Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins
Hello, I am Dr. Shelia Williamson Collins, PhD, NCC, LCMHC, CCMHC, LCAS, CCS, SAP, MAC. I am a board certified clinical mental health counselor and addiction counselor with nearly 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I am licensed as a clinical counselor in the states of North Carolina, Illinois, and Alaska. I have a PhD in General Psychology from Northcentral University. I also have a master's degree in Community Counseling and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Chicago State University. I have worked in an adult inpatient psychiatric unit, outpatient behavioral clinic, community-based mental health services, and residential substance abuse treatment programs. My counseling style is person-centered. I have a diverse therapeutic approach to counseling. However, my primary approach includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I specialize in mood disorders, anger management, addictions education, and relapse prevention. I believe that everyone has a story to tell; and I am here to listen. Giving voice to your concerns and issues is the first step to healing. We can accomplish this together. It would be my honor to work with you to assist you in reaching your healthy goals. Please let me know if you would prefer weekly sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate.
Joyce Clark Reid
I began my working career as an elementary school teacher. Together, my students and I worked on academic goals. I soon noticed that learning issues of some of my students stemmed from relationship problems at home and at school. This effected learning behaviors often producing non-compliance, anger, depression, and anxiety for these children. These behaviors, sometimes with diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health issues, were usually not being addressed clinically and were taking a toll on their academic progress. I continued my education in counseling to better understand these learning barriers so that I could assist children and their parents. As I learned, I gained knowledge and skills to not only help children and parents, but also to help adults and families to navigate life’s problems and to attain their goals. Goals for the counseling process are associated with maintaining healthy relationships as well as adapting various changes that can produce a positive impact upon our lives. During therapy, my clients are made aware of the power they possess, how to dodge problems, how to accomplish goals, and how to perceive life in a positive manner. I now realize that I cared for my students more than for their academic progress. I cared about their personal well-being. I wanted them to feel productive and capable. I wanted them unencumbered by life’s problems but to have the resilience to overcome their deep seeded issues that affected their lives as a whole. I am interested most in sharing what I have learned to influence people reach their goals. It would be a privilege to assist you in this work.
Laurel Meine
As a licensed therapist with three decades of experience in North Carolina, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, and interpersonal dynamics with compassionate, personalized care. I have extensive expertise in working with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, survivors of trauma, and those experiencing life transformations. My approach is deeply empathetic and tailored to each person's unique journey, focusing on healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of concerns, from social anxiety and relationship challenges to chronic pain, caregiver stress, and midlife transitions. I am committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and rediscover their inner strength. Through collaborative, evidence-based techniques, I help individuals build self-love, overcome isolation, and reconnect with their life's purpose. My goal is to empower clients to move beyond their current struggles and create meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Shirley Southard
I have worked in the human service field for approximately 20 years. I have had the pleasure of working with mental health, developmentally disabled and substance abuse populations. I have worked with Assisted Medication Management and active military members and their families. My greatest reward as a therapist is helping my clients explore ways to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to look forward to the future with hope. I believe that we all need someone to talk with who will really listen and accept us as we are, without judgment. I provide my clients with that warm, nonjudgmental environment—a safe place to explore the issues that may be preventing them from living the life they want. I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Supervisor. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Therapy and psycho-education extensively. My experience includes working with clients dealing with divorce and single-parenting, addictions, grief, women’s issues, and mood disorders, among other challenges. I find that my great passion is working with individuals and children.
