Your life can feel like a studio sometimes. Great things can come from a studio, and so can pure art. But when the production is a disaster, it can be a problem. Self-doubt can feel like that director who just isn’t satisfied. Depression can make you feel like the actor who doesn’t know their lines. A counselor can be the person who helps create order in the studio.
Wilmington is known for having the biggest studio outside of California. While they are producing movies, you can create your own masterpiece. You just need to speak to a counselor and ask for help.

Samuel Parker
My commitment to helping people heal and grow from personal and family crises has taken me in many directions, from managing human service non-profits to providing direct therapy and treatment. I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after getting my MSW from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1989. I have provided family, group, individual counseling to a variety of clients in various clinical settings since then. I have experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Therapy, and other appropriate interventions when working with people suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and other family and individual crises. I also have experience in Crisis Intervention techniques and Trauma-Focused Treatment. I have worked with individuals who have experienced child abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma throughout my career. These types of problems co-exist with grief and loss and significant relationship issues. My goal is always to provide a safe and therapeutic environment for the client to begin their journey of healing.

Jazmine Crumpton
Hello! I'm so glad you have taken this first step in seeking out support, I believe you have come to the right place. I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor in North Carolina with over 7 years of experience in a variety of settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including but not limited to depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life changes, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, down-to-earth, interactive, and has a touch of humor. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, solution-focused and insight-oriented counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling, happier life and to take the first steps toward a change. I believe that you are the expert on your life and experiences, so I look forward to learning more about you in order to support you in the best way possible. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you! I look forward to working with you! Sincerely, Jazmine Crumpton

Kara Snodgrass
Hello! My name is Kara Snodgrass and I am looking forward to this new way of counseling. I am licensed as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 10 years experience working as a therapist. Before becoming a counselor I worked as a family support worker for 5 years. My experiences include in-home work with families and children, substance abuse, child protective services, foster care and crisis work with the goal of reunification when possible. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including relationship issues, parenting problems, with a special focus in anxiety. I have a collaborative, client centered approach. I offer a variety of interventions depending on your needs. My approach is focused on you, I take your lead but can nudge if I think it will be helpful. I am empathetic and and believe we are all struggling in some area. You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. The frequency with which you can have access to a counselor to work through day to day emotions and problem solving is extremely beneficial for most and a nice change from traditional outpatient counseling. I usually check messages each day, five days per week. I offer messaging, live chat and phone sessions with limited availability in the evenings and weekends. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check that out with me through messaging first. SPECIALTIES Stress/Anxiety Anger Management Domestic Violence Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 10

Dr. Brian Esterling
Hello! My name is Brian and I am a Licensed Psychologist with over 30 years of experience in the field. I began my career on the faculty at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC where I saw clients and supervised psychiatric interns completing their outpatient rotations. I have also served as the Clinical Director for a national managed care organization, where I was responsible for monitoring and ensuring best practice treatment planning and therapeutic techniques from over 5,000 practitioners across the United States in a wide range of therapeutic settings including inpatient hospitalization, partial and intensive outpatient care, and outpatient settings. I am currently serving as the Chair of the Graduate Psychology program at a major online university in Florida. Clinically, I work with clients affected by depression, anxiety, self-esteem/motivation, and career challenges. Originally from the mid-west, I currently reside in south Florida. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology and Biochemisty from Rutgers College in New Brunswick, NJ and my Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL. I also returned to school following my Doctoral degree to obtain an MBA from Pfeiffer University in Charlotte, NC as I am also interested in looking at financial models that promote greater quality of care in behavioral health settings. My approach to therapy is both client-centered and solution-oriented. I strongly believe that clients are the experts of their lives and can be empowered to make changes that allow them to reach their goals. I assist clients in identifying areas of focus (i.e., a roadmap to what they want to achieve in therapy) as well as the steps necessary to take to make the positive changes that they desire. This is accomplished through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques where I assist clients in exploring relationships among their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be contributing to barriers to their short- and long-term goals, ultimately creating a path to positive outcomes. Outside of my work, I am a competitive rower and devoted father of two wonderful children. I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, traveling, home improvement projects and restoring and maintaining my classic sports car.

Dr. Katherine Freiman-Fox
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.

