Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Lynchburg, VA

Just relax, they said - and you want to, but don't even remember what that feels like! What if something goes wrong? It did that one time. You are not alone: many people spend their time dealing with thoughts and feelings that feel intrusive and time-consuming. If you are tired of feeling trapped inside your own head, there is hope. My passion is helping people get unstuck from thoughts and feelings related to past and present experiences including child and adult complex traumas, OCD (Obsessive-compulsive Disorder), scrupulosity, and other anxiety and depression issues and into living life.

I want you to know that my heart is to walk with you. No matter what you are bringing into counseling with you, I desire to provide you with a safe space where you can be confident in knowing that you are seen, heard, and known.

As a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s degree from The National Catholic School of Social Services, I bring extensive experience from my work in university-based teaching hospitals and ambulatory care clinics. My practice focuses on supporting adults and their caregivers through challenges such as anxiety, depression, complex medical conditions (acute and chronic), medical trauma, loss, grief, and significant life transitions.

I have a specialization in guiding individuals and their caregivers through the cancer journey, encompassing every phase—from diagnosis and treatment to recovery, survivorship, and end-of-life care. I have also worked extensively with patients undergoing stem cell transplants, CAR-T and immunotherapy.

My training and experience also includes helping individuals manage disorders of the brain-gut interaction. Support, education and strategies address the connection between the mind and gastrointestinal health. Recognizing that everyday stressors can greatly affect your well-being, I adapt my clinical approach to suit a variety of life situations, always tailoring care to meet your unique needs.

I'm a licensed clinical social worker who works with individuals navigating trauma, neurodivergence, substance use, relationship and marital challenges, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and LGBTQ+ populations. I use a variety of approaches including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based interventions, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Therapy is always tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.

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 have been a therapist for over 50 years. I have a great deal of experience and have been in my own therapy so I know both sides of therapy. I am a Masters Level Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Four years ago I was exposed to Richard Schwartz and fell in love with his Internal Family Systems Model. I felt this is the model I’ve been looking for all my life. That’s the model I use in working with clients.