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.

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Afton Jones

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Durham
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,LCAS
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

A healthy mind is something that I believe is essential to overall health and I strive to do my best to help others improve in this area. Meeting clients where they are and helping them work through their ambivalence is something that I feel is essential to the therapeutic relationship. I specialize in helping women navigate life's transitions, set boundaries, and improve their self-confidence. I have years of experience working with adult populations to help them gain tools to better manage their lives. In my sessions I promote behavioral transformation by encouraging a positive outlook and the adoption of new attitudes and reactions. In the end, making small changes to self-defeating behavior and coping with feelings of sadness, fear, and pain can bring life-altering results. In my free time I enjoy working jigsaw and Sudoku puzzles, traveling, spending time with family, and watching the HGTV network. I look forward to helping you on this journey of becoming the best version of you!

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Megan Jernigan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Durham
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LCMHC (formerly LPC),NCC
Trauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
11 years of experience

Hello. I graduated from East Carolina University with a Master’s of Science in Counselor Education in 2013. I completed my undergraduate studies in Family and Community Services, with a split concentration in psychology and special education. I also have an Autism add-on certificate. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor and member of the NBCC. I have resided in North Carolina all my life and enjoy the beaches, mountains, and in between. I have been working in mental health since 2003 in a variety of settings, including mental health agencies, in-home services, school settings, private practice, and residential and group homes. I have worked with individuals, helping them overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, loss and grief, life transitions, past-trauma, substance abuse, negative habits, interpersonal relationship problems, family stressors, parental concerns, and executive functioning. As a professional counselor, I prefer to provide a trauma-informed eclectic and integrated approach to counseling services based on the needs of the individual. The theoretic background that I most often utilize is an Integrated Approach of Solution-Focused Therapy with an accommodative integration of additional theories, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Reality Therapy. I like to assign out-of-therapy “homework” and encourage one to monitor progress towards goals. In therapy, we will likely identify stressors and triggers, apply positive coping skills and identify negative coping skills, address family patterns and life scripts or working models, and practice exercising mindfulness and building reflective capacity. I look forward to helping you achieve your happiness.

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Kalisa Thomas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Durham
Counselor License Type(s): M.A.,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I'm a LMFT with over 10 years experience working with at-risk youth, families and young adults. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns to include; anxiety , depression, life changes, family conflict and parenting issues. I also, have helped clients dealing with physical, emotional and sexual trauma, as well as young adults just starting out in their careers. I got into counseling because I wanted to help others. I realized at a young age people felt comfortable talking to me about their problems. In life, no one is immune from trials and tribulations. However, I believe every hurdle we overcome makes us that much stronger/ confident. I use both CBT -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Humanistic Therapy with my clients. I use CBT because I believe we can always restructure how we see the world and make changes in our behavior for the better. Also, Humanistic Approach-I’m an Existentialist, because I believe we are human and we make mistakes. Just because we go down one path and it did not work, out, does not mean we cannot turn around and take another path that is more fulfilling/ rewarding. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am a warm, engaging and compassionate therapist . I do not believe in stigmatizing or labels. If you are seeking therapy you have already taken the first step. Give me the opportunity to support you on this journey. I look forward to working with you and believe we can truly make progress towards your goals.

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Pamela Schultz

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Durham
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Pam, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in North Carolina. I have over 10 years of experience in mental health, including eight years in outpatient therapy. I work primarily from the perspective of cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapies, but also incorporate other techniques such as mindfulness, skill-building, and trauma-based interventions. I believe strongly in the validation of clients’ feelings and experiences, to help remove stigma and shame. I will meet you where you are, free of judgement, and with full support for whatever goals you wish to pursue. I believe that with support, clients can be empowered to make difficult decisions and take charge of their own growth. While some decisions we make may not result in the most desired outcomes, I believe that everybody is just doing the best they can. I believe that you are the expert and author of your own life story, and the answers you need will come from within. I am a very direct person, known for my honesty and “cut-to-the-chase” attitude. I avoid buzzwords and clinical language most of the time, except for the purposes of educating the client, so that they can make fully-informed choices. In our sessions, I want you to feel relaxed, at ease, and open to sharing your honest self. I want our time together to be productive, but yet feel as comfortable as a chat between friends. Over my years of practice, clients have described me as “relatable,” “trusted,” and “real.” I am comfortable and supportive of diverse needs and lifestyles. While I make every effort to be “culturally competent,” I appreciate listening to clients tell their own stories. I share my home with my husband and dog. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, traveling, attending outdoor music festivals, and getting my money’s worth from streaming television.

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Melody Marshall

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Durham
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Supervisor in North Carolina with nearly 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.

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John Sperry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Durham
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse. 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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John Dyson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Durham
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Holly Ingram

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Durham
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
33 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 33 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 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.

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LaShonda "Ann" Aycock

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Durham
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hello. I am Ann Aycock, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in the heart of North Carolina. With 10 years of dedicated practice, I have had the privilege of walking alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate through their unique journey towards healing and personal growth. My approach is a tailored blend of evidence-based therapies, weaving together cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and motivational interviewing. I believe in the power of respect, sensitivity, and compassion. In our sessions, I hope you can you can freely explore your feelings and any obstacles in your life that you may be experiencing. I am committed to customizing our sessions to align with your unique strengths, preferences, and needs. Taking that first step toward change requires courage, and I am here to be your steadfast ally through the exhilarating and sometimes challenging journey towards a more fulfilling and joyful life. Let us embark on this transformative path together.

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Melissa Henry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Durham
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina and Virginia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find a therapist for 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 with therapists in Durham 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 Durham. 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 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 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 Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham, elsewhere in Durham, 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 Durham 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 Durham 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 Durham 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 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 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 Durham 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. 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 Durham 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 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 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 Durham 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 Durham?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Durham 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 Durham 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 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 27715 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 Durham counselor?

Before seeing your Durham 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. Durham 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 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 with a Durham 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 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 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 Durham, 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 Durham 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 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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