About Me
I have been in practice in Virginia for 10 years (both in person and tele-counseling). I began virtual practicing in Florida and Utah in 2022. Prior to changing my career, I worked in Healthcare Administration for Acute Care hospital companies for over 20 years, with 17 of those years being in a management role (including coaching, mentoring and training).
I received my Ph.D. in Health Psychology in 2018, from Walden University, which is also where I received my Masters in Mental Health Counseling. My dissertation focused on using video public service announcements to motivate people to engage in physical activity. In 2016 I completed a study abroad for 4 months to further my cultural understandings.
I have worked in both hospital and group practice settings before deciding to open my own private practice. During my time working in hospitals and group practice I gain experience with mood disorders, personality disorders, relationship counseling, and substance use recovery.
Currently I am narrowing my scope of practice to Adult ADHD Basic Testing, Anxiety due to a Medical Condition, Bariatric pre-Surgical Testing and Counseling, Chronic Illness supportive Counseling including Rehabilitation Counseling.
While I work with adults of all ages, my primary style leans towards a Solution Focused, targeted therapeutic style, moving clients out of therapy after 10 - 15 sessions, depending on needs.
If you would like to read my article about motivating people to engage in physical activity via video Public Service Announcements, it has been published in the Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences.
Certifications:
Mental Health Integrative Medicine Professional (2021)
Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (2019)
Compassion Fatigue Professional (2020)
Wellness and Nutrition Counseling (2017)
** I am currently only working Part time. From 2020 - 2023 I worked full time and am needing my own break.
Specializing in:
Anxiety Due to a Medical Condition
ADHD Testing & Executive Function
Bariatric Pre-Surgery Testing and Health & Wellness Counseling
It's normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially if your life is stressful. However, when you have a chronic health condition, those little annoyances and life stressors can feel larger than they might normally be.
It is important to while your doctor is talking to you about your physical health and the steps you need to take, the discussion of emotional/mental health is just as important.
Let's talk about the mental healthy side of chronic illness.
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects mental health that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.
One of the requirements of undergoing bariatric surgery is to have pre-surgical psychological clearance. The ultimate goal of the bariatric psychological evaluation is to ensure your safety by identifying potential barriers and risk factors to your optimal weight loss and health post-surgery.
The surgeon referring you for evaluation also wants to ensure that you are informed and emotionally prepared for the surgery and the extensive changes that will occur post-surgery.
Rehabilitation / Sports Injury Supportive Counseling
LPC Supervision
You don't have to be an athlete to struggle with a rehabilitation or sports injury. I talk to many people who are runners, swimmers, golfers, and soccer players for hobby. They are people who have jobs in a non-sports area. And yes, all of us, who work in other fields and still like to do sports, can have rehabilitations injuries.
Additionally, we can have an injury through accidents such as car accident, slip and fall, or even age related (arthritis).
These are all injuries that are hard to deal with, cause a lot of pain, and can lead to mental health issues because of how they restrict movement and even the basic activities of human life.
Contact Me
Jennifer Erickson, Ph.D., LPC
For any questions you have, you can reach me here:
Waiting Room
Therapy Room
After Hour Services
As a solo practitioner in an outpatient office I am not available for crisis counseling.
If you need emergency services please go to a local emergency room or call Crisis Services:
Henrico 804-727-8484 ; Hanover 804-365-4252 ; Richmond 804-819-4100; Chesterfield 804-748-6356