Saint James, North Carolina is situated on the southeast coast of North Carolina and nestled among unique wetlands. Perhaps the best words to describe Saint James are residential, recreation, and retirement. It’s a fairly new community that was just established in 1999. When you’re not feeling mentally or emotionally well, at times, nothing feels new or unique.

Life doesn’t have to feel like you’ll never find your way out of the swamp. Saint James is alive and well with mental health counselors and one is sure to be your perfect match to help get you out and enjoying all that Saint James has to offer.

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Dr. Jennifer Deaton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Saint James
Counselor License Type(s): LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
9 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education. My background is working with couples and families experiencing life changes and transitions. These transitions and changes may include (but not limited to) grief and loss, interrelationship issues, depression, and anxiety. Through this work, I am able to work on an individual basis or collaborate with other family members to support practices of open and emotion-focused communication. My work with clients begins with developing a working relationship together so that we may collaborate and meet your goals. You know you best. I am simply here to support navigating hardship, redirecting difficult thoughts and feelings, and guide healthy lifestyle changes. But the working relationship must come first. In this process, I have found my clients are most successful when we work together on a reoccurring basis. This is your time set aside to work on the most important person in your life - you. Finding a counselor that is the right fit can be a hard process but it is essential to create change and support your goals. Let's start there and work together. Looking forward to hearing from you! *Please note that my name has changed to Jennifer McAvoy on my license but prefer to maintain Jennifer Deaton professionally. Although, my clients are welcome to call me Jen.

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Dr. Katherine Freiman-Fox

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Saint James
Counselor License Type(s): PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
31 years of experience

I've been licensed to practice psychology for over thirty years. I am retired from work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons where I worked with individuals (staff and inmates) experiencing extreme life circumstances as well as depression, anxiety and family issues. After I retired, I had my own business as a matchmaker, but found that I was missing my therapeutic work. I did learn quite a bit during my 4+ years as a matchmaker about what works and what doesn't work in the search for a life mate. This is an extra set of skills I bring to the table in working with folks. One therapy style does not fit all, so I work to tailor my approach to what my clients request and what they need. Sometimes a deep dive into the historic underpinnings of current life problems is warranted, but sometimes a problem-solving approach is appropriate. I work with people to figure out what their goals are for therapy and to tailor my interventions accordingly. I also believe therapy should not be like experiencing a root canal! I work to bring perspective to my clients and to help them experience joy even in the midst of difficult situations.

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Dr. Robert Cipriano Jr

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Saint James
Counselor License Type(s): Psy.D.,ABPP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

Dr. Robert J. Cipriano Jr. has been working with the South Florida community as a licensed psychologist for 20 years. Dr. Cipriano is currently a Florida , California, & North Carolina Licensed Psychologist. He is board certified in Police and Public Safety Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and for the majority of his experience practices cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and more recently within the past two years has acquiesced to providing EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy to clientele experiencing trauma based symptoms. Dr. Cipriano has provided therapeutic and an array of clinical services to both the Trauma-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and inpatient behavioral health units at one of the largest Trauma hospitals in northern Miami-Dade County and has provided a number of critical incident stress debriefings (CISD) for a variety of staff. Dr. Cipriano has handled well over a 200 CISDs in his professional career. He assisted one of the largest metropolitan police departments in the southeast part of the United States in gaining insight and managing individuals who suffered from severe mental illness and who were in crisis as a "in- house" staff psychologist assigned to a Crisis Negotiation Team. He provided critical support to the crisis negotiation team when they were faced with crisis situations, hostages, career criminals, and barricaded subjects who posed a threat for police and the community at large. Dr. Cipriano has also assisted in providing crucial therapeutic support to the victims and victim's families of the school shooting in Parkland, FL along with the first responders affected by & connected to the critical incident. Dr. Cipriano is also the psychological supervisor for a major metropolitan police department, developing the program from infancy, and expanding the wellness concept for public safety sworn and civilian professionals. Dr. Cipriano is highly engaged in wellness and has written several articles on wellness and the importance of the continuity of wellness to other facets of one's life. Dr. Cipriano also offers expert training in understanding the psychological dynamics and warning signs of active shooters, school shooters, school place violence, and bully behavior. Dr. Cipriano has a strong interest in this area and has developed a clinical curriculum to target, intervene, and potentially prevent such acts along this specific spectrum of aggression. His knowledge, experience, and expertise will benefit clinicians, educational institutions, administrators, public safety professionals, and the private sector on a local, state, and national level.

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Elissa Both

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Saint James
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW,Elissa Buccarelli- Both
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
22 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my profile page! My name is Elissa (Lisa) Both and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 20 years of experience working with children, families, and individuals. Specifically, I have spent a significant portion of my career in education as a School Social Worker, where I was committed to serving the needs of students and their families. I have worked with many students who struggled educationally due to learning, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. In addition, I maintained a private practice throughout the years. I strongly believe that in order to be successful, it is important to build a trusting and welcoming environment for my clients. I put a great emphasis on meeting clients where they are and establishing that respectful, trusting relationship. I use a solution focused approach that is customized for each individual and situation in order to help them achieve their goals. Each client is unique and has different needs, which is why I believe it is imperative to work together to develop an individual approach that focuses on their strengths and resources available. I am passionate about helping people embrace their strengths and resources, as well as introduce people to new tools and skills to help guide them through difficult situations. Additionally, client feedback is extremely important to me, as the therapeutic process should be collaborative. This can help to ensure we are on the right track to helping you feel better and addressing your concerns.

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Tierra McManus

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Saint James
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
7 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping individuals with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & other areas of concern. 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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Tasha Temple

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Saint James
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia and North Carolina with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, 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. I am here to support you in that process.

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DeShala Hunt

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Saint James
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I am currently trained in level 3 Gottman Method and have done much research in working with couples. Positive parenting, ADHD parent support, and healing from traumatic experiences are a few other areas of expertise. 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.

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Nicole Sinnigen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Saint James
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina with over 10 years of experience in the counseling field. Before becoming a counselor, I served in the Air Force and Army in the United States. My professional background since serving in the military began at the South Carolina Department of Mental Health where I worked with children, adults, and families. I then transitioned to working with adults and couples as a Military and Family Life Counselor. I enjoy helping people overcome their challenges with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, or working through other life stressors. While I enjoy providing counseling to individuals, I also enjoy working with couples who seek to improve the quality of their relationship. It takes courage to seek out help for your mental health and the first step can be the hardest part, so you're already off to a great start on your journey. Don't give up.

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Machelle Bass

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NC, Saint James
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 20 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 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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Jerry Utt

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

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

How to find a therapist for counseling in Saint James

Finding the best therapist close by in Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James. 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 Saint James, 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 Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James, 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 Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Saint James, 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 Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James 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 28461 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 Saint James counselor?

Before seeing your Saint James 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. Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James 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 Saint James, 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.

Saint James 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 Saint James, North Carolina

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

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Saint James 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 Saint James.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Saint James:

28461

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