Sherry Friedman
To All My Prospective Clients: Hello, I am Sherry Friedman, National l Board Certified Counselor (NCC), clinical mental health counselor licensed in Rhode Island, North Carolina, and South Carolina with twelve years of experience, and a newly author. "Midwife of the Soul: A Teaching Memoir Through the Lens of an HSP Psychotherapist" by Shira Friedman, is like three books in one. I share what life was like growing up as a highly sensitive child, teen, and adult through a series of vignettes with reflective processing following each vignette. Utilizing my own life as a template to educate my readers about neurodivergence concurrent with the highly sensitive personality type, I also encourage other HSPs to view their sensitivity as a constellation of many gifts. The book comes with an appendix of practical resources, many of which I introduce to my clients in therapy. My book is available on Amazon or where ever you buy books. As an HSP (Highly Sensitive Person and HSP Psychotherapist), I am also listed on Dr. Elaine Aron's website: https://hsperson.com I am an Empath, Healer, and Reiki Master, and skilled at creating an emotionally safe space and building rapport with my clients. I empower my clients to discover and embrace their gifts and strengths and maintain healthy boundaries. I offer a warm, interactive counseling style and I practice "Listening with HEART" (Healing, Energy, Awareness, Resiliency, Transformation) and HeartMath coherence as a mindfulness-based treatment approach. My clinical orientation is Jungian (transformational and psychodynamic) and my counseling approach is holistic and multi-dimensional. This means I explore my clients' biopsychosocial, emotional, environmental, cultural, energetic, spiritual, and cosmological influences that may be creating stress, anxiety, grief, emotional trauma, relationship issues, and career challenges. The ultimate goal of all therapy is self-discovery, transformation, and moving forward as the highest, best version of ourselves. This typically involves finding one's life mission and soul purpose which involves deeper self-discovery. Getting to the root cause of pain requires a rare form of bravery and courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that first step toward change, I am here to empower and support you. Looking forward to working with you! All the best, Sherry Ann ("Shira") Friedman, NCC, LCMHC, HSP Psychotherapist MA School Psychology, (Ball State University) MS Ed. - Gifted Education (Purdue University), MS Clinical Counseling (Bellevue University)
Joyce Washington
I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in North Carolina with over 14 years of experience working as a therapist for those of all ages. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including relationship issues, parenting problems, family discord, career challenges, assertivness, and an array of sexual functions and dysfunction. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is present and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, while also being honest. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. As a therapist, I hope to help motivate people in ascertaining their inner strengths and abilities and discovering what truly inspires them. I aim to provide a stimulating and supportive environment that encourages clients to take initiative in their own lives, while fostering confidence to realize their full potential. I am here
Ronald Wells
As a licensed therapist in North Carolina with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on creating affirming, compassionate spaces for diverse clients, with particular expertise in LGBTQ+ support, stress management, and trauma-informed care. I bring deep understanding to challenges like depression, anxiety, addiction, workplace dynamics, and interpersonal relationships. My approach honors each person's unique journey, focusing on communication, healing from past experiences, and developing meaningful personal growth strategies. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of focus areas, including men's issues, young adult transitions, multicultural concerns, and supporting individuals navigating complex life changes. I'm committed to providing culturally responsive, empathetic guidance that respects individual experiences and promotes holistic well-being. I'm fluent in English and Spanish, which allows me to connect with a broader range of clients and provide nuanced, culturally sensitive support.
Beverly Hicks
As a licensed therapist with three decades of experience serving individuals in North Carolina, I specialize in supporting clients through life's complex challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in compassionate, faith-informed counseling that honors each person's unique journey. I focus on helping individuals navigate stress, anxiety, life transitions, and interpersonal dynamics. My expertise spans a wide range of concerns, including social anxiety, trauma recovery, relationship challenges, and personal growth. I am particularly committed to supporting older adults, women, and individuals seeking a conservative, Christian-centered therapeutic approach. My therapeutic style emphasizes understanding, empowerment, and holistic healing. I work collaboratively with clients to develop meaningful coping strategies, rebuild self-love, and address underlying emotional patterns. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship difficulties, or personal transformation, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
Emily Adler
I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, 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. 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.
Korenee Walthour
I am licensed in Florida, North Carolina and Virginia with 15 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. 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.
Aimee Campbell Culler
I am licensed in North Carolina with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Michele Howard
I am a licensed in North Carolina with 3.5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Sherrida Smith
I am a licensed clinical therapist with several years of experience. I have over 25 years of experience working with children, adults and families. I also enjoy facilitating different types of therapeutic groups. I have supported teens, adults and families through social issues and concerns, relationship issues, parenting problems, including marital concerns. I have also worked with children and adults who have suffered various forms of abuse or neglect. I have worked with people from different backgrounds, cultures and appreciate learning about each and every person I work with. I embrace getting to know more so I know how to help support each client with attaining their goals. My therapeutic style is very authentic, warm and strength based. I believe that my therapeutic practice is a work of the heart, and I believe in the change and or support that each and everyone of my clients' seeks. I have utilized theoretical perspectives such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as brief treatment therapeutic modalities. I also enjoy utilizing bits of psychoanalytic theory and I'm creative and open based on what is best for each and every client I serve. I am looking forward to working with you to support and encourage you into the next best phase of your life.
Shawn Hudson
I am a therapist with 11 years of clinical practice in a variety of settings, from hospitals to schools to community mental health, and I value the therapist-client relationship above all else. Studies show it as one of the highest predictors of success. As such, our relationship will be conversational, sometimes challenging, sometimes humorous, and always attentive to your needs and goals in both the short and long-term. I will not pressure you to do what you do not wish to do, but I will ask that you set new challenges for yourself that we both feel you can achieve. And I will be your advocate through the struggles to reach a better understanding and experience in this life. Whether you're needing help with depression, grief, trauma, addictions, or anxiety ... we can navigate these challenges, together.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Rutherford College, North Carolina
Finding a therapist near you in Rutherford College, North Carolina starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. North Carolina is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In North Carolina, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across North Carolina, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in North Carolina
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In North Carolina, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in North Carolina
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in North Carolina
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in North Carolina through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in North Carolina
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across North Carolina, including residents in Rutherford College.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in North Carolina do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Rutherford College, North Carolina
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Rutherford College and the surrounding NC area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.