In life, you need to learn how to create and craft your own destiny. This can be a challenge, especially if you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or any other problems that may come with life. Luckily, there is hope, and this hope can come in the form of a counselor based in Hickory. 

Hickory’s motto is “Life. Well Crafted.” Having a good sense of how you can craft your own life journey can be a challenge, but there is hope. This hope can come in the form of a counselor. Speak to one today and craft your own journey. 

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Dr. Diana Rowan

Offering therapy in NC
License: PhD,MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Hello brave person seeking support, My name is Dr. Diana Rowan and I have been a psychotherapist for more than 20 years. I can provide support around a variety of issues including life crises, depression, anxiety, problems in personal relationships, and career guidance. I believe that everyone can benefit from a safe space to engage in self-reflection and explore new ideas with a trusted person. I would like to be that therapeutic support for you and make sure you feel accepted, and never judged. My approach to therapy is to take a “trauma-informed” view of each person, honoring all of the experiences you have lived through to bring you to this point. I like to partner with clients to capitalize on their strengths and explore new ways of looking at relationships, life events, and challenging situations. I am a US Army veteran and therefore I work well with veterans and first responders, around issues with post-traumatic stress and “secondary trauma” (compassion fatigue). I also have expertise with working with people who are living with HIV and also with people who are current or former college or professional athletes. I am also open to work with all adults who are dealing with stress, feeling overwhelmed, confused, or who need an objective, trusted person with whom to discuss private issues. Regarding my education, I earned a PhD in Social Work from University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina, since 2008. I know that therapy is not “one size fits all” and I look forward to tailoring our work to topics and methods you prefer. Dr. Rowan

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Natasha Georges

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issues
9 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of New York and North Carolina with 10 years of experience working with diverse groups. My clients have included children as young as 5 years old, pre-teens, teenagers, adults, and families. I have supported clients through grief, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression among other presented concerns. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused, Client Centered and Motivational Interviewing approaches to guide you to achieving your goals. My counseling style is empathetic and transparent as I recognize everyone has a journey and a story to tell. I am not here to judge your story but I am here to help you walk through it and write your next chapter as you would like it written. I challenge you to follow through on your goals and explore your thoughts deeper. Being here is a first step and if you are ready to go further, I would be honored to support you on your new journey!

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Alison "Rachel" Weiss

Offering therapy in NC
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
20 years of experience

