Optum Therapists in North Carolina

The decision to connect with a mental health professional takes courage and self-awareness. The pressures of life can be overwhelming and too much to handle on our own. Most times, with our busy daily lives, we don't take the time to check in with ourselves physically, mentally, or emotionally. Being more mindful and aware of how our mind and body interact and influence each other can help reduce anxiety, depression symptoms, improve mood and give us a better understanding of not only ourselves but have the ability to appreciate the world around us through a more positive lens. My approach is cognitive-based while also using mindfulness techniques. During the therapeutic process, I aim to empower my clients to regulate their emotions and become skillful in handling those things within their control. I specialize in complex trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, exploring life transitions, and negative thought processes. I aim to create a safe space for clients to feel comfortable discussing difficult topics. I want clients to feel comfortable to be able to share their thoughts and feelings without the feeling of judgment.

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.

Welcome — I’m John Dyson, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), based in the foothills of North Carolina. Take a moment to acknowledge that you’ve already taken the first step toward bettering your mental health. Let’s be honest — starting therapy can feel empowering, confusing, or even scary — sometimes all at once. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can explore concerns related to anxiety, depression, and self-care. I focus on helping clients build assertive communication skills and healthy boundaries, both with themselves and with others, in ways that support a more balanced, fulfilling life. Therapy is an opportunity for personal growth in whatever way you're seeking — whether that means navigating specific challenges or building the life you deeply deserve. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’m here when you’re ready. Together, we’ll clarify the challenges you’re facing and identify where you want to be — a month, six months, or a year from now. Then, we’ll explore actionable strategies to help you move forward. You'll leave each session with a clearer understanding of your situation and a set of “next steps” you can begin right away. There will always be space for feedback and collaboration in our work — including holding each other accountable as we walk this path together.

Hi, my name is Anna. I am licensed in North Carolina with over 10 years of professional experience. I'm deeply passionate about helping others navigate life's challenges with more clarity, compassion, and connection. I believe the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important components of therapy, and strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel genuinely seen and supported.

I have been working in the human service field for the past 20 years. I work with the geriatric population, military families, active-duty members & veterans, teens with academic issues/child custody issues/juvenile delinquents, foster kids & blended homes, individuals with immunodeficiency disorders, incarcerated adults: males/females (jail & prisons) & those reentering society, addictions (alcohol/drugs), self-esteem issues: oppression/privilege issues pertaining to race; the homeless, & with abuse/neglect/exploited/abandoned issues. I help with acceptance & change. I work with the LGBTQ2+ community, divorce separation issues, and with those in a polyamorous relationship. I specialized in the following: ADHD, Alcohol Use Disorder/ALcoholism, Anger Management, Anxiety, Chronic Illness, Chronic Relapse, Communication skill building, Coping Skills, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Dual Diagnosis, Family Conflict, Grief/loss issues, Dating and Romance Issues, Life Transitions, Marital and Premarital issues, Peer Relationships, Racial Identity, Re-entry into society, Self Esteem, Spirituality, Stress, Weight Loss, and Women's Issues.

Welcome! I am a depth-psychology and somatic-focused therapist with over 26 years of expertise practicing, teaching, and supervising others in the field. I work with women of every life stage. Clients value my non-pathologizing, heart-of-the-matter, clear, and supportive approach. I use proven tools to help women gain authentic emotional awareness, integrate and understand parts of themselves, heal suffering, and create more clarity and ease in their life. The work may include trauma recovery, DBT skills, ego parts work (similar to IFS), dreamwork, soul exploring, CBT, ecosomatic therapy, application of polyvagal theory, mindfulness meditation, nervous system attunement, EMDR for telehealth, and somatic healing. I work with both immediate crises and ongoing issues. Reaching out for support can be challenging -- my focus is to make it as easy as possible. Women I work with are often seeking help with depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, chronic pain, PTSD, emotional abuse recovery, highly sensitive person needs, grief and loss, and finding deeper life purpose and career concerns. My past career includes: clinical professor of social work, college campus therapist, mindfulness based stress reduction therapist at Duke Center for Living, integrative health center therapist helping support those with chronic stress, pain, and health issues, and years in private practice. Together, we create an environment for deepening your self-understanding, empowerment, and growth. My approach is practical, focused on long-lasting change, and is based on the following premises: you are your own healer, all healing comes from your ability to understand and connect to your own deepest wisdom so you can integrate and understand, and the human spirit is resilient —when given proper practical attention and tools, you are able to call in your wholeness and integration. My focus is to make the process of working together as easy as possible, and I hope you will reach out!

