Best Therapists in Charlotte, NC of 2024
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Best Therapists in Charlotte, North Carolina of 2024
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I. Therapists in Charlotte, NC
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Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT, Depression, Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse, Gay, Older, Grief, Intimacy-related, Eating, Parenting, Self esteem, Career, Bipolar, Non-religious, Liberal counselor
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Relationship, Family, Parenting, Self esteem, Christian, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related, Anger, Career, Depression, Teens, Counselor of color
Kathryn Shanks
- 9 years of Experience
- United States
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Anxiety, Depression, Self Esteem, Spirituality, Trauma / PTSD
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Art Therapy, Attachment-based, Expressive Arts, Psychodynamic, Relational, Somatic, Transpersonal
State License: North Carolina
Megan Stanton
- 5 years of Experience
- United States
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: EMDR, Eclectic, Humanistic, Interpersonal, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic
State License: North Carolina
Amy Hecht
- 20 years of Experience
- United States
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Attachment-based, Culturally Sensitive, Psychodynamic, Psychological Testing and Evaluation, Relational, Trauma Focused
State Licenses: Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New York and North Carolina
Kathryn Shanks
- 3 years of Experience
- United States
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Visit Website
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Attachment-based, Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, Dialectical (DBT), Expressive Arts, Interpersonal, Somatic, Transpersonal
State License: North Carolina
MindPath Care Centers at Carolina Partners in Mental HealthCare
- 25 years of Experience
- United States
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Visit Website
Languages: English, Spanish
Treatment Approaches: Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dialectical (DBT), EMDR, Family / Marital, Integrative, Psychological Testing and Evaluation, Trauma Focused
State License: North Carolina
Allison Ramsey
- 14 years of Experience
- United States
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Adoption, Anxiety, Grief, Infertility, Parenting, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Prenatal
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Existential, Humanistic, Mindfulness-based (MBCT)
State Licenses: North Carolina and Washington
Michelle Álvarez
- 16 years of Experience
- United States
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Academic issues, ADHD, Adoption, Aging, Anger Management, Anxiety, Behavior Issues, Child or Adolescent, Coping Skills, Depression, End of Life Issues, Family Conflict, Immigration Issues, Marital / Premarital, Military, Oppositional Defiance, Parenting, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Racial Identity, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Trauma / PTSD
Languages: English, Spanish
Treatment Approaches: Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, Eclectic, Existential, Expressive Arts, Family / Marital, Humanistic, Multicultural, Play Therapy, Somatic, Trauma Focused
State Licenses: New York and North Carolina
River (they/she) Marino
- 16 years of Experience
- United States
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Visit Website
Areas of focus: Anxiety, Autism, Caregiver Stress, Chronic Pain, Coping Skills, Depression, Domestic Violence, Grief, Introversion, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Psychosomatic, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Sexual Orientation, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma / PTSD
Languages: English
Treatment Approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Coaching, Culturally Sensitive, Eclectic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness-based (MBCT), Somatic
State Licenses: Florida and North Carolina
II. The Best Therapists in Charlotte, NC
All 15 of the therapists on the list below were graded on eight key factors, including credentials, cost, specializations, availability, and other key features. This means that each of them can be counted on for providing quality care at a price made to fit into your budget. |
Choosing the Best Charlotte, NC TherapistsCredentialsWhen reviewing the best therapist in Charlotte, looking at their credentials is a great way to tell whether they are trustworthy and competent. All therapists in North Carolina are required to hold a master’s degree in counseling from an accredited institution and pass the 200-question National Counselor Examination. AccessibilityAccessibility can mean different things for different people. If you need financial aid, finding a therapist who provides sliding scale options may be a priority. For others, flexible scheduling, the ability to provide sessions remotely, or the focus of your therapist’s practice may be more important. Your therapist needs to be qualified to meet your needs. CostEspecially if you’re working within a budget, finding an affordable therapist is key. The good news is that there are many ways to find affordable care. If you have insurance, be sure your plan covers the therapists you’re considering. Otherwise, sliding scale therapy can be a good option. Some therapists charge per session, while others charge a monthly subscription fee. |
Nicole Saunders: M.S.W., LCSW | Best for learning coping skills
704-584-9796
Website
Nicole Saunders has experience working with clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, body image, and other issues. Her therapeutic strategy revolves around giving her clients the skills they need to cope with life’s problems and achieve personal growth.
