Virginia Ballantyne, LCSW
LCSW specializing in trauma and relationships
- Trauma and relationship care
- LGBTQ+ affirming clinician
- Strengths-based client-centered
About Virginia Ballantyne
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Virginia Ballantyne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW - CA LCSW 98267). She brings 12 years of clinical experience to her practice and identifies as a biracial woman who uses she/her pronouns. Her work centers on helping people navigate relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, career concerns, depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, and major life transitions.
Virginia has particular experience supporting survivors of intimate partner violence and people affected by trauma or PTSD, as well as those who grew up impacted by a family member's substance use or mental illness. She also addresses family and parenting issues, grief, anger, LGBT concerns, and a range of additional areas including adoption and foster care, blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, codependency, communication and control issues, divorce and separation, domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, first responder stress, gender dysphoria, and HIV/AIDS.
Her training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy. She practices from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective and describes her overall orientation as humanistic and eclectic, tailoring interventions to each person’s history and needs. Virginia maintains a sex-positive stance and provides an environment where questions about sexual identity, intimacy, and desire can be discussed without judgment. She is an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and an ally for sexual and gender minorities.
Having worked in both nonprofit and county services, Virginia values social justice, authenticity, and each person’s right to self-determination. She aims to support clients, introduce new perspectives, and collaborate to build skills for managing stressors and improving day-to-day functioning. She is not currently accepting new clients.
Virginia Ballantyne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW - CA LCSW 98267). She brings 12 years of clinical experience to her practice and identifies as a biracial woman who uses she/her pronouns. Her work centers on helping people navigate relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, career concerns, depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, and major life transitions.
Virginia has particular experience supporting survivors of intimate partner violence and people affected by trauma or PTSD, as well as those who grew up impacted by a family member's substance use or mental illness. She also addresses family and parenting issues, grief, anger, LGBT concerns, and a range of additional areas including adoption and foster care, blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, codependency, communication and control issues, divorce and separation, domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, first responder stress, gender dysphoria, and HIV/AIDS.
Her training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy. She practices from a strengths-based, client-centered perspective and describes her overall orientation as humanistic and eclectic, tailoring interventions to each person’s history and needs. Virginia maintains a sex-positive stance and provides an environment where questions about sexual identity, intimacy, and desire can be discussed without judgment. She is an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and an ally for sexual and gender minorities.
Having worked in both nonprofit and county services, Virginia values social justice, authenticity, and each person’s right to self-determination. She aims to support clients, introduce new perspectives, and collaborate to build skills for managing stressors and improving day-to-day functioning. She is not currently accepting new clients.
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 clinical experience.
Is Virginia Ballantyne a licensed therapist?
Yes. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). License details: CA LCSW 98267.
In which languages does Virginia Ballantyne provide therapy?
Virginia provides therapy in English.
Where is Virginia Ballantyne located?
Virginia is located in California.
How can I work with Virginia Ballantyne as my therapist?
You can work with Virginia 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 with therapy 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 and Online Care
Virginia works from a mix of well-established approaches that guide online sessions in practical, skills-focused ways. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration - the therapist follows the client's lead, supporting personal growth and decision-making, which is useful for coping with life changes, identity questions, and relational concerns.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used to address anxiety, depression, stress, and problems with motivation by teaching concrete strategies for managing symptoms and improving daily functioning. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills, which can be especially helpful for intense emotions, relationship conflicts, and patterns of self-directed harm or impulsive behavior.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Virginia collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts the plan over time as goals evolve. Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules, limited mobility, or those living far from in-person services. Online formats also make it easier to maintain continuity of care and fit therapy into everyday life while working with licensed professionals and therapists trained in these approaches.
Ready to start therapy with Virginia Ballantyne?
Take the first step toward a better you.