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About

About Lighthouse Mental Health Network

At Lighthouse Mental Health Network, our mission is to make quality mental health support accessible to those who need it. We connect individuals from low to moderate-income levels with licensed therapists who volunteer their time to provide care. Our nonprofit bridges the gap for those who may struggle to find or afford therapy, creating pathways to support without the barriers of high costs.

Our network is not designed to handle severe, crisis or emergency situations. Instead, we focus on offering a safe, inclusive platform for clients and therapists to connect through scheduled, non-emergency sessions. For immediate help, we provide resources to specialized emergency services.

Our Founders

Lighthouse Mental Health Network was founded by Colleen Lovelace and Neil McNerney, a husband-and-wife team united by their deep commitment to mental health and community service. With extensive experience in mental health and nonprofit leadership, Colleen and Neil are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where compassionate care is accessible to all. Their shared vision led to the creation of Lighthouse, a network that lights the way for individuals seeking support and therapists eager to make a difference.

Neil McNerney, M.Ed., LMFT – Co-Founder & Clinical Director
Neil McNerney has over three decades of experience in counseling, with a focus on helping children, adolescents, and adults. After earning his Master of Education from James Madison University and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Virginia Tech, Neil spent seven years as an elementary school counselor in Fairfax County, VA. In 1995, he began his private practice, honing his skills at The Arbor Center before establishing his independent practice. Neil is also a faculty member at the Virginia Tech Graduate School, where he teaches marriage and family therapy, and he is the author of Homework: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Out Without Freaking Out. His deep passion for mental health care and his expertise in family therapy make him an essential pillar of Lighthouse Mental Health Network.

Colleen Lovelace – Co-Founder & Executive Director
Colleen Lovelace brings over 20 years of experience in business and technology to the nonprofit world. With a background in business and computers, she spent much of her career as a Systems Engineer, working with the Federal government to sell and install network software. She has successfully transitioned these skills into nonprofit management, having worked with local organizations such as Friends of Loudoun Mental Health, Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers, Morven Park Inc., and the Loudoun Community Band. Now, alongside her husband, Colleen has taken the leap to co-found Lighthouse Mental Health Network to serve the community she loves with dedication and purpose.

Want to Help?

Are you a licensed therapist with a passion for helping others? At Lighthouse Mental Health Network, we’re always looking for skilled professionals who want to make a difference by offering their time and expertise. By volunteering with us, you can provide meaningful support to individuals who might otherwise struggle to access quality mental health care.

Interested in joining our network? Click here to learn more and sign up to be part of our volunteer team.

If you’d like to support our mission in other ways, consider making a donation. Your generosity enables us to keep offering life-changing mental health connections for those who need it most. Donate here to help us create lasting impact within our community.

Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community.