In life, there are many promises people make and don't keep. This can apply to yourself as well. You may have promised yourself to improve, but you still haven't done so. Depression, anxiety, and other mental problems can keep you down. Luckily, a counselor based in Gastonia can help. 

Gastonia’s motto is “Great Place. Great People. Great Promise.” The great people in this town can help you keep your promises and make sure that others do the same to you. Speak to a counselor based in Gastonia today and see how they can help you with any promises you have.

This is Dabney Hayes's avatar and link to their profile

Dabney Hayes

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
14 years of experience

Dabney has a passion for working with people struggling with a variety of issues, including dysfunctional behavior rooted in shame, addiction, self-loathing, low self-esteem, perfectionism, trauma and abuse and grief/loss. I am driven to help individuals heal their wounds, develop a new relationship with their thoughts and transform their lives. I am passionate about helping my clients reach their full potential by living their lives more confidently and authentically. I have over twelve years of experience as a therapist and have provided therapy in individual and group settings. I also have experience helping clients navigate everyday sources of stress such as relationship problems, family conflicts, depression, anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, and school/work issues. I have worked with children, adolescents, young adults and families, and provide compassionate, non-judgmental care. I use an integrative, client-centered orientation that draws from multiple theories and techniques which includes: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy. I am a welcoming and caring therapist who respects and empathizes with my clients' experiences without any judgement. You don't have to carry your pain and burdens alone. I look forward to working with you! Years of Experience: 12 years

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John Reid

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
22 years of experience

Hi, my name is John Reid and welcome to the BetterHelp platform. Thank you for allowing me to provide you with Professional Counseling Services and thank you for considering me as your Therapist/Counselor. The five most important personal and professional characteristics that I consider necessary for a successful Counselor are: to be a good listener, to be non-judgmental, to genuinely care about people, to be professionally trained, and to be experienced. Yes, experience is necessary. I was ordained as a Pastor in 1968 while in college. I have pastored two churches and served as a Director of Missions for a Baptist Association of 50 churches for more than 20 years. Afterwards, I began being a Professional Counselor for the next twenty-two years at a Counseling Agency, a Baptist Residential Cottage serving teen age boys and their families, as a Therapist with two different Mental Health agencies, as a therapist in public schools, and as a BetterHelp Counselor working with Clients in the US from the Pacific to the Atlantic and working with International Clients in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean, and from Canada to Mexico in North America. Yes, education is necessary. I earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling in 1976 and used the Counselor training in my church work. I became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2007 and recently completed a four year training program in Gestalt Therapy. While education, training, and experience are important, nothing replaces a willingness and an ability to listen at a deep human level and relate one to one. Along life’s journey I have made some mistakes. Out of these experiences I have learned that everyone, no matter who you are or what station in life you are, makes mistakes. Experiencing forgiveness is important. One can recover from mistakes and move forward. And I learned not to be judgmental. I will not judge you. All of my life experiences have taught me to genuinely care for others and the concerns they have in their lives. I have helped many people, adults and children, with a variety of Mental Health Issues included but not limited to: Depression, Anxiety, various Mood Disorders, ADHD, Low Self-Esteem, Marriage and Divorce, Divorce Reaction, Blended Families, and Anger Management issues to mention a few. My wife and I have been married for forty-seven years. We have two successful daughters and a beautiful granddaughter. When doing Christian counseling, I use the Bible as a text and not as a weapon. I do not believe in using the Bible to beat people over the head with it. I believe that love in all its expressions heals.

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Melanie Brinson

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensed in the state of NC with over 7 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of ages and concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, OCD, trauma related disorders, low self-esteem, motivation issues, adjustment disorders, and ADHD. The majority of my experience has been with children, teens, and young adults. I enjoy working with the youth of today to help secure a strong solid future for tomorrow. My counseling style is warm and accepting. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and solution focused therapy. I have a strong appreciation for art and understand the power of art in therapy. I believe that through a strong therapeutic relationship change can occur. I will focus my energy in allowing you to feel heard, cared for, and understood. This will allow you to unlock your true desires and ideas for your next steps. Your future is yours and you will be the author of your story. My role is to help you to embrace your strengths, work with your weaknesses, and help you to reach your own goals. I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

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Kathleen Neiswonger

Offering therapy in NC
License: M.S.Ed,LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

