Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Abingdon, VA covered by Aetna

Is there a heavy feeling in your chest that you just can't seem to shake? Do you ever feel as if your coping skills are not working or you just don't have the desire to even try anymore? Are you losing sleep because your thoughts are racing? Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Anger Management, Family Issues, Maritial Infidelity, ADHD or Life Transitions? If it is difficult for you, then it's important to talk about. Therapy will help you to explore your understanding of why you feel the way you do.

My name is A.J. Esguerra. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been working in the mental health field since 2001. I have split my time primarily between working in residential treatment with abused and neglected children, and most recently in a private therapeutic day school for children and adolescents with special needs (which remains my full-time job). However, after COVID, I felt it was part of my purpose and mission to begin providing online therapy part time. My belief is that the world needs connection more than ever, and there are few things more protective or more resilient than a positive relationship with another person

I have been working in the mental health field for four years and have experience supporting clients ages 5–60. I graduated from Regent University in 2021 with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For clients who prefer a faith-based approach, I also integrate Christian principles into therapy sessions.

I am a licensed clinical professional with a background in healthcare leadership and patient-centered care. My background is in substance use and mental health. My practice focuses on providing compassionate, evidence-based care in areas such as stress management, coping strategies, and navigating life transitions. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped to achieve their personal wellness goals.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

(CCTP) providing outpatient therapy for adults. For more than 22 years, I have been dedicated to

supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those facing complex life

challenges, trauma, ADHD, substance use, military-related challenges, women’s health issues,

legal system involvement, and severe mental health concerns.

As a licensed counselor with over 10 years of experience, I have worked in a variety of different settings with those struggling with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. I graduated from Liberty University with a master's in counseling and practice as a licensed professional counselor as well as a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner. I have worked in outpatient and inpatient settings.

I'm a licensed therapist who works with people navigating anxiety, life transitions, and the general chaos that can come with being a human, especially during big seasons of change like parenthood, relationship shifts, graduations, or just feeling like you're not quite where you thought you'd be.

I'm warm, honest, and very much a real person in the room with you. Therapy with me is supportive, but also practical and grounded in real life.

Katherine Castelo, LCSW is a licensed therapist and certified clinical supervisor in Virginia, Texas, Florida, West Virginia, Indiana, Maryland, and Colorado. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in trauma, military and veteran mental health, first-responder wellness, grief, deployment-related stress, and major life transitions.

A former Marine Corps veteran spouse, Katherine brings lived experience and deep cultural understanding to her work. She has served across the DoD, VA, nonprofit, and civilian sectors, providing high-level clinical care, consultation, and program leadership.

She previously oversaw a Defense Health Agency program for transitioning service members and served as the U.S. Army Reserve Psychological Health Program Director, leading outreach for more than 200,000 soldiers and families and advising on post-suicide psychological autopsies as part of the USAR Fatality Review Board.

Katherine also worked as a civilian Employee Assistance Program (EAP) manager for the U.S. Navy and as a casualty assistance consultant for NCIS, developing programs focused on readiness, crisis response, and deployment-cycle support.

As founder of Awaken Wellness Center, her practice centers on trauma recovery, crisis intervention, and integrative therapies. She is trained in Brainspotting, IFS-informed work, and trauma-responsive care, and has provided trainings for service members, clinicians, and community providers on PTSD, MST, suicide prevention, and Brainspotting.

Today, Katherine consults with the SAFE Project’s SAFE Veterans initiative and teaches caregiver wellness classes with Semper Fi & America’s Fund, bringing compassionate, evidence-based, culturally grounded care to military members, veterans, first responders, caregivers, and their families.

I truly believe each person has the power to overcome any challenge they face but sometimes, we need a little guidance. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, it is my goal to help each person achieve their goals. I have over 10 years of experience working with many populations and I am trained in EMDR therapy .