Norma Valentin
I'm so honored to support you on this journey I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and have been practicing for approximately 7 years. I have experience helping individuals, couples, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, sexuality, life/career choices, interpersonal relationships, and parenting concerns. I am a trauma informed therapist that assist clients in solution seeking through a CBT approach. I find the relationship between myself and the client is vital, and thus rapport building while respecting one's individual needs and values comes first. I am compassionate and honest. I believe in doing the hard work to see the change that is desired. I have personally experienced the true value of good therapy and thus know the courage it takes to really do the work. I will stand beside you as you take the steps to effect the change in your life you desire. I look forward to working with you!
Tillary Tice
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 4 years experience working as a therapist and case manager in different settings including community clinics and behavioral health hospitals. I am a proud combat Army veteran and have experience working with military service members and their families, understanding both point of views of serving: that of the service member as well as issues and stressors that occur at home while your service member is away. I've worked with with individuals, couples, and families of all kinds that have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, and more. I understand that you want a counselor that you feel understands and listens. I strive to be that with every client I work with. I believe there is a beauty in the brokenness that we all feel sometimes. by acknowledging that brokenness, we can begin to heal. My approach is to meet each person where they are regarding their readiness to make changes in their life. I treat everyone I work with, with the respect and dignity that they deserve. It can be hard to seek professional help. I provide a judgement free space for you to feel free to be who you are while you share. It takes courage to take those first steps in seeking a more fulfilling and happier life and even more to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take those steps I am here to support and empower you. SCHEDULING **Live sessions are offered on a first come basis (all times EST). Sunday 2:00p.m. 7:00p.m. (last session offered 6:15p.m.) Monday 8:30a.m.-1:30p.m. and 3:00p.m.-7:00p.m. (last session offered 6:15p.m.) Tuesday 8:15a.m.-1:00p.m. and 3:00p.m.-8:00p.m. (last session offered 7:15p.m.) Wednesday 8:15a.m.-1:30p.m. and 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m. (last session offered 4:15p.m.) ***Due to other professional and personal obligations I do not offer sessions outside of these times
Toni Dobek
Hello, my name is Toni Dobek. I have worked as a counselor for about 20 years. I have experience working with children to older adults and have conducted individual, couples, group and family therapy throughout my career. I am currently licensed in North Carolina as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (# 11764). I consider myself a person-centered therapist meaning that I focus on providing an empathic, non-judgmental and safe place for individuals to share feelings. I work with individuals to accept who they are, take responsibility and identify his/her strengths to work through issues. I tend to use various counseling techniques to meet the specific needs of each individual. Some of the techniques that I have used are Cognitive-Behavioral, Gestalt Exercises, Anger Management, disability services, coping skills for Depression and anxiety and strategies for building self-esteem. I achieved my highest degree, which is a Master of Science Degree, specifically in Counselor Education from Syracuse University in May of 1999. Also, I completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services Counseling from Old Dominion University in 1993. I believe in advocating for others, and I am excited to use technology as a tool to reach out to you. I truly look forward to speaking with you and providing a positive support in your life.
Debbie Esque
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of North Carolina. I have worked with all ages and walks of life in my 20 plus years experience. As a seasoned therapist I believe that a successful outcome of therapy goals begins with a harmonious relationship with the client. This begins with a clear understanding of the needs and desires of the client. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy and Integrative therapy are used to reach the best desired outcome for the client. My approach is to have a kind, caring and sensitive demeanor, yet direct and firm as needed to achieve success. I strive to listen well and give appropriate feedback. I attribute my successful record as a therapist to having the education, knowledge, work experience, and confidence to work with each client, and consider it a privilege to work with each one. I have gained volumes of wisdom through training and personal experiences in my life. My desire is to resolve emotional and behavioral problems and disturbances, and to help people to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. I would be honored to work with you.
Taij Johnson
I have been working and providing therapeutic services for over 6 years. I started working in Mental Health at the entry level in high school. I have provided hands on support assisting individuals as a personal care worker in the group home and assisted living setting, high risk intervention technician working in the school setting . I graduated college and continued my passion working with people from all walks of life as a Protective Services Social Worker. These experiences lead me to obtain my MA in Counseling, and become a fully licensed LCMHC. My approach is very client centered and I utilize many modalities including but not limited to : cognitive-behavioral psychodynamic, trauma focused, solution focused, humanistic, and rational-emotive therapy. I make every effort to meet the individuals that I counsel where they are, and address specific needs to help them reach their peace and potential.
Beverly Tracy
I’m Beverly Tracy and I provide counseling to clients living in North Carolina and South Carolina. I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I graduated from University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Master of Social Work. I have built my practice around healthcare and more specifically, oncology; hospice; and home health. Common concerns I see in my work include depression, anxiety, life transitions, abuse, family conflict, grief and loss, and adjustment to adverse life events. What can you expect from me? Clear boundaries. I care about my clients but we can’t be friends or have contact outside the therapeutic relationship and that protects both of us and helps me abide by my professional ethics. Respect. You’re the expert on you. I am here to listen, guide, challenge and explore with you. I strive to practice with attention and sensitivity to our inherent differences. I won’t make decisions for you. Compassion. No judgment. You’re already struggling and you don’t need me adding to your burden. I believe we all do our very best to show up and we should be given extra grace for getting through tough times. Honesty. I work within my area of skill and expertise. If I don’t feel like I can help you move toward a solution, I will help connect you with a therapist who is more familiar with your particular need. More About Me When I’m not working, you’re likely to find me gardening, spending time with friends or playing with my dogs. I am a wife, a mom, a daughter and a sister. My core values of honesty and integrity guide and inform my choices and decisions. I am an extroverted introvert. Listening is perhaps my best asset. Life can be hard sometimes and if you are ready to feel better or make different choices, I’d love to work with you.
Tayona Fraylon
I am licensed in North Carolina with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, eating disorders, anger management and more. 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.
Joyce Nyirenda
I am licensed in North Carolina with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. I further believe that we are part spirit (not just physical, emotional and mental), therefore I like to include a spiritual approach (Bible/Christian Based) to assisting you in dealing with your issues.
Holly Gammon
I am licensed in North Carolina with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Deedra Bryant Serieux
I am licensed in North Carolina with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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.
How to find counseling in Banner Elk
Finding the best therapist close by in Banner Elk 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Banner Elk. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Banner Elk, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Banner Elk or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers 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 Banner Elk area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Banner Elk, elsewhere in Avery, or in the greater state of North Carolina.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Banner Elk area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Banner Elk therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Banner Elk due to a higher cost of living. 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 Banner Elk 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 BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of North Carolina you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Banner Elk, 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.
How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Banner Elk 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 lead by a therapist in Banner Elk helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?
BetterHelp's verified Banner Elk 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.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- 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 Banner Elk therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
A psychologist 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 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 Banner Elk 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 lot of people in NC, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 28604 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Banner Elk counselor?
Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Banner Elk 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 through therapy 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.
Is mental health care and therapy worth it?
Therapy 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 professional 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 Banner Elk, 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.
Banner Elk has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?
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
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 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 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 Banner Elk:
28604