Sometimes we feel 'stuck.' Sometimes we experience negative emotions which we feel conflict with our values, morals, ideals. Sometimes we feel an emptiness. Like our inner flame...the one which burns inside, pushing us to set & pursue goals, dream, live life with a sense of anticipation...has dimmed, until just an ember. Sometimes our negative life experiences get us caught up in the lies of guilt and shame. Paralyzing us. Keeping us from moving forward. Perhaps it's more than 'just' feelings and emotions. Maybe symptoms of mental illness make life hard. And navigating through life, each day, each moment, feels like tedious work. However...please know there is help. There is hope. There is healing. There is so much more to life than what you may be currently experiencing. I have years of experience serving others. I have taught middle school and high school English; worked as a therapist in community mental health and private practice; and worked as a school counselor. I am a counselor who is a Christian. And although I truly believe that the spiritual aspects of an individual’s whole self should be explored and nurtured in therapy, whether or not we explore the spiritual dimension of life will be up to you. I have a passion working with those who feel they are not living life to its fullest. Why? Because I truly believe each of us has the ability to fully participate in a life which excites and fulfills.

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This is Sabrina Howell's avatar and link to their profile

Sabrina Howell

Offering therapy in NC
License: MSCP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I believe that the counseling process is based on a collaborative relationship between the counselor and client. I see our counseling relationship as one in which you are in charge of setting your own goals and I am privileged to companion you through that process. My approach to therapy is a holistic one: we will discuss your goals from many perspectives and examine the effects on your body, mind, spirit, relationships, work, and any other areas that are important to you. I draw from cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution-focused theories of counseling. I work with adults individually and as couples. I am a trained TFCBT therapist and help children and families deal with trauma. I help clients explore the life moments where they feel “stuck” in their journey. Some of the symptoms that show up with the “stuck” feeling are panic, anxiety, and depression. Your decision to choose to enter counseling is a voluntary one and you may terminate it at any time. If at some point ethical standards dictate it is in your best interest to refer you to another therapist, I will do so. If this happens I would provide you with names of professionals to contact. It is impossible to guarantee any specific results regarding your counseling goals, but we will work together to achieve the best results possible. At the end of our first session we will decide if we want to enter a counseling relationship. I will respond to message typically one time per day Monday - Saturday. This will occur typically after 5:00 p.m. EST.

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Suzanne Walker

Offering therapy in NC
License: MS,CAS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
38 years of experience

Hi...I'm Suzanne and I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (therapist) with many years (38 years) of experience. I received my M.S. in Counseling Psychology in 1984 and have many years of training and experience as a clinician and as a clinical supervisor. Life can be both very challenging and difficult. Speaking with a counselor brings a nonjudgemental perspective and helps them process the situation. Counseling helps discover the choices we can make and want to make, even when faced with difficult decisions. I learned a long time ago that the relationship between the person and their provider is the most important element in this journey. Whether your journey is to deal with pain, stress or trauma, to heal, to learn about yourself, to find ways to grow and change or so many other important reasons, I want you to know it takes courage to take the first step and decide to seek help. In order to begin this journey of healing and growth, you need to partner with the right person. The relationship with your counselor is called the therapeutic alliance; the foundation for all change and healing. I can assure you that I will combine who I am, my experience and my training to work together with you to create your individualized pathway to change. I have broad experience across the age-span (adults, families, adolescents and children) and with many cultures and lifestyles. In my life and career, I lived many places and worked both civilian in the local community and with the U.S. military both as a DoD provider. I also experienced many decades as a military family member and so I truly understand military life and all that comes with it. My work with many people from all ages with many different backgrounds and cultures, helps me work with you using a person-centered approach. From my work as a LCMHC dating back many years, I've worked with many people who have faced oppression & prejudice for simply being who they are. I'm very familiar with issues facing members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. My work as a counselor is and will always be judgement free and unconditional positive regard for the person. I listen, ask questions, and offer you insights so that together we can develop a treatment plan and plan an approach to address your needs. My approach to mental health is both holistic and integrated. Together, we’ll use a person-centered individualized process designed to respond to your needs and develop your plan-of-care. I’ve been trained in many therapy modalities and techniques and will decide with you what can work best for you and your needs, such as CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral); Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Positive Psychology, Reality Therapy, etc.

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This is Tamika Hodges's avatar and link to their profile

Tamika Hodges

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 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, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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This is Dr. Kristen Dreyfus's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Kristen Dreyfus

Offering therapy in NC
Relationship issuesCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues and coping with life changes. 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 and empower you in that journey.

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Holly Gammon

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

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!

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Mary Hall

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

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How to find counseling in Gastonia

Finding the best therapist close by in Gastonia 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 Gastonia. 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 Gastonia, 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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia, elsewhere in Gaston, 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 Gastonia area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Gastonia 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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia, 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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia 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:

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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia 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 28056 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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia 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 Gastonia, 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.

Gastonia 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Gastonia.

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

28052, 28053, 28054, 28055, 28056

Popular cities near Gastonia, NC

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