OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions Therapists in North Carolina

Hi there! I'm Elizabeth and I am now taking new clients in North Carolina. We can work together to make the changes you want to make in your life. Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship or parenting issues? Do you need someone to walk beside you and assist you as you grow into a healthier version of yourself? You are not alone and I am here to help. I know it can be scary or uncomfortable to ask for help, but when we meet you will be met with understanding, acceptance and compassion. I provide a place where you can be yourself, where you can laugh, vent, curse and cry. I am client-focused and we will journey together at your pace! I use empathy and proven therapeutic techniques to help you reach your goals. I am looking forward to meeting you.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 30 years of experience in the mental health field and 14 years of experience operating my private practice. I support adults and couples experiencing anxiety, relationship distress, communication difficulties, parenting concerns, life transitions, diminished self-esteem, trauma-related concerns, and patterns that may be interfering with emotional well-being and healthier relationships. In couples counseling, I provide a balanced and respectful environment where each partner has an opportunity to feel heard. I help couples recognize recurring patterns, improve communication, navigate conflict more constructively, rebuild emotional safety and trust, and strengthen their connection. My role is not to take sides, but to help both partners understand the relationship dynamic and take meaningful responsibility for the changes within their control. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients understand the connections among their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify beliefs and thinking patterns that may contribute to anxiety, depressed mood, diminished self-esteem, relationship distress, or ineffective coping. Depending on the client’s needs, we may use guided reflection, thought records, structured exercises, role-playing, and between-session practice. With couples, CBT-informed strategies can also help partners examine assumptions, interpretations, expectations, and behavioral responses that contribute to recurring conflict. The goal is to develop greater awareness and practice healthier, more intentional responses. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices with carefully selected holistic strategies to support insight, emotional regulation, personal growth, and sustainable behavioral change. I meet each client with compassion, curiosity, and respect, helping them identify the underlying beliefs and patterns connected to their current concerns.

Hey there! I’m Tashina — a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in South Carolina. I’m a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T (Aggie Pride!) and have spent over 10 years helping people find healing, peace, and purpose in their lives. I work with adults and teens who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or PTSD and sometimes just feeling stuck or unsure of what’s next. My style is real, relaxed, and rooted in compassion. You won’t find any stuffy therapy vibes here, just honest conversations, practical tools, and maybe a few laughs as we work toward helping you feel more grounded and confident. Let’s team up to clear out the mental clutter and make room for the life you actually want to live.

Hi, I’m Stephanie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) who helps individuals struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and the constant pressure to please others. My work focuses on creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore what’s behind the stress, self-doubt, and overwhelm you’re feeling. I’ll help you build healthier boundaries, quiet your inner critic, and start showing up more confidently in your life and relationships. Whether you’re feeling stuck or just ready for a change, I’m here to guide you through it with empathy and evidence-based tools.

Hi, my name is Jonathon Payne and I am a practicing Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician, LCMHC, with the State of North Carolina with over 18 years of experience. Most of my work experience has come from working with individuals in crisis settings and or situations. The work has always been challenging, humbling, and rewarding. It has taught me the value of true genuineness and the importance of being able to connect with people and build working relationships. I love therapy. I respect the therapeutic process and value the hard work and introspection it requires. Therapy is something that I am passionate about. Everyday it provides me an opportunity to help others and learn from others. I am proud of the things I have learned, but even more humbled and optimistic of things that I continue to learn. One thing I would tell you is that a have a real passion and commitment to counseling and the therapeutic process. It is and has been what I love to do. I put tremendous value on the importance communication, language, and building a good therapeutic relationship or rapport. Its important to me that you, the patient feel safe, heard, and valued. My counseling style is very laid back and supportive, with a very non-judgmental stance. However, I am not afraid to roll my sleeves up and work hard. I believe in being supportive, motivating, and challenging. Its important that you have the opportunity to work hard, learn, grow, while developing realistic attainable and measurable goals.

