My background includes working specifically with children and adolescents in a variety of settings including an adolescent partial hospitalization program, outpatient therapy, and public schools to provide direct therapeutic services to the community. I often work with clients who have challenges related to anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, relationship conflicts, and self-esteem. I practice with a holistic, empowerment-based approach and strive to create a safe and validating environment for my clients in session. I currently accept clients ages 13-25. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques, as well as mindfulness-based practices in session. I understand the importance of family support and the impact mental health can have on family dynamics and vice versa. As a result, I am currently pursuing training in Attachment-Based Family Therapy. I enjoy focusing on strengths and self-love to uncover further opportunities for growth, process challenges, and develop one’s own core beliefs. I am passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and welcome the opportunity to provide support and encouragement to clients in outpatient therapy and our Intensive Outpatient Program. [Read More]

Milagros, who prefers to be called “Mimi” has over 20 years of experience in various counseling roles. Mimi received her Bachelors Degree from Hoffstra University, Masters in Counseling from Long Island University and PhD in Counseling from Walden University. She has worked in school-based settings, private practice and on college campuses. In addition to counseling, Mimi has her PhD and has taught students at the collegiate level for 15+ years. Mimi has provided therapy to children, adolescents and adults throughout the course of her career. Her interests include: trauma-and stressor-related disorders, multicultural issues, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. She enjoys interventions that include play therapy for teens as well as expressive arts. [Read More]

Mike Prasse is a licensed professional counselor specializing in marital, pre-marital counseling, ADHD and sexual abuse/trauma recovery. His expertise includes parenting, anxiety, OCD, depression, spiritual direction/theological concerns, sexual abuse/trauma recovery, life and career direction, creative problem solving and men’s issues. He works with teens, adults, couples and families. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Read Mike’s blog for insights and help with counseling related issues. [Read More]

Kristen Palmer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina. Kristen obtained her bachelors and masters degree, in social work, from Rhode Island College School of Social Work. Her past experience includes working with adolescents dealing with depression, anxiety and behavior problems. Also, she has worked with adults and adolescent mothers who were dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues. Kristen is bilingual and works with clients who only speak Spanish. Kristen helps people gain insight into the connection between thoughts and actions. Alternative methods are used for a holistic approach such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery and controlled breathing. She believes in looking at people from a strength based focus and empowering them. She also enjoys working with people around self-esteem, and behavioral issues in school/home settings. Kristen is aware of the importance of looking at a persons social environment and the impact it may have on treatment. Kristen focuses on creating a non-judgmental, safe environment that people feel comfortable in. [Read More]

I work collaboratively with my clients to help them resolve problems and reach their goals for personal wellbeing. You will find me to be non-judgmental, supportive, and genuine. I have experience successfully helping people with a wide range of concerns, from everyday stress to severely impairing mental health problems. My approach to therapy focuses on the thoughts, behaviors, and relationship patterns that may be causing difficulties. I often teach coping skills and mindfulness-based strategies. I also attend closely to the therapeutic relationship and to the development of insight or increased self-awareness in clients. I take into consideration a wide range of variables that can affect personal wellbeing, such as genetic influences, family environment, social messages, community, and cultural identity. I welcome and affirm clients of diverse identities, especially with regard to sexuality or gender, race/ethnicity, or religion/spirituality. My dog, a beagle, comes to work with me (see ‘Wallace’ gallery). He usually naps in his bed during sessions, but also loves to interact with clients who choose to engage with him. He provides a calm and comforting presence, and is helpful for mindfulness-based and stress-reduction activities. [Read More]

Jumana has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech, her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is a National Certified Counselor (NCC #254211) and a Licensed Professional Counselor in North Carolina (LPC #8863). She spent 3 years working with adolescents in North Carolina public schools. Jumana has traveled extensively and lived in 4 different continents. She has applied her knowledge of these diverse cultures to her education and work with clients. She also uses this flexibility of understanding to meet her clients wherever they may be developmentally, culturally, and emotionally in their search for resolution. As a therapist whose main approach is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Jumana enjoys working with adolescents and their families as well as adults through the midlife years. Because each individual is unique, she will tailor her therapeutic treatment plan based on the individual. Other therapies that she often uses include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Jumana enjoys working with a variety of individuals from different backgrounds. However, her special interests include: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, adjustments to life-stressors, parent/child relationships, and midlife issues for women and men. [Read More]

Hilary Carr is a licensed clinical social worker associate serving primarily with children, teens and their families. She graduated from the UNC Chapel Hill in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a certification in Women’s Studies. She returned to in 2005 to obtain a Master of Social Work degree, with a concentration in children and families. She has worked for ten+ years with, or on behalf of, children and their families. Her experience includes community agencies, women’s shelters, schools, in-home, inpatient and outpatient/private practice. Hilary incorporates a person-centered approach when working with all her clients. When working specifically with children (ages 4-10), Hilary utilizes child-centered play therapy. Hilary is currently working toward certification in play therapy at the UNC Charlotte. [Read More]

