Find a therapist in Rhode Island — covered by insurance

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters from Philadelphia University and have been practicing for the past 9 years. I help people of all ages struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem and any other general life stresses. I am passionate about helping others evolve and grow to live in the best possible version of themselves.

Hello!

My name is Valerie Wade. I am a Masters-prepared LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) with over 35 years of experience working in corporate and clinical settings including inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, private practice, medical and training. I have assisted clients with a wide range of concerns such as depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, relationship challenges, parenting problems, substance use and self-esteem issues.

I believe therapy works best when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. Along with my professional experience in community mental health and crisis-based work, I also bring lived experience that helps me connect with clients in a compassionate, authentic, and down-to-earth way. I understand how overwhelming life can feel when someone is navigating trauma, chronic stress, medical challenges, major life changes, or simply trying to keep everything together while struggling internally.

I have experience supporting adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional overwhelm, substance use concerns, and severe and persistent mental illness. I’m especially passionate about working with people impacted by difficult life experiences, medical trauma, chronic illness, caregiver stress, and emotional exhaustion.

My goal is to create a space where clients feel safe, comfortable, respected, and truly understood while working toward healing, growth, and a stronger connection with themselves.

I received my master’s degree from Columbia University in the City of New York and am an independently licensed Clinical Social Worker in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, with over 25 years of clinical experience. I would describe myself as energetic, empathic, and positive, with a good sense of humor. I believe in a client-centered approach and am committed to meeting my clients where they are in their lives. I am fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Taiwanese.

You may notice patterns in relationships, emotions, or coping that feel difficult to understand or change. Often these patterns are shaped by past experiences, including trauma or attachment wounds. At times this may show up as anxiety, emotional overwhelm, feeling emotionally unsafe in relationships, or disconnection from yourself or those around you. You may also be navigating identity questions, cultural experiences, grief or life transitions. Therapy can offer a supportive and affirming space to understand these patterns, reduce anxiety, and build healthier relationships.

I am also a clinical associate professor at Brown University, where I teach and supervise clinicians in training. I work with individuals, couples, and veterans navigating relationship patterns, life transitions, and the impact of trauma.

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, and I earned my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I completed my Undergraduate in Psychology from Florida A&M University. I’m certified and experienced in EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, CBT- Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Domestic Violence, Juvenile Intervention Treatment, and I'm Nationally Certified in Anger Management. I’m also a Qualified Supervisor.