Charisse Dawkins (she/her)

LCSW
Accepting Clients

Welcome! I'm Charisse & glad you’re here. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and my goal is to create a safe and supportive space .

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia

Services
  • Individual
  • Child
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

Are your child's big emotions turning into big tanturms? Are school days becoming a struggle? Do school mornings create stress at home? Is your teen feeling weighed down with worry or stress? These can be hard on a child, and on you. If this feels familiar, let's connect. Togerther, we'll explore what's going on and create steps toward positive change, helping your child feel understood and supported every step of the way.

My Background and Approach

As a culturally affirming and responsive therapist, I value each child’s unique story, background, and identity. I create a safe, supportive space where children and families feel seen and understood. I have worked with children, families and professionals for over 15 years. I work with infants, young children, and teens to address developmental, emotional, and social challenges, including anxiety, depression, behavioral struggles, and neurodiverse needs. Using trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and practical coping strategies, I help children build self-regulation, resilience, and healthy relationships. My approach is tailored to each child’s strengths and cultural identity, guiding them toward confidence, calm, and stronger connections. I specialize in infant and early childhood mental health, helping parents navigate developmental, emotional, and relational challenges during the most formative years.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe in neurodiverse-affirming, culturally responsive care, honoring each child’s unique journey. Guided by curiosity and trial-and-error, I embrace life’s lessons and use them to support children who often have no voice, ensuring they feel seen and heard. Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and guided and compassion—this is their first life, and I’m here to help them navigate it with understanding, respect, and advocacy.

Techniques I Use

Other Techniques
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment Theory
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Culturally Sensitive Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Play Therapy
  • Person-Centered (Rogerian)

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Parenting Teen Issues
Other Issues
  • ADHD Therapists
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
  • Self-Esteem
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
  • Quest
  • Carelon Behavioral Health
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 10 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $85 - 180/session

Reach out to Charisse