74/100RP Score
Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.5★ from 86 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Best Addiction Counselors in Virginia Beach, VA (2026)
39 addiction counselors ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →
The short answer
- 1
Best overall in Virginia Beach: Safe Harbor Recovery Center, RP Score 74/100; 4.5★ from 86 Google reviews; open 7 days a week.
- 10
Most-reviewed: Avenues Recovery Center at Norfolk, 231 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 39 ranked; ranked #10.
Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank
39 Virginia Beach addiction counselors are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 12 open Saturdays and 3 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.3★ across 39 rated practices.
Top 10 addiction counselors in Virginia Beach at a glance
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Based in | Hours | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Safe Harbor Recovery Center | 74 | 4.5★ (86) | Portsmouth, 20 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Overall |
| 2 | Savida Health Virginia Beach | 72 | 4.9★ (76) | Virginia Beach | — | — |
| 3 | BrightView | 71 | 4.3★ (88) | Virginia Beach | — | — |
| 4 | Pathways Center | 70 | 4.3★ (17) | Virginia Beach | Evenings | — |
| 5 | GHR Center for Addiction Recovery and Treatment | 70 | 4.5★ (101) | Norfolk, 16 mi away | Sat · Evenings | — |
| 6 | BrightView | 69 | 4.5★ (55) | Chesapeake, 17 mi away | Sat | — |
| 7 | Lighthouse Therapeutic Services | 68 | 3.3★ (7) | Chesapeake, 17 mi away | — | — |
| 8 | Lake View Psychotherapy Center | 68 | 3.0★ (8) | Virginia Beach | Evenings | — |
| 9 | SARP Portsmouth VA | 67 | 3.0★ (6) | Portsmouth, 18 mi away | — | — |
| 10 | Avenues Recovery Center at Norfolk | 65 | 4.8★ (231) | Norfolk, 15 mi away | Sat · Sun · Evenings | Most reviews |
The 39 best addiction counselors in Virginia Beach, ranked
Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.
Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.
Based in Virginia Beach
72/100RP ScoreRanked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.9★ from 76 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#3 BrightView
Based in Virginia Beach
71/100RP ScoreRanked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.3★ from 88 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Virginia Beach
70/100RP ScoreRanked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.3★ from 17 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Norfolk, 16 mi away
70/100RP ScoreRanked #5 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.5★ from 101 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#6 BrightView
Based in Chesapeake, 17 mi away
69/100RP ScoreRanked #6 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.5★ from 55 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chesapeake, 17 mi away
68/100RP ScoreRanked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.3★ from 7 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Virginia Beach
68/100RP ScoreRanked #8 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.0★ from 8 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Portsmouth, 18 mi away
67/100RP ScoreRanked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 3.0★ from 6 Google reviews.
Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.
Based in Norfolk, 15 mi away
65/100RP ScoreRanked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 231 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Norfolk, 17 mi away
64/100RP ScoreRanked #11 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.5★ from 15 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Hampton, 27 mi away
62/100RP ScoreRanked #12 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.8★ from 29 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#13 BrightView
Based in Newport News, 32 mi away
60/100RP ScoreRanked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.2★ from 72 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
#14 BrightView
Based in Suffolk, 34 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #14 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 4.5★ from 25 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Norfolk, 14 mi away
59/100RP ScoreRanked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 3.3★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Virginia Beach
58/100RP ScoreRanked #16 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.0★ from 48 Google reviews, based in Virginia Beach.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Virginia Beach
58/100RP ScoreRanked #17 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.6★ from 40 Google reviews, based in Virginia Beach.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Virginia Beach
56/100RP ScoreRanked #18 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.0★ from 12 Google reviews, based in Virginia Beach.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chesapeake, 17 mi away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.4★ from 68 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Newport News, 29 mi away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #20 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Alcoholism treatment program”, 1.6★ from 36 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Elizabeth City, 39 mi away
55/100RP ScoreRanked #21 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Addiction treatment center”, 2.2★ from 14 Google reviews.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chesapeake, 24 mi away
53/100RP ScoreRanked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 80 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Newport News, 36 mi away
52/100RP ScoreRanked #23 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 40 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Chesapeake, 16 mi away
52/100RP ScoreRanked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.6★ from 30 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychiatrist”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
Based in Newport News, 31 mi away
51/100RP ScoreRanked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.
Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.
All 39 addiction counselors
#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #39, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.
| Rank | Business | RP Score | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Ta Mara's Promise, LLC | 51 | 4.5★ (4) | 33 mi |
| 27 | Whole Village Counseling, Advocacy, and Mental Health Services LLC | 49 | 5.0★ (5) | 31 mi |
| 28 | Crossroads Treatment Center of Suffolk, VA | 48 | 4.3★ (91) | 36 mi |
| 29 | Caroline Isoe, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | 48 | 4.3★ (19) | 26 mi |
| 30 | Whole Village Counseling, Advocacy, and Mental Health Services LLC | 48 | 5.0★ (6) | 23 mi |
| 31 | Recovery Journal LLC | 48 | 3.9★ (7) | 24 mi |
| 32 | Harbour View Training Center | 48 | 3.7★ (38) | 25 mi |
| 33 | Groups Recover Together | 47 | 4.1★ (17) | 29 mi |
| 34 | BHG Elizabeth City Treatment Center | 47 | 4.2★ (19) | 39 mi |
| 35 | Natalia Cameron, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | 46 | 5.0★ (9) | 32 mi |
| 36 | Northgate Community Counseling Center | 44 | 3.1★ (7) | 34 mi |
| 37 | Colonial Behavioral Health - York-Poquoson Office | 44 | 2.2★ (9) | 33 mi |
| 38 | The Haven | 43 | 2.4★ (15) | 34 mi |
| 39 | Colonial Behavioral Health | 40 | 2.9★ (27) | 46 mi |
Also serving Virginia Beach
6 more addiction counselors within 50 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.
