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About Brian Mayer, LCSW
Counseling in Richmond, VA
Have a Seat, Get Comfortable
I am so glad you are thinking about engaging in counseling in Richmond, Virginia with me. I approach my work in several ways.
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First, you are the expert in your own life. Because of that I will work to always understand what does and does not work for you. Of course I will offer suggestions that I have seen help many of my clients, but at the end of the day this is collaborative process.
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While I do have specialties as noted throughout my website that I feel most comfortable with, I still have lots of experience with other areas as well. I like working with my clients additionally around things like depression, relationship issues, life stressors, and mid-life career change. If you are unsure if we might be a good fit for each other please just ask.
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I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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I am licensed to operate a counseling practice independently in the state of Virginia (License #0904010956). I have been counseling individuals and couples in various ways since 2011. I am a solo practitioner meaning when you schedule you will be working with only me.
I’m a Christian
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Some people are very happy to see this, some don't care and some don't like that. So I indeed enjoy talking to my clients through the lens of my and their Christian faith. I do believe there is a lot of benefit to believing and following Jesus Christ. I even enjoy praying with my clients if they want.
All this to say, that you are in control of how much or how little of that is brought into our work together. If you tell me up front that you are not a believer in Christianity and would prefer not to discuss any of that then you are in complete control.
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My job is to understand where you have been, where you are now, and where you want to go. It’s as simple as that. We will focus on those three things, with of course the heaviest focus on where you want to go with your life.
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Do You Have a Fear of Counseling
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It is not uncommon for people to experience fear or anxiety about seeking counseling, especially if it's your first time. Here are some common reasons why you might feel fear or anxiety about counseling:
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Stigma: There is still a significant amount of stigma associated with mental health issues, which can make people feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help.
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Fear of judgment: People may worry that the therapist will judge them or think less of them because of their problems or concerns.
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Fear of the unknown: It's common to feel anxious about the unknown, and this is particularly true for those who have never been to counseling before.
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Fear of vulnerability: Seeking counseling often involves opening up about personal issues and feelings, which can make some people feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.
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Things that may help you overcome fear and anxiety around counseling:
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Your feelings are okay and normal (I often have them too): It's okay to feel anxious or scared about counseling or really about anything you are discussing. Many people feel this way.
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Make sure I am a good fit. I will work to make you feel comfortable, but definitely decide if you feel comfortable with me and if I have experience treating the issues you are struggling with.
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Ask questions: It's okay to ask me questions about my approach to counseling and what you can expect from the sessions.
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Take it one step at a time: You don't have to commit to a long-term counseling relationship right away. Start with one or a few sessions to see how it feels.
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Remind yourself of the benefits: Counseling can be incredibly helpful for improving mental health, reducing stress, and gaining insight into yourself.
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Remember that seeking counseling is a courageous step towards improving your mental health, and I am there to support you in your journey.
My Mission
To help motivated individuals in Counseling in the Richmond, Virginia area get unstuck from worry, stress, and other things that inhibit in order to have more peace and freedom.
My Core Values:
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Authenticity: I will be genuine and work to always represent my true self to you.
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Autonomy: I will empower you to make your own choices to increase freedom in your life.
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Compassion: I will work to understand and share in your concerns and feelings before anything else.
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Simplicity: I believe in finding the least complicated ways to help you move to your destination.
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Optimism: I will always operate in a hope and confidence that a successful outcome is possible for you.
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God's Will: My boss is Jesus and I will always trust that his plans are higher than my plans.
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These are my core values and they may not align with yours. I would never force these on you and in fact I would like to help you get more in touch with your own core values.
My Personal Life:
I am married to Heather and live with our 2 cats, Butterscotch and Paisley. I was married and divorced when I was younger and have an adult daughter from that marriage who just got married herself. In addition to counseling in Richmond, Virginia I also live here of course. In fact, I have lived in Richmond, VA since 2009 and absolutely love it here and plan to live here for a long time.
Favorite Richmond, Virginia Things to Do
Richmond: I love visiting Maymont Park and taking a tour of the Gilded Age Home built by James and Sallie May Dooley. Belle Isle is another favorite place to walk and dip our toes into the James River. Agecroft Hall is a wonderful home that was dismantled in England and rebuilt here in our city and such a wonderful place to visit.
Short Pump: What else can I say about all the great restaurants and shopping. Definitely something for everyone there.
Midlothian: This is where I live and of course have a special bias toward. One of my favorite things to do there is visit Midlothian Mines park. There is a nice walking path around a lake with lots of ducks to see and feed. Also seeing the remnants of the mines and reading about times gone by is a great activity as well.
My Office
I work in a small one room office and locally collaborate with my clients in counseling in Richmond, Virginia. I provide a relaxing and peaceful environment where everything is in order. Selfishly I do this because it helps me most of all do my best work, but I know it will help you to feel at ease as we work through the issues. The focus should be on your goals and our work together, not a cluttered and stressful environment. I also like not having a waiting room, so feel free to come in right at your scheduled time and we will get to work.
RATES & HOURS
Rates and Insurance
Individual Therapy or Testing Session: $135 per session or Anthem Insurance (not including Medicare/Medicaid) is also accepted.
Career Counseling Package: $625 to be paid prior to starting Session 1. The package includes Four 1 hr sessions, a comprehensive online assessment, a 20 page report showing your results, and a workshop with exercises and note pages. (Insurance not accepted).
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Premarial Couples Counseling Session: $150 per session (Insurance not accepted).
​ADHD Testing: $135 per session (2 sessions required).
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1st Session is Interview plus ADHD Assessment Administration (55 minutes)
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2nd Session is Results Review (30 Minutes)
Late Cancel/No Show Fee (Less than 24 Hours Notice or No Notice): $75
A credit card is placed on file and will be charged at the time of your session.
Clients
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Adults - 18 years and older (I don't work with minors).
Appointment Length and Start Times
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Sessions are 55-60 Minutes
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Monday - Thursday: 8 am - 4 pm
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​Friday: 8 am - 11 am
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​Saturday and Sunday: Closed
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More About Insurance
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I prefer self pay, but there are a few ways to use insurance.
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In Network: Anthem/Blue Cross only (I do not accept Anthem through Medicaid or Medicare). I will file your claim. You are responsible to pay me the required co-pay or amount up to your deductible. If you have an unmet deductible, you may have to pay the entire session fee for several sessions until your deductible is eventually met.
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Out of Network: For other insurance carriers, I can provide you a Superbill that you can submit to them for possible reimbursement.
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Why Do I Prefer Not to Use Insurance:
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Mental Health Diagnosis: ​I am required to diagnosis a mental health condition in order to get paid. I do not like to label my clients because I want to work with you as a human being. Sometimes the issues facing my clients don't fit a certain diagnosis but I am forced to choose one. ​​
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Loss of Our Autonomy and Privacy: You and I both lose some of our freedom and privacy because insurance companies can dictate how many sessions they will cover. They also can ask for my notes and your treatment plans for them to decide whether or not they will continue to cover services.
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Additional Administrative Work: There is additional time I have to spend on insurance paperwork which can reduce the time I spend that directly benefits you. You are my main priority and when we invite an insurance company into the equation it can interupt our working relationship.
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Questions?
Use the Contact Form Below
Ask Here
Contact Me, Brian Mayer LCSW with your Questions.
I will respond often in the same business day, sometimes the next business day.
Contact Details:
9601 Gayton Road, Suite E-103 Richmond, VA 23238
Mon 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tues 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thurs 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Sat, Sun: Closed