This is Amanda Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Atlantic Beach
Counselor License Type(s): MA,MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
14 years of experience

My goal is to help others recognize and embrace their inner strengths. I believe that this is the key to wellness and healing. We just have to learn to trust ourselves and grow from within. I operate a 100% strength-based practice that is designed to help you find your inner champion. I will help you learn to deal with whatever life throws at your way, leaving you with the tools that you need to overcome future obstacles. I believe that counseling is a teaching practice, where you can learn strategies to promote your own wellness and healing. It’s an investment in current and future self. I have special expertise in treating symptoms of anxiety, providing you with a wealth of cognitive behavioral coping skills. I use a variety of techniques in my practice to meet your individual needs. I also provide counseling services related to OCD, panic, depression, grief, relationship concerns, gender identity, sexuality, self-esteem, body image, family issues, codependency, and trauma processing. I received my undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I have a Masters in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. I also have Masters in Conflict Management and Resolution from UNCW. This has allowed me to further deepen and hone my counseling skills.

Get started View profile
This is Sarah Teague's avatar and link to their profile

Sarah Teague

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Atlantic Beach
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issues
7 years of experience

Greetings! My name is Sarah, and I am a North Carolina based Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have a passion for helping people reach their goals and gain greater self-awareness. I have over nine years of experience working in the mental health field and six years of clinical experience. I have worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, in-home care, and in clinics specializing in sexual assault, interpersonal violence, homelessness, and addictions. I have also had the honor of serving with fellow Soldiers in the US Army as a Behavioral Health Officer. Over the years, I've gained experience in treating a multitude of issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, marital conflicts, workplace and money difficulties, issues with body image, self-acceptance, and self-esteem. My approach is holistic, warm, and collaborative. I believe that you are the expert on your own life and I am here to work with you to tackle your problems head-on. I realize that there is still a great deal of stigma around mental health and it is my goal to create a space that is nonjudgmental and shame-free so that you may express your thoughts and feelings freely. Good luck in your journey, and I look forward to working with you! Note on my availability - I am currently only available on Sundays.

Get started View profile
This is Cathleen Harris's avatar and link to their profile

Cathleen Harris

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Atlantic Beach
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
20 years of experience

Cathleen Harris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 18 years of clinical experience who believes that through therapy, identities can be shaped, where healing can begin and where strength and confidence can be formed to conquer anything. That belief forms the basis of all her endeavors. Cathleen has a strong history of success helping clients with a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, anger management, domestic violence, trauma, women's issues, sexual abuse, eating disorders and addictions. She especially enjoys bringing teens and their families together to work towards positive conflict resolution. Cathleen has worked in clinical outpatient settings and community settings with children, adolescents, and adults. She has provided in home services to at-risk youth and their families. Cathleen currently provides therapy within her private practice in Indian Trail, NC. Cathleen believes that emotional, physical, social, and spiritual health are all important aspects in life. She believes that it is important to treat ourselves with the same compassion and kindness that we treat others. Cathleen uses techniques from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) as well as solution-focused therapy to assist others with feeling better and living a more balanced life. Cathleen is a passionate therapist that believes amazing transformations can occur when an individual has the right support and guidance to achieve this.

Get started View profile
This is Kathleen Wright's avatar and link to their profile

Kathleen Wright

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Atlantic Beach
Counselor License Type(s): LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 11 years of expereince working as a licensed mental health professional. I have worked in all areas of Mental & Behavioral health providing therapy for children, adolescents, adults, seniors and veterans. I have expereince working with diverse populations in the home, office and community settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, mood disorders, trauma, autism and ADHD. My clinical approach is a holistic approach, I believe that to treat a person, you must treat the whole person not just a disorder. I believe in integrating a variety of different theories and interventions in treatment. My therapy style is warm, direct, and interactive. I pride myself in treating each client as an individual and with the respect, sensitivity, and compassion that all people deserve. “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” -Socrates

Get started View profile
This is Susan Ward's avatar and link to their profile

Susan Ward

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Atlantic Beach
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LCMHC, NCC,Susan H Ward
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

Hi, I am an easy to talk to person naturally so that carries over into my counseling personality. Previously I worked with my local community college where I served all ages, 18 all the way to 70. As we go throughout our lives, our natural human development changes how our bodies respond, which in turn changes what we need along with our support systems. For example, an 18 year old with anxiety living at home with parents may have a strong support system which changes what they may need from their therapist. A mature person who may have fewer members in their support system may need something different from a therapist. Adults have different life demands that also take a toll on their mental health. I have worked with children as young as 4 which includes family counseling as well. I tend to work from a person centered theory where I am your support system as you figure out what you need and how to get it. Therapists are not advice givers but we are here with the knowledge to guide you on your path of discovery for yourself.

Get started View profile
This is Monica Edwards's avatar and link to their profile

Monica Edwards

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Atlantic Beach
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Lauren Staley Stone's avatar and link to their profile

Lauren Staley Stone

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Atlantic Beach
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Kasie Caswell's avatar and link to their profile

Kasie Caswell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Atlantic Beach
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
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, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Dinh Tran's avatar and link to their profile

Dinh Tran

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Atlantic Beach
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 4 years of professional experience. I have worked with clients on issues such as stress and anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflicts, as well as motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. My approach focuses on creating an open and safe environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to start therapy can be challenging, and I commend you for your courage in seeking help. If you’re looking to use insurance for your sessions, I am in-network with Aetna and Cigna. Please visit my website or contact me directly at dinh@dinhtrantherapy.com or 919-627-7329 for more information.

Get started View profile
This is Jerry Utt's avatar and link to their profile

Jerry Utt

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Atlantic Beach
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAnger management
30 years of experience

When developing and communicating a profile of myself to share with potential users of of my service, I believe it is important to share the beginnings of my journey into the field of clinical social work practice. I start as a graduate of the United States Army Academy of Health Sciences, Behavioral Health Division and my initial training at Letterman Army Medical Center at the Presidio of San Francisco. disorder. From there, I worked to obtain my Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and to obtain my licensure as a clinical social worker. For over twenty year of clinical social work practice, I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I am skilled in crisis intervention services directed toward individuals who have tried everything but cannot resolve critical issues that are causing significant dysfunction in living. These issues can either be behavioral health or substance use issues or a combination of both. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with skill in using Cognitive Processing Therapy in assisting individuals having trauma issues. I use Motivational Interviewing as a means to engage individuals in their treatment. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques in the treatment process to address anger management issues and self-harm issues. Working together, we can make a difference in your life. Thank you.

Get started View profile

How to find a therapist for counseling in Atlantic Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Atlantic 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 with therapists in Atlantic Beach that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Atlantic Beach. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Atlantic 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Atlantic Beach region and in the state of North Carolina. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Atlantic Beach or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Atlantic Beach therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Atlantic Beach area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Atlantic Beach, elsewhere in Carteret, or in the greater state of North Carolina. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

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

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Atlantic Beach due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Atlantic 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of North Carolina you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

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

Therapists in Atlantic 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 Atlantic Beach psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

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

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Atlantic 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified 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.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Atlantic Beach provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

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

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Atlantic Beach 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists 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 Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in NC, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 28512 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your Atlantic Beach therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Atlantic Beach therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. 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 for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Atlantic 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 with a Atlantic Beach counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Atlantic 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.

Atlantic Beach has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

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 Atlantic Beach 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 to customer service 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 Atlantic Beach.

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

28512

Popular cities near Atlantic Beach, NC

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist