Therapy for Depression: Finding Light When Everything Feels Heavy

Stephanie Strouth • November 21, 2025

Depression can make life feel overwhelming. Learn how therapy helps you regain hope, motivation, and emotional balance.

Depression Is More Than Sadness

Depression affects how you think, sleep, eat, and feel — often making simple tasks feel impossible.
It drains your energy, confidence, and interest in things you once enjoyed.

Common symptoms include:
  • Persistent sadness or numbness
  • Difficulty getting out of bed
  • Loss of motivation
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling disconnected from loved ones
  • Hopelessness

You’re not lazy. You’re not failing. You’re struggling — and therapy can help.

How Therapy Supports Healing From Depression

At Anchoring Hope Counseling, our therapists help you:
  • Understand the root of your depression
  • Challenge negative thought patterns
  • Create small, manageable changes
  • Rebuild your sense of purpose
  • Develop healthier emotional habits

If needed, medication management is available to support your recovery biologically as well.

Healing is absolutely possible — and we’ll help you get there one step at a time.

Why Setting Boundaries Is Essential for Mental Health

By Stephanie Strouth • November 20, 2025
Healthy boundaries reduce stress, prevent burnout, and protect your emotional well-being. Learn how therapy helps you set and maintain them.

How Therapy Helps You Break Trauma Cycles

By Stephanie Strouth • November 19, 2025
Trauma can create emotional patterns that repeat through life. Learn how trauma-informed therapy helps you break those cycles and feel safe again.

The Hidden Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety — And How Therapy Helps

By Stephanie Strouth • November 18, 2025
High-functioning anxiety is often overlooked because the person appears “fine” on the outside. Learn the hidden signs and how therapy brings relief and clarity.

How Therapy Helps You Navigate Major Life Changes

By Stephanie Strouth • November 17, 2025
Life transitions—whether planned or unexpected—can create emotional stress. Learn how therapy supports you through big changes and helps you adapt with confidence.

How Therapy Helps You Heal From Chronic Stress

By Stephanie Strouth • November 16, 2025
Chronic stress affects your body, mind, and relationships—but therapy provides tools to calm your nervous system and restore balance. Learn how counseling helps you recover.

Why Emotional Burnout Happens — and How Therapy Helps You Recover

By Stephanie Strouth • November 15, 2025
Emotional burnout affects your energy, motivation, relationships, and sense of purpose. Learn what causes burnout and how therapy helps you rebuild balance and peace.

The Power of Talking: Why Communication Heals

By Stephanie Strouth • November 14, 2025
Talking through pain helps release it. Learn how open communication in therapy creates space for understanding, healing, and emotional freedom.

