If this is an emergency DIAL 911 immediately. If you're in crisis, click here to talk to someone now:

Logo for Paragon Counseling Services with a red heart surrounded by blue leaves on the left and the company name in white and blue text on the right.
Several white cards overlap, each displaying a large black question mark, all set against a white background.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

Child & Teen Counseling

Does my child need a diagnosis before starting counseling?
No. Your child does not need a diagnosis before starting. The first meeting is an assessment to determine whether a diagnosis is present and whether counseling is the right fit.
I feel like getting help means I failed as a parent. Is counseling really the right step?
Seeking help for your child is not presented here as failure. Paragon’s service materials directly address this concern by recognizing that many parents feel overwhelmed, lost, or guilty when their child is struggling, and by framing support as a structured first step that helps both the parent and child move forward. The practice’s stated position is that getting your child what they need is part of being a good parent, not something to avoid.
I do not have time for this. How would counseling fit into our schedule?
Paragon addresses scheduling as a practical concern by offering several locations, telehealth options, and day, night, and some weekend availability. The process starts by matching your family with an available time, location, or telehealth option, which is meant to make the first step more workable.
How do I know whether my child or teen needs counseling?
Child or teen counseling may be worth considering when your child is pulling away, struggling in school, having trouble with friendships, not wanting to go to school, feeling left out, or dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-regulation struggles, or behavior problems at home. The first step at Paragon is an assessment to look at what is going on and whether counseling fits.
What happens in the first appointment?
The first appointment is an assessment. It is designed to look at what is going on, determine whether counseling fits, and assess whether a diagnosis may be present.
What does child and teen counseling work on?
Child and teen counseling at Paragon focuses on practical skill-building. Counseling may include tools, coping skills, self-monitoring, executive functioning support, and social skills support so your child can work on clear next steps over time.

Women's Counseling

I do not have time for therapy. How would this fit into my schedule?
Many women feel this way at first. Telehealth, evening appointments, and structured scheduling are designed to reduce disruption and fit into an already full life. Sessions are purposeful and focused, so your time is used intentionally.
I should be able to handle this myself. Why would I need counseling?
Many capable, high-functioning women believe they should solve everything on their own. Counseling provides structured tools, objective perspective, and accountability that can accelerate progress beyond trial and error. The goal is not dependence, but helping you build practical skills you can apply confidently on your own.
Is counseling confidential?
Yes, counseling services are confidential. Your sessions are private and protected according to professional and legal standards. For additional privacy, telehealth allows you to attend from your own home without visiting an office location.
How much does counseling for adult women cost?
Counseling is billed as an hourly fee per visit. The total investment depends on how often you attend and how long you choose to continue, which is based on your goals and level of engagement. At this time, we accept Medicaid, and many of our adult women clients participate as self-pay.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes, we offer both in-person and telehealth appointments. Telehealth allows you to attend sessions from home or another private location using a secure, HIPAA-protected video platform. Many women choose this option because it fits more easily into work and family schedules.
How often will I need to attend sessions?
Session frequency is individualized. Many clients begin weekly or bi-weekly, then adjust as progress is made and goals shift. You and your counselor will decide together what cadence best supports measurable progress.

Men's Counseling

I am a man. Is counseling really meant for someone like me?
Yes. Counseling for Men was created specifically for men who feel overwhelmed by stress, racing thoughts, or relationship strain but are unsure about asking for help. Many men feel pressure to handle everything alone, even when life becomes difficult to manage.

This service provides a private setting where you can talk openly and work on practical skills for managing anxiety, improving communication, and making decisions with more confidence. It is structured to address real-life pressures men face in work, relationships, and daily responsibilities.
Will anyone find out that I am in counseling?
No. Counseling sessions are private and protected under HIPAA privacy standards. That means your personal information and the content of your sessions remain confidential.

Your participation in counseling is not shared with employers, family members, or anyone else unless you choose to disclose it yourself. Many clients value having a space where they can speak honestly without concern that the conversation will affect their professional or personal life.
What is counseling for men, and who is it for?
Counseling for Men is designed for men who appear successful on the outside but privately struggle with anxiety, racing thoughts, stress, decision-making, or strained relationships. The service provides a private place to talk through these challenges and learn practical skills that support everyday life.

