Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

3,448 people sought online therapy help at Virginia Beach in the last year

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

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage, +21 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Anxiety, +1 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage, +21 more
Women’s Issues, Anxiety, Grief / Loss, Depression

I meet my clients where they are and stay by their side through the challenges of a difficult time.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +3 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +4 more

Counseling is like a mirror, and my job is to pull out and reflect the qualities already within you for you to see more clearly.

Hear from our clinicians

What is your go-to approach for online therapy?

Rachel : The online space can present a lot of different experiences for clients, and my approach is to promote safety and hospitality in this particular medium of therapy. I love that online therapy provides so many more opportunities for clients to get help. It also allows me to connect with clients outside my area. That said, some clients worry that online therapy may feel less connected, so I make sure to establish an environment that feels warm and safe. I may need to spend extra time just getting to know you on a basic level, and you may have questions about me too. Part of creating a welcoming online therapy experience includes reminding clients that what we discuss is truly confidential (with some exceptions regarding safety and mandated reporting).

Gwendolyn: My go-to approach for helping people in online therapy is CBT. I prefer CBT because CBT is effective in addressing a range of problems including family/marital issues, depression, anxiety, transitional life phases, and drug and alcohol use. CBT is also useful in identifying unhelpful behaviors and ways of thinking.

What tools do you teach in online therapy?

Rachel : The tools that I teach in online therapy are the same as those I teach in person. I help my clients connect to their strengths and build on them. I teach them ways to create and see connection, individual purpose, and meaning not just as abstract concepts, but through daily behaviors.

Gwendolyn: I teach the following tools in online therapy: cognitive reframing/seeing situations from various points of view, cognitive refocusing to replace negative thoughts with more positive outcomes, relaxation/deep breathing, mindfulness training, communication, coping strategies, and symptom management.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy?

Rachel : I know clients are making progress in therapy when they start making connections (“aha” moments) both in and out of therapy, as well as when they ask, “What can I do to change this?” Additionally, they independently seek out ways they can understand themselves better, practice increased self-compassion, and align their behaviors with their values.

Gwendolyn: I know a client is making meaningful progress in online therapy when the client and therapist agree goals are being met, the client articulates being able to return to a healthy base-line, the client is able to manage symptoms by responding as opposed to reacting, the client has greater self-awareness, and they can cope with triggers.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement online therapy?

Rachel : Clients can supplement online or in-person therapy by educating themselves further through books and media. There is so much valuable information available to us online. Personally, I use and recommend YouTube as a resource for psychoeducation and improving mental well-being.

Gwendolyn: Clients can supplement their time in online therapy by completing homework assignments, practicing/implementing coping strategies, and using other tools such as journaling.

What should someone do to prepare for starting online therapy?

Rachel : To prepare for your first session, come as you are. The first therapy session in particular can feel a bit unnerving, but know this is not a place of performance or a place of judgment. It will also be useful to spend some time thinking about what type of therapist might be the best fit for you. Do you need someone who is older, or younger? Someone who has had a particular set of experiences? No approach or provider is “one size fits all,” and if you need to try on a few sizes to find your fit, that is okay.

Gwendolyn: To prepare for your first online therapy session, you can ensure comfort and privacy, ask questions, and come with authenticity.

Starting Online therapy

What is online therapy?

With Thriveworks, Online therapy is an effective alternative to in-person therapy services in which a client can speak to a Thriveworks therapist remotely via online video conferencing. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person treatment, but they can also provide added benefits like reduced travel time, saving money on transportation or childcare, and increased access to care.

How does online therapy work?

Online therapy works much like traditional in-person therapy but takes place through secure video conferencing. Clients can attend Online therapy from any safe place they choose that has access to the internet, whether that be their home or another easily accessible place. Like in-person treatment, a therapist will work with their client to address their concerns, create goals, and establish an effective treatment plan.

What is the best option for online therapy?

There is no best option for online therapy—instead, it’s best to focus on finding a provider that meets your specific needs and with whom you can form a professional connection with.

Is online therapy just as effective?

Yes, online therapy is just as effetive for many clients as in-person sessions.

How long does online therapy last?

Online therapy can last for a few months to years depending on the goals and symptoms of the client. The treatment process will be unique to each client and lend itself to their specific concerns, which means that the time it takes to treat them will always be different. Timing is also up to the client themselves; they are free to stop therapy whenever they please, especially if they feel they have reached their goals and addressed their concerns.

How much does online therapy cost?

Our Thriveworks therapists at Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, VA accept most major forms of insurance, which means that many of our clients only pay $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?

Online therapy is not a new counseling option, but it is growing in popularity, as it allows individuals to attend their therapy appointments from home. This means optimal convenience, comfort, and flexibility. Online therapy counseling can prove especially beneficial to people who can’t make it in to the therapy office for regular appointments, due to scheduling conflicts or physical disabilities, as well as those who struggle to open up to a counselor in-person.

If you’re interested in online counseling, consider working with an online therapist in Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck). Our counselors are trained to help you over the internet, through both video and telephone counseling. To schedule your appointment, call (757) 347-3155. Or, to find out more about the functionality and the benefits of online counseling, keep reading!

Video and Telephone Counseling: How Does It Work?

