A young man with curly hair and a mustache sitting on a stone bench outdoors, wearing a colorful striped short-sleeved shirt and a red watch, smiling at the camera.

Travis Kessell, MA, LPC, C-DBT


Through a compassionate and conversational approach, I guide clients toward understanding the change they desire and help them figure out how to get there. Whether that’s better understanding themselves, working through things like depression, stress, and anxiety, or developing healthy relationships, we work together to uncover the path forward. My work is grounded in the meaning-making of Existential Psychotherapy, but I draw from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, and Attachment Theory to provide therapy focused on where you want to go.

I’m particularly passionate about helping high schoolers, college students, and young adults build identity and meaning in their rapidly changing worlds.

I have been practicing in Harrisonburg since mid-2018, when I moved to the Valley after earning my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in Lynchburg, VA. I opened Dogwood Ridge Counseling Services, PLLC in August 2021, following the receipt of my state license. Contributing to the sense of community unique to the Friendly City is a big part of why our practice exists.

When not working with people to achieve the change they want, I spend my time reading authors like Karl Ove Knausgaard, watching A24 movies, or checking out local music.

If you feel that the next step is asking for someone to come alongside you on the path to healing, please reach out. Your willingness to care for yourself will be met with warmth and a quick response.

Travis accepts most Aetna, Anthem/BCBS, Cigna, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans.

Travis is available 11am-8pm, Mondays through Thursdays, and 9am-3pm on Fridays.