LGBT therapists in Blacksburg, VA

Hello, and welcome! I'm Sakura Pate, a trauma-informed therapist dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. I became a social worker in 2013, supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges across community and behavioral health settings. After earning my Master of Social Work in 2023, I expanded my practice to provide individual and couples counseling, combining years of social work experience with evidence-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed care.

I work with adults and couples experiencing a variety of emotional, relational, and life challenges. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating a major life transition, struggling in your relationships, processing past experiences, or simply looking to better understand yourself, I provide a collaborative space to explore what matters most to you. My approach is tailored to each individual, recognizing that every person's experiences, strengths, and goals are unique. I also provide LGBTQIA+ affirming care and am committed to creating an inclusive environment where every client feels respected, valued, and safe to show up as their authentic self.

I believe healing happens through connection, self-awareness, and compassion. Whether you're seeking support for a specific concern, personal growth, or greater fulfillment in your relationships, I'm honored to walk alongside you as you build resilience, strengthen meaningful connections, and create lasting, positive change.

Dr. Rivera employs an integrative style that focuses on the individual's sleep, diet, physical and mental fitness. He enjoys working in particular with weight loss, men's wellness, de-prescription from psychotropic medications, and detox from long-term substance use: tobacco, alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Furthermore, he specializes in the diagnosis and management of attention, mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders.

Life can be hard and sometimes overwhelming, but there is light, even if you can’t see it right now. You don’t have to carry everything alone. With support, healing and growth are possible. You deserve a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, but I’m here to walk alongside you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia with over 10 years of experience in the helping profession, including clinical mental health work since 2020. I earned my Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling from Old Dominion University. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, and veterans ages 11 to 40 supporting concerns such as life transitions, relationships, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, self-esteem, and personal growth. I focus on building a genuine connection and creating a safe, welcoming space where you can be yourself. I value cultural humility and honor your unique experiences and strengths, meeting you where you are while supporting your growth. I believe healing happens in supportive relationships. Whether you’re facing challenges, processing the past, or moving into a new chapter, I’m here to support you. There is hope, and together we can help you move forward. Outside of counseling, I enjoy singing, painting, music, travel, and exploring different cultures, which help keep me grounded and inspired.

As a mom of three (specifically as a twin mom), I know how difficult and challenging life can be. This is why I strive to be meet clients wherever they are in their journey. Often times, we don't need or even want someone to tell us all the things to do, but instead want the support of someone walking with us through life's challenges.

I am a proud double duke of James Madison University. I received my BA in Psychology with a Minor in Family Studies. Then stayed to receive my M.A. and Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. From there my counseling journey led me to complete my internship in a private practice clinic in Knoxville, TN as my husband finished his own education. Next, I worked with Youth Villages as an Intensive In Home Counselor. And most recently, worked as a Mental Health Outpatient Counselor with New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) where I completed my VA residency and became an LPC.

In all of the clinical settings I have practiced, I have worked with a wide range of clients. The main population that I have served is children and adolescents. I am working to expand my knowledge and clinical expertise to also include more adults. My clinical trainings have included Play Therapy, CBT, TF-CBT, and EMDR.

I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

Whether you are struggling with the far-reaching impact of past trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other ongoing health issue or simply wanting to invest in a bit of self-exploration and growth, I am so glad that you have begun your search for the best facilitator in that journey. I believe in meeting people where they are and allowing you to set your own pace for healing. I look forward to assisting on your healing journey in any way that I can.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who focuses on treating acute and relational trauma with teens, individuals, and couples. I have been working as a psychotherapist for over 15 years. I believe that we heal in relationship to another, rather than trying to do it all alone. My style is warm, attentive and an active participant in your healing journey.

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I'm not a regular therapist—I'm a cool therapist. You'll likely find me using humor in sessions because it's one of my favorite coping skills (when it's appropriate). I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself.

Helping others has always been my passion, and I love supporting clients as they create meaningful changes in their lives. I also value learning and believe that knowledge can be a powerful tool for growth, so don't be surprised if I recommend a book or two during our time together.

I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, substance use concerns, burnout, and adjustment disorders or other life transitions. I also love supporting new moms as they navigate the perinatal period and the unique challenges that can come with it.

I'm a dual board-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs. For the past 8 years, I’ve worked closely with individuals managing chronic pain and substance use disorders, providing integrated support that addresses both physical and mental health needs. I specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD with a focus on individuals over 18 years old.