Optum Therapists in North Carolina

Welcome! Making the decision to better your mental health is an important step toward improving your quality of life and feeling healthier. I am a seasoned, Clinical Psychologist with 25 + years of extensive experience assisting clients identify problem areas that are contributing to distress and unhappiness in their lives and develop strategies to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and have worked in many different settings with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma and those dealing with life stressors or events that are interfering with life. I strive to create a safe, warm and welcoming environment that allows clients to feel at ease as they explore and work on obstacles /problems to lead to positive change. I look forward to working with you on your journey to better health and peace of mind.

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.

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.

I love love, and I love helping people to heal. Understanding healing occurs on all levels, I've dedicated myself for the last 23 years to being a vessel to help people navigate those levels and find their peace. My calling is to help heal the minds and souls of people so they can manifest their greater and higher selves. Whether it was through the books I've written, my former vegan catering company, practicing as a doula or navigating spaces as a licensed clinical social worker, I've always understood the assignment of helping folks recognize they have the power within themselves to heal.

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.

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.

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.

I am a licensed clinical social worker providing client centered, solution focused therapy for over 25 years with an established private practice since 2005. In my practice, my goal is to provide a supportive environment which allows clients to identify and achieve their goals. In addition to my work as a therapist, I provide training and consultation services regionally and nationally on trauma informed care, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), sexually harmful behavior, vicarious trauma and self-care.

Hi. I'm Debra, and I want you to know that I understand that life can feel overwhelming and confusing at times. Seeking support from someone with an objective perspective can make a significant difference in your journey towards clarity and peace. Reaching out allows you to gain valuable insights, clarify your path, and find practical ways to address the challenges you face. You will learn how to conquer your fears and to walk into your destiny. No longer feeling stuck, you can rise to the top and become the best version of yourself. I'm here to help guide you out of your dark time and back into the light and joy of life.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Connecticut and North Carolina. I received my Masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh and have been practicing for 9 years. I have worked in schools, hospitals and private practice. I support adults to navigate a variety of life stresses and manage mental health that allows them achieve life goals and happiness in multiple aspects of life.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome! I'm Stephanie Freeman,MSW, LCSW, LCAS. Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, and/or self-care. I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication & boundaries with themselves and those around them that can help improve their quality of life. Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be seeking and help build the life you so deeply deserve. If that's what you're looking for, I'm here when you're ready to share.

Xavier Fullerton, affectionately known as “X,” is a proud graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Master of Science in Rehabilitative Counseling. He is a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over eight years of experience across a range of clinical settings. In September 2024, Xavier transitioned out of managed care to pursue a more intentional path in mental health. By December 2024, he launched his private practice, Just Therapy PLLC, with a mission rooted in addressing men’s issues—particularly the emotional intelligence and well-being of men of color. Xavier’s therapeutic philosophy prioritizes people over diagnoses. He focuses on creating affirming, culturally attuned spaces where shared experiences lead to healing, self-awareness, and feeling truly seen.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I hold a Master of Social Work degree from Appalachian State University, focused on individuals and family systems. I have lived in North Carolina all my life and resonate greatly with the people who inhabit this beautiful state, wanting to give back to those seeking mental health support. We all experience grief in our day-to-day lives. We could be feeling grief regarding a chance not taken, a divorce, the loss of a relationship, the loss of a pet, the loss of a loved one, the loss/damage of belongings, the loss of trust in the world, experiencing holidays without someone special, or having to move. We will begin by giving space for the losses and adjustments you have experienced throughout your life, ensuring each version of you can release these emotions and process them in a safe space. I will add helpful interventions, techniques, and educational tools to provide additional support and deeper understanding.

I am a marriage and family therapist dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families build stronger, more meaningful relationships. With a warm and empathetic approach, I create a supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. I work collaboratively to navigate challenges, improve communication, and foster lasting growth, helping clients move toward healthier connections and more fulfilling lives using evidenced based modalities.

