Find a therapist in Virginia — covered by insurance

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Richmond, Virginia, specializing in treating PTSD and dissociation with adults and adolescents (14+). Many clients I work with are rebuilding a sense of felt safety and autonomy after relationships where their choices, voice, or boundaries were repeatedly undermined.

I am licensed in Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My approach to therapy is solution focused and client centered with a bit of fun and humor. I believe that a simple and casual approach makes therapy more palatable, allowing for openness and individualism. I work with my clients to find the ways that work for them to reach the goals that they would like to reach. I follow your lead towards achieving your goals

Shakarla Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 7 years of experience. She works with young adults and adults to manage issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, and self-esteem. Shakarla focuses on improving clients' self-worth by challenging negative core beliefs and collaboratively understanding how other contributing factors impact their behaviors and interpersonal relationships. She emphasizes that the progress made outside sessions is just as vital as the work done during them, empowering clients to take control of their healing journey.

Shakarla received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health from Regent University.

My journey stems from my own story of resilience in the face of hardships. I became a therapist because I have always wanted to help people through some of their darkest hours. Being exposed to some dark hours myself, I know that it is difficult to do it alone. When you have someone to confide in, assist you through the hard times, and just let you know that you are not alone, makes a difference.

My therapeutic approach includes CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Relational Therapy, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, SFT, EMT, Gestalt, and just speaking like a human being. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed space where you can feel safe, seen, and supported. My approach is relational and personalized—we'll explore your story together, build coping tools, and move toward healing with curiosity, courage, and care.

Therapy with me is real, down-to-earth, and never boring. I mix honesty, humor, and heart to make the process comfortable. I help adults manage emotions, build confidence, and tackle life's challenges with tools that work. Think of it as a safe space to be yourself, grow, and maybe laugh along the way.

Starting therapy can be intimidating — I hope to help you feel less alone. As a licensed clinical social worker, my approach is grounded in meeting you where you are and helping you move toward empowerment. I support people who feel weighed down by stress or self-doubt to find more calm, confidence, and balance in their lives.

I'm here to offer a safe, confidential space where you can explore your inner world, address challenges, and begin the process of profound healing and growth.

To support our work together, I have pursued specialized training in several transformative approaches:

• CCTP-II (Level II Trauma Certified): I have advanced training in trauma-informed care and treatment modalities. This certification ensures I am equipped to safely and effectively address the impact of past trauma, including dissociative disorders, helping you process difficult experiences and move toward post-traumatic growth.
• C-DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Certified): DBT provides practical, concrete skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, living in the present moment, and tolerating distress. It is highly effective for those struggling with emotional dysregulation and interpersonal challenges.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS- informed): This powerful, evidence-based model views the mind as a system of "parts" (e.g., a critical part, a vulnerable part, a protective part). IFS helps you develop a compassionate, curious relationship with these different facets of yourself, leading to greater internal harmony and wholeness.

I am 70 years old have been in this profession for 20+ years I continue to practice because it is part of who I am. I 've had success treating anxiety, depression, grief & loss, couples therapy, professional organization and structure. I have certification as an addiction specialist, success with adolescences and the elderly.

Laneka Montgomery is a compassionate therapist with experience supporting individuals navigating stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions, including end-of-life concerns. She works with adults, women, and couples facing relationship challenges and emotional distress.

Laneka is committed to creating a supportive, affirming space where clients feel heard and valued.

Hi, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia and D.C. In 2017, I received my Master’s in Social Work from Temple University, and I have been in the field for 7 years and have been licensed for two years. My main population to focus on is Adults who are struggling with Depression and Anxiety due to a shift or change in their overall well-being.