Poythress Mitchell , LPC

Poythress Mitchell is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia with 27 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked across diverse settings including residential programs, case management, outpatient clinics, in-home services, and addictions treatment, bringing a broad perspective to assessment and intervention. Her practice integrates experience, clarity, and a concern for practical outcomes to help individuals and families move toward healing and greater emotional balance.

She approaches therapy with compassion, directness, and a non-judgmental attitude, creating a warm and welcoming environment where clients can explore challenges and build coping skills. Her work includes evaluation of mental stressors and substance use issues, goal development, teaching stress management techniques, and creating and implementing treatment plans that reflect each person’s needs.

Poythress addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, self-esteem, depression, LGBT issues, relationships, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting, career concerns, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. She also focuses on adoption and foster care issues, aging and geriatric matters, blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, and veteran and armed forces issues. Her professional training includes a Master of Arts (MA) from Norfolk State University, certification as a Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), certification as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), Human Service Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP), and training in Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Poythress Mitchell uses client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to guide online work with clients. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy and collaboration, helping people explore their values and make choices that feel authentic. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing practical skills to manage symptoms like anxiety and depression. Dialectical behavior therapy teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills that can be especially useful for people managing intense emotions or relationship challenges.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Poythress partners with clients to determine which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts techniques over time as progress is made. This collaborative stance ensures the plan fits each person rather than forcing a single model.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules, limited mobility, or those in remote areas. Working with licensed professionals through these options makes it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice new skills between sessions, and engage in therapy in a way that fits daily life.