Stephen Richardson
Hello! My name is Stephen and I am a licensed clinical social worker with over ten years of experience providing compassionate, faith-based counseling to individuals in both North and South Carolina. My passion is helping people heal and grow closer to Christ by addressing their mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. I believe that true healing involves nurturing the mind, body, and spirit, and I am dedicated to guiding my clients through their personal journeys of recovery and spiritual growth. I hold degrees in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Winthrop University, and I am committed to creating a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their faith and find strength in their spiritual walk. Whether you're facing life's challenges, seeking emotional healing, or looking to deepen your relationship with Christ, I am here to support and walk alongside you every step of the way. My goal is to help you experience healing not just on a surface level, but in a way that transforms your entire being—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—so that you can live a more fulfilled and Christ-centered life.
Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins
Hello, I am Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins, PhD, NCC, LCMHC, CCMHC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, MAC. I am a board certified clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I am licensed as a clinical counselor in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, and Alaska. I have a PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University. I also have a master's degree in Community Counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Chicago State University. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient behavioral clinic, community-based mental health services, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. My counseling style is person-centered. I have a diverse therapeutic approach to counseling. However, my primary approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I specialize in mood disorders, anger management, addictions education, and relapse prevention. I believe that everyone has a story to tell; and I am here to listen. Giving voice to your concerns and issues is the first step to healing. We can accomplish this together. It would be my honor to work with you to assist you in reaching your healthy goals. Please let me know if you would prefer weekly sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate.
Saundra Burleson
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina with 10 years of experience working as a therapist/counselor and have worked in the field of mental health for over 25 years. I work with clients with various issues related to depression, trauma, abuse, anxiety, relationships, life choices, and mental health diagnoses. My counseling style is based on a foundation of genuine positive regard with no judgment. I approach clients respectfully, compassionately, and honestly with no pre-formed judgment about where they are or what they need. With an individualized combination of approaches that could include: cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, choice theory, dialectical behavior therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness activities, and acceptance and commitment therapy; I provide counseling support based on the needs of each individual client and create a safe space in which clients are provided opportunities to explore options with curiosity. Together with my clients, I tailor a treatment plan that addresses their unique and specific needs. If you are experiencing obstacles that are making it difficult for you to achieve your intended goals, I am here to provide therapeutic support for you on your journey. I invite you to reach out to me when you are ready or when you are considering taking that next step. I look forward to talking with you. I see clients on weekends and have a few weeknight appointments available. If you do not see something in my schedule that works for you, please let me know and we can talk about options.
Frances Patton
If you're reaching out to a therapist, you're needing something better in your life. You're not willing to go on the way things are, and you have the hope and determination that things can and must change. You need someone who can help you achieve that change. You don't need someone who will just tell you what you want to hear, or who will listen but not know what to do. You need someone who has the ability to get you to that better place in your life. I have the training, compassion, and experience to help you get there. For couples, I'm trained in Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. These are two of the best-researched, most effective couples therapy methods out there, and I have seen beautiful results in my clients. I also see many individuals, as well as families. I've also been there. I know what depression feels like, and I've struggled with a difficult marriage and divorce. I've been to therapy myself, learned a lot, done the work, and have gotten to my own better place. My passion and my reason for becoming a therapist is to help others benefit from what I've learned. My training has given me the skills to do that. I won't judge you, and you won't hear, "Well, just get over it!" from me. If you want Christian counseling, let me know. If you prefer non-religious therapy, I am comfortable with that as well. Either way, you will have my full attention and my best effort.
Todd Gomez
As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space for clients navigating diverse experiences—including LGBTQ+ journeys, relationship dynamics, workplace stress, and personal growth. I bring deep expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, social challenges, and interpersonal relationships. My approach is holistic and client-centered, focusing on understanding each person's unique story and strengths. Whether you're struggling with communication barriers, exploring identity, managing life transitions, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of focus areas, including men's issues, young adult challenges, multicultural concerns, and support for individuals experiencing significant life changes. I strive to create a welcoming environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore their emotional landscape and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth.
Dr. Agyenim Akuamoah-Boateng
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) and a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). I have a PhD in Human Services, with a concentration in Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention. I have over 20 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse counseling. I have been in the mental health and substance abuse field since 1998 and worked as a licensed private practitioner since 2001. I have experience working with clients with mental health (anxiety, depression, PTSD) and substance use disorders. I have dedicated the past few years working with individuals with Dual and Triple diagnosis of medical, mental health and substance use disorders. I believe in integrated medical, mental health and substance use disorders treatment. Most of my counseling approach is based on Motivational Enhancement Techniques (MET), Client Centered, Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused theories. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to help individuals who are dealing with traumatic experiences. I also have years of experience providing recovery skills training for individuals willing to quit and maintain complete abstinence from alcohol, prescription and illicit drugs. I would like to assure you that my services will be rendered in a professional manner, consistent with accepted ethical standards of this noble profession. My counseling approach will help clients attain self-realization, set and accomplish goals, and elicit self-efficacy. I look forward to working with you.