| Business | Google rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| A. Richards Counseling and Psychotherapy, LLC | 5.0★ (2) | 21 mi |
| Inspiring Lotus Healing Sanctuary, LLC | 3.0★ (2) | In Virginia Beach |
| Positive Pathways | 17 mi | |
| Shauna Polen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner | 16 mi | |
| Suffolk Addiction Treatment Advisers | 1.0★ (1) | 35 mi |
| The DWI Center | 39 mi |
How we ranked Virginia Beach addiction counselors
We scored 39 Virginia Beach addiction counselors on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 13, 2026.
Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.
| Factor | Weight | Computed from | In Virginia Beach data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputation | 25% | Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back it | Measured |
| Review volume | 5% | Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the list | Measured |
| Recency | 5% | Share of Google reviews from the last 12 months | Not yet collected |
| Availability | 10% | Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availability | Measured |
| Specialty focus | 25% | How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name) | Measured |
| Proximity | 15% | Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it is | Measured |
| Claimed profile | 10% | The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same) | Measured |
| Partnered | 5% | The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodically | Measured |
How to choose an addiction counselor
- Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
- Make sure addiction counseling is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
- Ask which credential the counselor holds (for example a state addiction counselor certification, LPC or LCSW).
- Ask whether they work with a physician if medication for addiction treatment is part of your plan.
- Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
- Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
- After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.
Questions to ask an addiction counselor
- Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
- Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
- How much of your work is addiction counseling?
- Do you offer individual sessions, groups or an intensive outpatient program?
- What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
- Do you offer online sessions?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?
Terms explained
- PhD / PsyD
- Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
- Licensed psychologist
- A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
- Psychological associate
- In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
- LPC / LMHC / LCPC
- US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
- LCSW
- Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
- LMFT
- Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
- RP / RCC
- Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
- PSYPACT
- An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
- Telehealth
- Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
- CBT
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
- DBT
- Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
- ERP
- Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.
Addiction counselors in Virginia Beach: frequently asked questions
Who is the best addiction counselor in Virginia Beach?
By RP Score, the highest-ranked addiction counselor in Virginia Beach, VA is Safe Harbor Recovery Center with an RP Score of 74/100. It has 4.5★ from 86 Google reviews. It is open 7 days a week. Savida Health Virginia Beach (#2) and BrightView (#3) follow. We ranked 39 addiction counselors on eight factors, last updated November 13, 2026.
How many addiction counselors are there in Virginia Beach?
RankedPsychologists ranks 39 addiction counselors serving Virginia Beach, VA. 7 of them are based in Virginia Beach; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 6 within 50 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.
What should I do if I need help right now?
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.
Which addiction counselors in Virginia Beach work on weekends?
12 of 39 ranked addiction counselors post Saturday hours and 3 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Safe Harbor Recovery Center (#1), GHR Center for Addiction Recovery and Treatment (#5) and BrightView (#6). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.
What Google rating do Virginia Beach addiction counselors have?
The median Google rating among 39 rated addiction counselors in Virginia Beach is 4.3★, with a median of 19 reviews. Avenues Recovery Center at Norfolk has the most, 231 reviews, and ranks #10. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.
How does RankedPsychologists rank addiction counselors?
Each addiction counselor gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.
Do addiction counselors outside Virginia Beach count in this ranking?
Yes, if they are within 50 mi of the Virginia Beach city center, our service radius for addiction counselors. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.
Can addiction counselors pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?
No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.
How are addiction counselors in Virginia Beach ranked?
Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on addiction counseling and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.
What is the difference between outpatient addiction counseling and rehab?
Outpatient counseling means regular sessions while you live at home and keep working; intensive outpatient programs meet several times a week. Residential rehab and medical detox happen in a facility. Withdrawal from alcohol and some drugs can be medically dangerous, so speak to a doctor before stopping if you drink or use heavily every day.
Can I see an addiction counselor online?
Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.
What if I need help right now?
Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.
Update log for Virginia Beach
- November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 39 addiction counselors serving Virginia Beach.
More addiction counselors and Virginia Beach pages
Addiction counselors near Virginia Beach
- Addiction counselors in Chesapeake, VA42 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Norfolk, VA42 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Portsmouth, VA42 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Portsmouth Heights, VA42 ranked
- Addiction counselors in East Hampton, VA42 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Hampton, VA42 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Poquoson, VA40 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Newport News, VA46 ranked
- Addiction counselors in Suffolk, VA42 ranked
- Addiction counselors in South Suffolk, VA42 ranked
Other specialties in Virginia Beach
- Psychologists in Virginia Beach92 ranked
- Therapists and counselors in Virginia Beach238 ranked
- Child and teen therapists in Virginia Beach43 ranked
- Couples therapists in Virginia Beach84 ranked
- Family therapists in Virginia Beach86 ranked
- Trauma and PTSD therapists in Virginia Beach6 ranked
- Psychiatrists in Virginia Beach139 ranked
- Clinical social workers in Virginia Beach48 ranked
- ABA therapy providers in Virginia Beach27 ranked
- All psychologists in Virginia Beach