Dr. Dorothy McCoy is a psychotherapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy, and maintains a private practice in Charlotte, North Carolina. With over 17 years experience as a marriage and family therapist, and as a graduate of The University of Sarasota, The Citadel, and the University of South Carolina specializing in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Counseling, she is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of expertise are victims issues, military and police issues, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship enhancement. In addition to being a prominent relationship therapist, Dr. McCoy has presented at international conferences and to general audiences speaking on the topics of relationships, anxiety, stress, psychopathy and personality disorders. She has written books on these issues. The most popular is the Manipulative Man (2006). Dr. McCoy is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing. She also uses EMDR to treat appropriate issues. [Read More]

Deborah began working in the fields of addiction and dual diagnoses more than 30 years ago. She graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in Psychology and completed a master’s program at Appalachian State University in Clinical Psychology. Later, Deborah graduated from UNC-CH with a Masters in Social Work. She has had extensive training and experience with family systems, addiction, dual diagnoses, expressive arts, grief/bereavement, clinical supervision, and relapse prevention. Deborah works with individuals who are dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use problems, and issues with life transitions. She holds certificates and/or licenses in social work, addictions, bereavement and clinical supervision and enjoys creative challenges. Deborah utilizes an innovative approach with each of her clients that emphasizes individuality, personal growth and change. [Read More]

David F. Oates, PhD specializes in the treatment of Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and interpersonal relationship problems. His repertoire of clinical skills includes brief psychotherapy, as well as cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused methods designed to help his clients develop more adaptive coping behaviors. He works primarily with adults and adolescents, but also has experience in the evaluation of ADHD and the treatment of disruptive behaviors in children. Dr. Oates earned his doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University in 1995. Dr. Oates also taught for seven years at Charlotte Latin School and completed a Master of Education degree specializing in Secondary School counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. [Read More]

Betsy received her BA in Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Master’s in Counseling from Winthrop University. Trained clinician in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has 13 years of counseling experience working in a variety of areas. She has worked as a school counselor for middle and high school, as well as provided therapy in outpatient, inpatient and residential settings. She is a trained/rostered clinician in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), as well as Family Based Treatment (Maudsley method). Her interests include: trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image issues, sexually reactive youth and family therapy. [Read More]

I grew up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where I received my medical degree at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine. I then completed a psychiatry residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City and went on to become Board-certified in Adult Psychiatry. I have been practicing psychiatry for over 10 years now and have been living in the Charlotte area for the last 9 years with my husband and two children. My treatment interests and specialisties include: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and relationship issues. [Read More]

Andrea H. Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor at The Stone Center for Counseling & Leadership. Prior to joining The Stone Center, Andrea worked in an agency setting providing services to children, adolescents, and families in the community and in the schools. She has experience working with grief issues, behavioral issues, attachment issues, trauma, depression and anxiety. She uses a supportive, holistic approach when working with clients. Andrea believes the most important part of the counseling process is the counselor-client relationship. She believes healing occurs through a respectful, collaborative approach that allows for self-exploration. Andrea’s approach comes from a relational model of counseling, while also using techniques that meet the needs of each individual client. She hopes to help clients discover and learn to trust their own wisdom through the counseling process. In her work with children, Andrea primarily uses play therapy. She views the healing process for children to include a variety of different factors: social, emotional, psychological, and other environmental factors. She is passionate about helping families through a supportive, collaborative process that promotes growth and awareness in the child. She also believes strengthening the child-parent relationship is essential for healing and growth. [Read More]

My practice focuses on individual therapy with adults and adolescents. With compassionate, nonjudgmental listening, I provide a supportive space where you can safely explore areas for healing and growth. Together, we clarify your current experience and what you would like to see happen as a result of therapy. Relief, insight, courage? You may want to overcome or cope with difficult emotions, restore hope and confidence, repair or build relationships, create healthier patterns, or establish and maintain recovery. Therapy works. Through a therapeutic relationship over time, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, and with compassionate awareness, experience meaningful growth. Having worked in the mental health community since 1994, I am experienced in assessment, counseling, crisis intervention and resource connection for people with a wide array of issues. My work includes inpatient behavioral health and outpatient treatment settings. Trained in mindfulness practices, I incorporate these practices into therapy as desired. For those seeking a sliding scale fee, I recommend Open Path Psychotherapy Collective as an option to obtain affordable therapy. A portion of my practice is reserved for OPPC members. More information is available on my website at Charlotte Therapy Works. Please call to schedule first appointments by phone. [Read More]

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I provide individual and couple counseling services in Charlotte, NC. I provide counseling to adolescence, adults, couples, and families. I provide counseling on issues dealing with anxiety, depression, identity, low self-esteem, stress, life changes, individuals who are having issues adjusting to a new country/culture. Including relationship issues, gay and lesbian issues. I have experience working with adolescence with sexually harmful behaviors and have experienced sexual trauma.I believe therapy is a collaborative effort. My approach is client-centered, based on the belief that every individual brings a unique outlook on personal, family and cultural experiences. In our sessions, we will explore different areas in your life that you feel may be causing you distress. We will look at the way your family/cultural history has impacted your values, behaviors, and relationships in a safe environment. My hope is that together, you will gain insight that will promote awareness and lead to a positive change. [Read More]