When a child is struggling emotionally or behaviorally, many parents aren’t sure where to turn, and navigating questions about anxiety, school challenges, developmental concerns, or behavioral changes can feel overwhelming.

Compass Counseling Services aims to make that process easier with behavioral health services focused on supporting families and helping them thrive.

“Our goal is really just to be a part of the community in every way that we can,” said Alisha Gordon, Compass’ Regional Director for Fredericksburg, Woodbridge, and Tappahannock. “We focus on our core values of integrity, excellence, client care, humility, and professional growth, and always want to show that the families we serve come first.”

Those values guide not only the care families receive but also the way Compass invests in the next generation of mental health professionals. Through internship programs and ongoing training opportunities, the organization prioritizes professional growth for clinicians while expanding access to services for the community.

A Range of Support for Families

Compass offers a variety of programs designed to support children and families facing different types of challenges.

One of the organization’s core services is outpatient therapy, which provides counseling for children, adolescents, adults, and whole families. These sessions address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, school stress, trauma, social difficulties, and major life transitions, such as divorce or relocation.

In children and teens, many clients struggle with emotional regulation, peer relationships, or low self-esteem. Parents, meanwhile, may seek support for parenting stress, communication difficulties, or navigating complex family dynamics.

Treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, skills-building for emotional regulation, parent coaching, and family sessions when appropriate. 

Compass’ goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients can build insight, strengthen coping skills, improve relationships, and move toward lasting emotional wellness.

Another major service offered by Compass is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which supports children and young adults with developmental or behavioral challenges, including autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and other diagnoses.

ABA therapy focuses on building skills and addressing behavioral gaps that may affect a child’s ability to function in everyday environments, such as school, daycare, or the community.

“Our job is really to help clients develop the skill sets that they don’t have and fill any gaps that they need to help them to be as successful as possible in their social environment,” Gordon explained.

Compass also offers care coordination, as each child’s needs are unique and treatment plans are highly individualized. Therapy may include parents, caregivers, and other important people in the child’s life to create a coordinated approach that supports everyone involved.

Gordon said, “It’s not just the client that it's impacting. It's the family, it's their community, it's so many people, so we want to look at that whole approach.”

Recognizing When Support Is Needed

One of the biggest misconceptions about counseling, Gordon said, is that families often think they need to wait until challenges become severe before seeking help.

“I think that people feel like they have to wait until it's extreme,” she said. “I think they see it as more of a last resort versus a service that they could use when things are a little more mild.” 

Gordon emphasized that families do not need to wait and can seek help at any stage, even if they’re unsure whether or not something is an issue. Early support can prevent smaller issues from becoming larger ones and can give families tools to navigate challenges more confidently.

Gordon encouraged parents who feel unsure about what their child might need to simply start the conversation. If families are questioning what’s going on, it’s always better to reach out sooner rather than later, and an initial screening can help determine what a family might need.

“Even if we determine one service isn’t the right fit, we can guide them in the right direction,” Gordon said. 

Parents can fill out a referral form on the Compass website. Compass does not require a doctor-recommended referral, so families can self-refer. Once a parent submits basic information, an intake specialist will follow up to discuss concerns and determine which services are right for the family.

During the intake process, staff members walk parents through screening questions and explain what different diagnoses or behaviors might look like in everyday life. A clinician may conduct a more in-depth assessment to better understand the child’s needs as well.

Supporting Parents, Too

While much of Compass’ work focuses on children, Gordon emphasized that parents also need support as they navigate these challenges.

“We're always saying you can't pour from an empty cup, and it’s very true,” she said.

Caring for a child with emotional or behavioral needs can be challenging, and many parents feel pressure to prioritize their child’s well-being above their own, but taking time for self-care, even in small ways, can make a meaningful difference.

Gordon said that even just finding small breaks in the day can help. “It doesn’t have to be a whole hour. Sometimes, it’s just taking 15 minutes to breathe and take care of yourself,” she said.

In many cases, families may even use multiple Compass services at once. For example, a child might receive ABA therapy while a parent participates in outpatient counseling, creating a support system that strengthens the entire family.

Advocating for Your Family

Gordon encourages parents to trust their instincts and advocate for their children and for themselves. She emphasized that if a parent feels like something isn’t quite right, they should ask questions and seek additional opinions. 

Local resources such as schools, pediatricians, and community service boards can also help connect families with behavioral health services.

Most importantly, Gordon said, parents should never hesitate to reach out for help. Parents don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Families interested in learning more about Compass Counseling Services or submitting a referral form can visit https://compassva.com/.