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Mario Barnes, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Mario is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

FSA/HSA accepted
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Virginia

More about Mario

  • 6 years' experience
  • Male
  • LCSW

Do you feel like you're stuck in the same cycle, struggling with the same frustrations, anxiety, or relationship challenges? Maybe life feels overwhelming, and no matter how much you try, things don’t seem to change. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, major life transitions, or relationship struggles, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

My approach focuses on helping you understand the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Using tailored techniques, I work with you to build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and better coping strategies—so you can move from feeling stuck to feeling in control.

I know life can feel exhausting, like it never slows down enough to catch your breath. But change is possible. If you're ready to break free from old patterns and experience something different, I’d love to support you on that journey.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Anger management Depression Coping with life changes Communication problems Men's issues Veteran and Armed Forces Issues Young adult issues

Insurance Accepted

  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Virginia
  • BCBS Federal Employee Program
  • CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • GEHA
  • Johns Hopkins - Employer Health Programs (EHP)
  • Johns Hopkins - Uniformed Family Health Plan (USFHP)
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Optum
  • Oscar Health
  • UMR
  • UnitedHealthcare

Licenses

Mario Barnes's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1548725203.

  • LCSW · Virginia · 0904011005 · Renews June 2026

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Reviews for Mario Barnes

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Frequently asked questions

Does Mario Barnes offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Mario Barnes works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Mario Barnes speak?

Mario Barnes speaks English.

How many years of experience does Mario Barnes have?

Mario Barnes has 6 years of experience.

Where is Mario Barnes licensed to practice?

Mario Barnes is licensed to practice in Virginia.

Does Mario Barnes accept FSA/HSA?

Yes, Mario Barnes accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.

Does Mario Barnes accept insurance?

Yes, Mario Barnes accepts Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Virginia, BCBS Federal Employee Program, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, GEHA, Johns Hopkins - Employer Health Programs (EHP), Johns Hopkins - Uniformed Family Health Plan (USFHP), Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Oscar Health, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.

Does Mario Barnes accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Mario Barnes does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

How can I communicate with Mario Barnes?

Mario Barnes can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Mario Barnes?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

FSA/HSA eligible