Wise County, Virginia Resources

By Stephanie Strouth • November 13, 2025
Clothing/ Household Items Advocate Center Phone: 276-679-0967 Address: 1024 Park Ave NW, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday-Friday 8 -5 Appalachian Community Action & Development Agency, Inc Phone: 276-452-2441 Address: 175 Military Lane, Gate City, VA 24251 Hours: Call for hours of operation Website: www.appcaa.org Family Crisis Support Services Phone: 276-679-7240 Address: 5668 Freedom Boulevard, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday-Sunday 2-10 Website: www.family-crisis.org Goodwill Phone: 276-679-6150 Address: 205 Ridgeview Rd SW, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday- Saturday 10-7 Red Barn Phone: 276-679-6709 Address: 660 US-58 ALT, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-4 Salvation Army Phone: 276-328-2000 Address: 109 Glade St SE, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday - Friday 10-4, Saturday 10-3 Dental Services Appalachian Highlands Dental Center Phone: 276-525-4487 Address: 616 Campus Drive #100, Abingdon, VA 24210 Hours: Monday - Friday 8-5 Website: www.applachianhighlandsdental.com Health Wagon - Owens and Hill Dental Health Clinic Phone: 276-328-8850 Address: 5626 Patriot Dr, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Website: www.thehealthwagon.org Health Wagon Mobile Clinics Courthouse - 206 E Main St., Wise, VA 24293 - First Monday Food City - 603 Wood Ave, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 - Second Monday IGA - 11133 Indian Creek Road, Pound, VA 24279 - Second Thursday Food City - 16410 Wise Street, St. Paul, VA 24283 - Third Tuesday Doughmakers Pizza Parking Lot - Norton, VA 24273 - Third Wednesday Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation Phone: 606-633-4871 Address: 226 Medical Plaza Lane Whitesburg, KY 41858 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30- 8:00, Saturday - Sunday 8:30 - 5:00 Website: www.mchcky.com Wise County and City of Norton Health Department Phone: 276-328-8000 Address: 134 Roberts Ave SW, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:45 - 4:45 Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov Domestic Violence Support Family Crisis Support Services Phone: 276-679-7240 Address: 5668 Freedom Boulevard, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday-Sunday 2-10 Website: www.family-crisis.org National Domestic Violence Hotline Phone: 800-799-7233 Text: Text BEGIN to 88788 Website: www.thehotline.org Victim Witness Program Phone: 276-328-4421 Hours: unavailable Address: 214 East Main Street, Wise, VA 24293 Website: https://www.wisecounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/332/Domestic-Violence Brochure-PDF Federal/State Support Social Security Administration Phone: 800-772-1213 Address: 253 Ridgeview Rd SW, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-4 Website: www.ssa.gov Virginia Cooperative Extension Phone: 276-328-6194 Address: 515 Hurricane Rd NE, Wise, VA, 24293 Hours: Monday-Friday: 9-5 Website: www.wise.ext.vt.edu Food Assistance Advocate Center Phone: 276-679-0967 Address: 1024 Park Avenue NW, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday - Friday 10-3 East Stone Gap Baptist Church Food Pantry Phone: 276-523-9958 Address: 3904 E Stone Gap Rd, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Hours: Monday & Wednesday 10-12 First Baptist Church Phone: 276-395-6237 Address: 701 Front St E, Coeburn, VA 24230 Hours: Thursdays 10-1 Food Bank of Wise County, Inc. Phone: 276-679-3663 Address: 200 Industrial Drive Northeast Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Tuesday, Friday 10:00-11:30 Food Bank of Wise County, Inc. Phone: 276-523-2110 Address: 914 Wood Ave W, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9:30 - 11:30 Meals with a Mission Phone: 276-523-1288 Address: 14 East 11th Street North, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Hours: Call for more information Mountain Empire Older Citizens Congregate Nutrition Program Phone: 276-523-4202 Address: 1501 Third Ave East, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30 Wise County/Norton Health Department - WIC Benefits Phone: 276-328-8000 Address: 134 Roberts Ave SW, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:45 - 4:45 Wise County Department of Social Services - SNAP Benefits Phone: 276-328-8056 Address: 5612 N Bear Creek Rd, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00-4:30 Zion Family Ministries Food Pantry Phone: 276-679-1871 Address: 1613 Norton Rd, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: 4th Monday of each month from 9:30 until food is gone Housing/Shelter Assistance Advocate Center Phone: 276-679-0967 Address: 1024 Park Ave NW, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 Appalachian Community Action & Development Agency, Inc Phone: 276-452-2441 Address: 175 Military Lane, Gate City, VA 24251 Hours: Call for hours of operation Website: www.appcaa.org Big Stone Gap Redevelopment & Housing Authority Phone: 276-523-4788 Address: 170 Dogwood Tier, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Hours: Monday-Friday- 8:30- 4:30 Website: https://bsgha.org Commonwealth Catholic Charities Phone: 276-679-1195 Address: 507 Park Avenue Southwest, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:00 Website: www.cccofva.org Family Crisis Support Services Phone: 276-679-7240 Address: 5668 Freedom Boulevard, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday-Sunday 2-10 Website: https://family-crisis.org Norton Redevelopment & Housing: Phone: 276-679-020 Address: 200 6th St NW, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday-Friday-8:00-4:30 Website: https://nortonrha.org Wise County Redevelopment & Housing Authority Phone: 276-395-6104 Address: 107 Litchfield St NW, Coeburn, VA 24230 Hours: Monday-Friday-8-4 Website: https://www.wcrha.org Legal Assistance Circuit Clerk Court Phone number: 276-328-6111 Address: 206 E Main St #245, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday-Friday-8-4 Website: https://courtbar.org General District Court Clerk Phone: 276-328-3426 Address: 206 E Main St #341, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday-Friday-8-4 Website: https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/gd/home Juvenile & Domestics