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Learn more about Therapy, Medication Management, and Psychological Testing and Evaluations

  • What Do I Do If Therapy Makes Me Uncomfortable?

    By Noel Goldberg | July 7, 2026

    Starting therapy is often one of the most important steps a person can take toward improving their mental health. It can be empowering, hopeful, and even life-changing. At the same time, many people are surprised to discover that therapy can also feel uncomfortable, especially in the beginning. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, I…

  • Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person Mental Health Therapy?

    By Noel Goldberg | June 30, 2026

    Understanding the Question: Online Therapy vs. In-Person Therapy As a licensed professional counselor in Virginia, one of the questions I am asked most frequently is: “Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?” It is an important question, especially as telehealth has become a routine part of mental health care. Many people considering therapy want…

  • How Long Does Therapy Take to Work?

    By Noel Goldberg | June 26, 2026

    A Realistic Timeline for Improvement One of the most common questions clients ask when beginning therapy is: “How long will this take before I feel better?” It is a fair and important question. When someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, ADHD-related challenges, or longstanding emotional patterns, they are often looking for relief as…

  • How Long Does Psychological Testing Take?

    By Noel Goldberg | June 22, 2026

    One of the most common questions we hear at Dr. Goldberg & Associates is, “How long does the psychological testing process take?” The short answer is that psychological testing is not usually a quick process. Depending on the type of evaluation being completed, testing can take anywhere from a few hours to multiple appointments, followed…

  • What Should I Expect in My First Therapy Session?

    By Noel Goldberg | June 19, 2026

    Scheduling your first therapy session and taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating. My name is Amy Cassell, LPC, a therapist with Dr. Goldberg & Associates. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), one of the most common concerns I hear from new clients is, “What will happen during my first session?” The uncertainty…

  • How Do I Know If I Need Therapy? 

    By Noel Goldberg | June 17, 2026

    A common question people ask themselves—often quietly and without telling anyone else—is: “How do I know if I need therapy?”  As a licensed professional counselor with over 8 years of outpatient experience and more than a decade in the mental health field, I want to begin by saying this clearly: seeking therapy does not mean something…

  • What Should I Bring to My First Therapy Appointment?

    By Noel Goldberg | June 16, 2026

    Are you wondering what to bring to your first therapy appointment? Starting therapy can be exciting, empowering, and a little intimidating all at the same time. Whether this is your very first experience with therapy or you are beginning with a new provider, it is completely normal to have questions about what to expect and…

  • What Is EMDR Therapy? Benefits, Drawbacks, and Who Can Benefit Most

    By Noel Goldberg | June 11, 2026

    Understanding EMDR Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a psychotherapy approach designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences. Originally developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has become one of the most widely researched treatments for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unlike traditional talk therapy,…

  • New In-Network Therapist! Welcome Amy Cassell, LPC!

    By Noel Goldberg | June 10, 2026

    We are excited to welcome Amy Cassell, LPC, new in-network therapist to the practice! Read on to learn about our newest therapy team member! Meet Amy Cassell, LPC Read Amy’s Bio Amy Cassell is an experienced Licensed Professional Counselor who sees patients aged 14+. Practicing since 2014, she uses evidence-based approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment…

  • How Does Insurance Work? Is Dr. Goldberg & Associates In-Network?

    By Noel Goldberg | June 9, 2026

    How Insurance Works How does insurance work? Great question! Insurance can be tricky, but in this article, we will outline the five main components of an insurance plan and how the claims process works. What is the Difference Between In-Network vs. Out-of-Network? If a provider or practice is in-network with an insurance company, that means…