Search Results

Therapists at Sunlight Counseling in Virginia Beach are specially trained in areas such as EMDR, CBT, and DBT. Therapy for substance use and addictive/compulsive behaviors provided by a CSAC (Certified Substance Abuse Counselor). Meet Our Therapists Nicole Sirko, LPC/ Practice Owner I have over 20 years of experience helping adults understand and manage anxiety, adjustment related difficulties, depression, career/work concerns, and grief/loss. I combine a person-centered and cognitive-behavioral approach to promote resiliency and help clients develop coping mechanisms personally tailored to work for them. I have participated in several specialized trainings in the areas of anxiety, mindfulness, trauma, self-regulation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mood disorders, acceptance and commitment therapy, and self-compassion. Allison Russell, LPC My passion is supporting adults with overcoming challenges related to trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and difficult relationships. My approach to therapy combines different treatment modalities; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I am here to support you with improving communication, building healthier relationships, and creating lasting change. Colin Brady, LPC I offer a warm and empathic approach to therapy which is rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity for personal growth and self-actualization given the right conditions. My therapeutic approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, including person centered, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based techniques. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, relationship issues, or simply seeking greater self-awareness and fulfillment, I am here to support you every step of the way. Megan Colon, LPC I recognize that each individual holds a unique story and set of strengths and that they are the true experts in their own lives. My passion lies in guiding individuals to heal and discover personal growth even in the face of life’s most difficult challenges. My approach is rooted in empathy, open communication, and collaboration.I also have additional training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectal Behavioral Therapy. Amber Hill, LPC, CSAC Utilizing a primarily cognitive-behavioral approach, I work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and concerns related to sexual and gender identity. I am trained in HeartMath, which focuses on improving emotional regulation, decreasing anxiety and managing stress. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) with extensive experience treating various addictions and compulsive behaviors (including gambling and internet), and substance use disorders. Brandy Perry, M.A., Resident in Counseling Virginia Resident in Counseling #0704018277 Whether you’re navigating a major life change, healing from past trauma, or simply ready to quiet the chaos, I’m here to help. As a Resident in Counseling, I’m passionate about supporting teens, adults, and couples as they transform anxiety, depression, and painful experiences into opportunities for growth and deeper connection. My goal is to create a warm, collaborative space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward with confidence. In our work together, we’ll use evidence-based approaches—including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—to help you regulate your nervous system, build resilience, and find balance. We accept the following commercial insurance plans: Sentara Health, Anthem Blue Cross/ Blue Sheild and Aetna Contact Us

In Person and online Therapy for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Career Burnout at Sunlight Counseling. Meet our therapists and start your healing journey in Virginia Beach. Accepting New Clients! Request an Appointment Therapy That Feels Human Healing begins in a space where you feel seen, supported, and understood. We help adults and teens struggling with anxiety, trauma, burnout, and depression feel grounded, build insight and increase resiliency for meaningful change. In-person and online therapy available in Virginia Beach, VA Tel: 757-279-8058 Meet Our Therapists Contact Current Openings Available for In Person and Online Therapy! Existing clients may access the secure client portal by clicking below. Portal Join Our Team Contact Us Please send a message below. We look forward to connecting with you soon! First name Email* Subject Write a message Send Email: admin@sunlightcounselingvb.com 316 Office Square Ln. Suite 103 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Tel: 757-279-8058 If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Sunlight Counseling does not offer crisis counseling or emergency services.

At Sunlight Counseling in Virginia Beach, we promote mental health and resiliency with our compassionate approach of meeting our clients where they are and using evidenced-based practices to help them heal. Our Mission At Sunlight Counseling, we are interested in hearing your story and learning about your experiences that have led you here. Throughout our work together, we will draw on evidenced-based practices to promote the skills and strategies best suited to your individual needs while focusing on improving mental health. We understand how difficult it can be to open up to someone new (life is hard enough sometimes!). Our clients are often surprised by the ease at which they are able to share information upon meeting, and we strive to create a trusting relationship and confidential space for you to do the same. View Services Contact Us Cats and Counseling Sylvester As fellow animal lovers know, pet ownership has many mental health benefits, such as reducing stress, anxiety and improving your well-being. Our animal friends are also important reminders of how to live in the present moment and practice the art of mindfulness skills. Studies have shown that simply petting an animal can reduce our heart rate and promote relaxation. I'd like to introduce you to Sylvester and Sadie. Sylvester enjoys being present during virtual sessions and is a calming companion to both me and my clients. Sadie occasionally makes a brief appearance, then goes back to doing important kitten things! Sadie "To shine your brightest light is to be who you truly are." --Roy T. Bennett Contact Us

