Can you remember the last time you were truly happy? If it has been so long that you are having a hard time remembering, then you may be suffering from a mental health condition like anxiety or depression. Luckily, Shelby has plenty of therapists in town who are trained to help. 

The City of Shelby has over a dozen buildings on the National Register of Historic Places that you can visit. Some of these include the Cleveland County Courthouse, West Warren Street Historic District, and the Masonic Temple Building. However, if you are struggling with a mental disorder, you probably don’t want to think about history. You need to get treatment from one of the Shelby therapists today.

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Tracie Hillard

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC-S
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
15 years of experience

Hi! My name is Tracie. I have been working as a counselor since 2001. I have my BA from UNCW, my MS from ECU and a MDiv from Campbell. I love helping people work through stressors and problems so that they are able to move forward into the future that they are wanting. I provide individual counseling and family counseling for a wide variety of issues such as parent/child relationship issues, ADHD, depression, anxiety, self esteem building and improving communication within the family. Thank you for taking this step towards the future that you are wanting! I look forward to talking more with you!

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patricia Searels

Offering therapy in NC
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

Hi! My name is Patricia Searels and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have worked in a variety of settings such as universities, private practice, and non profit centers for over 20 years. I have worked closely with college students, athletes, young professionals, and adults of all ages suffering from adjustment disorders ( moving, new parents, job changes, divorce) depression, anxiety, trauma, and those who are experiencing loss or relationship issues. My counseling style is is to create a genuine relationship that is caring, direct, and cooperative. I believe that when people are treated with respect and in a safe, healthy and honest relationship, growth can occur. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, and motivational interviewing counseling. The therapeutic process looks different for each individual, and my belief is in finding a unique, individualized and wholistic approach for each client. I always meet the client where they are and their personal goals will drive our work together. My hours are pretty flexible and I prefer to have some voice or face to face time in addition to text. I believe in providing the tools you need to live a happier more fulfilling life. By reaching out for support and help you have already taken the first step towards improving your life and achieving your goals. I look forward to working with you!

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Leslie Gray

Offering therapy in NC
License: MA, LCMHC, LCAS
AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

My name is Leslie Gray and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and Nationally Certified Counselor licensed in North Carolina with over 5 years of experience working primarily as a substance abuse counselor, but also working with clients who have co-occurring disorders. I have mainly worked with clients who experience substance abuse issues but also clients who experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I have worked with clients whose trauma has led them down a path they would never expect, whether they experienced physical, emotional, or verbal abuse, neglect, or have been witness to a violent incident. Within a successful counseling relationship you may experience various competing emotions. It is not uncommon to experience anger, frustration, or sadness throughout the entire process. It is important that you allow yourself to experience these emotions and not give up. My theoretical orientation is existential, which is the view that most of human kind’s experiences are part of a search for meaning. This view also reflects the idea that suffering and pain in life can be redefined into experiences that strengthen us and provide wisdom. I often utilize a person-centered approach and focus on brief solution-focused goals in believing that the best approach to treatment harnesses the client’s specific goals. As such, I traditionally focus on insight-oriented therapy but also utilize some elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Taking the first step to sort through difficult emotions or situations is more than most people are able to do; making that step can lead to a sense of fulfillment you may have never experienced before. If you are interested in sorting through something that you feel is holding you back from reaching your true potential, I would enjoy working with you to process everything. I look forward to working with you!

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Gaye Schankweiler

Offering therapy in NC
License: MA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in the state of North Carolina. I have 20 years experience. I was licensed in Colorado before moving to North Carolina. I work with all age groups. When I work with children, I often use play therapy and sand tray therapy to help them communicate their needs. I am a certified EMDR therapist, which means that I specialize in trauma issues. I can also clients dealing with with anxiety, depression, stress and anger management. Feeling accepted and understood is a vital part of the healing process. I provide a warm, welcoming, safe place that helps each client feel it is safe to identify and then address personal issues and problems. Together we develop a set of goals and objectives that best address the issues and problems presented. This then results in a healthier and more satisfying relationship in all areas of life.