I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Charlene Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of clinical experience providing therapy in an online and office setting providing counseling to adults, children, adolescents and families in office, school and community-based environment. I have sound experience working with diverse populations, including military, homeless, victims of sexual abuse, substance abuse and personality disorders. I am confident that I can be very useful in assisting and processing you through these difficult life challenges. I generally check messages here a few times per day Thurs-Sun and respond as quickly as I can. I do appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times, as I may be tending to other clients or professional/personal responsibilities. As you can read in my profile, my therapy style combines empathy with various evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT and solution focus modalities. Taking steps to reach out for help is not easy and I commend you for your courage. I am confident that I can be very useful in assisting and processing you through these difficult life challenges. I am confident that I can be very useful with assisting and processing with you through difficult life challenges that you're facing.

My name is Amanda Chilleme, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, as well as a Master’s Certified Addiction Professional. For over 11 years, I have supported individuals in identifying what truly matters to them, navigating obstacles, and building a foundation for a more fulfilling future. My primary specialty is working with men and women struggling with substance use disorders as well as process and behavioral addictions, helping them find a pathway to a life that feels less burdened and more aligned. I also have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, grief and bereavement, trauma, attachment concerns, and personality disorders. As a clinician, I take a human-focused approach. I am not here to tell you what you need to work on—you already know the what. My role is to help you understand the why, and ultimately the how: how to shift it, heal it, overcome it, or, when appropriate, let it go altogether. Your first session is best described as a two-way interview. As I listen to your story and your narrative begins to take shape, we collaboratively determine two things: Whether I am the right therapist for you, and Whether this therapeutic relationship is the right fit for both of us. If we decide to move forward together, identifying your goals becomes your first assignment. This process allows me to better understand how you think, how you interpret challenges, and how barriers such as stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship dynamics show up for you. From there, we focus on one goal at a time. I see myself as your coach, teammate, and cheerleader! Whether you are just beginning therapy or have been on this journey for some time, I invite you to plant that seed—and see just how beautifully you grow.

Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and Certified Play Therapist, and I spent nearly 10 years as a school counselor. For over a decade, I’ve loved working in private practice, supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges and transitions. I meet with clients both virtually and at my in-person office. My passion is helping people navigate life’s ups and downs while developing emotional well-being, confidence, and a greater understanding of themselves. Every client is unique, so I tailor my approach to fit their individual needs. I believe therapy can be both meaningful and enjoyable, and I incorporate creative approaches such as art, nature, and play to help clients engage in the therapeutic process and express themselves in ways that feel natural and comfortable.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) located in northeastern North Carolina. I have 27 years of experience in the field as a clinical social worker and clinical and administrative supervisor. My experience is primarily in domestic violence, sexual assault, trauma, crisis intervention, grief, loss, major life transitions, chronic health problems, anxiety and depression. My clinical work has centered on providing trauma-based therapy to individuals impacted by complex trauma and PTSD. I use a trauma-informed lens in all aspects of care, helping clients stabilize, develop coping strategies and process traumatic experiences at a pace that feels safe. I draw on evidence-based approaches to guide recovery while empowering clients to regain control over their narratives and lives.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who helps individuals heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves. My approach combines Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to address the roots of distress and promote lasting change. I provide culturally sensitive, experiential therapy that honors your identity, values, and lived experiences. Whether we are reprocessing painful memories, exploring parts of yourself, or engaging in present-moment experiences, I create a compassionate and collaborative space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward.

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”

Welcome! My name is Kim, and I’m so glad you’re here. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of clinical experience and I believe therapy is a place where you can feel truly heard, supported, and empowered to grow. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy, which means I draw from different techniques and perspectives to best fit your unique needs and goals. I bring a warm, down-to-earth style to our work together, meeting you where you are and helping you navigate life’s challenges with compassion and hope. My goal is to create a safe and caring space where you feel comfortable to be yourself and move towards the changes you want in your life.