What patients say: “If you’re looking for a goal-oriented therapist who really gets in your corner and equips you with the tools for self-improvement, then she’s the first person you should call!”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Life Coaching Relationship Issues Coping Skills |
N/A | Cost per Session: $180 | No | Yes |
Charlotte Tilson: PsyD | Best for women's issues
415-335 8640
Website
Dr. Charlotte Tilson’s clients include young women, moms, single women, and female professionals. She helps everyone she works with overcome their personal issues, which can include anything from general anxiety to specific life transitions. With more than 25 years of experience, she has perfected her process, which involves developing a personalized therapy plan so she can tailor her treatment to your needs.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Transgender Lesbian Gay |
BlueCross and BlueShield Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance |
Cost per Session: $225 | No | Yes |
Joy Granetz: Ph.D. | Best for Learning disabilities
704-750-1602
Website
Dr. Joy Granetz has over eighteen years of neuropsychological experience and enjoys working with children, teens, and those with learning disabilities. Through psychological evaluations, she can diagnose and treat conditions like ADHD to help her patients live their fullest life. Her method centers on catering to her client’s personal strengths and weaknesses to best foster social and emotional wellbeing.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Child or Adolescent ADHD Learning Disabilities |
N/A | Cost per Session: 45-60 minutes $130 | No | Yes |
Lauren Egleston: L.P.C., LCAS | Best for eating disorders
704-659-6861
Website
Lauren Egleston works with all kinds of clients who want to overcome stress, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. With specialized approaches to anorexia, bulimia, and related conditions, she helps treat the underlying problems that cause her patients to form unhealthy relationships with food. She can also treat a wide variety of other conditions, such as addiction and problems specific to teens and young adults.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Eating Disorders Addiction Life Transitions |
Aetna Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance |
Cost per Session: $130 | No | Yes |
Linda Hobbs: M.S.S., M.B.A., LCSW, R.Y.T. | Best for marital and premarital
215-532-1548
Website
Linda Hobbs works with individuals and couples who want to improve their interpersonal relationships. While her work can focus on all aspects of relationships, she has a special focus on physicality and sexuality. By treating her patients’ bodies and minds, she can help break patterns of disconnection for more healthy and fulfilling connections.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Marital and Premarital Sex Therapy Spirituality |
N/A | Cost per Session: Initial Evaluation: $225 per 75 minutes Individual Psychotherapy: $165 per 50 minutes Couple Psychotherapy: $225 per 75 minutes Group Treatment: $50 – $100 |
No | Yes |
Sherry L. Smith: LMFT, CDC®️ | Best for divorce
980-292-3478
Website
Sherry L. Smith is a licensed marriage and family therapist who treats anyone preparing for, recovering from, or currently going through a divorce. Her goal in therapy is to help you take the first steps toward major life changes.
What patients say: “Sherry does a great job helping you get more comfortable with the process you go through when making the decision to divorce.”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Divorce Relationship Issues Depression |
No | Self-pay rates: $140 per 50 minute individual session $185 per 50 minute couple session (Discernment Counseling or Coparent Coaching only) |
Yes | Yes |
Nona Patterson: Ph.D. | Best for anxiety
704-366-3400
Website
Dr. Nona Patterson has more than 30 years of experience working as a clinical psychologist. Working with adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety and other common psychological issues, she helps her clients identify and achieve goals, which serve as a way for them to improve themselves and their relationships. When treating anxiety or depression, she can help make meaningful long-term behavioral changes that lead to improved life satisfaction.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Anxiety Depression Relationship Issues |
Aetna BlueCross and BlueShield Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance Medicare N.C. State Employee Plan |
Cost per Session: $160 | No | Yes |
Kelly Stilwell Saylor: MACC, LCMHC, LMFT, AAMFT-S, BC-TMH | Best for trauma and PTSD
704-443-8866
Website
Kelly Stilwell Saylor is a versatile therapist who works with individuals and couples to treat a variety of issues including trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, marital conflicts, and other issues. She is trained as a Christian counselor but allows her clients to choose whether they are interested in exploring the spiritual dimension of therapy or not. Her services are covered by BlueCross and BlueShield insurance plans.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Marital and Premarital Anxiety Trauma and PTSD |
BlueCross and BlueShield | Cost per Session: $140 | No | Yes |
Shelly Harrington Sanders: M.H.A., M.A., Ed.S., LCMHC, N.C.C. | Best for children and adolescents
704-497-1633
Website
Shelly Harrington Sanders works with clients of all ages, helping them identify and address harmful thought patterns. She specializes in children and adolescents both as individuals and in family settings to address common issues like anxiety, stress, and ADHD.
