The town of Sanford was named after C. O. Sanford, who was a civil railroad engineer that was in charge of building the railroad lines in the town. Without the railroad, Sanford would have never been prosperous because the train brought so many opportunities for new businesses. There are now many large companies who have their offices in Sanford such as Tyson Foods, Re/Max, Pfizer, Coty, Caterpillar, and 3M. 

In addition, there are quite a few mental health professionals who have their offices in Sanford and are ready to help you with any type of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, marriage counseling, PTSD, or anything else you may need help with. Just contact one of our counselors today. 

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Chris (Christopher) McKillop

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
6 years of experience

Hi, my name is Chris McKillop and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina. I have been involved in the area of mental health and developmental disabilities since 1993. I received my Masters in Counseling in 2004 from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. I have worked in community-based settings, group homes and transitional housing settings, as well as working as a school counselor for 2 years and a Juvenile Court Counselor for 6 years. I strive to promote an atmosphere of trust and acceptance where clients feel safe, supported and validated. That trust and security will facilitate challenging thoughts, assumptions and beliefs that can be self-defeating and counterproductive to growth and having a life worth living. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important aspect of therapy, as it is the foundation upon which all other specific skills and techniques are based. Without that open and trusting relationship, the specific skills and techniques will be far less effective. I primarily use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focus, with elements of Behavioral Activation, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I strive to be adaptive and flexible in approach, working with the client’s strengths to best address the client’s concerns.

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Rae Marsh

Offering therapy in NC
License: MSW, LCSW,BCPCC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

MY EXPERIENCE AND TREATMENT APPROACH My name is Rae Marsh. I'm a licensed clinical social worker and therapist in North Carolina with a passion to help others navigate moments that feel overwhelming. I've provided counseling for the past 10 years and have helped people work through unresolved childhood trauma, divorce , friendship conflicts, anxiety, depression, self-concept challenges, financial behavior difficulties, family conflict, and issues surrounding child abuse and neglect. As I counsel I seek to provide an opportunity for transparency and self-awareness. I use cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, and solution-focused strategies to help individuals meet their goals. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND CREDENTIALS I obtained my Master of Social Work degree in Management and Community Practice with a specialization in Child Welfare from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2009. I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work degree from North Carolina A&T State University in 2008 with a specialization in School Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW License #C009941). WORKING WITH ME As we work together you'll find a judgement-free outlet where you will be heard and understood. You'll receive empathy, compassion, and professional guidance that will empower you. I celebrate your willingness to expand your support and I look forward to our work together!

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Amy FitzGerald

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in the state of North Carolina. I earned a Masters of Social Work from North Carolina State University and have been working in a clinical setting for more than a decade. I hold advanced certifications and/or extensive study in yoga and meditation including trauma-informed yoga, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Integrative Restoration iRest. Over the past ten years, my work has been geared to a variety of populations and most significantly with adoptive/birth parents, adoptees, youth at risk, and adolescents/adults engaged in rigorous and often stressful academic programs and career choices. People come to therapy for a variety of reasons including a desire to cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life, establish more meaningful relationships, and find relief from grief, loss, or trauma. By connecting with this community of therapists and counselors, you have demonstrated great courage, a willingness to be vulnerable, and a strong desire to begin a journey towards a better way of being. I take a client-centered and goal-oriented approach to working with clients. I meet you “where you are” on any given day. I view YOU as an expert on YOU and help guide you towards focusing on, setting, and reaching your goals. I work with a variety of therapeutic frameworks that can include both talk and somatic (body) therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness practices. Therapy sessions are individualized and geared towards your needs, comfort level, and values. Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and I look forward to working with you!

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Monica Edwards

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

I am licensed in North Carolina with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Donna Thomas

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in NC with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, sleeping disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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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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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Miltonjha Grier

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hello there! My name is Miltonjha Grier (pronounced Mill-tawn-juh) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in South Carolina with years of professional work experience. I obtained a Bachelors degree in Rehabilitation Studies and Human Services from Winston Salem State University in Winston Salem, NC (Go Rams!) and I obtained a Masters degree in Social Work from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC ( Go Golden Bulls). I have experience in helping teens/adolescents, adults and families with stress and anxiety, life changes, motivation, self esteem/confidence, & depression/anxiety mostly in the outpatient setting. Those are just a few of my favorites but, I have experience with helping individuals with other mood disorders as well. I implement a variety of therapeutic interventions based on your specific needs but just to name a few, I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Solution Focused Therapy. I prefer to tailor the therapy modalities to your needs. 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. The partnership between therapist and client is essential in developing and strengthening coping techniques that are EFFECTIVE! I like to think of myself as down to earth, understanding, goal driven and compassionate. I enjoy spending time with family, nights out on the town, traveling, 90's R&B and fashion, and trying new restaurants. My favorite color was pink but as I have gotten older, I find myself liking more things gray! I do not have any pets but I enjoy talking about animals and fur babies. My style of therapy is more of a listener but when it's my turn to share, I am coming with all the guidance to help you find your own solutions, in efforts to help you leave every session feeling motivated, determined and empowered! This journey is not easy, but if you made it this far to reading this profile that means you have a thought to maybe start therapy and start healing. Everything we do starts with a thought. So I say to you, don't stop here. Think about what you want and let's get to work! I'm here for you. Happy healing!

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Vickie Griffin

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I care about people and want the very best for you in your life. I feel that I am warm and comforting with no judgement or expectations but can gently challenge you if you need it to progress on your path to wellness. I look forward to working with you and getting to know you better.

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Julie Scott

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hi, I am Julie. I am a Texas licensed professional counselor with 15 years of experience in counseling and wellness. My motivation to become a counselor stemmed from personal hardships of being a young single mother who had to raise my children while managing school and work at the same time. There was lots of stress, anxiety, and fear of not being able to do it all and striving to be the best. Fortunately I have help from a wonderful counselor. So I’d like to pay forward and use the skills I have learned from my personal experiences and professional education to help you navigate life challenges, whether it is wellness and self-care, work-life integration, anxiety and stress, relationship building, grief and loss, and other challenges. During my career, I have had the pleasure to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. As a counselor, I believe that working together to develop skills to deal with any challenges is important. I implement a personalized approach by leveraging your personal strength combined with complementary techniques including mindfulness and wellness, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy so that you can adapt, build resilience, and enjoy life as you deserve.

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David Burgess

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Greetings! My name is David, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina. I view life as a journey towards becoming the best versions of ourselves, and I don't believe anything in life happens by chance. Since life brought you here today, I want to encourage you to follow through with starting treatment. I have a passion for helping others thrive, and it brings me immense joy to see the people I work with gain a deeper understanding of their life stressors and how to pair their unique strengths with skills learned in treatment to create meaningful change. My professional work experience has allowed me to help others overcome and cope with challenges related to depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and other life obstacles. Many of the people I've had the privilege of working with have also found integrating their faith into their treatment most therapeutic, and I can attest that there is no problem too big for God. Whichever one of the many life challenges you face today, I'm happy to join you in navigating this part of your journey!

How to find counseling in Sanford

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Sanford 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 Sanford 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 Sanford 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 Sanford, 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 Sanford 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 Sanford 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 Sanford 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 Sanford 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 Sanford 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 27330 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 Sanford 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 Sanford 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 Sanford, 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.

Sanford 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 Sanford.

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

27330, 27331, 27332

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