New Clients can request a first time Consultation (free of charge) by choosing a therapist from the pop-up list, and selecting consultation for the “service.”
Existing or Returning Clients can schedule a regular appointment by choosing their specific type of service, or by accessing their Client Portal using their unique login information.
If you are new, you may wish to review our Provider Profiles below.
Chuck Carrin
gton, PhD
“My view of counseling, coaching, and supervision is based on two truths I have found consistent in my life: First, that everyone struggles to find their path in life, making mistakes at times, and growing in strength through adversity. Second, that our past mistakes can be the most powerful learning opportunities if we choose to apply the lessons of failure to grow and do better. From brokenness, we are made stronger. With this in mind, I like to help my clients to find their own potential and inner strength to move forward. I use a variety of techniques and tools to help my clients find the way forward in life. I believe that a counselor should become the counselor that a client needs, rather than to try and force a client to become what the counselor wants. In this way, I can align with my client, show them maximum understanding and respect, and journey with them towards a healthier more effective life.”
Dr. Chuck completed his doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at Old Dominion University. In addition, he holds degrees in Counseling, Human Services Counseling, and Leadership from Regent University, as well as Bible college degrees in Christian Counseling and Theology. Dr. Chuck is Senior Pastoral Counselor and Christian Counselor, also specializing Life Coaching, Career Coaching, Couples and Relationship Enhancement Coaching, Strategic Parenting, and Co-parenting After Divorce.
Chuck has made the strategic decision to work only as a Pastoral Counselor and Christian Minister in life coaching rather than seek a state license. This decision was made with much prayer after so much political constraint and bias has entered the field of counseling over the last 5 years. Christian counseling has a long and noble history, and Chuck feels that he cannot compromise his principles between extremist political affiliations in secular counseling, and the call of God he feels led to do Christian values based ministry. While this means he cant take your insurance, he has volunteered his services to Virginia Beach Christian Counseling to reduce fees, in many cases, provide an opportunity for us to offer sliding scale and scholarship rates. This helps keep access to Chuck purposefully affordable, to allow anyone the opportunity to have superior counseling with minimal cost.
Melissa Presley, M.A.
LPC Resident, Faith-Based Pastoral Counselor
“I personally believe every person’s life journey is filled with times that are difficult, traumatic, and moments of struggle, which lead to needs for healing, recovery, growth, and learning our possibilities and strengths. Our hurts, pain, joys, and triumphs all matter. I like to help my clients discover their personal life purpose and to see how their life stories are significant. My goal is to help my clients navigate life’s ups and downs, discover their purpose, personal strength, and life potential. Personally, as a counselor I want to help my clients meet their needs and their goals towards healing and success. I will partner with the client to support, respect, understand, and help promote a healthy well-being towards a more successful life.”
About Melissa: Melissa is a Resident in counseling, earning her hours towards fulfilling the requirements for Licensed Professional Counseling. In her professional career, she has worked with at-risk children and adolescents, individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Education: She has completed her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Specialties: Military Children, Spouses, & Families, Betrayal Trauma, Trauma & Grief Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, Crisis, Self-Esteem, and Stress-Management. She has worked with children, adolescents, couples, families, and groups.
Choice of Theory and Techniques: As a counselor, Melissa applies an integrative approach towards counseling. Through using an integrative approach, Melissa partners with the client to use techniques and psychotherapy tools that are best suitable for the client and their problem.
Sylvia Ritchie, MSW, M.A.
LCSW Resident
Hi! My Name is Sylvia Stanford Ritchie. Thank you for considering me to be your counselor at this juncture of your life’s journey. I welcome the opportunity to serve you. I believe that life experience has been one of my greatest teachers. Some of those experiences have been my greatest challenges and struggles, which helped to deepen my faith and dependence on God and strengthen my relationship with Christ. These life lessons keep me motivated to be the best me that I can be so that I can serve you with empathy and unconditional positive regard. My desire is to use the victories and failures God has afforded me, to serve you. Thank you for allowing me to introduce myself. Now let’s meet in person so that I may have the pleasure of meeting you. I look forward to hearing from you!
About Sylvia: Sylvia is a Resident in Social Work, earning her hours to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. With her 20+ years as a Master of Social Work, Sylvia has worked with many populations of differing ages, cultures, and backgrounds as a social worker and a counselor. Specifically, Sylvia has worked with: individuals, couples, youths, groups, and children of all ages.
Specialties: children of divorce, at-risk children and youth, foster children, adoptive and blended families, conflict management, marriage communication and conflict resolution, and individual issues such as depression, anxiety, crisis, and self-discovery.
As a former director of a children’s shelter for abuse, Sylvia also worked with neglected and abused children and families separated by foster care. In addition, Sylvia has worked as an adoption coordinator for families and children. If you are looking for a counselor that can handle most any issue, Sylvia may indeed be your most flexible choice!
