What is Veterinary Social Work?The relationship between humans and animals has been studied for centuries. Animals shape our world in countless ways. They provide the food we eat, help sustain the environment we depend on, entertain us, help us with tasks, and for many of us, become beloved members of our families. Because these relationships […]

  In my previous blog post about the growing rates of gambling and changes in the gambling landscape, I referenced the 2024 National Council on Problem Gambling report which estimated 10-15 million U.S. adults (3-4.5%) are affected by problem gambling. Problem gambling is not just an individual issue though, with a 2017 study showing that […]

  The 2025 report by the American Gaming Association (AGA) showed that 57 percent of adults in the United States gambled within the past year, translating to roughly 145 million adults, marking the highest rate of gambling the organization has ever recorded. This figure includes people who bought lottery tickets, placed sports bets, visited casinos, or played […]

  Have you ever felt like your brain works differently from everyone else’s? Perhaps you’ve noticed that you process information in unique ways, experience the world more intensely, or thrive in environments that others find challenging. If so, you are not alone. Neurodivergence is not a flaw or something that needs to be “fixed.” It […]

  Your brain was shaped for a world that existed long before modern life, and parts of it still haven’t gotten the message that anything has changed.  Anxiety is often misunderstood or even vilified as a failure of our character or person. This is understandable, as so many of our experiences surrounding anxiety are highly negative and seemingly […]

  Most people have experienced an inner critic, that internal voice that points out mistakes, questions decisions, or tells us we should be doing better. For some, this voice is occasional and manageable. For others, it becomes a constant companion, contributing to feelings of anxiety, shame, self-doubt, or inadequacy.  When faced with self-critical thoughts, many people try […]

  My name is Elise Lamprecht and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a versatile work background assisting with children, adolescents, and adults of multiple diagnoses and life situations in settings including outpatient, inpatient, and residential. What I love most about my job is being able to collaborate together with individuals of unique backgrounds, life experiences, strengths, perspectives, and goals […]

  Deciding to seek therapy is a meaningful step. For many people, it comes after a lot of reflection, and often once you reach out, learning that there’s a wait can feel discouraging or emotionally hard.   If you’re currently on the outpatient therapy waitlist at ZoeRVA Health (or considering joining), please know that your request for care is active, and […]

  What inspired you to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner?  When I first began working as a nurse in a hospital setting, I recognized a gap in mental health care within the critical care unit. I started advocating for psychiatric consultations for patients adjusting to significant health stressors. During this time, I developed a strong interest in both […]

  There’s an unexpected identity shift that happens when you become a mother, one that goes far beyond physical recovery or learning how to care for a baby. It can feel disorienting, tender, and unexpectedly emotional, even when your baby is deeply wanted and loved. Many women are surprised by how much changes, not just […]