Counseling Options

We offer free mental health counseling in a supportive, compassionate environment.

Our counselors are highly skilled professionals who are passionate about providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that meets the unique needs of each person.

Client sits on a couch across from their counselor during an individual mental health counseling session

Individual Counseling

We provide mental health treatment for issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, navigating difficult relationships, life transitions, and other challenges, to support individuals to increase coping skills and manage symptoms.

Individual counseling sessions require an initial eligibility screening at a wellness clinic. Wellness clinics are free, and open to all women and members of the gender-expansive community. They are offered in person and by phone during specific hours during the week.

Woman leans over railing and looks at camera with shadows cast from the window

What to Expect:

In the first session, participants begin to establish goals for healing and recovery.

Our counselors use a variety of therapeutic approaches based on individual needs. Depending on your goals, you and your therapist will determine what therapeutic approach is most appropriate.

Our counselors are committed to cultivating safety, acceptance, and trust within the therapeutic relationship with participants. People who receive our services frequently report feeling a sense of relief after the first session. More than 80% of individuals experience improved well-being.

Five women sit on couches during a group counseling session in Charlottesville

Group Counseling

We believe that resilience and healing are enhanced through healthy relationships and social support. We provide a variety of options for group therapy for new and returning counseling participants

All our counseling groups require a free screening with a therapist to determine eligibility. 

Upcoming Groups

  • Green illustration of woman writing in a journal

    Executive Functioning and You: Learning Ways to Work With Your Brain

    Tuesday, July 16, 5–6pm

    Join us for a one-time workshop that discusses the different ways executive function, “the brain’s air traffic control system,” can impact neurodivergent individuals. We will explore how these differences can manifest and learn practical tools for everyday life.

    Click here to register.

  • One person hands a flower stem to another with a purple watercolor illustration behind

    Bienestar | Healthy Relationships

    Tuesdays, July 16–30, 6–7:30pm

    Join us to explore the dynamics of healthy relationships in our lives. We will learn about unhealthy relationship dynamics and strategies to cultivate accepting and compassionate relationships with ourselves and the people in our lives.

    To register for the group, please call 434.328.1800 or email bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org.

  • Green illustration of two hands holding a heart

    Healthy Relationships

    Thursdays, August 8–September 19, 5–6:30pm

    In this six-week course, participants will learn the fundamentals of healthy relationships, how to “feel and deal” in times of conflict, and strategies for compassionate communication.

    To schedule a screening, please contact 434.872.0047 x304 or info@thewomensinitiative.org by August 1.

  • Group of four Black women hugging and smiling at Black Joy event

    Sister Circle | Black Joy

    Thursdays, August 1–29, 6–7pm

    In this five-week group, enjoy short films made by Black artists and creatives that highlight the importance of joy for mental health and our humanity, followed by a group discussion about lived experiences.

    To register, please email sistercircle@thewomensinitiative.org to schedule a screening before July 26.

  • Latina woman leans head back with eyes closed surrounded by floral illustrations

    Bienestar | Grief and Loss: Gentle Movements to Process and Heal

    Tuesdays, August 6–20, 6–7pm

    In life, we suffer losses that may cause us a lot of pain. This could be the loss of a loved one, a dream, your land, or a pet. Come share time in community with other Latinas to process and heal through gentle movements and reflection.

    To register, please contact 434.270.0926 or bienestar@thewomensinitiative.org to schedule a screening before July 26. 

  • Green illustration of arms embracing a heart

    Skill-Building for Emotional Well-Being

    Mondays, August 26–September 30, 10–11:30am

    In this six-week virtual counseling group, participants will learn how to better cope with upsetting circumstances and overwhelming emotions, develop a larger emotional vocabulary, and learn how to express beliefs and needs more effectively.

    To schedule a screening, please contact 434.872.0047 x304 or info@thewomensinitiative.org by August 19.

Reflections From Participants

  • "My approach to relationships and my own self-worth has drastically improved. I’m way more in tune with myself and my needs. I’m very grateful for the services provided by The Women’s Initiative, and I honestly don’t know where I would be without them."

    - Counseling Participant

  • “I feel more confident in being able to pursue time and treatments that benefit me alone separately from the needs and demands of my family and community.”

    - Counseling Participant

  • “I can maintain my feelings and emotions better. I can use my breathing practices to calm down when feeling anxious and stressed. I know that my trauma and depression is not all of me but only a small part of me that I can now properly manage.”

    - Counseling Participant

  • “I am able to pause and consider emotions instead of reacting with them, I am calmer, and can navigate arguments and difficult situations much easier than I used to…All in all, I am much happier, positive, and motivated.”

    - Counseling Participant

  • "The Women’s Initiative is a magical healing space on every level. I hope everyone seeking compassionate care and community can discover all you offer."

    - Healthy Relationships Group Counseling Participant, Bienestar Program

Visit our resilience programs page to see the full list of groups.