Find a therapist in Virginia — covered by insurance

As a licensed clinical social worker, I understand the importance of providing exceptional care that is both compassionate and empathetic. I am currently licensed in North Carolina and Virginia. I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

During my academic years, I worked as an assistant to the court psychologist at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Charlotte, NC. I had the opportunity to assist with juvenile court reports and attend court hearings for youth offenders. I also worked alongside mental health professionals mentoring underserved youth in underrepresented areas of Mecklenburg County. Following my undergraduate degree, I gained extensive experience in various pediatric behavioral health settings, providing therapeutic interventions and community-based rehabilitative services. I have over 12 years experience providing mental health assistance and treatment to our military population and their family members, who have been impacted by domestic violence, child abuse, child neglect, anxiety, depression, PTSD, conflict, anger, relationship distress, and adjustment issues. In addition to therapy, I have experience working in federal behavior health policy and research.

I believe therapy should be a safe space where individuals can openly and honestly discuss most aspects of life to enhance their mental wellbeing. My therapeutic approach is client-centered, and I work closely with each individual and couple to identify their unique needs and establish the best therapeutic approach. Despite my training in various modalities focused on grief, couples, anger, and trauma, I prefer to use cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy techniques in my work with couples and individuals.

I specialize in Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, PTSD, Panic disorder and mood disorders. I also offer ADHD testing for children and adults online and in-person. I offer both medication management and therapy.

I listen intuitively — 100% judgment free, with unconditional support. In our work together you'll increase confidence and manage stress more effectively.

We'll uncover the root of what's troubling you, explore new perspectives, and shift into healthier thought patterns.

This is done by integrating evidence based and mind-body approaches, which tends to bring clients RELIEF and CLARITY.

Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially if you’re used to being the one who holds things together for everyone else. I work with teens and adults who may look capable on the outside but feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or disconnected on the inside. Many of my clients are insightful and thoughtful people who want more than quick coping strategies — they want to understand themselves more deeply and experience real, lasting change.

Hello! My name is Chelsea Vicario. I received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Counseling from Radford University. The meaning of healing and growth looks different for everyone. I am here to help guide you to being your best self and to help you figure out what your healing and growth journey will look like. I have a passion for helping people reach their full potential.

I have experience working with people with dual diagnosis. I am a CSAC. I also have experience in private practice working with individuals and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar, self-esteem issues and relationships concerns. I am a strong ally for the LGBTQ+ community and truly enjoy working with this population. I truly believe that healthy boundaries, healthy coping skills and a positive mindset can change a person’s life for the better.

I use a mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy and a solution focused approach to help you reach your specific goals and start your path to healing. I know it can be difficult to start therapy, but I will provide an environment to help you feel comfortable as you start the therapeutic process.

Partner 1: “I reach for you, but it feels like you’re already gone.” I’m left wondering if I matter to you at all.” Partner 2: “When you come close, I feel the pressure to be perfect, so I pull back to protect us both.” These unspoken messages leave couples lonely and stuck. I help break this anxious–avoidant cycle so partners feel safe, seen, and deeply connected again.

“I don’t understand why I want closeness so badly, yet feel disappointed when I have it. Why do I feel lonelier than others, even when I’m not alone?” Or: “I care deeply, but people say I’m distant or hard to read. When emotions get intense, I shut down—not because I don’t feel, but because it feels like too much.”

These quiet tensions live beneath awareness for many people. Longing and self-protection pull in opposite directions. Needs feel confusing, emotions feel overwhelming or unsafe, and core beliefs quietly form—I’m too much, I’m not enough, connection costs me something.

I help people loosen these patterns, reconcile the Self with more truthful and adaptive beliefs, and move toward self-acceptance and interdependence—where connection no longer threatens safety, but deepens it.

After nine years serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, I realized my deepest fulfillment came not from fixing systems, but from walking with people. Leaving the military was not a departure from service—it was a continuation of it. I pursued social work and theological training to better support people in their most important relationships. Today, my practice is devoted to couples counseling and trauma-informed care. Drawing primarily from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and EMDR, I help couples slow conflict, understand what drives disconnection, and emotional safety. As a veteran and seminary-trained therapist, I bring structure, compassion, and steady hope—meeting clients with respect, grace, and a belief in lasting change.