Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Blacksburg, VA

I am Dr. Darlene Anderson, A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the state of North Carolina, a Nationally Recognized Board Certified Counselor (NCC), and an approved Supervisor for Virginia Board of Counselor residents. I have worked with clients through various issues and concerns, which includes depression, anxiety, substance issues, low self esteem, relationship issues, family conflict, codependency issues, trauma, stress, grief and loss, and life transitions.

I have 30 years of experience working with young adults, individuals, couples, and families in various settings such as community mental health facilities, home, schools, hospitals, detention centers, and private practice. I graduated with my bachelors degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, my masters degree in Counseling from the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC, and my doctorate degree in Social Work from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.

I believe in the inherent wisdom and strength within all human beings and I utilize a number of approaches to reveal that wisdom and strength within my clients.

This field is everything to me. I have been fully licensed for a short time but have worked in mental health for over 10 years in many roles. Working with clients, being alongside them through their most difficult and profound experiences is, I feel, the biggest honor one could have.

I believe therapy should feel like a place where you can finally exhale. You don’t have to have the right words, know exactly what you need, or arrive with everything figured out.

My approach is warm, compassionate, and deeply human. I work with people who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected from themselves, or exhausted from carrying too much for too long. Together, we make space to understand what you’ve been through, what your nervous system has learned to protect you from, and what you need now in order to heal and move forward.

I created Gentle Ground Therapy with the hope of offering exactly what the name represents—a soft place to land, where you can feel supported, understood, and safe enough to grow.

You are more than what has happened to you, and healing does not mean becoming someone new. Sometimes it means gently finding your way back to yourself.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and a Healing-Centered Engagement Practitioner trained through The Flourish Agenda in California. I am passionate about helping clients build self-confidence and self-worth while making sense of life’s complexities. I have been serving clients as as mental health professional for five years in private practice, group counseling settings and experience in emergency services.

I am a state licensed mental health therapist with a strong passion for supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia State University and my Master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Community Mental Health from Hampton University. I have also completed additional graduate coursework in clinical psychology. I proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves for nine years, and I have been working in the mental health field since 2017.

I specialize in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress-related concerns. I understand how overwhelming life can feel at times, and I am committed to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered.

My therapeutic approach includes Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Person-Centered Therapy. I believe in meeting each client where they are and tailoring treatment to fit their unique needs. My goal is to help you build insight, develop practical coping skills, and gain the confidence needed to navigate life more effectively.

At this time, I offer telehealth services only, providing convenient and accessible care from the comfort and privacy of your own space.

I have had the opportunity and blessing to work with individuals from all dynamic backgrounds and in those endeavors have acquired a great appreciation and respect for what each individual struggle with. It is my hope and responsibility to get them through this

Challenges shouldn’t just be endured—they should be the catalyst for your breakthrough. My goal is to help you transform life's toughest hurdles into a foundation for lasting resilience and self-discovery, giving you the tools to reclaim your strength and lead a more intentional life.