If you’re looking for a therapist in Durham, NC, you have many opinions. Online therapy can be a good option for people who prefer to attend individual counseling from the comfort of their own home at a time that works around their schedule. Therapy, whether in-person or online, can help with a variety of mental health concerns, from eating disorders to depression to substance misuse. If you need pre-marital counseling or help working through challenges posed by life adjustments, divorce recovery, sexual orientations, and more, a therapist can help you learn coping strategies to cope with life's challenges. 

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform where you can find mental health counseling from counselors who use a person-centered approach to help you live a more fulfilling life. Connect with a Durham-based therapist below to get started.

This is Heather Pack's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Pack

Offering therapy in NC
License: MA,LPCS,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am a mental health counselor in WV and NC. I love working in the helping field. I have 15 years experience with School Counseling, Mental Health Counseling and Substance Abuse Counseling. I have done everything from running treatment centers for addiction, to providing case management support for people with Schizophrenia. I have worked with 100's of clients, and each story is inspiring and incredible. The resiliency I see in the people I work with just proves how powerful the human spirit can be. Some other personal things about me, I am also a dance instructor. I love to tap and learn new forms of music. My friends call me a searcher, because I am always wondering about science and space or how the universe ebbs and flows. I enjoy reading nonfiction books mostly, typically about how a person has experience trauma and came out the other side to help others. I am currently working as a School Counselor in WV, but I missed the clinical aspect of my career. So, I am using this online platform to provide counseling to those who may not have access to transportation or just prefer the online experience. I am comfortable working with you if you have experienced trauma, have depression, anxiety, bipolar dx, ADHD, adjusting to a new situation, relationship issues, LGBTQA, addiction, etc. All clients are welcome. I'm very excited to start working with you.

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This is LaShaunda Hanna's avatar and link to their profile

LaShaunda Hanna

Offering therapy in NC
License: M.S,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

My counseling experience has prepared me to counsel adult clients from various walks of life. I have provided counseling services to clients with various mental health diagnoses related but not limited to anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD/ADD, mood disorders, and grief/loss. I view counseling as a process by which I facilitate my clients in exploration, clarification and identification of their needs and help them to make changes in cognition and behaviors that will result in the attainment of life satisfaction and self-acceptance. I operate from a Cognitive Behavioral approach but utilize a Multi-modal approach to counseling which is holistic, person-centered, and empirically based. I rely on research and employ my training and integrate an array of therapeutic interventions that I believe will yield optimum results for the individual and the issues presented. Although I expect you to benefit from counseling, I cannot guarantee any specific results. Counseling is a personal exploration and may lead to major changes in your life perspectives and decisions. However if you are ready and willing to work through the therapeutic process I'll be here to support you all along the way of your counseling journey. I sincerely look forward to getting to know you better .

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Dr. Latasha McIlwaine

Offering therapy in NC
License: EdD,LCMHCS,LPCS
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
18 years of experience

Hello, I am Dr. Latasha McIlwaine, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS) in the states of South Carolina and Georgia and also a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS) in the state of North Carolina. I am also have a license and certification in Addictions (LCAS/CCS) and I am certified in Domestic Violence. I earned my graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling and went on to study Counseling Psychology to earn my Doctorate degree (EdD). I have been in practice for over 18 years across North and South Carolina and Georgia. I have extensive training in a range of modalities including, person/client-centered, brief solution focused, reality, family and cognitive behavioral therapies. I also have experience in Anger Management and Marriage and Family Therapy. I am an educator too with undergraduate, graduate and doctorate students who are pursuing their goal of becoming a therapist. I am also an author and my first book is Fragile Brokenness: The Unspoken Secrets That Shaped A Pretty Unprotected Girl Into A Practicing Clinician And Therapist. My book speaks to my experiences with life and mental health issues and how I coped and learned to deal, made pivotal moves and developed plans for successful overcomes. My book also speaks to how I found my calling to become a clinical therapist helping and teaching others. I have extensive experience providing quality services for adults, children, couples as well as families on a wide range of areas including depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, relationships, interpersonal dynamics, communication, self-esteem, school/career issues, anger management, stress management, parenting and addictions. I am also in private practice providing tele-therapy, Insightful Options, PLLC. I have two websites: https://www.insightful-options.com and https://www.drlatashamcilwaine.com; https://www.greenemcilwainefoundation.org I look forward to working with you!

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Geoffrey Birch

Offering therapy in NC
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Is the hurt of a traumatic past still weighing on you? Or maybe you’re struggling with a toxic relationship or can’t find the confidence to stand up for yourself. I can help you learn to let go of the past. Even if it’s been months, years or even decades, there is hope. The idea of rebuilding our life is daunting, but not impossible. Above all, I help people cope with anxiety, depression and substance abuse to get back to living life to the fullest and being the best version of themselves. I believe in being transparent and honest with my clients. Sometimes the message that we need to hear isn’t easy to hear. However, through honesty, I foster an environment of focused growth and progress. Therapy is a way to understand the challenges you face and develop ways to overcome them with the support of someone in your corner. Life can be full of ups and downs that often come without a warning. While it’s natural to attempt to attempt to overcome these challenges on our own, this can often lead to additional stress, isolation and anxiety. Change doesn’t occur overnight, but through therapy, I can support you to in your journey towards a different future.