If you choose to work with your counselor online, you’ll get to do so over video chat or phone call. With video chat, you’ll be sent a link to visit at the time of your scheduled appointment. Here, you’ll attend your session and work through the challenges at hand with your therapist, as you would in in-person counseling! With phone counseling, your counselor will simply call you at the time of your session and you’ll get started right away.

Online therapy proves to be an effective approach. Research shows that many people benefit from online counseling, and some even make greater progress in online therapy than in-person therapy—especially those who feel particularly nervous about starting counseling. These individuals often find that it’s easier to work with a counselor via virtual means instead of face-to-face.

What Are the Perks of Online Counseling? Who Can Benefit?

Holly lives in a small town. She doesn’t want anyone she knows to find out that she’s considering a divorce—unfortunately, the only counselor in the area is her brother-in-law. Chris works a full-time job and hasn’t been able to fit a counseling appointment into his current schedule. By the time he’s off work, the local therapy office is closed. Hannah is looking for a female therapist who has experience working with LGBTQ individuals; she can’t find any nearby.

All of the above individuals can benefit from online counseling. It can help Holly find a therapist who can guide her through her thoughts and feelings regarding her marriage; it can help Chris secure an appointment that works well with his schedule; and it can help Hannah find a counselor with the right skills, specialties, and expertise. In a nutshell, online therapy counseling at Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck) offers:

  • Convenience: You don’t have to go out of your way for your appointment. You can attend from home.
  • Comfort: Because you can attend from home, you’ll enjoy utmost comfort, too!
  • Accessibility: Online counseling offers greater accessibility to counselors that meet all of your specific needs and preferences.
  • Quick, flexible scheduling: You’ll also have more flexible scheduling options, and likely be able to schedule your online counseling appointment more quickly.
  • Effectiveness: Online counseling is an effective counseling option, too. You can make just as much progress with your therapist!
  • Affordability: Finally, online counseling is an affordable option. Many major insurance companies cover online counseling services. Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA also has affordable self-pay options

If you think that online counseling could be the counseling service you’ve been searching for, reach out to Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck). We can get you set up for your first appointment right away.

Schedule Online Counseling at Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck)

Unfortunately, there are certain obstacles that get in our way of attending counseling or therapy, even when we really need it. These obstacles include busy schedules, lack of accessibility, and external factors like long commute times. Fortunately, online counseling offers a solution to these obstacles and enables you to secure the mental health services you’ve been looking for.

If you think that online counseling could be a great opportunity for you, reach out to Thriveworks Virginia Beach, VA (Great Neck) at (757) 347-3155. Our scheduling team will get you all set up for your first phone counseling or video therapy session.

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 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

Show more
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

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Read more I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Danielle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
John McAnulty is by far the best counselor that I have ever experienced. He is kind, compassionate and caring. He heard every word I would say and gave me so many tools that I use to this day to cope with my past struggles. He takes his time to not only listen, but to respond in the most caring way. I will forever be grateful for all he did for my family and I.
Read more John McAnulty is by far the best counselor that I have ever experienced. He is kind, compassionate and caring. He heard every word I would say and gave me so many tools that I use to this day to cope with my past struggles. He takes his time to not only listen, but to respond in the most caring way. I will forever be grateful for all he did for my family and I.
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John McAnulty is a compassionate and caring counselor. Very understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone.
Read more John McAnulty is a compassionate and caring counselor. Very understanding. I highly recommend him to anyone.
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve known John McAnulty for several years now. He is a compassionate man and is extremely skilled in putting you at ease in the very first meeting. He helped my husband (and myself) through a very rough time. I am forever grateful to him
Read more I’ve known John McAnulty for several years now. He is a compassionate man and is extremely skilled in putting you at ease in the very first meeting. He helped my husband (and myself) through a very rough time. I am forever grateful to him
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John was so kind and compassionate . He thoroughly helped me walk through my grief issues in a sensitive and kind manner . I was so grateful for his caring a and compassion at such a very trying Time
Read more John was so kind and compassionate . He thoroughly helped me walk through my grief issues in a sensitive and kind manner . I was so grateful for his caring a and compassion at such a very trying Time
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John has not only been my counselor for many years but a true friend. He has great empathy for others especially people suffering from substance abuse. I have had hundreds of hours of counseling over the years and John would be my unequivocal top pick.
Read more John has not only been my counselor for many years but a true friend. He has great empathy for others especially people suffering from substance abuse. I have had hundreds of hours of counseling over the years and John would be my unequivocal top pick.
Virginia Beach Oct 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
It is very easy communicating with John McAnulty. He is empathetic and nonjudgmental. His understanding nature allows a peaceful sense of gratification.
Read more It is very easy communicating with John McAnulty. He is empathetic and nonjudgmental. His understanding nature allows a peaceful sense of gratification.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
John McAnulty is extremely compassionate. I couldn't of asked for a better counselor. He really helped put my mind at ease. I just wanted to Thank him again.
Read more John McAnulty is extremely compassionate. I couldn't of asked for a better counselor. He really helped put my mind at ease. I just wanted to Thank him again.
Virginia Beach Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located at the intersection of Old Great Neck Rd and Kenstock Dr. We currently share the building with Chesapeake Bay Realty and across the street you will find Dominion Insurance Group and the Animal Vision Center of Virginia.

Phone number

(757) 520-1312

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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