Meet our Therapist:

Alexis James, LMHC-D, C-DBT

Alexis is a licensed mental health counselor with over a decade of experience in providing psychotherapy to individuals. She specializes in dialectical behavioral therapy and has a passion for helping clients achieve their goals and improve their mental well-being. Alexis creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions to create positive changes in their lives. She is dedicated to empowering her clients to overcome challenges and live more fulfilling lives. Alexis’s ultimate objective is to furnish practical resources uniquely customized for each client, enabling swift and effective implementation. By integrating a blend of contemporary and time-honored therapeutic approaches, she strives to cater to diverse needs, fostering collaborative personal development and strength.

A word from Alexis:

My approach involves understanding and empathy as I help clients overcome various challenges. By customizing tools and techniques for each person, my goal is to support them in making significant progress in their personal growth using a wide array of therapeutic methods and creating a safe space for exploration and healing.

Schedule a session with Alexis today to start your journey towards a healthier and happier you!

Most Commonly Asked Questions

  • I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and Florida.

    I also hold a Telehealth Registered Professional Counselor credential in the state of South Carolina.

    Please keep in mind: As a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I am bound by state regulations that limit my practice to the state in which I am licensed. Unfortunately, this means I am unable to provide services to clients who are not located within these jurisdictions. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is essential for maintaining the integrity and legality of my practice.

    To verify my state licenses or to contact the licensing board directly, please visit the following board websites:

    New York:

    https://eservices.nysed.gov/professions/verification-search

    Florida:

    https://mqa-internet.doh.state.fl.us/mqasearchservices/healthcareproviders

    South Carolina:

    https://llr.sc.gov/TeleHealth/Counselor.html

  • I offer individual therapy for adults and teens struggling with various mental health and emotional issues. My approach is tailored to your specific needs, providing a safe and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings. I utilize evidence-based techniques to help you gain insight, develop coping skills, and make positive changes in your life. If you're ready to begin your journey towards healing and growth, I am here to support you every step of the way.

  • I am passionate about working with women who present with various challenges.

    According to a 2022 study, only 11% of Professional Counselors are Black. I understand the special needs of individuals who identify as Black, brown, or a ethnic minority. It is my goal to welcome you to the mental health space - there is space for you and there is someone who cares!

    To support his special populaton, I utilize a relational approach and include evidenced based practices to my work.

    Continue reading for a understanding of the approaches that I pull from- but keep in mind, your treatment will be based on your individual needs!

  • Yes! I work with many clients who choose to pay for their care out of pocket. .

    My self pay rate is $150 for the intake (first appointment) and $120 for follow up visits.

    If you are based in Florida or South Carolina and you’d like to use your health insurance plan’s out of network benefits, follow the link below to understand your costs: mentaya.com/b/ajvirtualinsurance .

    If you can not afford these rates, don't let this be a barrier! After you've received a response for next steps after your new client form is completed, we can discuss discounted appointment options.

    If I am not able to meet your pricing needs, I am happy to provide recommendation/referrals.

  • Yes! I work with clients with Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Oscar Health, Oxford, and select United Health Care Plans- for those based in New York.

    I also see many clients who choose to pay out of pocket or have out of network benefits. To understand you payment responsibilites please consider checking your benefits and options by visiting: https://mentaya.com/checkbenefits/AJVIRTUALINSURANCE

    Please do not let cost be a burden, we can discuss other options, I prioritize accessibility to care - Contact me to learn more about payment options.

  • This is based on many factors. Generally, I meet with most clients on weekly or biweekly basis.

  • Once you've completed your new client form, you will be sent (via email) instructions for creating a client portal account. In this account, you will be able to complete intake forms, store a form of payment, message your provider securely, and schedule appointments. Additionally, the client portal allows us to meet virtually using secure video conferencing software.

  • You can cancel or reschedule your appointment easily. You can cancel and/or reschedule in your client portal account.

    You may also email (alexis@ajvirtualcounseling.com) or call/text 904-404-5400.

    Keep in mind, we ask that you provide at least 24 hours notice. Appointments cancelled or not attended (no show) are subject to a $95 no show fee.

  • I describe myself as a relationally focused clinican. My motto: People First! This helps me to create space based on your individual needs… and evidenced based practices.

    I hold a specialized certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

    Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy that can be useful for people who experience emotions intensely. It's based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and can help people: Understand and accept difficult feelings, Learn skills to manage emotions, and Make positive changes in their lives. 

    DBT techniques can help people develop skills like:

    • Distress tolerance: Learning to tolerate intense emotions without reacting impulsively

    • Emotion regulation: Learning to recognize and manage emotions

    • Mindfulness: Staying anchored in the present moment

    • Interpersonal effectiveness: Learning to manage relationships, set boundaries, and deal with conflict.

    I have expertise with treating the following concerns:

    • Anxiety

    • Disordered Eating (Specifically Binge Eating)

    • Sadness/Depression

    • Life Stress

    • Life’s Changes

    • Emotional Regulation Challenges

    • Relationship Challenges

    • Racial Identity

    • Self Esteem

Ready to get started?

To get started, it's important to first identify your goals and what you hope to achieve through counseling. Take some time to reflect on what has led you to seek support and what changes you would like to see in your life. This self-reflection can help guide your counseling journey and give you a sense of direction as you begin. If you're unsure about your goals, that's okay too - our sessions together can help clarify these as we work together.

To get started with with Alexis James Virtual Counseling, follow these steps:

  1. Visit my practice website and explore the services offered.

  2. Complete a new client interest form, or email directly at alexis@ajvirtualcounseling.com. You will receive detailed instructions about next steps including, scheduling options and how to create a  client portal account.

  3. Fill out the intake forms with your personal information (this is provided all within your confidential client portal account).

  4. Choose a convenient date and time for your virtual session.

  5. Log in to the virtual session at the scheduled time using the link provided in your client portal and Meet your counselor and begin your virtual counseling session.

If you have any questions or need assistance at any point during the process, feel free to reach out to Alexis directly.

I’ve partnered with Mentaya to help clients use their out-of-network benefits to save money on therapy. Use the tool below to see if you qualify for reimbursement for my services.

Seeking help from a professional therapist can be a crucial step in prioritizing your well-being and initiating a journey towards feeling better starting at this moment.