
Barbara Leigh
With over 30 years of experience as a therapist, I offer a seasoned combination of wisdom, current relevance and flexible interventions. I have seen trends come and go in the fields of psychology and counseling, so I like to identify your particular needs and tailor treatment modalities to your unique circumstances and expectations. I enjoy helping people discover their true needs/desires and pursuing their dreams, potential and meeting their life goals. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression. trauma and neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, etc.). I enjoy working with individuals of all age and work mostly with longer-term clients who are interested in lasting, life growth work. I own an autism consulting business and am a Certified Autism Specialist, a Board Certified Telemental Health Provider, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Clinical Supervisor (for AL). I have worked in multiple settings - inpatient, outpatient, day treatment, residential, in-home, private practice and, of course, virtual. My pioneering work with online counseling in the 90s (pre-Google!) was featured on Oprah's network and in Glamour Magazine, so I come to you with the highest of standards in the field. I typically use cognitive-behavioral therapy, skills-building from dialectical-behavioral therapy and neuroeducation (teaching about how your mind-body chemicals spur your feelings which lead to thoughts, behaviors and habits). I believe that people change when they're ready - my goal is to help you get ready to change and then to support you through change. You know you can't directly change others, but you CAN change yourself - and by doing so, you help change the world for the better, one step at a time. And it all starts with you! Let's create a treatment plan that is both realistic and challenging for you - one that involves a precise balance of safety and risk, comfort and courage. My clients say I'm easy and fun to work with because of the combination of my personality, professional and personal experience...and thus I use a balanced combination of compassion, reality and humor. Change is hard enough - why not make it fun, meaningful and enjoy the journey? I look forward to working with you! Ready? Set....Grow!!

Cassandra Bell-Gash
Min. Cassandra Bell-Gash M.Div., MEd., LCMHC, LPC A native of Shelby, North Carolina, Min. Bell-Gash accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior and was baptized at age 12, at the Light Oak Baptist Church by the Rev Johnny Browner. She has always had a zeal for the Lord and was licensed as a Minster of the Gospel in November 2007, under Rev. Zeno T. Borders. She has worked in Christian Education at Faith Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Borders and later Rev. Dr. Anthony Negbenebor. Her unique gift of teaching and preaching has manifested itself in Sunday School and Bible Study, but has also produced specialized workshops and retreats for women, young adults, and youth. Her leadership conferences have generated new opportunities for her to consult with organizations in their strategic planning and development. She believes that empowering other organizations to provide care extends the available resources needed by so many. Drawn to the marginalized in our society, Min. Bell-Gash, became an entrepreneur to advocate on their behalf. Her philosophy of going “beyond the walls”, propelled her to gain the necessary academics and training to provide holistic solutions. Earning her B.S. in Psychology minoring in Sociology in 1995 from the Gardner Web University; she continued and earned her M.Div, and MEd. respectively. As a continuous learner, she did not stop there, but has garnered many certifications in the mental health counseling field and continues to study. One could see the “handwriting on the wall” because this has been her life work for over 15 years. Chaplin, Therapist, Mental Health Liaison, and Crisis Counselor are just a few of the titles she’s held; Caro Mont Hospital, Cleveland Regional Medical Center, Broughton, and Kings Mountain Hospital represent some of the places she’s practiced. While titles and places are important, Min. Bell-Gash asserts that it’s the nameless individuals whose lives have been impacted by the services that she provides that really matter, and that continue to be her focus. Her “multifaceted” approach extends the services she offers for individuals and families, and is the added depth required to meet the spiritual and mental needs of the communities she serve. She is currently CEO of Life Provisions with chapters in North and South Carolina. She is a proud mother, and daughter and enjoys times with her family. She humbly acknowledges and accepts her role as a citizen of the Kingdom of God.

Anita Carter
Anita is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who has been dedicated and committed to providing excellent clinical psychotherapy to individuals, couples and groups. Anita is compassionate and understanding of life’s challenges, crisis and transitions that present themselves in our lives. Anita provides therapeutic intervention using evidenced based treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivation Interviewing, in meeting the needs of clients. Anita has extensive experience working with Addictions, Anxiety Disorders, Depression Disorders, and Relational/Couples problems, Coping with medical Issues that present challenges, Grief, coping with Work/ life balance. Anita understands and provides psychotherapy understanding that issues are complex and require understanding and sensitivity and allows time to listen to client needs and wants through building a positive working alliance. Anita is also knowledgeable about yoga and meditation as she is a yoga teacher. Anita is experienced in working with people from many cultures, ethnicities and walks of life. I am looking forward to meeting and providing the best care possible in order to address your needs.

Antonia Graves
I am licensed in South Carolina with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & 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.

Ashley Ferguson
I am licensed in South Carolina with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Jessica Smith
I am licensed in Colorado, Georgia and South Carolina with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and 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.

Veronica Gainey-Peoples
I am licensed in South Carolina with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and depression. 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 and empower you in that journey.

Akinlana Burrowes
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Expressive Arts Therapist in the states of Massachusetts and North Carolina. My vision is to support my clients using an integrative approach of both traditional psychotherapy alongside expressive arts and other body based therapies to address life’s challenges of varying degrees. I've had great success supporting clients who have experienced anxiety, depression, and trauma specifically as it relates to systemic oppression. I have served cross culturally both in the states as well as overseas with the interdisciplinary art forms of music, dance/movement, visual art, drama, poetry and traditional art forms. Is talking through an issue challenging for you? Let the arts do the talking. Looking forward to creating a space for you to lead me through your life’s journey where you feel both validated and empowered. I look forward to providing you with the support that you are worthy of!

Hester Purcell
I am licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with people coping with life changes. 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.

Christina Dillon
I am licensed in California, Maryland, Nevada and South Carolina with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in South Carolina
Types of therapists available to clients in Ward
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Ward that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Ward available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Ward therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Ward therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Ward region and in the state of South Carolina.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Ward can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Ward may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.