Nicole O-Pries, LCSW (she/they)
Founder & Therapist
My career began in AIDS Service Organizations in Upstate New York and Washington, DC, where I created youth prevention programs — including some of the first LGBTQ+ youth groups and street outreach programs in those areas. This work gave me a deep understanding of how difficult life experiences and trauma shape every part of our lives and our community. I went on to earn my Master's Degree in Social Work so I could better support folx navigating those experiences, and had the opportunity to develop intervention and therapy programs for youth and families who had experienced trauma.
While running those programs and seeing clients, I began teaching graduate students how to do this work. I was eventually offered a full-time teaching position, which I still hold today alongside providing therapy services and running QueerWell.
Much of my training and experience centers on clients navigating trauma, difficult change, and anxiety. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I hold the following credentials:
Certified Family Trauma Practitioner, International Association of Trauma Professionals
Certified in TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Level 1 trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) clinician
Certificate in Telemental Health Practice, Zur Institute
When I'm not providing therapy or teaching, you'll find me sipping way too much coffee, taking deep breaths, and dancing in my kitchen with my three kids.
FAQs
Is this therapist taking new clients?
Yes, Nicole O-Pries is taking new clients at this time. Standard rate spots are currently available.
Do you take my insurance?
We are not in-network with health insurance companies. Many insurance companies will allow you to submit an invoice (called a superbill) for partial reimbursement for sessions. Contact your insurance provider to inquire if you are eligible for out-of-network outpatient telebehavioral health sessions (code 90834). We are happy to provide you superbills after each session or monthly.
We do accept health savings account cards for payment. Please contact your health savings account (HSA) to learn more.
How much do sessions cost?
QueerWell utilizes an equity pricing model that allows us to offer tiers of pricing options that each client can choose when they begin services (subject to availability). You can check that out here.
50-minute session rates:
Standard Plus Pricing = $130-150 Pay for you & a little more for someone else.
Standard Pricing = $120 - Pay the full fee for yourself.
Equity Pricing = $60 - Pay 50% of the standard rate for yourself.
What if my therapist isn’t a good fit?
If you don’t feel like your therapist is a good match after your first session, let us know; we will gladly refund your first session fee and help you find other resources.
Can I see a QueerWell therapist if I am outside of Virginia?
Unfortunately, no. It would make a lot of sense if online counseling services could be made available regardless of location. Alas, antiquated regulations prevent us from providing therapy sessions whenever a person is located outside of Virginia. (This also applies to Virginia residents who may be traveling.)
