This is the therapist you are looking for.
If you’re looking for a therapist who understands complexity, empathy, and real-world challenges—this is the space for you.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina with extensive experience supporting individuals navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, addiction, ADHD, and major life transitions. My practice is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and evidence-based care.
I am especially committed to serving LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, first responders, and those living with social isolation or identity-related concerns. I work to create a safe and affirming environment where every person is seen, heard, and valued.
My therapeutic approach emphasizes understanding your unique story and tailoring strategies to support your goals. Clients often come to me with struggles involving communication, social anxiety, sexuality, chronic pain, and relational conflict. Together, we unpack difficult experiences, develop emotional resilience, and foster confidence in navigating life’s demands.
With a strong foundation in multicultural perspectives, I provide inclusive, nonjudgmental care informed by clinical expertise and deep respect for who you are. Whether you're healing from trauma, rebuilding after addiction, managing ADHD, or striving for personal growth, I am here to walk alongside you with empathy, clarity, and steady support.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Help is here.
Additional areas of focus: Abandonment, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Blended family issues, Body image, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dissociation, Drug and alcohol addiction, Eating and food-related issues, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, First responder issues, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Men's issues, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Multicultural concerns, Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexual dysfunction, Sexuality, Smoking / vaping cessation, Traumatic brain injury, Trichotillomania
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
NC LCSW C019216
SC LISW-CP 18468
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for James Wankel. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
He is perfect for who I am and what I want and need in an effective therapist!
Written on Feb 24, 2026 after therapy with James for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and adhd
Jim's superb and a great down to earth person to interact with. You won't regret giving this a try.
Written on Feb 10, 2026 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Seems to be what I need in a therapist.
Written on Jan 23, 2026 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
James truly understands me, listens to me, and is willing to help me figure out many things so I can become a better version of myself. It’s been a 10/10 experience!
Written on Jan 09, 2026 after therapy with James for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, anger management, and coping with life changes
Very understanding and empathetic. Takes time to listen to my concerns and helps come up with strategies to work on bettering myself
Written on Jan 05, 2026 after therapy with James for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and sleeping disorders