience(s). In addition, it helps one address and manage any resulting mental health challenges from depression to stress, anxiety, poor self-image, unhealthy eating patterns, and more.

Is Sexual assault therapy conducted in person or online?

Sexual assault therapy at Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, VA is conducted both in person and virtually through online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Sexual assault therapy last?

Sexual assault therapy often lasts for months to years. However, it can last longer or shorter, depending on the individual's unique needs.

Need more help deciding?

The #metoo movement achieved many important accomplishments when it went viral, but perhaps the most important was letting survivors of sexual assault, rape, and sexual harassment know that they are not alone. It would be wonderful if no one’s sexual boundaries were ever violated, but that is not how the current world functions. It is difficult to talk about sexual violence, but it is important. With understanding can come empathy and with empathy can come healing. The shame of sexual violence might keep people from speaking up, but speaking about what they endured may be just what survivors of sexual violence need to do. They may also need to hear important truths like… You are not responsible for what happened to you… you did not provoke this harm… you are strong… you can heal. Each person’s healing journey is unique, but victims of sexual violence often benefit from working with a therapist who understands the nature of sexual violence and how to heal from it. If your sexual boundaries have been violated, consider going to counseling for survivors of sexual violence.

“I can be changed by what happens to me,
but I refuse to be reduced by it.”
—​ Maya Angelou

More and more, Thriveworks Virginia Beach is seeing clients who need help healing from sexual violence. If you have experienced a sexual assault, know that you are not alone. Our therapists understand the harm that sexual violence can cause, but we also know the healing that is possible.

Sexual Violence

Thinking about sexual violence is not pleasant; however, it is important. Knowing what forms sexual violence can take may empower victims to understand what happened to them. For those who have not lived through sexual violence, knowledge can promote empathy for those who have. Sexual violence is a broad term that can come in many forms, including child sexual abuse, sexual assault, incest, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, rape, and more.

  • Child Sexual Abuse – A child cannot consent to sex. Any form of sexual contact, including but not limited to exposing oneself, rape, and child pornography, with a child is child sexual abuse.
  • Sexual Assault – Unwelcomed sexual touch, groping, or fondling is sexual assault. It includes attempted rape.
  • Incest – When one family member rapes or sexually assaults another, that violence is considered incest.
  • Intimacy Partner Sexual Violence – When a boyfriend, spouse, or girlfriend sexually assaults, harasses, or rapes their significant other, that act is intimacy partner sexual violence.
  • Sexual Harassment – Inappropriate and undesired talk with sexual overtones, sexual advances, or solicitations for sexual favors are included in the definition of sexual harassment.
  • Rape – Being forced or coerced into performing a sexual act upon oneself or on another individual. Rape includes any kind of penetration and oral sex.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) has collected data on how, where, to whom, and how often sexual assault happens in the United States:

  1. Every 98 seconds, someone is sexually assaulted.
  2. 12 percent of sexual assaults (including rape) occur at or near a relative’s home.
  3. People ages 18-36 are most at risk for sexual harassment or assault.
  4. 55 percent of sexual assaults happen at or near the victim’s home.
  5. 1 in 6 women are the victims of an attempted or completed rape.
  6. 10 percent of rape victims are male.
  7. 7 percent of sexual assaults occur at school.
  8. 12 percent of sexual assault victims are working when it occurs.

Sexual Assault: The Fallout

When people’s sexual boundaries are violated, they often feel the impact of the assault long after the initial act has occurred. Sexual violence is often traumatizing to an individual, and each person responds to trauma in their own way. Nonetheless, there are common threads to what an individual may experience after the trauma of sexual violence, including both physical and emotional/psychological effects.

  • Physical Effects. There are a number of injuries a victim can sustain during sexual violence. Victims are often cut or bruised. They may experience broken bones and more. Victims may also experience sexual injuries. They may contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or become pregnant.
  • Psychological and Emotional Effects. Some of the deepest injuries sustained during sexual violence cannot be seen, but they are nonetheless real. Many victims speak of how the most painful part of sexual violence is the emotional and psychological impact of being violated. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often associated with combat veterans, but victims of sexual assault suffer from PTSD as well. With PTSD can come hyper-vigilance, nightmares, and flashbacks. Other mental health challenges are also common—depression, eating disorders, insomnia, self-harm, suicide ideation, and more.

Healing from Sexual Violence—Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Virginia Beach

If you have lived through sexual violence, the therapists at Thriveworks Virginia Beach want to say that what happened to you does not define you. Sexual violence can leave many wounds, and the pain is real. Healing is also possible. Many survivors feel safe and whole again, and they often work with a therapist to learn how to heal their wounds and cope with the pain. If you are ready to reach out and meet with a therapist, we are ready to meet with you. When you call Thriveworks Virginia Beach, one of our scheduling specialists will answer. They will help you make an appointment, but you will never reach a voicemail. We offer evening and weekend sessions. New clients often meet with their therapist within 24 hours of their first call, but we do not put our clients on a waitlist. Many different insurance plans are also accepted. Call today for an appointment.

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 Virginia Beach therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

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

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Virginia Beach
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 Virginia Beach reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Read more I have been seeing Sharyn Ingrum for a couple months now, she is very kind and welcoming and has helped me so much. I have seen great improvement in myself since seeing her. 10/10 recommend her, she makes therapy engaging and you can feel that she truly cares about her patients.
Virginia Beach Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Read more I’ve known John McAnulty for a few years, and I have to say he’s the most compassionate counselor I’ve encountered so far! He helped my husband and I through a very rough time and I’m eternally grateful. His skills and empathy for his clients is evident!
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Read more I would definitely recommend Thriveworks. Rarely can you reach for a counselor online and be able to take practical and progressive steps to work toward personal goals, growth and healing. John McAnulty Is a consummate professional, lending compassionate attention and assistance to clients as they navigate the path to well-being. I could not be more appreciative of his service.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Read more Nikol is top tier when it comes to professional counselors. She has the ability to connect with individuals while providing sound therapy. I have interacted with Nikol personally and professionally, and would most definitely trust my loved ones and friends in her care.
Virginia Beach Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Read more Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
Virginia Beach Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great session,fair priced and mr. Costigan is very friendly and knowledgable. Great help
Virginia Beach May 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Read more This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
Virginia Beach Apr 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Read more I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
Virginia Beach Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located off of S Independence Blvd, in a shopping center right by Lake Trashmore. As you enter this shopping center, you’ll pass Making a Difference Foundation, Inc. on your right. We currently share a building with Interm Healthcare of Virginia Beach, VA, and Bug-Masters.

Phone number

(757) 520-0827

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
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

Shown in ET

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

Shown in ET

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