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Fernandus Vinson

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC, EMDR,TF-CBTA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoaching
6 years of experience

Hi, my name is Fernandus and I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC), in the state of North Carolina. I have been in the mental health field for 19-years and have been providing therapy services for 5-years. I graduated from Liberty University in 2016 with a MA in professional counseling. I have a background in working with ages from 5 to 65- years old. The interventions I use in treatment include psycho-education, mindfulness techniques, anger management techniques, emotion regulation, cognitive restructuring, self-control strategies, role-play, Socratic questioning, social skills development, and communication skills development. I used an eclectic approach to therapy which includes using the following modalities: motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). I firmly believe the answer(s) to all of life's imbalances lies within every individual. And it is my responsibility to assist others with restoring normalcy in their lives. In addition, my experience as a retired NFL football player allows me the ability to understand how to manage emotions/feelings in intense environments while pressing forward towards identified goals. Reach out to me and let's work together to set and reach attainable goals.

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Dr. LaShandra McLaughlin

Offering therapy in NC
License: DSW,LCSW,APHSW-C
Family conflictsGriefCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with the dying and bereaved. Since 2015, I have been accompanying families facing the death of a child on their journey of love and loss. I received my Master of Social Work degree from Washington University in St. Louis and my Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Southern California. In addition to illness and loss, I have clinical experience providing support to individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and parenting problems. My approach incorporates solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and client-focused therapy tailored to address the personalized needs of each individual. I am committed to helping you work toward the goals that identify for yourself. Together we will define the key areas that you hope to address, explore your strengths and areas of growth, and apply new techniques and skills aimed at helping you achieve your goals. Initiating counseling is an important first step toward defining your goals and finding meaning and fulfillment in all aspects of your life. I look forward to working with you!

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Takesha Briggins

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

Hello! My name is Takesha and I earned my MS.Ed in Counseling from Old Dominion University. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina. I have been a professional counselor for 12 years and worked in a variety of settings with diverse populations. I have worked with adolescents in schools, adults in community settings, and families as an intensive in-home clinician. Over the years, I have served a wide variety of people and enjoy motivating others to make positive changes in their journey to personal growth and discovery. I view therapy as a collaborative relationship that focuses on the client. I utilize a humanistic, non-judgemental approach drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Person Centered, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy frameworks. I am passionate about helping others navigate through issues related to anxiety, depression, stress management, life transitions, interpersonal relationships, mindfulness, self compassion, academia, and career to name a few. I welcome the opportunity to offer a safe and comfortable environment for all and am dedicated to supporting the unique experiences of marginalized populations.

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Naomi McDonald

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, eating disorders, ADHD, spirituality, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Dr. Katherine Qubain Ernst

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

I am a doctor of clinical psychology and a licensed psychologist. My particular areas of expertise are in working with: teens, young adults, and parents; anxiety and depression; neurodiversity (such as ADHD and autism); and LGBTQ+ individuals and families. At this time, I'm only offering messaging-based services. This consists of asynchronous (not "live"), text-only conversations between the two of us. If you think that messaging might be a good format for your individual therapeutic or parent coaching services, please reach out and I'll be happy to discuss it with you further. I'm originally from The Triangle in NC, but I lived outside of Philadelphia for over ten years. During that time, I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Swarthmore College, as well as my masters & doctoral degrees at Widener University's Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology. I completed the following tracks & concentrations in my doctoral program: Diversity & Cross-cultural Psychology; Children, Adolescents, & Families; and School Psychology. My internships during my doctoral program were at: a public school; a community mental health center for kids, teens, & families; and an inpatient drug & alcohol rehabilitation facility. Upon returning to my home state in 2020, I worked primarily with LGBTQ+ teens, young adults, and their parents for three years in private practice. I approach individual therapy and parent coaching with warmth, acceptance, and compassion. I use an integration of third-wave therapies – such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), & Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) – and Family Systems. I'm particularly passionate about taking an intersectional, trauma-informed, gender-affirming approach to supporting LGBTQ+ young people and their families. I go by "Katherine" or "Dr. Ernst," and my pronouns are she/her. I live in The Triangle with my partner, along with our rescue dog and cats. I openly identify as a queer, disabled, Arab-American woman.

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Cynthia Little

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Shelby

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby, 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 28152 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 Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby, 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.

Shelby 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 Shelby.

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

28150, 28151, 28152

Popular cities near Shelby, NC

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