What patients say: “She is so nice and easy to talk to, cannot recommend her enough!”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Marital and Premarital Relationship Issues Child or Adolescent |
Medicaid Health Choice Aetna BlueCross and BlueShield Cigna Health Choice Medicaid Optum UnitedHealthcare |
Cost per Session: $175 | No | Yes |
John J. Kania: Psy.D., LMFT | Best for self-esteem
704-488-8238
Website
Dr. John J. Kania has been professionally involved in psychology for more than 25 years and believes in treating his patients with a blend of psychological and spiritual care. With specializations ranging from self-esteem issues to addiction, depression, and divorce, he is well-suited to help a range of clients.
What patients say: “I would highly recommend Dr. Kania to anyone struggling with existential questions and anxieties. John is very knowledgeable and skillful in his practice.”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Self Esteem Relationship Issues Anxiety |
Aetna Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield MultiPlan |
Cost per Session: $160 | No | Yes |
Ashlynn M. Reed: M.S.W., LCSW, LCAS-A | Best for substance abuse
704-569-5489
Website
Ashlynn M. Reed has developed a professional focus on persistent mental illness and substance abuse disorders. She strives to help people of all ages cope with their experiences to improve overall mental health. At the core of her practice is the belief in the importance of intersectional identity, taking into account race, gender, sexual, and spiritual identities to treat her patients as a whole. She also offers sliding scale fee for marginalized individuals that may have unique financial or situational barriers.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Psychosis Dual Diagnosis Substance Use |
N/A | Initial session starts at $165 | Yes | Yes |
Kristin Dickie: LCMHC, LCAS, C.C.S. | Best for depression
704-237-7037
Website
Kristin Dickie has a range of different practice concentrations, including substance abuse, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and relationship issues for women. When treating depression, she creates an individual treatment plan with specifically-selected modalities.
What patients say: “Dealing with addiction, dual-diagnosis, grief and childhood trauma? Kristin is good!”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Addiction Anxiety Depression |
N/A | Cost per Session: 60 minute session is $155 |
No | Yes |
Susan Holtz: LCMHC, QPS, CHt | Best for mood disorders
980-272-1496
Website
Susan Holtz is an attentive listener who provides constructive feedback in a safe, judgment-free setting. When treating mood disorders, she helps her clients navigate the problems that are holding them back, utilizing a selection of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnotherapy, anger management in group and individual settings.
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Anxiety Depression Trauma and PTSD |
Aetna Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield BlueCross and BlueShield CareFirst Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance Cigna Empire BlueCross BlueShield Harvard Pilgrim Highmark MedCost Optum Oxford Pacific Blue Cross Premera Regence UMR UnitedHealthcare |
Cost per Session: $125 per initial take and assessment (60-90 mins) |
Yes | Yes |
Lisa Lorence del Valle: Psy.D. | Best for weight loss counseling
480-382-0121
Website
Dr. Lisa Lorence del Valle has 23 years of experience helping individuals heal from past traumas and discover their inner strengths. While she treats a wide variety of psychological issues, one of her specialties is weight loss counseling.
What patients say: “Dr. Lorence Del Valle is very good at what she does and is a wealth of knowledge in her field. She goes above and beyond to provide great care and support for her patients.”
| Specializations | Insurance | Cost | Sliding scale | Remote services |
| Weight Loss Anxiety Women’s Issues |
Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance MedCost |
Cost per Session: $180-$215 | Yes | Yes |
Aimee Ryan Bellmore: Ph.D., LCMHCS | Best for telehealth counseling
704-340-2327
Website
Dr. Bellmore’s practice, the Sagrado Healing Arts, helps individuals and couples deal with a variety of mental health issues. Some of the conditions her practice focuses on include depression, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD. She’s an expert in trauma assessment, and provides telehealth supervision to licensure candidates. Dr. Bellmore also provides bilingual services in Spanish. Clients can access help through telehealth and phone sessions.
III. What You Should Know About Charlotte Therapy
How are Charlotte therapists licensed?
The main qualifications required for a therapist in Charlotte are a master’s degree in counseling at an accredited institution and completion of the National Counselors Examination. Depending on your therapist’s license, they may also be required to complete several hundred or several thousand hours of supervised clinical experience.
How much does therapy cost in Charlotte?
Individual therapy sessions cost an average of $170 in Charlotte and can range from $125 to $300. Only a small number of the therapists included on our list offer sliding scale services, though most of them are covered by major insurance plans. If you’re not sure whether you can afford a particular therapist’s services, contacting them directly is a great place to start.
Start searching for your online counselor now!
IV. Sources
- North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors | Licensure | Last accessed November 2024
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination | Last accessed November 2024
- National Counselor Examination | Last accessed November 2024