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Melissa Groh

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello! Thank you so much for visiting my profile and for choosing to take this step in your life. My name is Melissa Groh and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Truman State University and my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. I have been practicing as a mental health therapist for six years and have worked with people of all ages. Throughout my work, I have assisted clients with concerns related to anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief and loss (hospice), life changes, parenting challenges, homelessness, substance abuse, and many other subjects. My style as a therapist is warm and inviting, with a healthy amount of empowerment to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself. I draw from a wide variety of theories and techniques centering around talk therapy and including a solution focused, task centered, mindfulness, and strengths based approach. I believe that in working together we can make progress and improvements in the areas you are seeking help with. I treat each client as an individual and tailor my approach in ways that benefit you most. I know that initially therapy can feel like a lot of hard work and is sometimes scary and overwhelming, but I’m proud of you for moving forward. I believe that together we can work towards accomplishing your goals and I would love the opportunity to work with you.

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Keisha Moore

Offering therapy in NC
License: MA, LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

Hello and thank you for the opportunity to serve you. I have been working with children and families in various capacities for over 20 years and have been working as a therapist licensed with the state of North Carolina for the past 7 years. I work with individuals with a wide range of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, anger, ADHD , trauma, physical emotional, verbal abuse, relationship issues and career challenges and stress management. I have experience in therapy with people of all ages, alternate lifestyles, many faiths and individuals from varying ethnic and cultural backgrounds- regardless of their socioeconomic status. I am also experienced in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, stress/anger management, career difficulties, critical incident stress and various issues with people with disabilities. I have worked with females and I am sensitive to feminine issues in counseling. I believe that my diversity of experiences has provided me with a range of skills and an ability to flexibly approach each client's unique circumstances. My theoretical approach to counseling is interactive in style and based on the cognitive behavioral therapy model. Depending on your individual need I will use different methods of therapy. I also employ techniques of cognitive-behavioral counseling,solution focused, acceptance and commitment therapy and motivational interviewing which empowers the client to challenge your internal thinking process to motivate positive change in your life. This is a philosophy of empowerment and accepts the client as the driving force in change. Most sessions will focus on self-awareness, choice, problem solving, and setting goals for the present and future. Other areas of counseling may include focusing on responsibility, meaning of life, your strengths and limitations, self-concept, acceptance, and change. Outside of session, there may be homework assignments such as journal writing, reading, art or other methods of self-discovery and expression.

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Dawn Discenza

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

My name is Dawn (she/her pronouns). I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor and have been licensed in North Carolina since 2014. I have worked in the mental health field for 20 plus years. I have really been enjoying my time working with clients here at BetterHelp. I began working on this platform in January of 2021 and I have to admit that I still am really happy working in this setting. Since being licensed I have been working with all age groups; starting with those at the age of 5. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I have worked with those who struggle with PTSD for many reasons; including but not limited to: domestic violence; rape/sexual abuse; physical abuse; neighborhood violence; disasters; military time and others. My counseling style is friendly and interactive. I am not passive and I am very communicative. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in focusing time on labels. My approach combines a combination of evidenced based therapies including cognitive-behavioral, dialectic behavioral, motivational interviewing and others. I will modify our time, discussions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes a lot to reach out and ask for help. I am so glad that you did. I look forward to working with you!

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Richard McDonald

Offering therapy in NC
License: MS,LCAS,LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I have a Bachelors in Economics and a Masters in Mental Health Counseling. I am licensed by the state of North Carolina as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and as a Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS). I am also a Nationally Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and I belong to the American Counseling Association, The National Board of Certified Counselors and the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). I have been working in human services for the past 26 years and 4 years of counseling in a variety of different settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, ADHD and career challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I enjoy helping people and I do this through the use of the following therapeutic models: - Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), - Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), - Motivational Interviewing (MI) and - Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs within these evidenced based therapeutic models. These models have demonstrated efficacy in producing positive outcomes for persons that are predisposed to a myriad of disorders including: - Stress, - Anxiety, - Depression, - Major life adjustments and - Addiction It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Tanya Richmond

