Amanda Simon, LCSWA

My name is Amanda Simon (she/her/hers) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate in North Carolina. I was born and raised in New Jersey before venturing to the South and earning Social Work degrees from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I currently reside in Fuquay-Varina with my husband, teenage step-children, and several smoosh-faced animals. Over the last 15 years, I've gained valuable experiences in the mental health field working with diverse populations including children and adults, adolescents on probation, and those living with developmental disabilities. My identity is rooted in a deep love of people's stories and genuine interest in how they have integrated their experiences. I have provided counseling to individuals, couples, and families. Additionally, I am a strong LGBTQ+ ally and seek to educate our community to better understand each other. I am working towards certification as a WPATH (World Professional Association of Transgender Health) Specialist. I am very interested in Trauma-Informed therapies and Addictions counseling and I am actively seeking additional certifications in these areas. In addition to serving clients at Wake Counseling & Mediation, I am employed at a major university hospital where I provide social work services to patients living with chronic health conditions and those exploring their gender identity. I have assisted folks from all walks of life in bettering themselves. I so look forward to getting to know you and supporting you in your own journey! EXPERTISE Whatever brings you to me, I will be honored to welcome you to a space of healing and growth. My goal is to listen to you without judgment, provide a caring presence, and support you in attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values. I want to help you cultivate a greater sense of compassion, connection, and mindful awareness with yourself and others. I want you to feel heard, appreciated, and impacted. It is extremely important to me to take the time to develop a therapeutic relationship with each client. I strive to know YOU--- what makes you happy, learn about the important players in your life, your passions, YOUR story. Therapy is NOT one size fits all --an approach which resonates for one client won't necessarily be beneficial to another. Therapy works best when one feels at ease -- it takes a lot of vulnerability to speak your truth. I like to develop a trusting relationship with each client to make sure you feel supported as you take the leap out of your comfort zone and approach your struggles head on-- magic always occurs just outside of your comfort zone. I provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space for patients to work through life challenges to address symptoms related to Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment to Illness, Life Transitions (new school or job, stage of life, separation/divorce, relocation), Sexual/Gender Identity, Substance Use and Abuse, and Grief and Loss issues. I also work guiding caregivers whether you are a parent, have concerns related to blended family or caring for an aging relative. I am personally invested in an alcohol-free lifestyle and enjoy helping others navigate their relationship with alcohol. You do not need to hit "rock bottom" to start creating a life you don’t need to escape from. I want to help others discover new ways to cope with stress and anxiety and develop additional tools to manage anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures which can be negatively exacerbated by alcohol. COUNSELING APPROACHES My counseling philosophy is individualized, strength based, and affirming in nature. I utilize a humanist perspective, using empathy and kindness to recognize your strengths and to support you cope with challenges which could potentially arise. We will use humor, mindfulness techniques, role play, and talk therapy to address your current needs and what is getting in the way of you meeting your goals/feeling your best. Our sessions will be interactive, with me asking questions, listening to your responses, and providing insight, support, and constructive feedback. I utilize a person-centered approach to counseling and I am intentional about catering treatment to your specific needs by incorporating multiple treatment modalities including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy to inspire you towards change, growth and healing. My personal life and work experiences have enabled me to fully engage with my clients and understand how people have very different life perspectives and experiences. Please remember that seeking a counselor out does not mean you are broken, need to be fixed, or weak. It means that you are courageous enough to invest in yourself and your future. It means that you are strong enough to stand up and work for the life you want to live. Together, we will work towards getting that zest for life back. INSURANCES ACCEPTED Please note, clients are responsible for calling their insurance to verify insurance benefits for Outpatient Therapy (in-network or out-of-network benefits if Wake Counseling provider is not in-network with your insurance plan). Here are commonly accepted plans by this provider: BCBS (Out-of-Network for Blue-Local Plans for Duke & WakeMed) Aetna Out-of-Network Insurance: We can bill out-of-network as a courtesy, or we can provide a “Super Bill” invoice clients can submit to their insurance provider to claim out-of-network benefits. Client is responsible for verifying out-of-network benefits with their insurance plan. Private pay, fee schedule is as following for psychotherapy session: Initial Assessment/Consultation - $150 45 minute session - $90 45-60 minutes - $120 * There will be $50 no-show/late cancellation fee for missed appointment on weekdays & $90 no-show/late cancellation fee for weekend appointment unless cancel appointment 24 hours in advance.