This is Christina Collins's avatar and link to their profile

Christina Collins

Offering therapy in NC
License: MA,LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
15 years of experience

Hello, and welcome to my page. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and have been practicing since 2009. I service adults presenting with a variety of concerns, including grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment, life & career direction, and relational. Additionally, I have experience servicing those undergoing physical health challenges, like cancer, and journeying with them through grief and adjustment. My style is empathic and attuned to my client's needs. I help clients connect with themselves to foster a healthy self-relationship and develop awareness of their inner experience and internal compass for growth, healing, and direction. I use a framework of Emotion Focused Therapy (Johnson), Attachment Therapy (Bowlby), and Self Psychology (Kohut) with an experiential component. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre (performance) and English (writing) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Appalachian State University. I have specialized training in expressive arts therapy, somatic experiencing, and emotional neglect. I am here to travel with you on your journey to wherever that takes us. Contact me to learn more about working together.

Get started View profile
This is Crista Nezhni's avatar and link to their profile

Crista Nezhni

Offering therapy in NC
License: LPC, MA,Aadc
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGrief
3 years of experience

Crista Nezhni, MA, LPC, LCAS is an experienced counselor who received her degrees from Marshall University. She has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and master's degrees in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. She has specialized areas including addictions, trauma, adjustment issues, and grief. She loves to help guide individuals on their journey to achieving their goals and becoming the version of themselves that they strive to be. She attempts to create a safe and accepting space for each individual who seeks sessions with her. She tends to utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (focusing on mindfulness techniques, challenging cognitive distortions and automatic thinking, and exploring the interplay of behaviors/ thoughts/ emotions. Depending on what you want to work on, other theories and techniques may be utilized.

Get started View profile
This is Anne (Devon) Burnore's avatar and link to their profile

Anne (Devon) Burnore

Offering therapy in NC
License: LPC,LCAS,LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflicts
13 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor and a licensed clinical addictions specialist in the state of Colorado and North Carolina. I have over 12 years of experience working in the field of mental health. I have experience with a variety of clients including active duty military, couples, teens, families, professionals, hospice patients and medically compromised. Through out my career I have had the chance to work with clients struggling with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, stress management, marital problems, parenting concerns, family issues, PTSD, military reintegration, addictions, abuse and trauma. My counseling style is client centered and works to empower and create internal growth. I am open and accepting of all types of people and concerns and consider my counseling approach non-bias and compassionate. I draw from a few types of counseling theories and interventions though out the duration of my sessions. I am based in person centered therapy but frequently utilize cognitive-behavioral techniques, dialectic behavioral therapy, solutions focused and mindfulness techniques. My sessions are client driven, meaning that the client determines the goals and pace of therapy. Counseling is conducted for a variety of reasons, but everyone has one commonality in their reason for seeking counseling – change. counseling is the gateway to making personal changes and can assist in solving particular problems or learning to lead a healthier life. The counseling process can be interesting and exciting. It can also, at times, be very challenging, difficult and even painful. However, the goal will always be to bring about positive changes. I look forward to taking this journey with you.

Get started View profile
This is Tiffany Young's avatar and link to their profile

Tiffany Young

Offering therapy in NC
License: M.Ed. ,LCMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), in North Carolina, with 9 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients of all ages, with a wide range of concerns, from anxiety, depression, relationships issues, life change/adjustment challenges, school related issues, and. ADD/ADHD. I also have experience assisting clients that have experienced trauma and abuse. Psychotherapy is a form of counseling intended to remove the stones from the path of development, and not a procedure of putting things into the client that were not there before. I operate my therapy first and foremost from a client centered approach. I believe that the strength of the client-counselor relationship is just as important as specific techniques used, therefore I am to gibe clients continuous positive regard and meet them in their worldview. Building on this philosophy, I employ techniques that help the client see the consequences of their actions and whether or not what they are currently doing is helping or hurting their progress to achieve their goals. This approach is a Cognitive Behavioral standpoint. I believe using techniques which uncover irrational beliefs can guide the client into a more positive way of thinking, which ultimately will change behavior. In addition to the aforementioned therapy, I also utilize Reality Therapy which helps clients to deal with the here and now. This is beneficial since I will work with the client on coming up with a plan that will help him/her attain currents wants and needs. It takes incredible courage to reach out for help, and also sends the message that you are ready for change. I am here to provide support and assistance if you are ready to take the next step. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Shannon Pena's avatar and link to their profile