Hello, my name is Stephen Pleasant, and I'm a psychotherapist for men. Why therapy for men? Well, because sometimes a man just needs a pork shoulder to cry on. That being said, I will also work with women as well. It’s a recognized human tendency for men to get “stuck” in their lives and to end up “settling” for the status quo when deep down they know they are capable of a great deal more. Here’s the truth; You are never “stuck” with your present circumstances. The Game of Life is a psychological and spiritual journey and winning at this game requires you to change your play and learn to think differently and do things in a new way. I help men break out from being “stuck” in life, resigned to producing results that are disappointing to them and others. My goal is to see transformative progress in men’s confidence, clarity, and self-expression, so that they may gain the fuller personal and work life they thought was beyond them.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner of Seaside Legacy Counseling, PLLC. I received an undergraduate degree in Psychology, as well as a Masters of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. I have been licensed for over ten years and have experience in a variety of settings including residential treatment, clinical mental health and several schools. I have worked with both children and adult clients experiencing a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflicts, low motivation and difficulty concentrating. I have a wealth of experience partnering with high school aged children, young adults attending college and/or professional careers as well as older adults. I welcome LGBTQIA2S+ clients, and I am a proud and active ally.

Hi, I'm Debbie Howard, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). Reaching out for support takes courage, and I would be honored to walk alongside you! I have 15 years experience helping individuals, families and youth work through challenges such as life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and parenting. I also specialize in helping children and teens build resilience, confidence, and coping skills that support lasting change at home and school. My approach is warm, client-centered, and collaborative. I believe therapy should feel empowering, supportive, and tailored to your unique needs and goals. I integrate a variety of evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavior Therapy(CBT), Alternative Family CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) , mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and solution focused therapy. Together, we'll focus on building self-awareness, resilience, and lasting positive change in a safe, nonjudgmental space.

Hello, I'm Carrie, an LCSW therapist based in North Carolina. I received my Bachelors from Winston Salem State University and my Master's from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with over ten years of experience as a therapist in many settings with various age groups. I practice therapy to assist others with achieving their goals in the most effective and in a timely manner.

Hello-My name is Richard (Rick) Lally. I graduated with a master's degree in clinical psychology from Connecticut College and have been working in behavioral health for 25 years. I also have been a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina for the past 20 years. I have been able to help individuals from diverse backgrounds with a wide array of issues; depression, grief/loss, stress, anger, relationship distress to name a few. Regardless of whether your need for seeking counseling is one of these matters or something else, please reach out to me and give me the chance to see if I can offer some relief. I welcome the opportunity to meet you.

Howdy! My name is Russell and I look forward to meeting you and working together! Taking the step to seek out therapy services can be the biggest hurdle to overcome, yet here you are. You made it! Even exploring options for therapy demonstrates the motivation that you have for positive change in your life. I enjoy taking a collaborative approach to working with all of my clients because you are the expert in your own life and know yourself the best. I am here as a support while you discover more about yourself. I am a LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) with the state of North Carolina. I have a background working with various ages and demographics in a variety of settings. This includes children aged 6+ to pre-teens, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I have worked in inpatient hospital settings, assisted with Intensive In-Home services for at-risk youth and their families, as well as with clients in traditional office-based environments providing outpatient therapy. My clinical expertise and the most frequent concerns that I help clients with are anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, relationship issues, family issues, and phase of life concerns. I tend to naturally gravitate toward adolescents who are struggling with navigating their lives, however, I enjoy working with all individuals regardless of age or background since life is a struggle for all of us. I tend to take a laid-back, relaxed (but professional) stance when working with clients to make the therapeutic process as welcoming and comfortable as possible!

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Maryland I provide teletherapy services to clients in North Carolina and Vermont, and Maryland. I received my master's degree in counseling psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School, New Hampshire in 1992 and My Bachelors in Transpersonal Psychology from Burlington College, Vermont, 1987. I do IFS, EMDR, and Somatic work to help clients find lasting and transformative changes in their lives. I incorporate Spirituality into my work. I teach mindfulness and The Law of Attraction, and creative visualization. I am a CPTSD survivor, and I have used these therapies personally to find lasting peace and joy. I enjoy providing compassionate, supportive therapy, and deep insight orientated, transformative therapy. I enjoy helping clients reduce stress, heal codependency, and heal trauma, depression, and grief. I teach clients to find their inner confidence, and courage, to set boundaries with others and stop "people pleasing". I teach clients to Love themselves and communicate clearly and compassionately with others. I help clients to get to the root of their problems, learn to regulate their emotions, and find peace in the midst of worry and distress. I help clients learn to set boundaries in healthy relationships and to leave abusive relationships.

