Virginia Ballantyne, LCSW
Compassionate LCSW specializing in trauma and relationships
- Trauma and abuse
- LGBTQ+ affirming
- Phone and video sessions
About Virginia Ballantyne
Virginia Ballantyne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #98267) with 12 years of experience providing mental health support to diverse communities in California. She identifies as a bi-racial woman and uses she/her pronouns. Virginia brings a strengths-based, client-centered approach to her work, aiming to empower people to access their own wisdom and move toward improved well-being.
Her clinical training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy, and she integrates these methods into an eclectic, humanistic orientation tailored to each person’s background and needs. She specializes in supporting people who have experienced intimate partner violence, trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, and those whose childhood was affected by a family member’s substance use or mental illness. Her broader practice also addresses relationship issues, career concerns, grief, parenting, addiction, and a range of family dynamics.
Virginia offers a nonjudgmental, sex-positive environment where conversations about sexual intimacy, identity, and desires are welcomed. She affirms LGBTQ+ clients and serves as an ally to sexual and gender minorities. With experience in nonprofit and county services, she values social justice, authenticity, and each person’s right to self-determination, and she works collaboratively to help people develop skills to manage stressors and pursue meaningful change.
Her clinical training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy, and she integrates these methods into an eclectic, humanistic orientation tailored to each person’s background and needs. She specializes in supporting people who have experienced intimate partner violence, trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, and those whose childhood was affected by a family member’s substance use or mental illness. Her broader practice also addresses relationship issues, career concerns, grief, parenting, addiction, and a range of family dynamics.
Virginia offers a nonjudgmental, sex-positive environment where conversations about sexual intimacy, identity, and desires are welcomed. She affirms LGBTQ+ clients and serves as an ally to sexual and gender minorities. With experience in nonprofit and county services, she values social justice, authenticity, and each person’s right to self-determination, and she works collaboratively to help people develop skills to manage stressors and pursue meaningful change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Adoption and foster careBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaHIV / AIDSJealousyMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseSexualityWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Virginia Ballantyne have?
Virginia Ballantyne has 12 years of experience.
Is Virginia Ballantyne a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her license is listed as CA LCSW 98267.
In which languages does Virginia Ballantyne provide therapy?
Virginia Ballantyne provides therapy in English.
Where is Virginia Ballantyne located?
She is located in California.
How can I work with Virginia Ballantyne as my therapist?
You can work with Virginia Ballantyne through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Virginia Ballantyne work with international clients?
Virginia Ballantyne does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Virginia Ballantyne cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches Adapted for Online Care
Virginia uses client-centered therapy to create a supportive environment that emphasizes each person’s strengths and goals. This approach focuses on listening, empathy, and collaboration to help clients explore their values and make choices that align with their needs.She also applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns by building practical skills and coping strategies.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another approach she incorporates when appropriate. DBT teaches skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, and can be helpful for people managing intense emotions or relationship challenges.
Finding the best therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Virginia works with each person to tailor methods to their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, adjusting techniques over time to find what works best.
Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, continue care from different locations, and maintain regular contact with licensed professionals and therapists in ways that suit the client’s lifestyle.
Ready to start therapy with Virginia Ballantyne?
Take the first step toward a better you.