The good faith estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs. Good Faith Estimate Disclaimer This Good Faith Estimate shows the costs of items and services that are reasonably expected for your health care needs for an item or service. The estimate is based on information known at the time the estimate was created and does not include any unknown or unexpected costs that may arise during treatment. If you are billed for more than this Good Faith Estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill. Throughout your treatment, the provider may recommend additional items or services as part of your treatment that are not reflected in this estimate. These would need to be scheduled separately with your consent and the understanding that any additional service costs are in addition to the Good Faith Estimate. If your needs change during treatment, your provider should supply a new, updated Good Faith Estimate to reflect the changes to treatment, and the accompanying cost changes. You may contact the health care provider or facility listed to let them know the billed charges are higher than the Good Faith Estimate. You can ask them to update the bill to match the Good Faith Estimate, ask to negotiate the bill, or ask if there is financial assistance available. The Good Faith Estimate is not a contract between provider and client and does not obligate or require the client to obtain any of the listed services from the provider. You may also start a dispute resolution process with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If you choose to use the dispute resolution process, you must start the dispute process within 120 calendar days (about 4 months) of the date on the original bill. There is a $25 fee to use the dispute process. If the agency reviewing your dispute agrees with you, you will have to pay the price on this Good Faith Estimate. If the agency disagrees with you and agrees with the health care provider or facility, you will have to pay the higher amount. To learn more and get a form to start the process, go to www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call HHS at (800) 985-3059. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate or the dispute process, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 985-3059. Keep a copy of this Good Faith Estimate in a safe place or take pictures of it. You may need it if you are billed a higher amount.

The content of this website is not intended to be a substitute for therapy. Always seek the advice from a qualified mental health care provider. Website Disclaimer The content of this website, including text, images, audio, video, and other material is provided only as general information and is not medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any kind. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for obtaining treatment from a licensed professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Transmission of information on this website does not create a therapist/patient, supervisor/supervisee, or any other type of professional relationship between you and Sunlight Counseling PLLC. Any information, narratives, examples or testimonials presented on this website do not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or prediction regarding the outcome of using any such material contained herein for any particular purpose or issue. Information, resources, and recommendations are provided in good faith, and the accuracy, validity, effectiveness, completeness, or usefulness of any information herein, as with any publication, cannot be guaranteed. Sunlight Counseling PLLC disclaims all warranties and responsibilities of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the accuracy or reliability of any information contained in this site, and for the suitability, results or effectiveness for any particular purpose of the content. You are solely responsible for your use or reliance on any information contained on this site and any foreseeable or unforeseeable consequences arising out of such use or reliance. Sunlight Counseling PLLC reserves the right to change or update this disclaimer notice, or any other of our policies or practices, at any time without notice. Any changes or updates will be effective immediately upon posting to this website. Under certain circumstances, we may also elect to notify you of changes or updates to our disclaimer notice by additional means, such as posting a notice on the front page of our website or sending you an e-mail. We encourage you to review this disclaimer notice often for changes. If you have any questions or comments regarding our disclaimer notice, you may contact us at: Sunlight Counselling PLLC 316 Office Square Ln. Suite 101 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Phone: 757-279-8058 Email Address: admin@sunlightcounselingvb.com

In person and online evidenced-based EMDR, CBT, and DBT therapy for anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, addictions, depression and grief in Virginia Beach. We use an empathic and trauma-informed approach to align with our clients and support them throughout their mental health journey. In-Person and Online Therapy Individual Therapy for Adults From establishing our identity in young adulthood through navigating our way through mid-life and beyond, being an adult presents its own unique challenges. Even as we mature and build life experiences, we may feel like we don't always have the answers. Pressures from work, parenting, relationships, uncertainty about the future, or trouble saying "no"/setting healthy boundaries can be difficult to manage. Therapy can promote healing, resiliency, and improve well-being. It may help you navigate concerns resulting in anxiety, depression and/or adjustment difficulties. Request an Appointment What is EMDR Therapy? Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment approach that helps individuals heal from traumatic events utilizing eye movements or bilateral stimulation to reduce distress levels associated with traumatic memories and allow the brain to activate it's natural healing process. Originally used in the treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, (PTSD), EMDR has been shown to be an effective treatment modality for a variety of mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other adverse life events, including other forms of trauma and adjustment-related issues. Our Approach We use an empathic and trauma-informed approach to align with our clients and support them throughout their mental health journey. During the initial appointment and throughout treatment, we collaborate with our clients to assess concerns and utilize evidenced-based interventions to develop treatment that is uniquely tailored to each individual. Interventions may include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused CBT. Additional Areas of Expertise Stress Management Grief/Loss Substance Abuse Self-Esteem Trauma Anxiety Adulting Caregiving Relationship Problems Addictions ADHD Depression Burnout Mood Disorders Emotional Regulation Mindfulness/Relaxation Personal Growth Compulsive Behaviors Anger Management Self-Care Work/Career Concerns Coping Strategies Conflict Resolution Assertiveness Training Insurance In-network with Anthem, Blue Cross/ Blue Shield (HMO, PPO and PAR), Aetna and Sentara Healthcare (HMO, PPO and POS) commercial health plans. Self-pay Our fee is $185 for the initial assessment and $165 for subsequent sessions. Sunlight Counseling PLLC accepts all major credit cards. ***Residents in Counseling can be seen at a reduced rate of $150 per session. If you would like to receive possible partial or full reimbursement from your insurance carrier by submitting a claim directly to them, please request a super bill at the time of your appointment. Online therapy is provided using HIPPA compliant technology to protect your privacy. Contact Us

