Living on an island may seem like a dream life where everyone is happy all the time but, of course, there is no place on earth where everyone is happy all the time. Oak Island is a town that was established in the 1830s and was once popular for fox hunting and the Intracoastal Waterway. However, the island was almost completely destroyed by Hurricane Hazel in 1954, when only five buildings were left standing.
Rebuilding after a devastating event like this hurricane or any other type of traumatic event can be tough and many who go through something like this need counseling afterward. If you or someone you love needs counseling, talk to one of the Oak Island area counselors today to get some help.
April Pomerlyan
Welcome! I’m April, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina. Congratulations on taking the first step towards reaching your goals. Don’t discount the decision you’ve made to search for help, because many people never do so. I see counseling as a partnership between the therapist and the client; I have the mental health expertise while you’re the expert of you! For this reason I'll spend our earliest contacts getting to know you better. Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision and therefore, I want to give you information so you can choose for yourself if you’d like to work with me. I would describe my counseling style as warm, but professional. I love to use strength-based approaches as much as possible, also incorporating your values into our work. I find myself using an integrative approach, incorporating different theoretical frameworks and techniques that I will tailor to fit your needs. Two approaches I use most often are Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Person-Centered counseling uses a lot of reflection to help you process your thoughts and feelings, which is often the first step towards solving your problems. CBT helps us examine your thought patterns and whether they are helpful or harmful. If a particular thought is harmful that could trigger issues like a depressed mood, for example. We’ll work together to replace the harmful thoughts with more helpful ones. There are many other approaches to potentially integrate into our sessions, and I’d be happy to explain anything I believe may benefit you. I once read a quote online (source unknown) that rings true for me: “A counselor isn’t someone you pay to pretend they care about you. A counselor is someone you pay to teach you how to care for yourself.”
Brenda Moore
Hello, I'm Brenda and I've been a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina for 18 years. I've been working in the public mental health sector for a majority of my career. I graduated in 1997 from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling. Prior to working in the mental health sector, I was a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and assisted people with disabilities to find and maintain employment. I utilize a diversity of approaches in my counseling treatment as every individual is unique and has their own needs. The primary modalities of treatment that I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, and person centered therapy. I've worked with both individuals and groups during the course of my practice and feel both are helpful to work toward individual growth. I have a great deal of experience working with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, phobias, social anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and LGBTQ issues; however, I have also worked with other populations as well. The ability to succeed in therapy is up to you. I feel that I function as a catalyst to help you with making change. You've already started your journey towards change as you've started to seek out a therapist. Let's see what we can do together to help you achieve your success in life.
Gigi Ritchey
I am licensed in North Carolina with years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping women with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. You are the expert of yourself. Come share with me your hurts, goals and desires to be a healthier and better you. I am here to support you.
James Archbell
I am License Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina since 2011. However I have 28 years of professional mental health work experience with children, adolescents, adult, and geriatric populations in a variety of settings. If are at least 13 years and up I currently help clients with teen counseling, stress and anxiety, couples counseling, anger management, depression, and substance abuse issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Elizabeth Adamovich
I am licensed in North Carolina with 4 years of professional work experience in community mental health. I have been trained in a number of evidence based practices, including EMDR. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. Thank you for trusting me to support you in this process!
Kristin Harding
I am licensed in North Carolina with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Nicholas Chamberlain
I am a licensed clinical social worker in North Carolina with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience working with children and parents across various therapeutic services, including psychiatric hospitals, Day Treatment, Group Homes, In home therapy, and outpatient therapy. I am currently working full time as a clinical assessor for children and adolescents in North Carolina. I am married, have many pets, and enjoy live music and outdoor activities across North Carolina. My goal is to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.
Shanise Davis
I am licensed in North Carolina with 13 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Terry Sloan
How to describe the joy I get when a client connects with me and honors me with their journey? I cannot. I am passionate about hearing stories...clients have stories from their lives that make them unique. In the wrinkles and turns of those stories are the nuggets of wisdom that help each client live their best life. I believe our best moments of growth are during life’s transitions - when paths open up or close down and we find ourselves with new choices. Joining a client on their unique path and helping them see the transition from a different perspective gives me joy. I am firmly rooted in attachment theory and I bring this aspect to individual counseling to help clients build or strengthen their support networks to move towards their imagined futures. Client communication is strong focus of sessions - in how clients speak to themselves and how they communicate with others. I would be honored to work with you in this part of your journey.
Cynia Black
I am Cynia R. Black: daughter, sister, friend, and spirited clinical therapist. My goal is to support individuals , couples and families through life's difficult moments. Over the last 7 years, I have gained most of my experience working in the intensive in-home and outpatient mental health setting as a Family Consultant with youth ages birth to 12 years old, and a Family Therapist with families of youth ages 10 to 17 years old. With this work, I have developed a strong passion for working alongside young adults on a very integral part of their journey- transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. I have observed that oftentimes adolescents have been perceived by society as being "difficult" and "incapable" of change rather than seeing them as people who are trying to adapt to a transition in which they feel like they have no control. As a therapist, I am committed to empowering and supporting my clients by increasing resiliency, and positive well being, and helping to develop sustainable coping strategies. I am looking forward to doing this work and continuing this journey together with you!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Oak Island
Finding the best therapist close by in Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island. 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 Oak Island, 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island, elsewhere in Brunswick, 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Oak Island, 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 28465 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 Oak Island counselor?
Before seeing your Oak Island 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. Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island 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 Oak Island, 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.
Oak Island 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 Oak Island, 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 Oak Island 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Oak Island:
28422, 28465