Oak Ridge is home to the third-oldest military academy in the country, and it is designated as the state’s military academy. Military academies are often places where troubled teens learn discipline and valuable life skills. Sometimes though even adults need help learning how to cope with life in general, or with personal situations and problems specifically.

When you find yourself in need of this type of assistance, counselors in the Oak Ridge area are available to help. These confidential therapists can teach you coping and life skills and set you on the path to personal growth. Contact a counselor today.

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Anita Pardo

Offering therapy in NC
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderDepression
30 years of experience

Hi! My name is Anita Pardo and I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor in NC since 1996. I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Regent University (Virginia Beach, VA) in 1992. Most of my experience has been in the medical and Psychiatric settings, working with issues such as depression, anxiety, Panic Attacks, trauma, Bipolar Disorder, grief and chronic pain with techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, Psychodynamic, EMDR and Brainspotting. I try my best to see things from the client's perspective, offering a supportive setting to explore all possible options for healing, peace and freedom. Therapy is like working a jigsaw puzzle. The patient brings the pieces and we sort the pieces, find their place. Sometimes lots of pieces fall into place quickly and other times it may take a while to find how one small piece works. The point is not having to do it alone. As a Therapist with years of experience, I have lots of techniques that help the person explore solutions. I have worked night shift for years and am the perfect person to address the special needs of that lifestyle. I accommodate my hours to offer availability for times that are helpful to your needs. Congratulations on making this step and I look forward to working with you.

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Melissa Moore

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

Beyond loving to help people become better individuals I enjoy exploring the world and learning new cultures, caring for animals and being outdoors. I have over 6 years of experience working in the mental health field. I earned a Master’s in Arts in Counseling Psychology from Anna Maria College and a Master’s in Science with a specialization in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston. I have experience working in different settings such as at home, mental health agencies, hospital and school settings. I use a holistic approach in my treatment working with a diverse background with various mental health dispositions. Some of these areas I have experience in includes treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, cultural diversity, work stressors, life transitions and also help in redefining values and beliefs. Modalities I have implemented in my treatment approaches includes cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, solution focused therapy, person centered therapy and expressive therapy. I also have pursued training in trauma focused therapy where I help individuals explore past traumatic events that shape them to who they are in the present moment and striving towards becoming better individuals in the present and future. By creating an unconditional, supportive and trustworthy environment I am hopeful to helping individuals explore their full potentials by using their challenges and strengths to reach their goals and to pursue future endeavors. Looking forward to exploring this journey together.

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Danielle Bonner

Offering therapy in NC
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am licensed in North & South Carolina as well as Alabama with more than 20 years of experience working as an outpatient therapist, DBT Facilitator and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, substance abuse, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma including intimate partner violence and child abuse and neglect. My counseling style is realistic, kind and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Gaye Schankweiler

Offering therapy in NC
License: MA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in the state of North Carolina. I have 20 years experience. I was licensed in Colorado before moving to North Carolina. I work with all age groups. When I work with children, I often use play therapy and sand tray therapy to help them communicate their needs. I am a certified EMDR therapist, which means that I specialize in trauma issues. I can also clients dealing with with anxiety, depression, stress and anger management. Feeling accepted and understood is a vital part of the healing process. I provide a warm, welcoming, safe place that helps each client feel it is safe to identify and then address personal issues and problems. Together we develop a set of goals and objectives that best address the issues and problems presented. This then results in a healthier and more satisfying relationship in all areas of life.

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Claire Colligan

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC,LCAS,CCS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor. I have 7 years’ experience as a licensed professional, and I have been working with people with a variety of needs and skills for over 30 years. I have a background in disability counseling, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Autism Spectrum, PTSD, and Grief and Loss, among other things. I enjoy working with a wide variety of issues, including career and life transitions, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I have a great deal of experience working with people with a history of trauma, and I use a trauma-informed approach in all of my work. I believe that therapy is a partnership. Good therapy helps a person identify what goals they truly have, and what areas of life they wish to develop. In order for that to happen, there needs to be mutual respect, trust, and compassion. You get to decide if I am the right fit for you. I use a variety of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Based on your unique strengths and challenges, my approach will be modified to support you in the best way possible. Therapy can be an amazing journey of self-discovery. I look forward to working with you.

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Renee Kerns

Offering therapy in NC
License: MS,LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina. I have over 13 years of experience working as a counselor and over 18 years of experience as a social worker. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, parenting issues, ADHD, relationship issues, career difficulties, grief, loss, and bereavement. Whether you just need someone to talk to or need assistance with a specific problem or concern, we can work together to meet your needs. My goal is to establish a therapeutic relationship that is not only respectful and compassionate, but also productive and enlightening. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and psychoeducational therapy. We will work together to explore problems and concerns, and develop goals to address those problems. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Jerlinda Anderson

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a registered yoga teacher, registered play therapist and a licensed clinical mental health counselor in North and South Carolina & Georgia with 10 years of professional work experience. In addition I am a trained Trauma Focused CBT therapist. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & sleeping disorders. I also have experience working with parenting issues. 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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DionShay Norfleet

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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KaiRashia Boyce Rasberry

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina, New Jersey and Delaware with over 18 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and 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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Crystal Smith

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) in North Carolina with 14 years of professional work experience. I see clients whose issues include stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, and habitual patterns of thought, narratives, or behaviors that often keep us stuck. I also work with trauma and abuse, midlife transitions, chronic health, as well as relationship issues, and couples. In terms of what to expect in our work together, my approach to therapy tends to focus on connection and collaboration. I feel this lays the groundwork for a relationship of trust and empowerment. I am warm, accepting, and nonjudgmental. I love to bring humor, as well as education and tools into my sessions, and I encourage my clients to lead the way, as you are the expert of your story. Finally, I am an avid yogi, and often bring education around movement, nutrition, and mindfulness into my sessions. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, which tells me you have already started the work. I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in Oak Ridge

Finding the best therapist close by in Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge. 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge, elsewhere in Guilford, 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 Oak Ridge area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 27284 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge, 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 Ridge has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

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

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

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

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

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

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

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

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

27284, 27310

Popular cities near Oak Ridge, NC

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