Now hiring for Virginia-licensed mental health therapists. Clinical Openings Available Accepting Applications We are seeking Virginia-licensed mental health therapists for a W-2 position who value connection, collaboration, and a positive work environment. What we offer: Flexible scheduling Hybrid work opportunities (in-person and virtual) Excellent compensation model Autonomy with support — we value trust and do not believe in micromanagement Biweekly pay based on services billed, with no waiting for insurance reimbursement or revenue collection Administrative services so you can spend more time doing what you do best: providing quality care We believe therapist well-being matters. Our practice emphasizes work-life balance, meaningful support, and creating an atmosphere where clinicians can thrive while providing high-quality care. Qualified applicants should email their resume to: admin@sunlightcounselingvb.com

Notice of Privacy Practices regarding disclosure of health information. Notice of Privacy Practices Effective Date: 5/26/2026 THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY. I. OUR PLEDGE REGARDING HEALTH INFORMATION: We are required by law to: Maintain the privacy and security of your protected health information. Notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may compromise the privacy or security of your information. Provide you with this Notice describing our legal duties and privacy practices. Follow the terms of the Notice currently in effect. We will not use or disclose your information other than as described in this Notice unless you authorize us to do so. You may revoke your authorization at any time. We are also required by law to provide you with adequate notice of your rights and our legal duties if we create or maintain records protected by 42 C.F.R. Part 2. Sunlight Counseling PLLC reserves the right to change the terms of this Notice, and such changes will apply to all information we have about you. The new Notice will be available upon request, in our office, and on our website. II. HOW WE MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU: The following categories describe different ways that we use and disclose health information. For each category of uses or disclosures we will explain what we mean and try to give some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed. However, all of the ways we are permitted to use and disclose information will fall within one of the categories. For Treatment, Payment, or Health Care Operations: Federal privacy rules (regulations) allow health care providers who have direct treatment relationship with the patient/client to use or disclose the patient/client’s personal health information without the patient’s written authorization, to carry out the health care provider’s own treatment, payment or health care operations. We may also disclose your protected health information for the treatment activities of any health care provider. This too can be done without your written authorization. For example, if a clinician were to consult with another licensed health care provider about your condition, we would be permitted to use and disclose your personal health information, which is otherwise confidential, in order to assist the clinician in diagnosis and treatment of your mental health condition. While these standards are the minimum standards required by law, counseling ethics are significantly stricter which we will adhere to first and foremost whenever possible and legally permissible to protect your information. If your records are protected under 42 C.F.R. Part 2, certain uses and disclosures permitted by HIPAA for treatment, payment, and health care operations are materially limited by the stricter standards of those regulations. Furthermore, information disclosed pursuant to these rules may be subject to redisclosure by the recipient and may no longer be protected by federal privacy standards. Disclosures for treatment purposes are not limited to the minimum necessary standard. This is because therapists and other health care providers need access to the full record and/or full and complete information in order to provide quality care. The word “treatment” includes, among other things, the coordination and management of health care providers with a third party, consultations between health care providers and referrals of a patient for health care from one health care provider to another. Lawsuits and Legal Proceedings. We may disclose PHI in response to a valid court order or as otherwise required by law. If we receive a subpoena or other legal request for records, we will review the request and respond only as permitted or required under applicable federal and Virginia law, including procedures designed to protect the confidentiality of health records. However, for records protected by 42 C.F.R. Part 2, such records or testimony relaying their content shall not be used or disclosed in civil, criminal, administrative, or legislative proceedings against you unless you provide specific written consent or a court order is issued in accordance with 42 C.F.R. Part 2. III. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION: Psychotherapy Notes. Sunlight Counseling PLLC keeps “psychotherapy notes” as that term is defined in 45 CFR § 164.501, and any use or disclosure of such notes requires your Authorization unless the use or disclosure is: a. For our use in treating you. b. For use in training or supervising mental health practitioners to help them improve their skills in group, joint, family, or individual counseling or therapy. c. For use in defending this practice in legal proceedings instituted by you. d. For use by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate our compliance with HIPAA. e. Required by law and the use or disclosure is limited to the requirements of such law. f. Required by law for certain health oversight activities pertaining to the originator of the psychotherapy notes. g. Required by a coroner who is performing duties authorized by law. h. Required to help avert a serious threat to the health and safety of others. