Find a therapist in Alexandria, VA — covered by insurance

Hello, my name is Benjamin Watkins. I look forward to working with you to make the positive changes you desire in your life. I have worked in the field since I was 19, starting as a Mentor. Helping others is my passion in life. I worked with children, adolescents, and parents in the foster care system, overcoming trauma and developing positive attachments. I have worked with a variety of issues.

I’m a licensed mental health therapist with over 10 years of experience working with individuals across a range of settings. I specialize in anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and relationship concerns, with additional experience in trauma and self-esteem work. My background includes training in evidence-based approaches, and I’m committed to providing a supportive, nonjudgmental space. I view therapy as a collaborative process focused on helping you create meaningful, lasting change.

When your health changes, your whole life can change.

Maybe you don’t feel like yourself anymore.

You may be living with a chronic illness, unpredictable symptoms, pain, fatigue, or a condition that other people can’t see. You may still be working, caring for your family, and doing everything you’re expected to do—but you’re exhausted from trying to keep up with a life that no longer fits your body.

Perhaps you’re grieving the person you used to be, struggling with anxiety about the future, feeling guilty when you need to rest or say no, or wondering how to maintain your relationships while your needs are changing.

You don’t have to choose between accepting your new reality and still wanting a meaningful life.

Therapy can help you:

• Adjust to changes in your health and abilities.
• Grieve the life, roles, or identity you may have lost.
• Manage anxiety about symptoms and the future.
• Develop a healthier relationship with limitations, rest, and self-care.
• Navigate changes in work, family, friendships, and relationships.
• Reconnect with who you are beyond your diagnosis.
• Find meaning and purpose when life looks different than you expected.

You are more than your diagnosis.

Together, we can work toward a life that feels meaningful—not necessarily the life you originally planned, but one that fits who you are now.

As a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) who has been practicing for over 10 years, I can promise support, empathy, and engagement. Additionally, I have formal training in trauma treatments, TEAM-CBT, RLT couples counseling, and years of experience with several other approaches. I enjoy working with individuals and couples, i am an LGBTQIA+ ally, and i love my job!

I bring an open mind and an open heart when working with my clients. I want to help my clients understand that they are not a problem, but the problem is the problem. I respect my clients and work hard to make them feel heard. I work to support my clients in their circumstances and meet them where they are. I have training in EMDR and narrative therapy. I endeavor to provide treatment that is trauma informed. I use CBT skills as well as other interventions.

I’m a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with more than 16 years of experience in healthcare and a deep passion for providing compassionate, individualized mental health care.

I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported. My approach is patient-centered and collaborative, with treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, goals, and circumstances.

Through Telehealth, I provide evaluation and treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns, including ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, anger concerns, intermittent explosive disorder, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, binge-eating disorders, body dysmorphia, PTSD, unresolved trauma, family conflicts, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. I proudly provide an LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive space for all patients.

I also believe mental health care works best when providers work together. When appropriate, I collaborate with therapists, primary care providers, and other healthcare professionals to help create comprehensive, practical, and effective treatment plans.

My goal is simple: to meet you where you are and support you in getting to where you want to be. Your story matters, your goals matter, and you deserve care that meets you with compassion—not judgment.