This is William Benton's avatar and link to their profile

William Benton

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to visit my page. I am a licensed therapist with 5 years of experience providing direct care to adults struggling with a wide variety of mental health difficulties and challenging life circumstances. While I find my approach to therapy can be of benefit and applicable to a majority of situations we face in life, I find my strength lies in working with individuals facing depression, anxiety, burnout, and changes in life roles, goals, and responsibilities. You’ve taken a wonderful step towards exploring meaningful change by being here, today, reading my profile and exploring what options for care might suit you best. The power over your life is in your hands – and in seeking care, remember: you are, in fact, interviewing me to see if we fit! While I certainly hope we do, there is nothing wrong, bad, or shameful if we do not. Finding a therapeutic match is important! I operate as a therapist based in Acceptance in Commitment Therapy, otherwise known as ACT (pronounced like the word, act). Through ACT, I aim to explore how those that I work with can overcome barriers to change. This is done by learning about and building skills that help you take a step back from the thoughts and feelings that keep you from achieving your goals, and connecting to your most important values. This knowledge and skillset is aimed to help you act – pun intended – and make changes towards a more meaningful, fulfilling life. If you choose to work with me, I will typically take our first session together to review my therapeutic approach, focus the majority of our session on giving you the "floor" (virtual floor, I suppose!) to share your current situation and struggles, and close by beginning to establish initial goals. It is my personal, professional mindset that I want to help you build the skills and insight into yourself and your situation so that you can begin making the changes you would like to see for you; my primary therapeutic goal is to assist you in feeling able to live a values-focused life, so that you can feel able to further pursue the life you want to live without the use of therapy. Whether you are facing considerable life change or looking to make some slight adjustments to your day-to-day routines, I look forward to knowing you, your experience, and providing the assistance that can help you begin to realize those changes, and sustain them in the long term.

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This is Dr. Robert Cipriano Jr's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Robert Cipriano Jr

Offering therapy in NC
License: Psy.D.,ABPP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

Dr. Robert J. Cipriano Jr. has been working with the South Florida community as a licensed psychologist for 20 years. Dr. Cipriano is currently a Florida , California, & North Carolina Licensed Psychologist. He is board certified in Police and Public Safety Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) and for the majority of his experience practices cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and more recently within the past two years has acquiesced to providing EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy to clientele experiencing trauma based symptoms. Dr. Cipriano has provided therapeutic and an array of clinical services to both the Trauma-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and inpatient behavioral health units at one of the largest Trauma hospitals in northern Miami-Dade County and has provided a number of critical incident stress debriefings (CISD) for a variety of staff. Dr. Cipriano has handled well over a 200 CISDs in his professional career. He assisted one of the largest metropolitan police departments in the southeast part of the United States in gaining insight and managing individuals who suffered from severe mental illness and who were in crisis as a "in- house" staff psychologist assigned to a Crisis Negotiation Team. He provided critical support to the crisis negotiation team when they were faced with crisis situations, hostages, career criminals, and barricaded subjects who posed a threat for police and the community at large. Dr. Cipriano has also assisted in providing crucial therapeutic support to the victims and victim's families of the school shooting in Parkland, FL along with the first responders affected by & connected to the critical incident. Dr. Cipriano is also the psychological supervisor for a major metropolitan police department, developing the program from infancy, and expanding the wellness concept for public safety sworn and civilian professionals. Dr. Cipriano is highly engaged in wellness and has written several articles on wellness and the importance of the continuity of wellness to other facets of one's life. Dr. Cipriano also offers expert training in understanding the psychological dynamics and warning signs of active shooters, school shooters, school place violence, and bully behavior. Dr. Cipriano has a strong interest in this area and has developed a clinical curriculum to target, intervene, and potentially prevent such acts along this specific spectrum of aggression. His knowledge, experience, and expertise will benefit clinicians, educational institutions, administrators, public safety professionals, and the private sector on a local, state, and national level.