Offering therapy in NC
License: MSW,LCSW,Certified Death Doula
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
26 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and a certified person centered practitioner (person centered thinking trainer and mentor trainer) with more than 26 years of experience in the field. I have worked with people experiencing a wide range of concerns including grief, loss, end-of-life planning, anxiety, stress, coping, trauma, and improving self-care (particularly for caregivers). I use mindfulness therapy and person centered skills and find Qi Gong and Yogic breathing as well as guided meditation to be beneficial techniques to build into my work. My style is person centered, warm, reflective, and engaging. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. I listen to learn what is important to you...and always keep that in mind when we work together. I don't like to use labels and feel they limit us all. I will customize our time together and your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am glad that you are seeking purpose, meaning, and a happier life by addressing those things that may be holding you back, troubling, or confusing you. That can be a daring journey and you have taken the first step! I am here to help you think through changes you may want or need to make and to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Sherrita Ried

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION In 2003, I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from University of North Carolina at Wilmington. I earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Wake Forest University in 2018. My graduate program is accredited by the American Counseling Association’s Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the nationally recognized agency for counseling graduate program THEORETICAL ORIENTATION My approach to counseling is based upon Person-Centered, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral theoretical principles. During session, I strive to maintain an environment that contains unconditional positive regard, empathy and will be genuine. I guide clients through the process of exploring feeling, thoughts and solutions. I will work with you to develop a plan not just for the moment but to carry into the future. COUNSELING BACKGROUND My professional path started with a career in nursing. I learned that there was a large gap in whole body healthcare and I wanted to help my patients heal mentally. I made the transition to mental health because I wanted to make a lasting impact. I am trained in Grief and Loss Counseling, Trauma Counseling, Premarital Counseling, and Group Counseling. I have over 12 years of training and experience which includes work with terminally ill, military members and their families, alternative sexual life, trauma, and LGBTQ+. I am also EMDR trained.

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Jacqueline Worthington

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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 a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

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Martha Cobb

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Sandee Nebel

Offering therapy in NC
License: LMHC,LPC,CEDS-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseEating disordersSelf esteem
19 years of experience

Hello, I am Sandee Nebel, MS, LMHC, LPC, LPC-MHSP, LCMHC, CEDS-S. RYT. (licensed in 4 states) Are you struggling with feeling stuck or with adjustment and resistant to change? There are so many changes universally right now and they can be overwhelming. Even adapting back to what we are referring to as "normalcy" is different and new, right? Or...do you have some issues with feeling confident in one or more areas of your life? I get it. Sometimes clients come to me for support and guidance with their relationships, yet their work situation is mostly satisfying. And still others would like to feel more comfortable in their family role, professional role, or even in their roles in general. I can help you with these struggles. They are challenging to work through on your own and getting some help from a professional can bring such relief. Especially if you have been feeling stuck for awhile now, I can help you move past any traumas that may be holding you back. Sometimes you may not even realize that something from your past is re-playing in the present. I use eye movements in a form of reprocessing called Accelerated Resolution Therapy. It is similar to EMDR, except it is known to be faster (as in you're not re-experiencing trauma for long) and we clear past traumas in a solution focused format. I am certified as a Master ART Therapist. If you are someone who has been in therapy before, or are reaching out for help for the first time and you are ready to try to make lasting change, I am the type of therapist who will encourage you along your path. It will sometimes be a few steps forward and one or two back in the process of personal growth. As an experienced and compassionate therapist for 18 years, I aim to help my clients walk through life situations, over the bumps in the road, as you continue to keep moving forward, getting better and feeling better. In therapy, I use the treatment modalities that best resolve my clients’ issues. If you are experiencing a lot of stress and feeling anxious, I may use mindfulness skills from my training as a yoga teacher to alleviate the discomfort you are feeling. I provide therapy tools (Yoga, Accelerated Resolution Therapy) for you to apply on your own, too. If you are struggling with making changes, whether it is to cut back on alcohol, eat or sleep better, have better relationships, or move into a new career, I use motivational interviewing. I use all evidence-based therapies, matching the solution-focused theory to the problem, meeting you where you are at. I really look forward to my work each day, am basically tireless whether I am providing therapy, training to new therapists, or leading a workshop or seminar. I make time for my relaxation, learning, and taking good care of myself, so I can enjoy my own relationships and my career to the fullest.

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Joshua May

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Topsail Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach. 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 Topsail Beach, 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach, elsewhere in Pender, 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 Topsail Beach area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach, 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 28445 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach, 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.

Topsail Beach 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Topsail Beach.

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

28445

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