Choice of Theory and Techniques include: Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Adlerian therapy.
Education: Bachelor of Social Work (1989) Alabama State University, Master of Social Work (1995) University of Alabama, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2018) Regent University. Sylvia is also a Certified Christian Life Coach.
Wash Carton, M.A., USN (ret)
Faith-Based Pastoral Counselor, Christian Life Coach
Are you feeling worried all of the time? I provide Pastoral Christian Counseling and Life Coaching in the Hampton Roads area. As a Pastoral Counselor and Coach my professional philosophy is that I am committed to the same professional standards and code of ethics that are essential in clinical counseling. The goal of pastoral counseling is to help individuals think biblically about their current struggles in the context of a confidential, and in a caring environment. Life coaching is a developmental process whereby I will meet with individuals on a regular basis to clarify goals, deal with potential stumbling blocks and improve their performance.
Research shows that unhealthy relationships can cause both emotional and physical stress, whereas healthy relationships can enhance and improve overall well-being. I offer individual, couples, pre-martial, marriage and family counseling. In addition to, coaching and developing individuals who suffered from stress, trauma, and grief issues. If you are struggling through serious relationships problems, feel free to contact me
Education: Master of Education, in Christian Counseling, at International Apostolic University of Grace and Truth in Dayton, OH. Ordination from The Sure Foundation Theological Institute in Seminole FL. Completed training and certified as a Navy Operational Stress Control Course Facilitator. Currently, Wash is a student at Liberty University completing a second Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Specialties: Stress reduction and management, couples conflict resolution, military family conflicts, crisis of faith, spiritual development, substance abuse, men’s counseling, pre-marital counseling.
Wil Strayhorn, M.A., LC
Human Services Counseling and Life Coach
I am committed to helping people learn to love and appreciate themselves! I help empower my clients to find the answers within that are blocking them from a life they desire and deserve. I am passionate about helping men and women who are struggling with life changing transitions, suffering from low self-esteem, co-dependency , poor self-image and a host of other challenges that can disrupt your emotional and physical well being. I help my clients to achieve their dreams and goals, gain amazing confidence, create a confident and attractive image and dress for the life they desire, develop extraordinary relationships and an authentic, healthy life. You have the ability to create an image that you’ll be proud of and a life you love… a life that aligns with your deepest passions, priorities, and values. I offer my services through a variety of packages for every lifestyle and budget.
Wil Strayhorn is an Image & Empowerment Coach who helps men and women redirect and change their lives by shifting their mindset and habits to realize They already possess the power and are capable of achieving their dreams and ambitions. Additionally, Wil helps individuals craft a winning image the reflects their truest and most positive beliefs about themselves because he understands the importance of first impressions and the fact that how you look on the outside affects how you feel on the inside. A Hair & Makeup Artist and Image Consultant of nearly 25 years, Wil is experienced and accomplished at assisting individuals transform their appearance from “drab to fab!”. Wil started his coaching business in 2015 to help other people who felt as he once did, hosting self-doubting beliefs and behaviors prevented him from achieving the level of success that he desired both professionally and personally and he wanted to look and feel better in order to project a winning, confident image. Today Wil offers a wide range of programs and services – from individual and group coaching, to seminars, workshops and keynote speeches.
Education: Master’s of Arts Degree from Liberty University in Human Services Counseling, A Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Old Dominion University in Communication, and an Associate’s of Science Degree from Tidewater Community College in Social Sciences.
Affiliations: Wil is recognized through the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) as: Certified in Financial Coaching, Certification in Marriage Coaching, and Certification in Advanced Life Coaching. Wil is currently awaiting final certification as a CACLC – Certified Advanced Christian Life Coach through the Board of Christian Life Coaches (BCLC)
Cameryn Childs, M.A.
Christian Faith-Based Counselor and Life Coach
I have a passion for helping people reach their greatest potential. I believe that each person is capable of flourishing, however, may need some help navigating some of life’s challenges. As a counselor, I am here to help clients discover themselves, heal, and achieve the best out of their lives. I encourage clients to embrace their strengths and empower them to take an active role in achieving positive change. I support clients wherever they are in their journey of faith. I believe that incorporating principles of faith into counseling can help people experience God in new ways and live life to the fullest.
Education: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Trauma Counseling from Regent University. EMDR Level I Trained.
Specialty Focus in Trauma Counseling. “Many of us have had one or more experiences that have left us deeply hurt and may have changed the way we live our lives. It is my goal to help those who are struggling to recover and grow from life’s difficulties. I work primarily with teens and adults.”
Current Interns:
Jamie Hoylt, Mental Health Intern
Paula Meadows, Mental Health Intern
Justine Sime, Counseling Intern
