Melissa Guarnaccia
Congratulations on taking the first step towards reaching your personal goals! I would love to help you unlock your true potential. I am a psychotherapist with eleven years of experience and training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. I have a relaxed, open-minded and non-judgmental counseling style, but I am also action-oriented with my clients. My experience includes working with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of environments - including a hospital setting, school setting and private practice. My specialties include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and family conflict. I enjoy working with parenting issues as part of family conflict. In addition to my therapy services, I am a certified instructor in Parenting with Love & Logic, in which I provide workshops in my community. I am originally from Charlotte, NC. I earned my BA in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and then later my Master's Degree in Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I am married and a mother to two boys, as well as a pug named Mabel . We spend a lot of our time outdoors exploring as a family. I greatly enjoy traveling and immersing myself into other cultures.
Carrie Savage
Carrie is a licensed professional counselor with specializations in Spirituality & Counseling, Addictions and Christian Sex Therapy, who offers a holistic approach to psychological wellness. Carrie holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is currently the owner of Savage Life Solutions LLC, a Christian counseling practice that integrates spiritual and mental components for a comprehensive approach towards lifelong spiritual, mental and emotional wellness. Carrie sees individuals, couples, and families (including blended families) and facilitates groups on various topics to promote and support mental health. If you are not where you know you should be in life, schedule an appointment today with Carrie and begin your journey towards spiritual, mental and emotional wellness and lifelong fulfillment.
Tara Knight
Hi and welcome! You have taken the courageous step to a happier and healthier life...good for you! I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 20 plus years of experience and am excited to work with you. Some of my specific areas of focus include depression and anxiety, family and relationship issues, trauma, grief and low self-esteem. My approach is simple and straight forward...I believe it is crucial to have a trusting relationship with your therapist. Through that relationship we will take a journey of discovery and transformation together. And along the way we will conquer the issues that are holding you back or simply stressing you out. In therapy I typically utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing with a general sense of Person Centered Therapy in which the therapeutic relationship is of utmost importance. I began my career working in Substance Abuse running several treatment programs in Florida and North Carolina. Eventually I started my own general counseling practice in North Carolina where I spent many years working with adults, children and families. Most of my time with clients was focused on stress related issues, depression & anxiety, trauma, and relationship and family dynamics. I look forward to starting this journey with you!
Sarah Thomasson
Welcome! My name is Sarah Thomasson and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addiction's Specialist (LCAS) in the state of North Carolina with nine years of experience as a clinician in behavioral health. While I have worked primarily in outpatient behavioral health settings, I have had the opportunity to begin providing telehealth therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. My experience ranges in working with clients ages 18-70 with a broad spectrum of concerns including but not limited to substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, mood disorders, life transitions, intimate partner violence, chronic pain, perinatal and postnatal disorders, parenting stressors, grief and loss, and women-specific issues. I have also worked with many people who have experienced physical trauma and/or emotional abuse. My therapeutic approach is based in client-centered, family systems and humanistic theories, while integrating various other methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. I focus on providing a warm, empathetic, non-judgmental, and empowering counseling style to assist you in achieving the desired changes you hope to make in your life. It is important that we create a safe space for you within the therapeutic relationship to address life challenges you are facing. I utilize a trauma-informed approach to ensure that I am sensitive to your experiences and believe in identifying and focusing on your personal strengths to find solutions to your problems. Therapy can be creative and it may be helpful for us to implement various modalities such as writing or technology to address your unique concerns. You are your own expert--my role is to be a guide where needed along your journey. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Kenneth Sheldon
I am a retired psychologist licensed in the state of North Carolina. Over the past 35 years, I have worked in a variety of mental health and educational settings. These have included a state vocational rehabilitation center, public schools, private practice, mental health center, and teaching in a small university. My goal in my professional career has been to experience as much as I could in different settings. In doing so I felt my varied experiences could help me provide the best services to my clients. Along with the professional experiences, I also enjoy traveling and learning about other cultures. I attended schools in Wyoming, Idaho, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. In each university, I learned a variety of techniques to put in my psychology toolbox. I prefer a combination of solution based and cognitive based techniques as I feel that everyone has goals but are just not sure how to obtain them. I believe my role is to assist clients to find the best path to reach them. I encourage and assist my clients to come up with their own way of getting to their goal and not rely on my way for them. I feel a sense of humor and enjoyment of music can often help in many if not all situations. My hope for you is that together we will find the path to reaching your goal(s). I will walk the path with you and support you in your journey. Last, I ask that you commit to at least three sessions so that I can get to know you better and you can decide if I am the right person to assist you on your way. Thank you for considering me.
Shantra Beane Gray
I am licensed in North Carolina with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Courtney Sanders
I am licensed in North Carolina with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Fanteema Barnes-Watson
With the Internet having so much information, many people think it is easy to research their problems and find online tools to help them. What I have found over the years is that when people do this, they tend to work in isolation with no objective person to hear them and make sure they use the tools they found. This is why it is so important to have a therapist help you in your process of self-improvement. So if you feel overwhelmed or unfulfilled, your online search has brought you to the right place. I can help you with emotional issues such as self-esteem, depression, anxiety, anger, and stress. I also help you with other areas of your life that become affected by these issues such as relationships, communication, parenting, work or your education. I am comfortable and have experience working with people of all faiths and cultures as well as being an LGBTQQIA (also known as "sexual minority") affirming therapist. My counseling style includes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness to help people make the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT involves learning about the issues like depression or self-esteem and completing exercises to learn your current mindset and how to change it. Mindfulness is related and is about being aware of yourself and living in the present moment as well as being focused on positive goals. Using these two strategies helps you to stay focused and adds accountability to prevent you from slipping back into old habits. Clients leave sessions with clarity on who they are, what they want, and how to get it, stress-free. My purpose is to help you stop surviving and start living! Still not sure if this is right for you? Take a look at the testimonials below to see what others have said about our work together. I have over 20 years of experience in social work as a therapist, researcher, teacher, and trainer. I have worked in a variety of settings including inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, K-12 public schools, as well as colleges and universities. I also founded The SWEET Network, LLC (Supporting Women to Empower and Enhance Themselves): a counseling service that provides individual and couples therapy, specializing in women of color and trauma. My goal is to provide you with simple tools to apply to everyday life.
LaChica Stowe
I am licensed in North Carolina with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, 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. 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.
Emily Miller
I am licensed in North Carolina with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Pembroke
Finding the best therapist close by in Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke. 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 Pembroke, 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke, elsewhere in Robeson, 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Pembroke, 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 28372 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 Pembroke counselor?
Before seeing your Pembroke 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. Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke, 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.
Pembroke 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 Pembroke, 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 Pembroke 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 Pembroke:
28372