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Julia Brown

Offering therapy in NC
License: MSW,LCSW,LCAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
24 years of experience

Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Indiana and North Carolina and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor with Indiana. Having over 20 years of experience and the last 10 years of experience working directly with active-duty service members and their families. I am able to bring to you a wealth of knowledge and experience that will better assist with working through the difficulties you are facing. My approach to counseling is supportive with a strong emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. I look forward to meeting with you and being your guide along this journey.

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DANIEL OLACIREGUI

Offering therapy in NC
License: M.S.,LMHC,EMDR trained
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

My name is Daniel OIaciregui M.S. , LMHC. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have been working as a therapist since 2017. I have the pleasure of working with a wide variety of clients. I have been working with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, trauma, first responders, and Bipolar clients. I am versed in several modalities including Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused, Trauma, and EMDR trained. I utilize these approaches with my clients to help address and manage their needs. I believe it is essential to creating a partnership with clients to maximize success. I believe increasing one's quality of life is key for better living. I appreciate and respect the courage it takes to ask for help, and am grateful for the opportunity to assist others.

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Lois Plock

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCSW,LCAS
AddictionsRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteem
9 years of experience

I am a dually licensed clinician in North Carolina and possess an additional license in Florida as well. Having started my education later in my adult life, I 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. Throughout my career I have held different positions in mental health. I started at the bottom, and through my education worked my way up, and, because of that I have been able to experience different perspectives while working with this population. I have experience working in addictions residential treatment, Intensive Outpatient Programs, facilitating support groups, teaching life skills, as well as speaking engagements, Through a Christian approach I have worked with many individuals struggling with low self-esteem, purpose, guilt and shame, and a variety of other life's obstacles and helping clients resolve them. I believe in using a collaborative approach in helping my clients. In addition to my Christian counseling experiences, I also use a multitude of other evidence-based practices, including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Motivational Therapy. I believe myself to be supportive, yet direct. I am compassionate, empathetic and endeavor to provide each client with a safe space to openly work on and address the barriers in their life that are causing them distress, pain, and suffering. Specialties: Addictions Substance Abuse Codependency Relationship Issues Grief Trauma Spiritual Issues

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This is Sandy Drew's avatar and link to their profile

Sandy Drew

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Meghan Graham

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersDepression
10 years of experience

It takes courage to seek support when faced with adversities and challenging life situations. Counseling can offer a safe and supportive space for processing and healing. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of clinical counseling experience. My clinical experience includes, but is not limited to, supporting people struggling with trauma exposure, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, difficult life transitions, eating disorders, relational concerns, behavioral concerns, intimate partner violence, and those experiencing suicidality. My counseling style is to build a therapeutic alliance where we can approach challenges and this therapeutic journey as a team. I have worked with people from all diverse walks of life and believe in treating everyone with respect, empathy, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines trauma informed interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic, and psychodynamic counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Whatever you are facing, please know that you are not alone. I hope to join you on this journey of growth and healing. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions and I look forward to speaking with you soon!

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This is Kevin George II's avatar and link to their profile

Kevin George II

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I work with clients who are ready to heal and live more authentic and empowered lives. If you need a space to work on past trauma, current relationship struggles, depression/anxieties, and/or finding you purpose, I would love to work with you. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and respect. I believe that every man deserves a safe and non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges. I specialize in men's work and relationships. Men carry so much pain that is unspoken. We often do not have an outlet to share this hurt for fear of looking weak by being vulnerable. It takes immense courage to embrace your pain and begin to heal. I provide a space where men can learn to become vulnerable and heal the pain so many of us carry around everyday. I provide a safe, empathic, and clear presence. I am able to offer actionable steps to begin healing and connect more with yourself in order to enhance your life and relationships. Life can be difficult and sometimes it hits us with a hammer. I am here to walk with you on your journey to heal and build the life you want. If anything you have read resonates, please feel free to contact me directly.

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How to find counseling in Durham

Finding the best therapist close by in Durham can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Durham. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Durham, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Durham or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Durham area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Durham, elsewhere in Durham, or in the greater state of North Carolina.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Durham area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Durham therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Durham due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Durham may not take health insurance, some in the state of North Carolina may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of North Carolina you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Durham, North Carolina working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Durham above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Durham helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Durham therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Durham therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Durham therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in NC, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 27717 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Durham counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Durham licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Durham, North Carolina can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Durham has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Durham.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Durham:

27701, 27702, 27703, 27704, 27705, 27706, 27707, 27708, 27709, 27710, 27711, 27712, 27713, 27715, 27717, 27722

Popular cities near Durham, NC

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