Meet our Team
At Divergent Path Wellness our team is guided by the values of authenticity (being vulnerable in the service of our personal values), sustainability (caring for ourselves so we can care for our clients), and honoring lived experience (committed to anti-oppression and being humble to the limits of our own experience). Get to know us.
Thomas Harper, LMSW
Thomas Harper (he/she/they), The Executive Function Therapist, is a resident therapist at Divergent Path Wellness serving clients in both in-person and online sessions. A supervisee in social work, they are supervised by Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW.
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With a passion for helping people move beyond shame to get unstuck with practical skills and greater self-acceptance, Thomas values therapeutic connection and offers research-supported interventions.
If you are struggling with feeling misunderstood in relationships while also getting mired with overwhelm in the everyday demands, Thomas may be a great fit to work with you. Schedule your free consultation.
55-minute individual session with Thomas: $150
In-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Commercial and Medicaid Plans
Matthew Christensen, MSW
Matthew (he/him) is a resident therapist supervised by Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW, serving clients with evening and weekday availability online and in-person in the Charlottesville office. A supervisee in social work, Matthew's has both personal and professional experience that uniquely equip him in helping people heal from chronic invalidation.
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Kink, geek, gamer, queer & neurodivergent welcoming: Matthew combines a passion for affirming individuals exploring their identities in adulthood with a deep commitment to social justice.
If you are seeking a therapist to support you in taking up space in your life with new authenticity, Matthew is ready to walk beside you (sometimes literally) on your path to self-discovery.
55-minute individual session with Matthew: $150
In-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Commercial and Medicaid Plans
Elease Cook, LCSW
Elease (she/her) is a licensed clinical social worker serving clients on evenings and weekends virtually across Virginia.
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With a unique blend of imaginative spark and practical feedback, Elease co-creates new possibilities with Black women and nonbinary people questioning played-out patterns and daring to reimagine their stories.
Whether in Project Woke therapeutic process group for social-justice-oriented people or individual therapy, Elease is ready to empower you in embracing your main-character energy,
55-minute individual session with Elease: $180
Partnering with Headway to accept Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia Commercial Plans
Ames Gersten, MSW
Ames (they/them) is a resident therapist in the Charlottesville office serving clients in both in-person and online sessions. A supervisee in social work, they are supervised by Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW.
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Experienced in affirming social work practice with transgender and nonbinary people and Autistic adults, they prioritize diverse human connection in their work, Ames collaborates with clients to create space for authenticity, joy and wellness in their lives and relationships.
If you are seeking a therapist to join with you in realizing your vision of an authentic joyful life centered around your unique path to wellness, schedule your free consultation.
55-minute individual session with Ames: $150
In-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Commercial and Medicaid Plans
Sarah Lawson
Sarah Lawson (they/them) is a Master of Social Work student at VCU, specializing in gender violence and COVID-conscious support, with supervision from Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW. They are available to meet with clients on a sliding scale, either virtually or masked, in-person with HEPA air filtration provided.
With a focus on creative and somatic methods to help you reconnect with yourself, they offer collaborative, affirming therapy that can help fuel self-exploration and empowerment in the face of life’s challenges. Motivated by their own journey and lived experience, Sarah is committed to supporting folks in addressing anxiety, dysphoria, and grief, along with other issues that we all face sometimes.
Available for sessions beginning 02/03/2025
55-minute session with Sarah: $125
Therapy offered by clinical interns is not covered by insurance.
Sliding scale available. Please inquire by email.
Hannah Dickey, LMSW
Hannah (she/they) is a resident therapist serving clients across Virginia in online sessions. A supervisee in social work, she is supervised by Helen Dempsey-Henofer LCSW.
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Balancing directness with humor and genuine care, Hannah enjoys supporting their fellow queer ADHDers navigating emotional regulation and relationship challenges. Her commitment to developing queer clinical competencies informs their work both as an advocate and a clinician. They support clients in moving beyond self-acceptance to celebration of queer identity.
Their passion for affirming therapy is evident both in individual therapy and as the facilitator of Queering Self-Care, a group for LGBTQ+ young adults.
55-minute individual session with Hannah: $150
In-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Commercial and Medicaid Plans
Marta Retta
Practice Assistant
Marta (she/her) is a practice assistant committed to fostering an inclusive community and ensuring access to affirming mental health care.
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With a passion for social justice and a keen understanding of diverse experiences, Marta collaborates with clients and therapists alike to create a welcoming environment.
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Marta is here to support you in finding the resources you need, whether it’s connecting with the right therapist or exploring community programs. She is dedicated to amplifying voices and access for everyone seeking mental wellness.
Helen Dempsey-Henofer
LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
Helen (they/them) is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Divergent Path Wellness. Helen provides in-office and walk-and-talk sessions in Charlottesville.
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As a queer AuDHD Atheist and lifelong resident of the Southern U.S. they are acutely aware of the importance of informed, affirming therapy for LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent people as well as individuals with a religious or spiritual trauma history. Beyond individual therapy, Helen offers professional development, expanding what it means to offer inclusive mental health services.
Nonconforming humans who are navigating relationship hurdles and mysteries, chronic self-doubt and anxiety discover greater security and clarity while working with Helen.
55-minute individual session with Helen: $235
In-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Commercial and Medicaid Plans
