Chris (Christopher) McKillop
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.
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.
Leeann Peters
Hi, I am an individual and family therapist. I obtained my Master of Social Work from University of Southern California (USC) . I spent 30+ years working professionally with individuals and families who have major and minor medical illness therefore, I am proficient at counseling individuals and families afflicted with minor and major medical health issues. Then I spent 11 years working with individuals who have the disease of addiction and all that comes with that lifestyle which includes and not limited to homelessness, legal issues, mental health disorders, trauma, gang affiliation, grief and loss, and family problems. Working with medical illness and substance use disorders, you obtain mental health experience which makes one very proficient working with all mental health issues, including autism disorders. Working on the betterhelp plateform for the last three years has given me the experience working with all different types of cultures, populations, issues and have the ability to start excitedly where the client is at the given moment of meeting them. The populations I serve are females, males, couples, veterans and the LGBTQ-A I + community. I believe and work with holistic approach as I am a Reiki Master and have experience with Reiki Sessions, crystals, and alternative healing As a therapist it is my mission to assist you in achieving your goals in a safe, trusting, nonjudgmental, and respectful manner. I utilize a person centered concept, motivational interviewing, pros and cons therapy, mindfulness and narrative therapy so each individual can achieve their goals of a more satisfying life. I look forwards to meeting with you! I will not talk about religion (if your not religious) I will not talk about politics!! Specialties: Anxiety, Depression Substance and Alcohol disorders Grief and Loss Death, Dying, and Bereavement Life Changes Also Experienced in: Personality and mood disorders Family therapy Abuse and trauma Experience 20 + years in Substance and Alcohol issues 6+ years as a Mental Health Specialist 30 years in the medical field
Inda Powell
I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced emotional abuse and mood disorders. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I am a friendly and approachable therapist with a natural talent for making people feel at ease. I enjoy working with adults from all ethnicities and backgrounds to overcome behavioral, mental, and emotional issues and achieve personal growth as well as provide life coaching. I will tailor our dialog and plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Operating from a strengths-based perspective, I utilize a variety of evidenced-based modalities including Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Anxiety Treatment to support my clients. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and purposeful life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Kathleen Neiswonger
Sometimes we feel 'stuck.' Sometimes we experience negative emotions which we feel conflict with our values, morals, ideals. Sometimes we feel an emptiness. Like our inner flame...the one which burns inside, pushing us to set & pursue goals, dream, live life with a sense of anticipation...has dimmed, until just an ember. Sometimes our negative life experiences get us caught up in the lies of guilt and shame. Paralyzing us. Keeping us from moving forward. Perhaps it's more than 'just' feelings and emotions. Maybe symptoms of mental illness make life hard. And navigating through life, each day, each moment, feels like tedious work. However...please know there is help. There is hope. There is healing. There is so much more to life than what you may be currently experiencing. I have years of experience serving others. I have taught middle school and high school English; worked as a therapist in community mental health and private practice; and worked as a school counselor. I am a counselor who is a Christian. And although I truly believe that the spiritual aspects of an individual’s whole self should be explored and nurtured in therapy, whether or not we explore the spiritual dimension of life will be up to you. I have a passion working with those who feel they are not living life to its fullest. Why? Because I truly believe each of us has the ability to fully participate in a life which excites and fulfills.
Tracey Boubacar
I have been providing therapy and mental health services for over 14 years. I have a warm and nonjudgmental attitude. I am compassionate and my goal is to help you succeed and enjoy your best life. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused therapy and Motivational Interviewing, I have worked in many areas of mental health. I have worked with a variety of individuals. I feel my vast experience will help you in achieving your goals. It takes courage to embark upon this journey, I will help you improve the quality of your life. I also have a strong focus on working with people with relationship issues to improve their quality of life.
Brittany Bridges
When working with me, you can expect a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you are truly heard and understood. I primarily focus on supporting women, helping them navigate issues like depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My approach is tailored to your unique needs, as I believe in the power of personalized, evidence-based therapy to foster growth and healing. I lead with empathy, always striving to create a therapeutic relationship built on trust and mutual respect, where we can work together to help you reach your goals at your own pace. My path to becoming a mental health provider started with a deep desire to help people. I've always been drawn to understanding others and providing support, which naturally led me to pursue a career in therapy. I've worked in diverse settings, from a university counseling center, where I supported college students through academic and personal challenges, to a community mental health clinic, where I worked with individuals facing mental health and substance use disorders. These experiences allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life, diagnoses, and ages, deepening my understanding and compassion for the struggles they face. What drives me most is seeing the progress my clients make. I’m incredibly proud of the results they achieve. My goal has always been to empower people to grow, heal, and thrive, and that’s what continues to inspire me every day."
KaiRashia Boyce Rasberry
I am licensed in North Carolina, New Jersey and Delaware with over 18 years of experience in the mental health field. 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.
Paul Powell
I am licensed in North Carolina with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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!
Jeanine Spear
I am a licensed therapist in California and North Carolina. I have 21 years of Licensed counseling experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, domestic abuse, spiritual abuse, and loss. 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!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Sugar Mountain
Finding the best therapist close by in Sugar Mountain 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 with therapists in Sugar Mountain that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Sugar Mountain. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Sugar Mountain, 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Sugar Mountain region and in the state of North Carolina. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Sugar Mountain or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Sugar Mountain therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Sugar Mountain area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Sugar Mountain, elsewhere in Avery, or in the greater state of North Carolina. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Sugar Mountain area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Sugar Mountain therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Sugar Mountain due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Sugar Mountain 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of North Carolina you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Sugar Mountain online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Sugar Mountain, 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 Sugar Mountain psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Sugar Mountain 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified 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.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 Sugar Mountain provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Sugar Mountain?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Sugar Mountain 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists 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 Sugar Mountain 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 Sugar Mountain 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 psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in NC, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 28604 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Sugar Mountain counselor?
Before seeing your Sugar Mountain therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Sugar Mountain therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. 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 for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Sugar Mountain 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 with a Sugar Mountain counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Sugar Mountain, 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.
Sugar Mountain has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions 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 during telehealth appointments?
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 for Sugar Mountain, North Carolina
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 Sugar Mountain 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 to customer service 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Sugar Mountain:
28604