Supportive, Evidence-Based Therapy
Our approach to therapy is much more than just talk. Our therapists help you make real, lasting changes. And it doesn’t take forever.

Cognitive behavioral therapists have specific tools for reducing rumination, preventing panic attacks, overcoming procrastination and avoidance, learning to feel joy and to stand up for yourself, and overcoming self-destructive patterns that come from trauma. We help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and the things you do interact to create happiness and unhappiness. We help you learn to make meaningful changes that last. Your therapist’s purpose is to help you stop feeling bad and start feeling good. Click here to learn more about CBT.

Supportive, Evidence-Based Therapy
Our approach to therapy is much more than just talk. Our therapists help you make real, lasting changes. And it doesn't take forever. Click here to learn more about CBTWe Have Openings!
We accept Anthem, Aetna, and Tricare. Not in one of those networks? We will file out-of-network claims for you.
Anxiety
All of us worry or become nervous and even fearful at times. But sometimes these experiences happen too often, get in the way of doing what we want to do, or feels too bad or beyond our control. Anxiety and the avoidance that so often accompanies it can even lead to depression. We work to help our clients feel better and to engage more fully with life. Click here to learn more about how our therapists can help you with anxiety.
Depression
Contrary to popular belief, depression is not caused by an imbalance of serotonin in the brain. Common causes of Depression are social isolation, troubled relationships, fatigue from anxiety and stress, a lack of a sense of purpose, and a belief that things will not get better, and negative self-talk. We help people by targeting these causes directly using Cognitive Therapy and Behavioral Activation. Learn more about depression and how CBT can help.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
We use Cognitive Processing Therapy (a specialized version of CBT) to treat PTSD. This approach is considered the Gold Standard by the DoD and the VA. It does not involve “facing your trauma.” Our clients rarely if ever cry or become distressed during this evidence-based therapy, which involves articulating and examining beliefs about the cause and effects of the trauma, without eliciting emotion.
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can happen on their own, or they can be a symptom of depression, generalized anxiety, OCD, or PTSD. Many of our clients come to us specifically because of panic attacks, because they are often the worst symptom that they experience. Panic attacks are much more treatable than most people think. Panic Control Treatment has been shown to be superior to medications for eliminating panic attacks. Read More
Stress Management
All people experience stress. Sometimes stress becomes chronic or so severe that it can inhibit a person’s ability to be a good spouse or parent, impair memory and concentration, lead to chronic fatigue or sleep problems, and can contribute to physical problems such as high blood pressure. But even the most stressful situations can be alleviated with the right approach. Read More
OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is considered one of the most treatable problems that psychologists work with. The treatment is referred to as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP or E/RP) and it is the most effective treatment available. We work with adults, adolescents, and children with OCD. Read More
Couples Counseling
A marriage is strong when a couple can confidently say that they are friends and partners. And being lovers makes it even better. But that rarely happens when you don’t have the first two. Dr. Rob Young is our marriage counselor and is he certified in sex therapy. For more information about our marriage and couples counseling services, visit CharlottesvilleMarriage.com

ADHD
We wouldn’t want you to get distracted by everything else on this page. Click here to read about what our ADHD therapists can do for you.
Supportive Counseling and Stress Management
All people experience stress. Sometimes stress becomes chronic or so severe that it can inhibit a person’s ability to be a good spouse or parent, impair memory and concentration, lead to chronic fatigue or sleep problems, and can contribute to physical problems such as high blood pressure. But even the most stressful situations can be alleviated with the right approach. Read More
Rob Young, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Adults and Children with Anxiety and OCD
I have been a cognitive behavioral therapist for 22 years. I focus heavily on helping my clients understand their condition and the rationale for suggested approaches. I believe that therapy should be focused and goal-directed, and not about endlessly recounting your past. I only work with children when their parents actively participate in every session, my focus is on helping the parent, and I limit how many children I see at a time, as I am primarily an adult therapist.. Read More
Ariel Diehl, MSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Adolescents, Teens, and Adults
My approach to therapy is supportive, collaborative and evidence-based. Together we will explore the obstacles that you are facing and I will assist you in developing new ways to overcome them. I have worked with individuals and families of all ages with a variety of mental health and life challenges, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, social anxiety, anger, trauma, addictions, and grief. Read More
John Snyder, MS
Licensed Professional Counselor
Adolescents, Teens and Adults
I have been a therapist for 18 years. My approach to CBT is supportive, collaborative, and goal-oriented. I work with teens and adults with a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, anger, relationship issues, trauma, addictions, divorce, and grief. I have extensive experience helping people with very complicated life challenges, and I work well with people who need a slower, gentler approach. Read More
Staff Therapist
Adolescents, Teens and Adults
Mike Pease, MSW, LCSW
It is most important to me that everyone I work with feels a sense of safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship, while also building hope in overcoming whatever challenges they face. I have experience working with, and a special interest in treating trauma (including PTSD), anxiety, depression, and addiction. I utilize evidenced based cognitive behavioral therapy practices to help you build skills and a strong sense of empowerment. Read more
Malissa Watterson, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Adolescents, Teens, and Adults
I have experience and training working with adults, teens and adolescents, and I have a special interest in working with mothers experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I value collaborating with clients on goals tailored to their unique needs and challenges, and I enjoy providing a warm, supportive space that empowers clients to make meaningful change. Read More
Meredith Vizzini, MS, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Teens and Adults
I specialize in helping adults and teens ages 16 and up manage stress, anxiety, depression, and adjusting to life changes. My approach to therapy starts with a safe and supportive environment where, together, we will work to overcome the issues you are facing. I will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to manage these challenges. Read More
Jenny Heatwole, Masters of Social Work
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work
Adolescents (12 and up) and Adults
With over three years of experience in mental health, I specialize in helping clients work through anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship problems, self-esteem issues, and chronic worry. I particularly enjoy working with young adults and members of the LGBTQ community. My approach is rooted in safety, empathy, and non-judgment, and I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves. I also offer a reduced rate of $70 for clients who are out-of-network with Anthem or Aetna. Click here to learn more about Jenny.
Who We Can Help
We work with people who see room for improvement in their work, their relationships, their ability to find happiness, or their health and overall well-being. Some of them want to be better at their jobs. Others want to be better parents or to have a better relationship with their spouse. Or they want to get past that one thing that is holding them back. Some of them experience more intense anxiety, stress, conflicts in their marriages, or difficulty changing their own behavior. But they all come to our practice because we use the most proven approaches, and what we do makes sense to them.