Latricia Freeman
I am licensed in North Carolina with 11+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & anger management, and mental health & behavioral 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Tamara Wright
I am a LISW-CP in South Carolina with over 8 years of experience as a social worker. I work with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, stress, relationship issues, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. Offering a space grounded in curiosity, compassion, and genuine connection. I strive to create a space where you can show up fully as yourself. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or emotionally exhausted, you will be met with empathy, respect, and understanding. At the same time, I am not a passive listener. I engage actively in our sessions by asking thoughtful questions, offering reflections, and helping you make connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Using a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a strengths-based approach, I gently challenge unhelpful patterns while also highlighting the resilience and strengths you may not always recognize in yourself. My goal is to help you gain clarity, not confusion, to feel supported and empowered. You can expect a collaborative and conversational experience where your voice matters. I will meet you where you are, while also helping you move toward where you want to be. Therapy with me is a balance of validation and growth—offering both a safe place to land and a space to build new insight, confidence, and direction. I look forward to speaking with you.
Lynn Bassett
Hello! I am glad you found your way here. My name is Lynn Bassett. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)/Psychotherapist. I have extensive training and experience in treating depression, anxiety, trauma and grief. I specialize in treating individuals with life stressors/transitions, loss/traumatic events and relationship issues. I start where you are. We all have a different story with our own unique world-view. I begin with us identifying your strengths and your desire for change. Together, we will decide if this is a good therapeutic fit. If so, we will establish our plan to partner in helping you find peace and balance in your life. I view our therapeutic relationship as the foundation of a positive outcome for you. I value establishing trust, genuineness , empathy and a safe place to share and heal.
Frances Pope
I am licensed in New Mexico, North Carolina and South Carolina with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, depression, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Michele Howard
I am a licensed in North Carolina with 3.5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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!
Olatunde Howard
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina, I specialize in supporting individuals and couples navigating complex life transitions, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I help clients address communication challenges, marital conflicts, and issues related to self-esteem and purpose. I believe the deepest need we have is to be in a satisfying securely attached intimate relationship with God, ourselves, and each other. I work with couples, men, blended families, and individuals experiencing isolation, purposelessness, or emotional emptiness. Drawing from my professional training, I offer guidance through topics like premarital counseling, compatibility, intimacy, infidelity, parenting, relationship challenges, and spiritual living--encompassing mental and emotional stability. My therapeutic style is rooted in understanding each client's unique journey, with a particular sensitivity to Christian perspectives and the nuanced experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds. I am committed to creating a supportive, affirming space where clients can explore their challenges and develop meaningful strategies for personal transformation and deep relational connection.
Oneyda Garcia
As a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I provide compassionate and culturally aware therapy for adults, adolescents, and children. My goal is to make you feel seen, heard, and understood as we work together to create positive change. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, substance use issues, grief, and major life transitions. My approach is warm and collaborative, rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I am deeply committed to supporting both English- and Spanish-speaking clients. Whether you’re navigating daily stress or working toward recovery, I’m here to equip you with the skills and confidence to navigate life independently. Let's walk forward together.
Destiny Arthur
I'm a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's most challenging experiences. My work centers on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and trauma with compassion and clarity. I specialize in working with complex emotional concerns, including self-esteem, guilt and shame, attachment issues, and the lasting effects of trauma and abuse. I'm particularly passionate about supporting women through their unique experiences, including sexual assault recovery, domestic violence healing, and navigating narcissistic relationships. My approach is grounded in creating a safe, affirming space where you can explore your authentic self, strengthen your communication, and build meaningful connections. I work with clients on self-love, forgiveness, life purpose, and breaking patterns that no longer serve you—whether those involve codependency, abandonment wounds, or self-harm. I believe in meeting you where you are with genuine care and respect for your individual journey. My goal is to walk alongside you as you heal, grow, and reclaim your sense of wholeness and worth.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Atkinson, North Carolina
Finding a therapist near you in Atkinson, North Carolina starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. North Carolina is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In North Carolina, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across North Carolina, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in North Carolina
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In North Carolina, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in North Carolina
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in North Carolina
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in North Carolina through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in North Carolina
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across North Carolina, including residents in Atkinson.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in North Carolina do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Atkinson, North Carolina
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Atkinson and the surrounding NC area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.