Partnering in the healing process with my clients is such an honor for me. I am a trauma, attachment, and addiction specialist, as well as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I work with a variety of issues, with a focus on healing from trauma, or "toxic" life experiences. I can also help with life changes and stress, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, phobias, low self-esteem, relationship issues, secondary traumatic stress, complex trauma and dissociative "disorders." I work hard to meet the needs of each individual, providing a safe, non-judgmental, empathic space essential for healing. I am up front and "real," while highly nurturing and caring; I believe in the transformative effects of the therapeutic relationship. I have 20+ years working as a psychotherapist with a central focus on trauma and trauma healing, along with the myriad of affects resulting from unresolved traumas/ adverse experiences and attachment wounds. I also have years of specialization and training in addictions/compulsions (mostly sexual & substance, along with work and food-related compulsions, among others). I do not view addictions or compulsions as diseases, lack of willpower or moral failures, nor do I view them as life sentences. I use modalities that can help people heal from such issues, not just manage them. This work requires working on traumas, when the individual is ready and it is safe to do so. My decades of dedicated and focused work in this field of trauma recovery, has included, but is not limited to, working with adult survivors of single-incident traumas, complex trauma, developmental trauma, toxic stress, insecure attachment, and/or adverse life experiences. I believe that unresolved traumas, and/or insecure attachment (early relationships with caregivers), is at the root of most of our emotional, relational and physical issues. This has in fact been proven, and cannot be disputed, by multiple and extensive groundbreaking scientific studies (see the ACE Study- Adverse Childhood Experiences- at: https://acestoohigh.com/aces-101/). I use a Trauma-Informed approach, asking the question: "What happened to you?" instead of "What's wrong with you?" This also requires that safety comes first, as well as a commitment to do no harm. I also work with individuals struggling with difficult life situations and transitions, such as job changes / job loss, break-ups or separations, partner infidelity, gaining or losing weight, legal trouble, abortions or miscarriages, contemplating a change in career, moving to a new city, or just any place in your life where things feel "off-balance," and your "normality" has been interrupted. I also enjoy working with people who are simply wanting to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, increase self-confidence, or wanting to feel re-invigorated by life. With the use of EMDR, Mindfulness Work and Body-Centered/Somatic Approaches, I have seen many people achieve this in an incredibly deep, powerful and transformative way! Talk therapy can help greatly, and is a very important part of therapy, especially as it is needed to create safety and trust in the therapeutic relationship (which is essential for healing), however I have found that adding EMDR, as well as Body-Centered Approaches, along with other modalities of therapy, helps us achieve the lasting results we desire much faster and more profoundly. I use a variety of practices including, but not limited to: -Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); -Psychodynamic Therapy (Object Relations, Self-Psychology, Ego Psychology); -Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR); -Mindfulness-Based Therapy; -Somatic/ Body-Centered Psychotherapies: The Hakomi Method, Sensorimotor, and Somatic Experiencing (SE); -Psychoeducation; -"Parts Work"/ Ego State Psychotherapy; -The EMDR Phobia Protocol; -The EMDR-based Feeling State Addiction Protocol; My goal in therapy is not to help people just cope and survive, but to actually heal and thrive. No one wants to just manage and survive- we all want to be able to live, and this is possible! I believe all good therapy is an art, not a technique. I practice in an individualized and integrative way, using only scientifically proven modalities. You are an expert in your healing and in your struggles. You bring the problems, I bring the expertise, and we will embark on your healing journey together. If I'm not the right fit- I will be happy to direct you to someone who is, and/or support you in finding the right help. Feel free to reach out! I look forward to hearing from you!

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Shevene Bryant

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHCS
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

Difficult times and unexpected life changes happen. Relationships struggle and sometimes end. Losses of all kinds happen. Hurt, stress, grief and anxiety are often a result. Counseling is a powerful asset to help you navigate these in order to reach healing and growth. You do not have to walk this alone. I can help you understand your situation, cope and move through it productively. My name is Shevene Bryant, and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor for North Carolina. My undergraduate degree was in Psychology. My graduate degree is in Counseling. My background is work in Mental health centers, hospitals, and private practice settings. I have over 25 years of counseling experience with individuals, couples, children, teens, and family. I am the author of a child's book called Emotions. I have a great passion for the work I do. I offer a warm and empathetic personality to help meet your goals. I specialize in working with individuals who are experiencing anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, BDD, eating disorders, depression, grief, loss, life transitions, trichotillomania, abuse, and trauma. I use a person-centered, multicultural, and integrative approach in treatment. This means I begin where you are and tailor the treatment approach to your needs. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

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Mary Hope

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
29 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. 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.

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Amy Justice

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

I am licensed in North Carolina with 25 years of experience in personal development and education, and 7 years of clinical counseling experience. I specialize in trauma recovery, anxiety and ADHD, but have experience with many other challenges as well. Working with clients who are new to and a little nervouse about therapy are my specialty, but I love working with anyone interested in learning more about themselves! I have worked with college students, military personnel and families, first responders and the general population. 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.

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Chentell Parker

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf 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, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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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Michelle Thompson

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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. 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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Dawn Owens

Offering therapy in NC
AddictionsRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementADHD
17 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & anger management. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Behnaz Gitipour's avatar and link to their profile

Behnaz Gitipour

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
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, & anger management. 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!

How to find counseling in Hickory

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Hickory 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 Hickory 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 Hickory 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 Hickory, 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 Hickory 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 Hickory 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 Hickory 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 Hickory 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 Hickory 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 28603 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 Hickory 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 Hickory 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 Hickory, 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.

Hickory 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Hickory.

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

28601, 28602, 28603

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