I founded Central Virginia Counseling with a focus on serving those in our community struggling with mental and emotional health challenges. With Covid, our firm embraced the use of Telehealth, which has allowed us to expand our services across the state of Virginia. Our practice has grown and continues to grow. We strive to provide professional services and employ therapists with a variety of backgrounds and theoretical approaches. My hope is that you find a therapist that will be a good fit for you.

 I have over 20 years of counseling experience in a variety of settings. I believe in the benefits of effective therapy. I work with individuals to identify challenges, increase self understanding, and develop positive coping skills. I have a holistic approach to therapy and will work to integrate the mental, relational, physical, and spiritual aspects of care. My faith, personally, provides me strength. We can incorporate your faith into treatment upon request. My goal is to create a safe space for you to explore all aspects of yourself.

I received my BA at University of Virginia and my MA at Appalachian State University. I grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, but spent most of my adult life in North Carolina and Texas. I returned home in 2014. I have two young adult sons who are navigating the transition to adulthood. I enjoy running, playing tennis, and time with my family and friends.

I was born and raised in Lynchburg, VA, but have had the amazing opportunity to live and work all over the country including Washington, DC; New Orleans, LA; Miami, FL and Boulder, CO. Lynchburg is by far my favorite place, and I was happy to return home in 2005. I have one daughter and I enjoy cooking, gardening, reading and spending time with my family and friends.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2003 with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Masters degree in Community Counseling. During my graduate studies I was called to help children, adolescents and their families move through many challenging problems. My varied experience includes work in the community mental health setting, at an inpatient adolescent hospital, and conducting forensic evaluations to assess juvenile competency to stand trial. I served on the Board of Directors of CASA of Central Virginia (Court Appointed Special Advocates). In that capacity, I supported children and their families in court during custody issues as well as in criminal cases. I support children and their families in court during custody issues as well as in criminal cases. Many of these children have suffered from the trauma of sexual, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or have witnessed community violence.

I continue to work every day with adolescents and adults with serious mental health issues. It takes courage to reach out for assistance in navigating the many challenges and transitions in life. My mission is to provide an emotionally safe and confidential place to work on healing and coping with these issues. I promise to provide that safe space and look forward to working with you.

More than a decade ago, I began my career working in the inpatient hospital setting. Since then, I have worked with clients and families of all ages in a variety of settings. I am a Nationally Certified Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor and I incorporate various modalities while working with clients.

My goal for all my clients is to empower them with the tools to live a rewarding and fulfilling life, no matter the challenges that arise. I prioritize a person-centered approach, recognizing that each person is an individual with unique goals and needs.

I hold a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I have been married to my wife for 11 years and we have three small children, as well as a mini-dachshund, Tucker. As a family, we enjoy exploring nature, playing games, cooking, and Friday night movie nights.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over fifteen years of experience working with adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. For the past eight years, I have worked as an integrated therapist in a midwifery practice and am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist.

I was raised in New Jersey, but have lived in the Lynchburg area since 1996. I received my Master of Education Degree from University of Lynchburg. I have three adult daughters, three dogs, and four cats that keep me busy! I love to garden, read, travel, and hike.

My goal is to provide support, understanding, and encouragement, while teaching skills and accessing resources to help each person meet their goals and live a more fulfilling life.

Amy Rugh is currently not accepting new patients.

I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, learner, counselor, and more. We all play many roles in our lives and, as a counselor, I believe in exploring how these roles influence our past, present, and future. Each of us has a core set of values and a capacity for self-awareness that guide the changes we make in our lives. Through exploring our roles, relationships, and goals, I partner with clients to identify objectives and create plans that help them move forward on a path that prioritizes well-being.

With over twenty years of experience in school, college, and post-secondary counseling, I’ve worked with adolescents, young adults, and parents through developmental changes and milestones, helping them understand themselves as individuals and as a member of a family.

I hold an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Philosophy and Religion, Global Cultures, and Women and Gender Studies from Georgia Southern University, as well as an M.Ed. in School Counseling from the University of Lynchburg. 

As a Licensed Resident in Counseling, I take a client-centered approach, meeting my clients where they are and supporting them on their journey to achieve their goals.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching my kids play sports, painting, walking my dogs, listening to music and podcasts, and watching the sun rise.

I am a Licensed Resident in Counseling with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s degree in English from Vanguard University in Southern California. I have found my English degree works well with my Counseling degree, because it helps me to hear people's stories, to help them edit them, and to help them write the story of their future in a way that is empowering and meaningful. 

For the past three years, I have worked in the school setting and particularly enjoy working with middle and high school students. My goal is to break down the stigma of therapy and create a space that is safe and empowering to the person. Although the process of receiving therapy can at times be intense and emotional, I believe there is space for laughter and humor in the therapy room. I do have experience working with college students and adults in addition to teens. 

I believe that therapy is a collaborative process in which we work together to identify goals and help you make desired changes in your life. I use a lot of self-compassion informed work and believe in the power of validation and feeling your big emotions in order to heal. 

I am originally from California, but love living in Virginia! When I’m not working, I love a long walk, thrift store shopping, listening to podcasts, and spending time with friends! 

Therapist Emeritus

Aaron practiced with Central Virginia Counseling before his official retirement in May of 2022 and remains available to CVC as a consultant. We appreciate his wisdom and are grateful for his many years of service to our community.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have provided outpatient counseling to the residents of Lynchburg since 1986.

My work with children, adolescents, adults and couples has been a culmination of a rich clinical background that includes acute, residential and day treatment psychiatric services where I have provided individual, group and family therapy.

I received my M.Ed. and Ed.S. degrees at the University of Virginia. My training guides my respect for the unique biological, social, psychological and familial aspects of each individual that I serve.

I am married and have three grown children. My family and I have enjoyed making Central Virginia our home since I began practicing here in Lynchburg.

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