Psychologists in Richmond, VA

There are a few affordable (i.e. "sliding scale fee") clinics in the RVA area that I usually recommend. The first is the clinic I used to work at, part of VCU but it serves the community. It's called the [Center for Psychological Services and Development](http://www.has.vcu.edu/psy/cpsd/) and is used as a training center for clinical psychologists. When we had a long waitlist, we would also send people to [Jewish Family Services](http://www.jfsrichmond.org/). There's also the [Nelson Clinic](http://www.vcuhealth.org/?id=153&sid=1) if you are interested in psychiatric services.

I would call [Dr. Bright's office](http://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-george-bright-2rdgs) (Silly name but brilliant man) He's a psychiatrist, but he's been in the area for years and could probably lead you to someone you're looking for. I'm currently seeing [Theresa Goff](http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/name/Theresa_Francisco_Goff_LCSW_Richmond_Virginia_53622) for depression/anxiety issues. She's very easy to talk to, but is a little slower on the "let us fix your problems now" end. It may be hard to get an appointment with her in the afternoon (I don't know your schedule). I've been going to her for about two months now. If I may ask, why do you want to avoid medication? I know I've avoided anti-depressants because they make me feel like an emotionless zombie; completely apathetic to the world.

I'm actually going to see a guy tomorrow for similar things, and he comes highly recommended by some friends of my family's. Daniel Dougherty http://m.therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/name/Garden+Cottage+Counseling_Richmond_Virginia_81242?name=Garden+Cottage+Counseling_Richmond_Virginia_81242 I'll let you know what I think tomorrow

Don't go to Tucker Psychiatric or whatever it's called. They're pretty much just a prescription mill and they don't give a fuck about you.

Heather Bender of Commonwealth Counseling is the most amazing psychologist I've ever been to. She's REALLY great. Google "Commonwealth Counseling". Located in the West End area past Short Pump but it is absolutely, positively worth it. Dr. Pushkin is a psychiatrist there as well and he's really, really nice if you're looking for medication.

Do you want the type that prescribes you medication or someone to talk to?

Not sure what kind of help you're looking for but only a Psychiatrist can prescribe medication.

When I saw a GP seeking a referral for a psychologist he put me on a mental health plan and referred me someone he understood to be very good. Not sure if that was exceptional service or standard but I feel that it's your GPs responsibility to find someone to refer you to. Edit: PMing you my GPs details. The mental health plan will make the sessions either free or much more affordable.

I can't recommend Headspace enough. They specialise in Youth Mental Health. They have 2 locations close to you if they're suitable. One in Hawthorn, one in Elsternwick. https://www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/ As others have said, you'll still need a mental health plan from a GP but they do have doctors on staff there too who can organize that for you. They also have psychiatrists (should you decide to go down that path). But as others have said again, you might not find a psychologist you connect with immediately, don't hesitate to ask to see someone else if you feel that way. Just like everyday people, you will connect with some psychs more than others. But you will find one you do connect with and get the best treatment possible. Good luck.

Hey... off topic but just a quick reply to let you know that sometimes these things take time - and don't worry about hopping around psychologists until you find the right one you feel comfortable with. Best of luck

I can't personally recommend anyone, but there is a database on the Australian psychology society website that you can search. Go to psychology.org.au and there is a 'look for a psychologist' button on the right. You can search by area, I'm not sure about bulk billing sorry.

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I'm seconding making a mental health plan with your GP (or even finding another GP cuz they should have done that in the first place) and also visiting the website another commenter linked, [here](https://www.psychology.org.au/FindaPsychologist/). I can't recommend a psychologist, but everyone has different experiences and someone who works well with one person may not work well with another. There's nothing wrong with trying one provider then changing to someone else if you don't feel you're a good match. Also, if you haven't heard of it, there's a program called ATAPS. I'd never heard about it until my GP brought it up. You can get six sessions free, then get referred for another six if your psychologist/GP think it's necessary. It might be handy if you can't find a bulk billed psychologist in the near future, because if I am recalling correctly, ATAPS can be used at any provider. Maybe ask your GP to be sure. Hope I helped! :)

Hey there! I can't recommend Sarah Wilson at Vitalise Psychology enough. I too suffer chronic depression and anxiety and speaking to her helped more than any counsellor ever could. She broke down why I was feeling a certain way and related it back to other things and just generally made sense of a lot of things. She's lovely, very warm and friendly and amazing at simplifying some of the most intricate and complex elements of mental illness. If you need any more info or want to talk about my experiences with her, feel free to PM me! And best of luck with everything, I know it's a tough road. x

Maybe check out Vitalise Psychology (in Richmond). I saw Luke Henderson there and found him really helpful, and I've heard good things about Sarah Wilson and Jo Fraser as well.

Ive had Dr. Sheetal as a GP for a couple years. She works at Medi7 in St Kilda and Medi7 Bentleigh. They bulk bill, so you can get your mental health care plan there without being out of pocket. She's AMAZING. I've had some big ups and downs but she always listens and honestly discusses things. She helped me find the right medication and has done a couple mental health plans for me. I came say enough good things about her (I know how hard it is to find a good GP here).

As others have said, you are entitled to 6 sessions in six months with Medicare (and I believe it can be extended after that) as part of the mental health plan. More information is [here](http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/mental-ba-fact-pat) I have been to Headspace in the past and if you are 22 then you are young enough to be treated by them (I am not sure if it is a firm cut off at 25, but they do focus on young adults and youths). The closest centres to you would be Elsternwick or Hawthorn. Elsternwick is very close to a station on the Sandringham line so may be the easiest for you to access. Good luck.

Carolyn Youren at PS Counselling in Hawthorn East is incredible. Works with CBT and behavioural change therapies. I think it cost me 80 a session with the rebate (10 sessions a year) and she changed my life.

Dr. Jones at Commonwealth Counseling in Innsbrook. She is great and came up with a supplement rather than a Rx for ADD. Let me know if you can get in

http://www.wfphelp.com. Dr. Allison White Twente. Also, Dr. Helen Landry.