Heather Lail
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, Master Addiction Counselor, and Certified Clinical Supervisor. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Lenoir-Rhyne College and earned my Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I have a total of 18 years of experience working in the behavioral health field within various settings which include 6 years of inpatient psychiatric work and 12 years of outpatient behavioral health counseling. I utilize an eclectic counseling approach incorporating various counseling theories and techniques to include but not limited to Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Transtheoretical Model, CBT, DBT. National Academy of Sports Medicine certifications include Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, and Certified Group Fitness Instructor. Personal training focusing on behavior change and corrective exercise while utilizing the NASM Optimum Performance Training Model based on scientific evidence and principles. Nutrition coaching utilizing the latest and most up-to-date information on nutrition science, behavior change strategies, and nutrition coaching strategies. Ability to guide clients seeking to improve their body composition, athletic performance, and their health through carefully crafted nutrition coaching that takes age, culture, socioeconomic status, and more into account. Main focus of concept is to integrate behavioral health with physical health and nutrition to maximize client progress towards achieving their goals in life.

Dr. Brittny Gainey
I am licensed in Virginia and North Carolina with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Jason Strack
I am licensed in North Carolina with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

Jenna Willis Aiken
I am licensed in North Carolina with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, & abuse. I specialize in working with women's issues, pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. 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!

Kimberly Deshaun Parker
Hi there, I'm Kim! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience in the social work field across various settings. This journey has shaped my understanding and compassion for building healthier mindsets and breaking generational cycles to sustain personal growth and balance. I provide a supportive space to help individuals navigate challenges and achieve lasting peace and purpose. My approach My therapeutic approach is client-centered, rooted in empathy, understanding, and collaboration. I utilize a blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address thought patterns, solution-focused therapy to identify and build on strengths, and trauma-informed care to ensure a safe, supportive environment. My goal is to empower individuals to break cycles, foster resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. My focus My client focus is on individuals seeking personal growth, healing, and balance in their lives. I specialize in helping those who want to break generational cycles, navigate life transitions, and improve their mental health. Whether you’re facing challenges related to stress, trauma, relationships, or self-esteem, I am here to provide support and strategies tailored to your unique needs and goals. My communication style My communication style is warm, empathetic, and supportive, with a focus on active listening and creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for open dialogue. I am very transparent and will guide you in a way that serves your goals. If lasting change is the goal, sometimes uncomfortable dialogue is necessary, but I assure you it will always be approached respectfully and with your best interests in mind. My journey to mental healthcare My journey to becoming a therapist started back in middle school when I became a peer mediator. That experience opened my eyes to how people navigate their emotions and relationships, and it gave me a chance to practice important skills like listening without judgment and helping others find solutions to their conflicts. I quickly realized how much I enjoyed being a support for people in difficult situations, and it sparked something in me—a desire to help others in a deeper, more meaningful way. Over the years, I’ve had moments in my own life that reinforced this path. There were times when I faced challenges or needed guidance myself, and I saw firsthand the power of having someone there to listen, offer perspective, and help me through tough times. I think these personal experiences played a big role in shaping my decision to pursue therapy. As I moved forward, I also found myself naturally gravitating toward roles where I could support others—whether through volunteering, mentoring, or just being there for friends and family. Every time I was able to help someone process their emotions or make sense of their struggles, I felt more certain that this was the work I wanted to do long-term. Eventually, I decided to dive deeper into the field. I pursued formal education and training, learning about psychological theory, therapy techniques, and ethical practices. Through internships and clinical placements, I got hands-on experience and really saw how therapy can transform lives. That solidified my passion for the field. Looking back, I can see how my own experiences, along with a strong desire to help others heal, guided me on this path. It’s been a combination of personal reflection, growing empathy, and a commitment to learning that has brought me to where I am today—a therapist always ready to support others in their journeys. My goals for you I approach goal setting with clients collaboratively, ensuring that the goals are meaningful, realistic, and tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. Together, we identify specific areas for growth, break down larger goals into manageable steps, and create a clear plan of action. I also incorporate regular check-ins to celebrate progress, adjust as needed, and address any challenges, always keeping the client’s values and desired outcomes at the forefront. My first session with you During the first session, clients can expect a welcoming and supportive environment where we’ll focus on building rapport and understanding your unique story. We’ll discuss your concerns, goals, and what led you to seek therapy, as well as review important background information to help me gain a clear picture of your experiences. I’ll also explain the therapeutic process, and answer any questions, and together, we’ll begin creating a plan tailored to your needs and aspirations.
Find a therapist serving clients in North Carolina
Types of therapists available to clients in Wilmington
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Wilmington that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Wilmington available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Wilmington therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Wilmington therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Wilmington region and in the state of North Carolina.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Wilmington can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Wilmington may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.