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counseling Notes. I may also maintain “SUD counseling notes,” which are notes recorded by a substance use disorder provider documenting the contents of a counseling session. Any use or disclosure of these notes requires your separate written authorization, which cannot be combined with a consent for other types of records. You can revoke your consent at any time except to the extent that I have already acted upon it to disclose these notes in accordance with your initial authorization. Marketing Purposes. As a psychotherapist, this practice will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes. Sale of PHI. As a psychotherapist, this practice will not sell your PHI in the regular course of business. IV. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES DO NOT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION. Subject to certain limitations in the law, we can use and disclose your PHI without your Authorization for the following reasons: When disclosure is required by state or federal law, and the use or disclosure complies with and is limited to the relevant requirements of such law. For public health activities, including reporting suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, or preventing or reducing a serious threat to anyone’s health or safety. For health oversight activities, including audits and investigations. For judicial and administrative proceedings, including responding to a court or administrative order, although our preference is to obtain an Authorization from you before doing so. For law enforcement purposes, including reporting crimes occurring on our premises. To coroners or medical examiners, when such individuals are performing duties authorized by law. For research purposes. This practice does not currently use or disclose PHI for research purposes. If research-related disclosures were to occur in the future, any such use or disclosure would be made only as permitted or required by applicable law. Specialized government functions, including, ensuring the proper execution of military missions; protecting the President of the United States; conducting intelligence or counter-intelligence operations; or, helping to ensure the safety of those working within or housed in correctional institutions. For workers’ compensation purposes. Although our preference is to obtain an Authorization from you, we may provide your PHI in order to comply with workers’ compensation laws. Appointment reminders and health related benefits or services. We may use and disclose your PHI to contact you to remind you that you have an appointment with us. We may also use and disclose your PHI to tell you about treatment alternatives or other health care services or benefits that we offer. V. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOU TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT. Disclosures to family, friends, or others. we may provide your PHI to a family member, friend, or other person that you indicate is involved in your care or the payment for your health care, unless you object in whole or in part. The opportunity to consent may be obtained retroactively in emergency situations. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Counseling Notes. I may also maintain “SUD counseling notes,” which are notes recorded by a substance use disorder provider documenting the contents of a counseling session. Any use or disclosure of these notes requires your separate written authorization, which cannot be combined with a consent for other types of records. You can revoke your consent at any time except to the extent that I have already acted upon it to disclose these notes in accordance with your initial authorization. VI. YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO YOUR PHI: The Right to Request Limits on Uses and Disclosures of Your PHI. You have the right to ask us not to use or disclose certain PHI for treatment, payment, or health care operations purposes. We are not required to agree to your request, and we may say “no” if we believe it would affect your health care. The Right to Request Restrictions for Out-of-Pocket Expenses Paid for In Full. You have the right to request restrictions on disclosures of your PHI to health plans for payment or health care operations purposes if the PHI pertains solely to a health care item or a health care service that you have paid for out-of-pocket in full. The Right to Choose How We Send PHI to You. You have the right to ask us to contact you in a specific way (for example, home or office phone) or to send mail to a different address, and we will agree to all reasonable requests. The Right to See and Get Copies of Your PHI. Other than “psychotherapy notes,” and “SUD counseling notes” you have the right to get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other information that we have about you. We will provide you with a copy of your record, or a summary of it, if you agree to receive a summary, within 30 days of receiving your written request, unless access may be denied under applicable law, in which case we will provide information about your review rights, and we may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for doing so. The Right to Get a List of the Disclosures We Have Made. You have the right to request a list of instances in which we have disclosed your PHI for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations, or for which you provided us with an Authorization. We will respond to your request for an accounting of disclosures within 60 days of receiving your request. The list we will give you will include disclosures made in the last six years unless you request a shorter time. We will provide the list to you at no charge, but if you make more than one request in the same year, we will charge you a reasonable cost-based fee for each additional request. You also have the right to request an accounting of disclosures specifically for your substance use disorder records protected under 42 C.F.R. Part 2. The Right to Correct or Update Your PHI. If you believe that there is a mistake in your PHI, or that a piece of important information is missing from your PHI, you have the right to request that we correct the existing information or add the missing information. We may say “no” to your request, but we will tell you why in writing within 60 days of receiving your request. The Right to Get a Paper or Electronic Copy of this Notice. You have the right to a copy of this Notice. If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by visiting their website at https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint. You will not be penalized for filing a complaint.