Hiya. My name is Sejal Patel, and I am currently licensed in North and South Carolina, as a LMFT. As a therapist, I show curiosity when my client(s), families, and couples ask me for guidance. Majority of my clients', share the assumption, because I am a therapist, I experience minimal challenges in life and relationships. I wish that was true. My professional education and knowledge has been helpful and useful. Truthfully, the lessons I learned by experiencing failures, challenges, and struggles of life are the true heroes to how I find my solutions. I welcome your curiosity to a collaborative process that combines my professional expertise, your life experience knowledge, and the power of creative solutions.

Let’s not sugar coat it! Starting therapy can feel like a HUGE, exciting and terrifying step forward. Let’s not focus on the mountain, let’s focus on what’s right in front of you! You don't have to have it all together, nor do you have to navigate life’s challenges alone. I’m Perleen Daroowalla and I aim to create a safe space where we can be straightforward and honest with each other while working through life’s challenges. I model the same honesty, accountability, and responsibility that I encourage in my clients. Therapy begins with where you are now, factors in where you have been, and builds a plan for where you want to go. You are the expert on your life! The therapeutic relationship is a collaborative process. Together, we will create an individualized plan based off where you want your life to be in a month, 6 months, and/or a year from now. I offer creative and realistic strategies to assist you in tackling life’s challenges. You'll leave sessions with skills you can actively use to accomplish your goals.

Hello, I’m Dulcie. Have you been struggling and wondering why it’s so hard to feel happy, have a positive outlook, and accomplish the goals you have for your life? Are feelings of disappointment, confusion, and failure contributing to problems with your emotional health and relationships? Do you feel like nothing will ever change so what’s the point in trying? Well, let me tell you why, you are worth it and it’s never too late to invest in YOU! I have many years of experience counseling great people just like you, working together to navigate life’s obstacles, find common sense solutions, and help guide and support you during life transitions. If you allow me to go on this journey of change with you, I will focus on a person-centered approach where your needs, goals, and objectives will be the roadmap for our work together. I will use evidence-based treatment techniques, largely based on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you identify and change patterns in thinking and behavior that may be contributing to your current dissatisfaction. But perhaps even more important than the therapeutic approach employed, I will endeavor to build a relationship with you by being present, genuine, honest, and compassionate. I have learned that the outcomes my clients achieve are often a reflection of the strength of our therapeutic relationship. So, are you ready to partner with me as you endeavor to overcome the situations, relationship challenges, or symptoms that seem to be barriers between you and your best life? If so, I am committed to walking with you on your journey.

Hello! My name is Dr. Jennifer Jordan. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Florida. I received my PhD in Counseling Psychology from National University and Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University. I have worked with individuals, couples and families seeking counseling for 20 years, both online and in a variety of settings. I help clients learn new skills to successfully navigate the challenges of life, deepen their understanding of themselves, enhance their relationships, and improve their mental health and emotional well-being.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor based in North Carolina. My experience comes from providing direct mental health care in various settings and providing grief counseling to children in school and national grief counseling settings. I have worked with children, teens, and adults with varied presenting issues, including anxiety, depression, anger management, trauma, stress, low self-esteem, Women issues, Marital/ Pre-Marital, Spirituality, Life Coaching, and family issues. I approach the therapeutic relationship with respect and dignity for each client. I walk with them on their journey to wholeness at their own pace. I worked with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate their challenges. I am compassionate and a great listener. I believe in what I do and am compassionate about helping the people I serve. We all can reach our highest potential, which is what I want to help my clients obtain. Many individuals I worked with have had setbacks, but once they believe in themselves, they realize their stumbling blocks are only stepping stones to their destination. Working toward a more fulfilling and happier life takes a lot of strength and determination. If you allow me, I will walk with you on your journey. I earned a Master of Arts (MA) in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I have six years of professional Counseling and over thirty years of experience working in human services.

