Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Roanoke, VA

I love this work. It is such a privilege and a joy to walk with people through their lives, relationships, and experiences. It is a special thing to get to do and these days I am particularly focused on working with clients toward healing from trauma and past experiences while moving forward in their present life.

I have been licensed since 2015. I graduated from Capella University with my Master's from Gordon College with my Bachelor's.

I am an LPC in Virginia and LMHC-S in Florida my background in practice consists of treating adolescents, families, children in at risk populations and treating adults with depression and anxiety. I take a holistic approach to counseling and meet the client where they are at. I include CBT and solution-focused techniques in order to assist clients dealing with a variety of issues. I also have a background in TF-CBT informed therapy and utilize this as needed.

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 am Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) trained in medication management and individual therapy. I approach my work caring about the whole person and not simply treating diagnoses. I am aided by knowledge gained from my education: Bachelor's of Science in Sociology, Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, and Master's of Science in Nursing. I also draw from my 11 year career as a registered nurse in intensive care units and my 3 years as a Nurse Practitioner, working at an outpatient clinic as well as an inpatient crisis unit.

I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner for over 5 years, and I am also a board certified adult nurse practitioner for over 12 years. I began my nursing career graduating from university of MD with my bachelors, and then attended Johns Hopkins University for my masters. I decided to further my education by attending Brandman University to obtain my Doctorate and psychiatric mental health certification in 2018.

My path into psychiatry is both professional and personal. I moved to the U.S. alone at 17 while navigating complex PTSD and periods of misdiagnosis, which shaped how I understand mental health today. I began with a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nankai University, then trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner at Charles R. Drew University and Purdue University.

Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked across medical and mental health settings, developing an approach that balances clinical precision with individualized care. I specialize in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and complex PTSD, particularly for individuals who feel stuck or haven’t found relief in traditional treatment.

I’m licensed in California, Virginia, New York, Washington, and Oregon, and provide care via telehealth.