Mental Health & Therapy
· Charlottesville, VA
Published in partnership with The Women's Initiative
Book online anytime
The Women's Initiative provides free, trauma-informed mental health counseling and wellness programs for women in Central Virginia, with specialized services for Black, BIPOC, Latine, and LGBTQ+ communities. Their diverse team of counselors offers compassionate care alongside complementary programs including yoga, acupuncture, arts-based healing, and affinity groups designed to build resilience and connection.
Best for: Women facing financial barriers to care, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ women seeking culturally affirming therapy, trauma survivors, individuals seeking community-based healing
Service area: Charlottesville, VA and Central Virginia
Always Free Services: All counseling and programs are offered at no cost regardless of ability to pay, removing financial barriers to mental health care.
Affinity-Based Programming: Dedicated safe spaces and programs specifically designed for Black women, Latine communities, and LGBTQ+ individuals to cultivate healing and joy together.
Integrated Wellness Approach: Combines counseling with mind-body practices, arts expression, acupuncture, and mindfulness to support holistic healing and resilience.
“It breaks my heart to write this about a nonprofit agency in our town. But I really fear for anyone else who has to experience what I did. I used to have nothing but good things to say about this agency and always encouraged my clients to go there. Then during a tough time in my life, I too accessed their services. But the services and treatment I received from, not just any therapist there, but the director of counseling, was devastating to say the least. I wish I could go into it as to give people real knowledge about the service that’s being provided, and even worse, how they respond to clients who raise a moral and ethical issue. Suffice it to say, as a social worker myself, I simply do not recommend this service to folks. I just can’t. If you must, and you for one second feel like your therapy is not as it should be, then leave it immediately. What is supposed to be a therapeutic relationship can and will quickly turn into a devastating one that could make things even worse for you, and rest assured the folks at the top of the chain at this agency will not care. And I hate to say that, but it’s just simply true”
— Rachael Roberts, Google Review
“This place is the most important place for abused victims. Even if you are a male, please call them for resources. They offer weekly classes and counseling. Well trained staff for crisis and abuse.”
— Adrienne Eichner, Google Review
“On Our Own is a community partner with the Women's Initiative. The WI staff have always been open, helpful and warm to work with. The feedback we've received from our members who have received services has been very positive . The Challenge into Change contest is an empowering annual event that we participate in. Listening to these powerful stories of women is really inspiring ! Definitely recommend checking them out if you haven't .”
— Erin Tucker, Google Review
“This place has been recommended to me by therapists, patients, and many others, but they turned me away. They discriminate based on pay, and I’m a teacher, so I don’t exactly make much. I went to them because I’m alone and need help desperately. It shouldn’t be like this.”
— Georgia Whittemore, Google Review
“This place provides much needed support and counseling for any and all women in the community. They also offer workshops, lectures and support groups. The whole staff always makes you feel welcome there. A great resource!”
— Bo, Google Review
Book online: Book Online Now →
Phone: (434) 872-0047
Address: 1101 E High St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (Get directions)
Website: thewomensinitiative.org/