AVAILABLE EVENINGS & WEEKENDS Now accepting clients with late evening and weekend availability. As we step into a new year, many people find themselves reflecting on what they want to release, restore, and rebuild in their lives. If you are feeling ready for meaningful change—but unsure where to begin—you don’t have to do it alone. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina with 21 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. I specialize in helping clients manage stress and anxiety, navigate relationship challenges, work through family conflict, and strengthen motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. My therapeutic approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences. Together, we work to identify patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and build the clarity and confidence needed to move forward with intention. The beginning of a new year often brings a desire for alignment, healing, and growth. Choosing to invest in yourself—your emotional well-being, your relationships, and your future—takes courage. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready to prioritize yourself in a new way, therapy can be a powerful place to start. I am committed to walking alongside you as you work toward a more balanced, fulfilling, and authentic life—at a pace that honors your needs and your schedule. Late evening and weekend appointments available to support busy professionals, parents, and individuals seeking flexible care.

Change can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. We all face situations throughout life that can make us feel overwhelmed and in need of support, encouragement, strategic planning or goal setting. You are not alone. I provide a safe, warm and friendly environment for growth and healing. You may need support in family life transitions, a parent-child relationship, peers groups, marriage, divorce, social issues, academic challenges or behavioral issues. While we are working together, I take a collaborative approach to help you to achieve your goals and overcome the challenges you're facing in life. I am here to support and empower you on your personal journey. Recognizing when issues in life have become too much to handle alone and seeking assistance is a great first step on your healing journey. It takes a lot of courage to reach out to someone, so I applaud you on taking that first huge step.

Hi there! I am Robert Brown, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based out of North Carolina. I have been practicing for 30 years and have a focus on adults who have experienced depressed mood, anxiety, grief, or trauma. It's always been a privilege for me to serve folks who are ready to create a lasting and meaningful change through our journey together.

I am a licensed mental health therapist and private practice owner dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity, resilience, and self-compassion. I specialize in supporting clients who are dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I strive to create a safe space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.

I am a bilingual clinical social worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of trauma, depression, and anxiety. My practice is built on a fundamental belief: you possess the internal power to reflect on your life, understand yourself from new perspectives, and integrate meaningful changes. With a deep clinical background in PTSD, domestic violence, and sexual assault, I provide a survivor-centered space that prioritizes your safety and agency. I am also passionate about psychedelic-assisted therapy and am trained in harm reduction and integration, offering a grounded, non-judgmental approach to processing non-ordinary states of consciousness. I work using person-centered, feminist, and anti-racist frameworks, meaning I recognize that your individual challenges are often inextricably linked to the systems you live within.

Candace “NIX” Fritts is a licensed Zumba instructor, yoga instructor and Licensed Clinical social worker. She has been teaching Zumba over 5 years and has utilized her passion for healing and helping others as a therapist over the past decade. “NIX” specializes in and has a passion for cultural diversity, gender identity/LGBTQIA+ issues, equality, relationship/marital issues, depression, anxiety, and Trauma. She defines "empathy" as her number one skill and superpower. In addition “NIX” is a huge advocate and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. She is also a member NAACP and the Black political caucus of Cabarrus County. NIX also encourages health and wellness with a belief that healing can be achieved in various ways. Fun Fact: NIX was once a contestant on “Lets make a Deal”

Hi! I'm a Licensed Social Worker (LCSW) based in North Carolina. I received my Masters from East Carolina University and have been practicing for 6 years. Over the past several years I have worked closely with all populations including children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have extensive experience with anxiety, depression, adhd, trauma, family conflict, behavioral issues, and crisis intervention.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) practicing in North Carolina. I have been practicing for 16 years and have a wide range of therapeutic tools in my toolbox to work with clients of various ages and developmental stages. I consider it a privilege to work alongside clients who are experiencing life changes, relationship challenges, healing from past hurts, and who are wanting to grow personally. I enjoy being a part of the healing process and journey for my clients.