About Cynthia
Cynthia Betts
LCSW, CEAP, SAP, CSAC, CFRC
Hi, I'm Cynthia, a licensed clinical social worker, certified substance abuse counselor, and a certified first responder counselor in the state of Virginia. Additionally, I am a Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) with the U.S Department of Transportation and can provide education, counseling, and assessment for SAP purposes.
As a team, we will work together to unearth your own natural and creative resources to assist you in achieving wholeness, internal connectedness, balance, and purpose.
Cynthia Betts is an experienced consultant and mental health provider with vast experience in supporting advanced professionals, families and individuals impacted by addiction, refugees, and first responder families. Cynthia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Hampton University in 2012; and a Master in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2018. During her tenure at VCU, Cynthia served as a fellow with the Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program, where she developed an anti-drug and bullying program for children.
Message from Cynthia:
As a therapist, I aim to present myself as a member of your wellness team. In doing so, the goal is to assist you in achieving the life of your choosing. As a team, we will work together to unearth your own natural and creative resources to assist you in achieving wholeness, internal connectedness, balance, and purpose. We will work together to identify vulnerabilities, process difficult situations, and create positive change. I utilize an eclectic approach with an emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and experiential interventions. I am experienced in working with first responders, advanced professionals, adults, families, and teens.
I specialize in treating individuals (12+), couples, and families with:
Substance Abuse
Marriage and Premarital Concerns
Prenatal and Antenatal Concerns
Trauma and PTSD
Burnout
Self-Exploration
Life Transitions
Interpersonal Relationships
Unwanted Thoughts and Emotions
Anxiety
Depression
In practice, I aim to assist clients in accessing and developing their inner strength and connectedness. In doing so, I use an existentialist and trauma-informed lens to facilitate growth and provide a safe, judgement free, and healing environment. I am experienced in Experiential therapies, and Rational Behavior Therapy; and am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (child and adult), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
I am committed to social justice and am an ally of LBGTQ+ community.
Credentials & Training
Education
Harvard University
Master's of Liberal Arts (A.L.M) in extension studies, field: Industrial-Organizational
Psychology | Expected May, 2025
Virginia Commonwealth University
Master's of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Richmond, VA | May 11, 2018
Hampton University
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (B.A.)
Hampton, VA | August 31, 2012
Professional Positions
Employee Assistance Consultant, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (2021-Present)
Substance Abuse Therapist, The Farley Center, Williamsburg, VA (2017-2021)
Facilitator, Child Development Resources, Williamsburg, VA (2016-2018)
Maternal and Child Health Bureau Fellow, Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (2017-2018)
Legal Advocate, Transitions Family Violence Services, Hampton, Virginia (2014-2016)
English Tutor and Volunteer, Literacy for Refugees, Hampton, Virginia (2009-2010)
Licensures And Certifications
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Virginia (2021-Present)
Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist (2023-Present)
Qualified Substance Abuse Professional (2022-Present)
Certified Employee Assistance Professional (2022-Present)
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (2022-Present)
Certified First Responder Counselor (2023-Present)
Advanced Clinical Trainings
EMDR Basic Training Phases 1 & 2 (child and adult)
Rational Behavior Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)