Depression Therapy in Alexandria VA
Depression is not only sadness. For a lot of people it reads as flatness — getting through the day on autopilot, losing interest in things that used to matter, running on a level of tiredness that sleep does not fix. It is one of the most treatable conditions in mental health, and it very rarely resolves by willpower alone.
Life Enrichment Counseling Center offers depression therapy in Alexandria, VA for teens, young adults, and adults. Our clinicians are licensed in Virginia and see clients in person near Old Town Alexandria and by secure video.
What depression can look like
Depression shows up differently from person to person. Common signs include:
- Low or empty mood most of the day, most days, for two weeks or longer
- Loss of interest in work, hobbies, or people you used to enjoy
- Fatigue that rest does not resolve
- Sleeping far more or far less than usual
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating or making ordinary decisions
- Harsh self-criticism, guilt, or a sense of being a burden
- Irritability and a shorter fuse — often the main sign in men and in teenagers
- Thoughts of death or self-harm
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or go to your nearest emergency room. Do not wait for an appointment.
How we treat depression
Treatment starts with understanding what is holding the depression in place — because grief, burnout, trauma, a major life transition, and long-standing patterns all call for different work.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — interrupting the cycle where low mood drives withdrawal, and withdrawal deepens low mood.
- Behavioral activation — rebuilding activity and routine in small, achievable steps rather than waiting to feel motivated first.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — reconnecting daily choices with what actually matters to you.
- Psychodynamic and humanistic approaches — where depression is rooted in grief, identity, or long-standing relational patterns.
- Solution-Focused Therapy — building on what is already working when the immediate need is traction.
Therapy is often effective on its own. Therapists at Life Enrichment Counseling Center do not prescribe medication — if your care would benefit from it, we will say so and help you coordinate with a psychiatrist or your primary care physician. The practice also has a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner on staff.
Your therapists in Alexandria
These Alexandria clinicians work with adults and teens experiencing depression.
- Mark A. Boothe, LICSW, LCSW — has extensive experience with adolescents and adults across a wide range of mental health concerns, with particular expertise in depression, anxiety, and anger. Works with clients 16 and older.
- Nelva Hernandez, MSW, LCSW — specializes in depression, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions, and offers sessions in both Spanish and English.
- Carole Thomas, MSW, LCSW — works with adults experiencing depression, trauma, anxiety, and life transitions, drawing on CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness. Also a certified integrative wellness coach.
- Jaimon Jefferson, MSW, Social Work Supervisee — supports adults navigating depression, anxiety, and PTSD, with an approach grounded in empathy and collaboration.
- Bhavani R. Hamann, PH.D, MSW, LCSW — provides client-centered therapy to adults, adolescents, and families, drawing on Systems, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive Behavioral approaches.
- Malikkah Redden, M.Ed., LPC Resident — uses CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and ACT, with over a decade of experience including intensive in-home counseling and crisis intervention.
You can read every clinician's full background on our therapists page, or see the whole Alexandria office.
Insurance and fees
Life Enrichment Counseling Center is a participating provider with all Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and HMO plans, including Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, and CareFirst. Cigna, Aetna, and Optum are accepted by select therapists, so coverage can depend on which clinician you see — tell us your plan when you reach out and we will match you with someone in network.
Verifying benefits is ultimately the client’s responsibility, but our office staff will check them for you as a courtesy. Without insurance, sessions are $160 per hour and we provide a superbill you can submit to your carrier yourself. Sessions run 35 to 60 minutes.
Full details are on our costs and payments page.
Visit our Alexandria office
Our Alexandria office is located at 3307 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22314, a short drive from Old Town Alexandria, with parking on site. We also see clients from Falls Church, Springfield, Annandale, Arlington, Fairfax, and Washington, D.C.
Every clinician listed on this page also offers secure video sessions, so you can begin with telehealth and move to in-person visits later — or stay online entirely.
Phone: (703) 879-6947
Request an appointment online or send us a message and we will help you find the right therapist for what you are dealing with.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is depression or just a rough patch?
The usual dividing line is duration and reach. A rough patch lifts; depression tends to persist for weeks and starts affecting sleep, appetite, concentration, and your interest in things you normally enjoy. If you are unsure, that uncertainty is itself a good reason to book a first session.
Do I have to take medication?
No. Therapy alone helps many people with mild to moderate depression, and therapists at Life Enrichment Counseling Center do not prescribe medication. If your care would benefit from it, your therapist will raise it and help you coordinate with a psychiatrist or your primary care physician. The practice also has a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner on staff.
How long does depression treatment take?
It varies widely. Many clients feel meaningfully better within a few months of weekly sessions; depression that has been present for years, or that sits on top of trauma or grief, generally takes longer. Your therapist will review progress with you rather than leaving you to guess.
What if I am not sure I can commit to weekly sessions?
Say so at the first appointment. Weekly is the usual starting cadence because it builds momentum, but scheduling is worked out with you — and every Alexandria clinician offers video sessions, which makes consistency easier.
What should I do if I am having thoughts of harming myself?
Please do not wait for an appointment. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are already a client, contact the office directly.
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