Are you in search of completing your puzzle? The puzzle we call life? Look no further, together we can find the missing piece(s) and bring the function back into the dysfunction and chaos. Navigating through your thoughts, feelings, and actions to create the unique YOU, you have always wanted and needed. The power is yours! I, Paula Patterson, MSW, LCSW look forward to the opportunity to be a part of your journey. Please feel free to reach out and make your dream life of healthy, happy relationships become a reality,

Hello, I am Lori Breland MA, NCC, LCMHC, C-DBT. My primary focus is working with juvenile females/ at risk youth aged 11-17 with significant behaviors and/or involved in the court system. I am a MA (Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling), NCC (National Certified Counselor), LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor), and C-DBT (Certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I am a member of ACA, ACES, Chi Upsilon Chi Honor Society, and Southern ACES.

I provide a non-judgmental, genuine, and warm atmosphere that helps clients feel at ease from the start. My passion is supporting people through a wide range of challenges — whether it’s everyday stress related to relationships, work, or school, or deeper, long-standing issues rooted in childhood or past trauma. No matter where you’re starting from, my goal is to help you develop a stronger, more grounded, and content sense of self.

Hi, I'm Tyshequa McBride, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist in North Carolina. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor in SC. My passion for mental health started with substance use as I watched family and community members go through the cycle of addiction and incarceration. I stepped into the mental health field as a Mental Health Technician working with adolescents hospitalized due to challenges with mental health. I later attended the University of Carolina at Pembroke and earned my MA.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in Addictions Counseling. I began my work as a mental health provider working with ex-offenders re-entering society, and I later transitioned into inpatient crisis work for substance use detoxification and mental health stabilization. I am now providing mental health and substance use services in Outpatient therapy to adults from diverse backgrounds. *I do offer a sliding scale and we can discuss during the first session. *

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) base in North Carolina. I earned my Master's Degree from East Carolina University and have accumulated 15 years of experience in the social work field, with 9 years of practice. I specialize in providing support to young adults and women going through various life transitions, particularly motherhood. I thoroughly enjoy assisting individuals during the perinatal to postpartum stages. I also specialize in guiding clients through their healing journey from past traumas, grief and loss, and burnout.

I have a PhD in Psychology and am a LCSW. I am certified in EMDR, IFS, CIT, RRT, and Play Therapy. I am also married to a retired Navy Veteran and mom/bonus mom to seven. I have spent the past 30 years working within the criminal and civil court system with individuals, families, couples, and adolescents, as well as advocating for victims of crime and first responders, including military families. I also treat individuals that have experienced grief and loss and Health issues.

Greetings to all of you. My name is Jameion B. Fowler. I'm so happy to be able to work with a variety of different populations throughout my career. These include Mental Health, Substance Abuse and work with Children and families. I am currently working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Therapist. I am currently licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in North Carolina and South Carolina and have a Master of Science in Human Development from Virginia Tech. I have a background working with various ages including children aged 7+ to pre-teens, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I have experience working with various issues, including communication, conflict, depression, anxiety, anger management, self-esteem, emotional regulation, ADHD, relational problems, family issues, and phase of life concerns.

I am here to aid you on your journey in becoming the version of yourself you want to be. We will walk this journey together and figure out the best way to deal with changes that occur in your life. I come with an open mind and ask that you do the same. Realize we are in this adventure together and your opinion, experiences and vision for yourself will be the focus of our plan. Feeling empowered, challenged and heard. You will know that your concerns are valid and deserved to be addressed.

Hi there, I'm Tonya Bunch. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 11 years experience serving the community. I help high performers, emotional suffering, and trauma survivors to manage burnout, learn emotion regulation, mindfulness, and recovery in trauma. Together we will work to identify what is working and what is not working for you to help balance your life. We will use a person-centered approach to balance your mind, body, spirit and environment. I love using strength-based and mindfulness to help you learn that you have the coping skills to manage your struggles. Whether you are seeking help for anxiety, depression, trauma or relationship issues, I am here to help. Seeking therapy is scary and taking the first step is the hardest. I am here to support you nonjudgmentally, no matter the issue. You are making the right choice. I give you the space and time to build a therapeutic relationship to reach your goals. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I will meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits that have been holding you back. Let's work together!

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC and a Licensed Professional Counselor in SC. I received my Master's Degree from Montreat College. I have been practicing professional counseling for 9 years. I help those ages 16+ learn how to navigate life, manage stressors, identify and manage emotions while building coping skills and learning to reframe negative thoughts.

Hi, I’m Charlie Counselman, a therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and practical support. I specialize in working with clients dealing with anxiety, addiction, and depression, using evidence-based approaches like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and 12-step facilitation. I also have extensive experience treating men's issues, agoraphobia, and trauma. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can build resilience, find clarity, and move toward lasting growth.

Hi, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in North Carolina. I received my degree from Saybrook University in California and have been practicing for the past 15 years. I have specialized training in Somatic Experiencing and Attachment Therapy. I work with adults to resolve symptoms of stress, shock, and trauma that accumulate in our bodies and nervous systems transforming patterns that get stuck and impact our daily life. I support clients in bringing their nervous systems back into balance getting out of fight, flight and freeze to strengthen one's sense of safety, resourcefulness and resilience in the world. Some of the techniques I use are helping clients slow down and attune to what is happening in their bodies. I also work with clients on "resourcing" or finding tools to help them self soothe when they are feeling emotionally overloaded.