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This is Allison Nitschke's avatar and link to their profile

Allison Nitschke

Offering therapy in NC
License: MA,LCMHC,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
18 years of experience

I am a graduate of Cincinnati Christian University, with experience in women’s issues, severe mental health disorders, early childhood mental health, marriage and family therapy, depression and anxiety, addictions, body image and self awareness, among others. I prefer a psychodynamic and person centered approach. I enjoy solution focused approaches with clients who are motivated, but also enjoy the relationship of those who need services for a longer duration. My heart is to heal and restore the broken. “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

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This is Regina Kujawa's avatar and link to their profile

Regina Kujawa

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
30 years of experience

Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 18 years of experience in mental health. I have provided psychotherapy in many different settings to include inpatient hospitalization, intensive in home services, Substance and alcohol abuse treatment, and outpatient therapy services. I have worked with patienbts with a variety of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, substance and alcohol abuse and I have worked to help patients, couples and families navigate separation and divorce. I have worked with patients who have experienced trauma, loss and sexual abuse providing compassion and education as well as teaching my patients how to work with their bodies to help their symptoms. I utilizes a holistic approach to treatment as I have a fitness/body background history and I am credentialed in Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (or TRE®). TRE is a healing modality that encourages the body to release deep muscular patterns of stress, tension and trauma that we carry in our bodies over the course of our lives. TRE helps calm down the nervous system and encourages the body to return back to a state of balance which is an essential part of the healing process. I am also skilled in the area of crisis management

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This is Leigh Ann Byrum's avatar and link to their profile

Leigh Ann Byrum

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

I am licensed in North Carolina with 12 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 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 Makeba Shaw's avatar and link to their profile

Makeba Shaw

Offering therapy in NC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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 & empower you in that journey.

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This is Dr. Suzanne Degges-White's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Suzanne Degges-White

Offering therapy in NC
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois, North Carolina, and Indiana, with 22 years of professional work experience. I am also a licensed clinical addictions counselor in Indiana. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. Each of us holds the power to make choices that will enhance our lives and move us closer to our goals. Sometimes we are able to move towards change with deliberation and intent and other times we find ourselves in situations and circumstances where we feel an urgent need to change our thoughts, behaviors, or feelings. Change can be difficult, but my role is to provide you with the support you need to manage planned and unplanned transitions and changes. I believe that enhancing wellness and increasing a client’s sense of empowerment to make better choices will help clients become more capable of finding happiness and contentment in their lives. Helping clients learn to better manage life stressors and develop strategies for coping with developmental transitions and relational challenges are emphases in my work. In our work together, I may employ a variety of therapeutic techniques to encourage you to take new perspectives and engage in new behaviors that will help you better manage the challenges that have brought you into my office. Using a humanistic framework, and depending on the nature of the concern, I may use techniques from cognitive and behavioral therapy, existential counseling, choice theory, and feminist theory. I often incorporate client homework assignments into therapy including bibliotherapy, journaling, or other brief writing assignments.

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This is Cherie Bedford's avatar and link to their profile

Cherie Bedford

Offering therapy in NC
LGBTFamily conflictsGriefCareer difficultiesADHD
12 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, career difficulties and military members transitioning from active duty to civilian life. 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 through our partnership.

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This is Patrick Barrett's avatar and link to their profile

Patrick Barrett

Offering therapy in NC
AddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina with 12 years of professional experience. Some of the topics we may address in therapy include managing stress and anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol addictions, anger management, motivation, and self-esteem issues. I believe that we all have areas where we can learn from one another as well as areas to work on each day to try and improve ourselves. Therapy can be a wonderful place to learn and improve, and I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Glendenise McPherson's avatar and link to their profile

Glendenise McPherson

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Hello, I am Glendenise, a Christian therapist, licensed in New York and North Carolina, with 6 years of professional work experience. I am available to work with anyone who is ready to heal and be heard. My areas of expertise include stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that there's hope for a change in your story and you have many strengths that can help with overcoming the challenges. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and the first steps towards change is being honest with yourself. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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How to find counseling in Highlands

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Highlands 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 Highlands 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 Highlands 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 Highlands, 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 Highlands 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 Highlands 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 Highlands 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 Highlands 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 Highlands 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 28741 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 Highlands 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 Highlands 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 Highlands, 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.

Highlands 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 Highlands.

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

28741

Popular cities near Highlands, NC

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