Licensed to practice in South Carolina and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Substance Misuse, Mood Disorders, Coping Skills and 7 more.
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Zac Dawkins, a licensed clinical social worker (LISW-CP) with a background that spans VA primary care, correctional mental health, and community behavioral health which means I've sat with people through crisis, trauma, substance use, and everyday stress, and I know real change doesn't happen through generic advice. My approach is direct, practical, and judgment-free: we'll figure out what's actually getting in your way and build tools that fit your life. Whether you're a veteran, first responder, or just someone who's tired of carrying it all alone, I'd be glad to work alongside you.
Our first session is really just a conversation; no pressure, no judgment, and nothing you need to prepare in advance. We'll start by talking about what's bringing you in right now and what you're hoping will be different. I'll also ask about your history: any previous therapy, what helped and what didn't, and any important background that gives me a fuller picture of you. From there, we'll start shaping what we want to work on together and what a realistic path forward looks like. My goal for that first session is simple: that you leave feeling heard, and with a clearer sense of what we're building together.
What sets my approach apart is that I've worked in the rooms most therapists never see; VA primary care, correctional mental health, drug courts, and intensive outpatient programs. I've sat with people at their most guarded and their most desperate, and that's taught me how to build trust quickly, even with clients who've learned not to trust easily. I'm not a therapist who will just nod and reflect your words back to you, I'll hold space when you need it, but I'll also challenge you when I sense you're stuck in a pattern that isn't serving you. My style is direct, honest, and collaborative: I'll tell you what I'm noticing, and we'll figure out together whether it's useful. I also bring a practical, no-nonsense approach shaped by years of crisis work, I'm comfortable with hard conversations, and I won't shy away from the parts of your story that feel too heavy for small talk.
Top specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as one of the primary approaches in my practice because it provides practical, evidence-based tools that help people create meaningful, lasting change. CBT is based on the understanding that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are closely connected. When we learn to recognize unhelpful thought patterns and understand how they influence our emotions and actions, we can begin making choices that better align with the life we want to live.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into my practice to help clients develop greater emotional balance, build healthier relationships, and respond to life's challenges with confidence and intention. At the heart of DBT is mindfulness—the practice of becoming more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without immediately judging or reacting to them. By learning to stay present in the moment, you can begin making choices that align with your values rather than feeling controlled by overwhelming emotions or automatic patterns.
Motivational Interviewing
Change can be difficult, even when we know it's necessary. It's common to feel conflicted, uncertain, or stuck between wanting something different and feeling unsure about how to get there. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, evidence-based approach that helps you explore that uncertainty with compassion rather than judgment, allowing you to discover your own reasons for meaningful, lasting change. I believe that you are the expert on your own life. Rather than telling you what you should do, I work alongside you to better understand your values, goals, and the obstacles that may be standing in your way. Together, we'll explore both the reasons you want to change and the concerns that make change feel difficult. By resolving this internal conflict, you can begin making decisions that feel authentic, sustainable, and aligned with the life you want to create.