Relations Court Clerk Phone: 276-328-4486 Address: 206 E Main St #1, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday-Friday-8-4 Website: https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/jdr/home Commonwealth Attorney Phone: 276-328-9406 Address: 206 E Main St #123, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday- Friday- 9-6 Website: https://www.wisecounty.org/Directory.aspx?did=23 Magistrate’s Office Phone: 276-328-8947 Address: 5601 Patriot Dr, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday-Friday- 24 hours a day Website: https://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/mag/map/magregion1 Victim Witness Program Phone: 276-328-4421 Hours: unavailable Address: 214 East Main Street, Wise, VA 24293 Website: https://www.wisecounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/332/Domestic-Violence Brochure-PDF Medical Assistance Health Wagon Clinics Phone: 276-328-8850 Address: 5626 Patriot Dr, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Website: https://thehealthwagon.org/ Health Wagon St. Mary’s Clinic Phone: 276-455-5556 Address: 116 Centre Ave NE, Coeburn, VA 24230 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Health Wagon Mobile Clinics Courthouse - 206 E Main St., Wise, VA 24293 - First Monday Food City - 603 Wood Ave, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 - Second Monday IGA - 11133 Indian Creek Road, Pound, VA 24279 - Second Thursday Food City - 16410 Wise Street, St. Paul, VA - Third Tuesday Doughmakers Pizza Parking Lot - Norton, VA 24273 - Third Wednesday Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation Phone: 606- 633-4871 Address: 226 Medical Plaza Lane, Whitesburg, KY 41858 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 - 8:00, Saturday - Sunday 8:30 - 5:00 Website: https://www.mchcky.com/ Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation - Pound Medical Clinic Phone: 276-796-8100 Address: 11313 Highland Avenue, Pound, VA 24279 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:00 Norton Community Hospital Phone: 276-439-1000 Address: 100 15th St NW, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: 24 hours a day Norton VA Clinic Phone: 276-679-8010 Address: 654 US-58 ALT, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00-4:30 Wise County/Norton Health Department Phone number: 276-328-8000 Address: 134 Roberts ST SW, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 Mental Health Services Anchoring Hope Counseling Phone: 276-298-5034 Address: 217 E. Main St, Wise, VA 24293 Website: www.ahchope.com Hours: Monday - Friday 9-7 Clarvida Phone: 276-679-1045 Address: 340 Anderson Hollow Rd NE, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Frontier Health - Wise County Behavioral Health Phone: 276-260-9991 Address: 295 Wharton Lane, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday - Thursday 8-6, Friday 8-12 Healing Waters Counseling Center Phone: 276-963-0111 Address: 106 Spring Ave NE, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Health Connect America Phone: 276-6447690 Address: 616 Park Ave NW, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Prescription Assistance Advocate Center Phone: 276-679-0967 Address: 1024 Park Ave NW, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy Phone: 276-328-8850 Address: 5626 Patriot Dr, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Substance Abuse Services Crossroads Treatment Center of Wise Phone: 877-848-9810 Address: 163 Plaza Rd, Wise, VA 24293 Hours: Monday 2-5, Tuesday 9-1, Thursday 9-12 Frontier Health - Wise County Behavioral Health Phone: 276-260-9991 Address: 295 Wharton Lane, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday - Thursday 8-6, Friday 8-12 Groups Recover Together Phone: 540-202-2554 Address: 280 Virginia Ave NE Suite 104, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Mon 10-8, Tues & Wed 9-7, Thur 10-8 Hopkins Medical Association Phone: 276-409-2463 Address: 1014 Park Ave NW, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 New Life Medicine Phone: 276-409-5922 Address: 1725 Park Ave SW, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday - Friday 8-5 Savida Health Big Stone Gap Phone: 276-409-5055 Address: 310 Cloverleaf Square Suite B2, BSG, VA 24219 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Savida Health Coeburn Phone: 276-777-0380 Address: 208 W Front St, Coeburn, VA 24230 Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Spero Health Phone: 276-325-7608 Address: 338 Coeburn Ave SW Suite 336, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Call for hours of operation Suicide and Crisis Support Frontier Health - Crisis Response Hotline Phone: 877-928-9062 Hours: 24 hours a day Frontier Health - Hawthorne Place Phone: 276-679-1436 Address: 500 Hawthorne Place, Norton, Va 24273 Hours: Walk ins 24 hours a day Frontier Health - Link House Phone: 877-288-1828 Address: 433 New Beason Well Rd, Kingsport, TN Hours: 24 hours a day Crisis support for teens who are afraid to go home 911 Emergency Services Phone: 911 Hours: 24 hours a day 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Phone: 988 - Call, text, or chat Hours: 24 hours a day Transportation Advocate Center Phone: 276-679-0967 Address: 1024 Park Ave NW, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 MEOC Public Transit Phone: 888-877-6748 Address: 1380 3rd Ave E, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 Hours: Monday - Friday 7-5 Medicaid Recipients call the following numbers for public transit or gas reimbursement to medicaid appointments: Aetna Better Health of Virginia…………….....800-734-0430 Anthem HealthKeepers Plus…………………..877-892-3988 Human Healthy Horizons of Virginia…………877-718-4215 Sentara Health Plans…………………………..877-892-3986 United Healthcare of the Mid-Atlantic………..833-215-3885 Utilities Assistance Advocate Center Phone: 276-679-0967 Address: 1024 Park Ave NW, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday-Friday 8-5 Appalachian Community Action & Development Agency, Inc Phone: 276-452-2441 Address: 175 Military Lane, Gate City, VA 24251 Hours: Call for hours of operation Family Crisis Support Services Phone: 276-679-7240 Address: 5668 Freedom Boulevard, Norton, VA 24273 Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday-Sunday 2-10 Website: https://family-crisis.org