Sessions focus on coping methods for anxiety, communication strategies for stronger relationships, and decision-making tools that help you move forward without constant second-guessing. The goal is to help you manage stress, think more clearly, and improve the relationships that matter most.
Do you offer virtual counseling sessions?
Yes. Telehealth sessions are available for men who prefer to meet with a counselor remotely. Virtual appointments allow you to participate from home, your office, or another private location.

This option can make counseling easier to fit into a busy schedule because it removes travel time and allows you to attend sessions from a place that feels comfortable and confidential.
How much does counseling cost?
Counseling sessions are billed hourly. The exact fee is not predetermined and may vary, depending on the specific counseling arrangement.

Because the service is typically self pay, it remains separate from employer programs or insurance systems that some clients prefer to avoid for privacy reasons. This allows you to access counseling in a straightforward and confidential way.
How long will I need to stay in counseling?
The length of counseling varies from person to person. Some men attend counseling for a short period to work through a specific challenge, while others choose to continue longer as they build new skills and address multiple areas of their life.

Your counselor will work with you to understand your goals and help determine what pace and schedule make sense for your situation. The process focuses on learning practical strategies that support steady improvement over time.

PTSD Counseling

Can counseling really help with PTSD?
Counseling can help people with PTSD process traumatic experiences and regain stability over time. Many individuals find that structured conversations with a trained counselor make it easier to understand their reactions, reduce constant stress responses, and rebuild a sense of control in daily life. The goal is not quick fixes, but steady progress toward greater stability and calm.
I should probably handle this on my own. Why involve a counselor?
Many people feel they should deal with these challenges on their own. Counseling provides structured support and guidance that is difficult to create alone. A counselor helps organize thoughts, process difficult memories, and introduce practical ways to manage stress responses so the situation becomes more manageable over time.
I do not want to burden my family or friends with these problems. Is counseling confidential?
Yes. Counseling provides a confidential space specifically designed for discussing personal struggles and traumatic experiences. Many people find it easier to talk openly in a professional setting because the counselor’s role is to listen, guide the conversation, and help you work through the challenges without placing that weight on family members.
What happens when I first reach out for PTSD counseling?
The process begins with a short online form that starts the counseling intake process. After the form is submitted, the Paragon team contacts you to schedule your first counseling appointment. From there, you begin working with a counselor to talk through your experiences, understand what is happening in your mind, and begin building stability in daily life.
How long does it take to get my first appointment?
Initial contact to the first counseling session can sometimes happen within about a week, depending on availability. Once you begin counseling, sessions continue as long as the client finds the work helpful. The pace of counseling is determined by the client’s needs and willingness to participate in the process.
What actually happens during PTSD counseling sessions?
PTSD counseling sessions are individual conversations with a counselor focused on processing traumatic experiences and understanding how those experiences are affecting daily life. Sessions often involve structured discussions about memories, reactions, and stress responses so clients can better understand what is happening internally. Over time, these conversations help people regain a sense of calm and control in their thoughts and reactions.

Start building the skills to take charge.

Smiling man in green jacket and cap standing with a woman and young girl holding a flower, isolated on transparent background

Contact Information

Phone:

(540) 479-3889

Office Hours:

Sunday Closed
Monday 8 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–8PM
Wednesday 8 AM–8 PM
Thursday 8 AM–8 PM
Friday 8 AM–8 PM
Saturday By Appointment Only

Locations:

Fredericksburg (main office)
4412 Lafayette Blvd
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Woodbridge
2500 Hunters Place, Suite 101,
Woodbridge, VA, 22192

Counseling in Fredericksburg, VA

Counseling in Woodbridge, VA

© 2026 Paragon Counseling Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

Crisis & Emergency Resources

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone now, please reach out to one of the resources below:

National Resources

  • National Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
  • Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or call 988

Virginia Warm Line

  • Mental Health America of Virginia: 1-866-400-6482

Local Emergency Services

  • Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania & Stafford County CSB: 540-373-6876
  • Caroline County CSB: 804-633-4148
  • King George County CSB: 540-775-5064
  • Woodbridge CSB: 703-792-4900
    Manassas CSB: 703-792-7800 (TTY: 711)