Shannon Pena

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC,CRC,CPWIC
Career difficulties
7 years of experience

My name is Shannon Pena. I am currently licensed in North Carolina as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and also as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I have experience working with adolescents, children and adults with disability. However, my primary experience has been working with young adults. I also have extensive experience working with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, and ADHD. My counseling experiences primarily include adjustment, normal situational, career, mild mental health, developmental issues, vocational and employment issues, behavioral issues, emotional and social issues. There are many different theoretical approaches to counseling. In order to address the needs of differing individuals, counselors should learn to adapt and use the approach most appropriate for the situation as well as choose what works best for the client. My approach to counseling is person-centered and integrative. It is very important to me to look at everyone’s unique situation and circumstances when determining what approach to take. Although individual counseling experiences may vary, goals will be set and worked towards throughout our sessions. Homework may also be occasionally assigned. It is important that during our sessions you share open and honestly and contribute to the counseling experience.

Get started View profile
This is Dana Hiatt's avatar and link to their profile

Dana Hiatt

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor. I have been practicing for over 15 years. I was trained under a forensic psychologist and developmental psychologist who were my professors at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. I meet clients where they are and use the approaches that help the client address their issues or meet their goals. I offer both therapy and coaching. I have a variety of individual issues. I also work with workplace issues including improving performance all the way to gaining new skills for job promotions. I am currently working on my PsyD.

Get started View profile
This is Naomi McDonald's avatar and link to their profile

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.

Get started View profile
This is Julie Bridges's avatar and link to their profile

Julie Bridges

Offering therapy in NC
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hello, my name is Julie Bridges, and I am a licensed counselor in the states of Mississippi and North Carolina. I decided to become a counselor after receiving therapy myself for anxiety and addiction issues. Therapy can make a huge difference in your life. I have several years of experience working with adults in an acute care psychiatric facility. I also have experience providing group support in a Christian faith-based recovery ministry. I work with adults with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and anger. My therapeutic approaches are mainly Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have additional training in EMDR and IFS work. I offer a supportive, listening ear for you while helping you to identify needed changes for a better life. Together, we can identify strengths and goals to begin the process of resolving life issues and building stronger mental health. Therapy works best when there is good rapport between counselor and counselee. I am interested in hearing what you have to say so that I can work with you to find solutions. I am glad you have reached out to Better Help and I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Amanda Morgan's avatar and link to their profile

Amanda Morgan

Offering therapy in NC
License: MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Hello! Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my practice. I am a Licensed Clincial Social Worker in Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, and Washington DC. I earned my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work from New York University. I enjoy helping individuals who are seeking solutions to challenges they are facing. A wise fortune cookie once told me, "Life is not a struggle, its a wiggle". I have vast experiences in terms of client population, setting, and geographical location. I have experience in places from New York City to rural North Carolina, where I worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse, trauma, adoption, foster care, pregnancy, life changes, refugees, and sexuality issues. I am also clincially trained to work with individauls who face the struggles of a mental health diagnoses including, but are not limited to depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, ADHD, gender/sexuality issues. I will tailor our sessions to meet your unique and specific needs, but find myself most often utilizing a mix of Acceptance and Committment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Solution-Focused, Risk-Reduction, Psychodynamic, and always utilize Client-Centered Therapuetic technqiues. I genuinely enjoy the work I do with all individuals and place value in the fact that everyone's story, rationale, and feelings are different. I look forward to providing a safe, confidential space for you or your loved one to share their story and help find emotional, social, physical, spiritual, and/or occupational wellness and recovery.

Get started View profile
This is Colleen Lennon's avatar and link to their profile

Colleen Lennon

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. My approach is person-centered and often employs facets of existential theory, most notably self-awareness. Daily, we have limitless news about the world and specifics about what strangers are (posting about) eating for lunch. It’s easy to lose oneself in the whole equation of being alive. My therapeutic approach is to come back to your core self and build on that amazing human being sitting across from me. 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!

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Topsail Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach. 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 Topsail Beach, 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach, elsewhere in Pender, 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 Topsail Beach area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach, 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 28445 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach, 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.

Topsail Beach 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 Topsail Beach.

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

28445

Popular cities near Topsail Beach, NC

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist