Dr. Essence Scott, PhD

Dr. Essence Scott, PhD

Psychotherapist
VA
I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can finally exhale without feeling judged, rushed, or forced to pretend you have it all together. My approach is warm, direct, collaborative, and grounded in authenticity. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship stress, life transitions, burnout, trauma, self-esteem concerns, and the emotional weight of constantly “holding it together” for everyone else. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I blend evidence-based approaches such as CBT, person-centered therapy, mindfulness, and insight-oriented work to help clients better understand themselves while also developing practical tools for daily life. I value creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe enough to be honest, challenged enough to grow, and supported enough to keep going when things feel heavy. I especially enjoy helping high-functioning adults who look “fine” on the outside but internally feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, anxious, or stuck in survival mode. Therapy with me is not about perfection. It is about increasing self-awareness, improving emotional regulation, strengthening relationships, building healthier patterns, and helping you reconnect with the version of yourself that has been buried underneath stress, fear, people-pleasing, or burnout.

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External video visit

Scheduling details

  1. See if they are in network

Available appointments

Tomorrow, Jun 3 – Tue, Jun 16
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About Dr. Essence Scott

Focus areas

Adjustment Disorder
Boundary Issues
Therapy
Anxiety
Relationship Struggles
Women's Mental Health Issues
BIPOC Mental Health Issues
Stress Management

Clientele seen

Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Humanistic
Person-Centered

Identity

Gender

Female

Ethnicity

Black or African American

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Dr. Essence Scott

I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can finally exhale without feeling judged, rushed, or forced to pretend you have it all together. My approach is warm, direct, collaborative, and grounded in authenticity. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship stress, life transitions, burnout, trauma, self-esteem concerns, and the emotional weight of constantly “holding it together” for everyone else. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I blend evidence-based approaches such as CBT, person-centered therapy, mindfulness, and insight-oriented work to help clients better understand themselves while also developing practical tools for daily life. I value creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe enough to be honest, challenged enough to grow, and supported enough to keep going when things feel heavy. I especially enjoy helping high-functioning adults who look “fine” on the outside but internally feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, anxious, or stuck in survival mode. Therapy with me is not about perfection. It is about increasing self-awareness, improving emotional regulation, strengthening relationships, building healthier patterns, and helping you reconnect with the version of yourself that has been buried underneath stress, fear, people-pleasing, or burnout.

What should a new client know about working with you?

Clients often describe me as relatable, compassionate, honest, and easy to talk to. I am not the kind of therapist who just nods silently for 50 minutes while you vent. I believe therapy should feel like an active process where you feel heard, understood, challenged when necessary, and genuinely supported. My style is conversational but clinically grounded. I aim to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are without feeling pressured to filter yourself. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, self-worth, family dynamics, trauma, or simply feeling emotionally overwhelmed, we work together to identify patterns, process emotions, and develop healthier ways of coping and responding. I also recognize that culture, identity, family expectations, relationships, and life experiences shape the way we move through the world. I strive to provide care that is affirming, culturally aware, and tailored to each client’s individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Therapy is not about having all the answers immediately. Sometimes it starts with simply learning how to slow down long enough to hear yourself again.

What is your typical process for working with clients?

The first session is focused on getting to know you, understanding your concerns, exploring your history, and identifying what you would like to gain from therapy. We discuss current stressors, emotional patterns, relationships, coping skills, and any symptoms that may be impacting your daily functioning. Together, we create goals that feel realistic, meaningful, and personalized to your needs. From there, sessions are tailored based on your goals and what is showing up in your life week to week. Some sessions may focus on processing emotions and increasing self-awareness, while others may involve building coping skills, improving communication, challenging negative thought patterns, exploring relationship dynamics, or learning healthier ways to manage stress and emotional overwhelm. I use a collaborative approach, meaning therapy is not something being “done” to you. We work together to better understand patterns, build insight, and create practical changes that support your emotional well-being and overall quality of life. My goal is to help clients leave sessions feeling supported, empowered, and gradually more equipped to navigate life with greater clarity and confidence.

In-network insurances

Dr. Essence Scott is not in-network with any insurances

It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more

Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
  • Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay

Popular visit reasons

Agoraphobia
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
New Patient Visit
Pain Management Consultation
Psychosexual Evaluation
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit
Sleep Problems
Agoraphobia
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
New Patient Visit
Pain Management Consultation

Education and background

Practice names

Education and training

  • Hampton University, PhD in Counseling

NPI number

1144922287

Patient reviews

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Essence Scott?

Generally, Dr. Essence Scott has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Scott's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Dr. Essence Scott accepting new patients?

Dr. Essence Scott generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Scott's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Dr. Essence Scott accept my insurance?

Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Scott is in-network.

Can I make an appointment with Dr. Essence Scott online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Scott using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Dr. Essence Scott work with?

What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Essence Scott?

Dr. Essence Scott frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Essence Scott on their profile.

What languages does Dr. Essence Scott speak?

Dr. Essence Scott speaks English.

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