Understanding Mindfulness in Therapy: Learning to Be Present Again

By Stephanie Strouth • November 13, 2025
Mindfulness teaches awareness, calm, and acceptance. Learn how therapists use mindfulness techniques to help clients manage anxiety, stress, and overthinking.

How Therapy Helps You Rediscover Self-Worth

By Stephanie Strouth • November 12, 2025
Low self-esteem can affect every part of your life — but therapy can help you rebuild confidence, self-respect, and a healthier relationship with yourself.

From Overwhelmed to Empowered, We’ll Help You Get There

You don’t have to navigate life’s chaos alone. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we guide individuals across Virginia, just like you, who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving. Whether you're seeking therapy, mental health medication, or simply a fresh start, we’re here to help you reconnect with your most authentic self and reclaim your peace of mind.


We Have Physical Locations in Abingdon, Pennington Gap, & Wise, Virginia.

You’re Not Alone, Let’s Start Healing, Together.

What If Peace Wasn’t Just Possible, But Within Reach?

When life feels chaotic or heavy, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are and what you need. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we meet you exactly where you are, without judgment, and help you reconnect with your strength, clarity, and self-worth.

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationships, or simply feeling stuck, we offer personalized care that empowers you to take control, feel grounded, and move forward with purpose.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let us walk beside you.

  • We Accept Most Insurances (Not Medicaid/Medicare)

    We accept Anthem, United/Optum, Cigna, and Aetna (plans through an employer, family member, or marketplace).  If you check your insurance portal to see if we accept your insurance, we may not show up on that directory. We do use insurance for individual sessions, but not for true couples/family therapy. If you wish to check your benefits prior to scheduling, you may complete a profile HERE. Call us at 276-298-5034 if you have additional questions. We also provide counseling at a private pay rate and can check your out-of-network benefits for policies we are not in network with. Unfortunately, Medicaid/Medicare does not have out-of-network benefits and will only pay for in-network providers. We are NOT in network with Medicaid/Medicare. 

  • 24/7 Support with Our Exclusive Mental Health App

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  • Comprehensive Care with On-Site & Virtual Medication Management

    Now offering psychiatric medication services through our compassionate board-certified PMHNP, available in-person in Abingdon and Wise, and by telehealth for clients across Virginia, including Pennington clients. Whether you're exploring treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma, you’ll receive personalized care that puts your voice first—never rushed, always respected.

  • A Truly Holistic Approach to Mental Health

    From Soundbed sessions and local wellness discounts to counseling, supervision, and engaging seminars, our services go beyond the norm. We care for the whole person, mind, body, and spirit, so you can experience lasting change, not just temporary relief.

10,000+

Therapy Hours Completed

89%

of Clients Achieved Their Goals

3

Physical Locations In SWVA

1,000+

Clients Recommend AHC

Exclusive Benefits for Your Holistic Well-Being

As part of our commitment to your overall well-being, we offer more than just counseling and medication management. Enjoy exclusive perks like free access to our Anchoring Hope app, discounts with our trusted partners, and savings on transformative Soundbed sessions. We believe in a holistic approach to care, ensuring that you receive a truly unique and enriching experience every step of the way.

Perks to Support Your Journey

We understand that true healing involves more than just the time spent in session. That's why we provide our clients with awesome extras designed to enhance your overall experience. From tools to manage everyday stress to special offers that promote relaxation and wellness, our perks are crafted to meet your unique needs. At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we’re here to ensure that your path to well-being is as smooth and supportive as possible. With us, you have access to:


  • In-house mental health medication management services
  • Free access to our Anchoring Hope app for coping skills
  • Special discounts with our trusted partner companies
  • Savings on relaxing Soundbed sessions


Our perks are designed to complement your counseling journey, providing additional tools and resources to help you achieve lasting peace and balance.


Psst! Not a client and still want the app?

Purchase it on the Apple app store!

Remember those “what color are you” quizzes?

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