In 1984, the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter (LAWS) was founded by three Loudoun County women with only $3,000 in donations. The organization was incorporated under the name Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice, Inc. and began doing business as Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter and in 1985, the founders opened the shelter itself; the only place in Loudoun County where women and children fleeing domestic violence could find refuge.
You May Also Consider (Sponsored)
Quick Start Online Therapy: Tell Us a Little About Yourself and Get Matched With a Therapist Right for You
Take a simple guided quiz and let us know your preferences. Get matched to an online therapist right for you. Convenient and affordable online therapy from your phone, tablet or computer.
Have you been in therapy before?
Services Offered
LAWS Youth & Children's Services provides comprehensive services to child and adolescent victims of domestic violence (including witnessing domestic violence), sexual abuse, and teen dating violence. All services are confidential and free of charge. Services are provided at our Community Services Center. Services provided: * Short-term crisis counseling * Parenting assistance and support to the non-offending parent * Crisis intervention * Domestic violence support groups for youth * Sexual abuse support groups for youth * Court accompaniment * Safety planning * Information and referral to community resources * Other advocacy and assistance as needed
Fees and Payment
LAWS provides services and programs at no cost to victims in need.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens Children
Payment: Sliding Scale Medicare Medicaid
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
Qualifying for assistance from Virginia's program usually depends on the severity of your condition and financial circumstance. Read our full guide to Virginia's program.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.