My name is Alisa Spilkia “Gabbi”, a Native of Colombia South America. I have a BA from Hofstra University Long Island, NY where I majored in Mass Communications and continued a career in Audio Radio Broadcasting Media. Having worked for some of the largest record labels in the music industry of that time including Arista, Polygram and Universal Records in NYC and Warner Brothers. Here I learned how to find talent in assisting people with their goals and dreams and be the liaison for artists and repertoire development while dealing with the large demands of the corporate record labels. This moved me into a career in social work upon moving to North Carolina. My life’s passion became to empower others to find and utilize their strengths in the world using a vast array of interventions. Being an orphan myself, my heart resides with the children which is why I made my area of expertise in working with their parents and adults with often co-occurring disorders. I am proficient in working with marginalized populations with co-morbidities, BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and SPMI populations. I establish trust and rapport by expressing empathy and compassion while exemplifying boundaries using an integrative approach for optimum wellness of mind, body, and spirit. I enjoy assisting people who are challenged by anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and histories of abuse. I strive to be your guide on the side while helping you navigate your way to achieving the goals you set for yourself and to live a more fulfilling and rewarding life.

As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), Military & Family Life Counselor (MFLC), Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), and holder of a B.S. in Health & Fitness Specialist, I offer a whole-person, integrated approach to healing. I'm also a combat veteran who knows firsthand the pain, isolation, and uncertainty that come with trauma, disability, and major life transitions. I’ve felt stuck, lost purpose, and fought to rebuild. Through the same services I now offer—counseling, rehabilitation, fitness, and career support—I reclaimed my life. Now, it’s my mission to help others do the same. Credentials & Core Services LCMHC – I provide mental health counseling to help individuals manage trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress while building emotional resilience. LCAS – I support recovery from substance use and co-occurring disorders with evidence-based care. MFLC – I deliver short-term, solution-focused counseling to service members and their families, aiding with deployment, reintegration, and transitions. CRC – I assist individuals with disabilities in vocational rehabilitation, career counseling, and return-to-work planning. Health & Fitness Specialist – I integrate physical wellness into treatment, recognizing the role of movement and strength in healing—especially for veterans and trauma survivors. My Mission I serve the whole person—mind, body, and purpose. Whether supporting mental health, guiding addiction recovery, navigating career change, or rebuilding physical strength, I meet each client where they are. I bring not only clinical expertise but lived experience, empathy, and a deep belief in the power of healing. This is more than a profession—it’s a calling. I walk beside others the way someone once walked beside me—with strength, compassion, and hope.

Hi, I'm Amy. Thank you for taking the first step to create change and work toward your goals. Do you feel out of balance and overwhelmed? I am passionate about supporting people to find balance and improve overall well-being. I believe well-being is not only about mental health but extends to physical, spiritual, and financial health since all life areas are weaved together. I believe every person has the ability and power to live their best life. To quote Rumi “The wound is the place where the light enters you” has been a guiding quote to find new abilities and opportunities. Self-improvement requires "doing the work" and reaching out for counseling is the first step in "doing the work". I have 16 years of experience working in community mental health, private practice and facilitating groups and 12 years licensed as a clinician. I earned a BS from North Carolina State University and an MA in Agency Counseling from North Carolina Central University. My career has focused on supporting people with substance use disorder and process addictions (gambling disorder), supporting active duty military and their families and working with people who have chronic pain and illness. When not working as a counselor, I take care of my terrific toddler. We enjoy swimming, reading, playground adventures and toddler-friendly activities.

Hola! I am a Hispanic, Bilingual (Spanish/English), licensed clinical social worker in North Carolina. I received my Masters from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and I have 40+ years of experience providing therapy services and social work services to the NC community. I have helped clients suffering with difficulty managing their stress and communication styles, relational difficulties- parenting, marital, family-, occupational, and emotional problems such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and much more. I have a non-judgmental style and treat my clients with respect, empathy, sensitivity, and compassion, and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you during that journey.

Hello! My name is Chandra and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in North Carolina. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University School of Social Work (IUPUI). I help people cope with life transitions and the stress that comes along with them. I have 19 years of experience working with youth and families in various settings.

Hi! I am a dually licensed therapist in both Florida and North Carolina. I began my education later in my adult life, and believed I had arrived late to the game. But I found that life experience paired with my own belief system, allowed me the opportunity to view life's challenges through a unique lens, and because of that I am non-judgmental and empathetic towards people who are struggling with the hurts life has dealt them. I believe in using a collaborative approach in helping my clients. I use evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, and Motivational Therapy, as well as Christian Counseling. I am supportive, yet direct with empathy, compassion and help you address the barriers in your life that are causing you pain and distress.