Virginia
Therapists
Vetted, culturally competent, licensed therapists ready to support you.
DR. BROOKE BARTLETT, PHD
Brooke Bartlett, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Center for Trauma, Anxiety, and Stress Inc. (CTAS). A nationally recognized trauma specialist, Dr. Bartlett is also a highly specialized first responder and military psychologist with over 10 years of hands-on training and experience providing a wide range of culturally competent mental health services. She has an extensive research history examining first responder and military metal health, with over 20 scientific publications, dozens of national and international conference presentations, and a published book chapter. In addition to her clinical and research work, Dr. Bartlett is frequently featured in a variety of first responder-focused media outlets, including CRACKYL Magazine, industry podcasts, and more. Driven by a deep passion for serving those who serve others, Dr. Bartlett founded CTAS to deliver comprehensive evidence-based services that are accessible, effective, and rooted in cultural competence. She is available to provide culturally competent therapy to first responders in 42 states.
-All states except: Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, Louisiana, Iowa, New York, & Massachusetts
SAMANTHA GETHA, LCSW
Hi, I’m Samantha — or just Sam, if that’s easier — and I’m really glad you’re here.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alaska and Virginia, I offer holistic, trauma-informed care that integrates emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. I come from a military family, and my husband serves in the Air Force, so I understand the weight this community carries — both personally and professionally.
I’ve worked on installations like Eielson AFB and JBER, and my career includes roles as a hospital social worker, inpatient therapist, and domestic abuse victim advocate. I specialize in trauma therapy for adults 18+, including complex PTSD, combat trauma, childhood and relational wounds, and the ripple effects of anxiety, depression, and dissociation. These experiences shaped my commitment to supporting those who serve — military members, veterans, spouses, first responders, and helpers of all kinds. I welcome a diverse range of people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, all stages of life, and diverse sexual and gender identities.
My approach is grounded and direct, using EMDR, parts work, mindfulness, and attachment theory to help clients reconnect with their strengths and make sense of what’s shaped them. Clients often tell me they feel understood — like I speak their language (yes, even grunt talk) and show up as a real person. I won’t tell you to “just think positive,” and I won’t sugarcoat things — but I will walk alongside you with curiosity, compassion, humor, and respect. I believe healing happens when we face the hard stuff together and start building a life that feels authentic and aligned.
If you’re ready to stop just surviving and start feeling more whole, I’m here for that. Let’s find your footing together.
MICHELLE ALBERT, LPC
Michelle graduated from the University of Utah with a BS in Sociology and minors in Psychology and Criminology. She attended Argosy University in Arlington, Virginia where she earned her MA in Counseling with special focus in forensics and trauma. In 2006, she earned her license as a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP) and in 2007 became licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) inVirginia.
During her career, Michelle has worked in government, institutional, community and private settings. Since 2010, she has worked for Alexandria City Department of Community and Human Services where she currently holds the position of Forensic Services Supervisor. In this position, she also serves as the Outpatient Competency Restoration Coordinator and the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) Coordinator. Michelle opened a small private practice in 2013 where her focus is on working with first responders, military and their families. This led her to become a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP) in 2020.
Michelle has been a member of multiple associations, including but not limited to: Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA), Virginia Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (VAPRA), CIT International (CITI) and Association for Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP). She has served on the Board of Directors for VAPRA and the Virginia CIT Coalition and has presented at numerous trainings and conferences, including CIT International (2016), Virginia CIT (2018), EMS World (2019, 2020), Northern Virginia Fire & Rescue LeadershipInstitute (2021, 2022, 2023) and has worked as a consultant for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (2018).
Michelle has a personal investment in providing education and support for first responders and is dedicated to creating space for them to learn and laugh while exploring and improving their own health and wellness.
MELISSA CAVANAUGH, LPC-S
Hi, I’m Melissa, but lots of people call me Mel! I’ll answer to both! I could tell you about my master program and all of the modalities I function from, but I’d prefer for you to get to know the real me! My BIG passion in this field is helping children (adult children too) that have been affected by addiction in their families.
My husband is active-duty military as a Naval aviator, which leads me to my second passion which is supporting families through the struggles that come with deployment and military life. We have navigated two carrier deployments and countless detachments, so I know all too well the stressors of what that can look like. Noone should have to do that alone, which is hopefully where I come in.
Moral of the story is that I am a real human, with real life experiences, and I am here to help in whatever way I can. Thanks for being here!
I am licensed in California where I see clients in person in Hanford, CA which is outside of NAS Lemoore. I am also licensed in Louisiana, Washington, Virginia and Maine seeing clients virtually.
I hope that was helpful and I can't wait to support you!