This is Dr. Bonita Jackson-Vergara's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Bonita Jackson-Vergara

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC ,LPC,LCAS
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with over 18 years of counseling experience primarily with children, adolescents and families. In addition to these populations, I will also work with women, teen mothers, military community and substance abusers. My services include but are not limited to assessments, crisis management, individual, family and group therapy. I take a directive yet client-centered approach to people's problems and encourage you to learn more about my approach to therapy. My approach is not derived from any one particular school of thought but tends to borrow from all of them. However, I do employ techniques primarily from the behavioral, cognitive-behavioral and family systems prospective. If we are to work together we will need to specify the goals, focus, risks and benefits of therapy, the approximate time commitment involved, costs and other aspects of your particular situation. I look forward to meeting and working with you and hopefully setting you on the path to your own personal journey!

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Cynthia Stober

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCMHC,LCAS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

Hello! Let me introduce myself my name is Cindy and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, as well as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist in North Carolina. I also hold an LPC in Oklahoma. . I have been working in the field of behavioral health for approximately 23 years. I am experienced in counseling folks with addiction, depression, anxiety, grief and relational issues. My skills include assessment and diagnosis, individual therapy, as well as group therapy. My work experience includes working with diverse populations and meeting folks where they are at. I believe my role is to listen, support, encourage and empower you to find your solutions. I believe my clients know themselves much better than me and I listen to the client in learning who they are and what goals they are seeking through counseling. The counselor/client relationship is the most important piece of moving forward with your goals. I will utilize my skills, empathy, understanding and professionalism to assist you with making the progress you are ready to make. I am also a person in long term recovery from my own disorders. I understand and continue to grow in becoming the best me I can be. Life is a journey, not a destination. I believe we are all in charge of our own destiny and that becoming empowered for oneself is one of the biggest freedoms we have. My treatment approach is client centered and I utilize the Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. My belief is that all clients are individuals and no one approach works best for everyone. We will find that together. Congratulations on taking the first step and seeking counseling. I also believe that it can be scary and you may be skeptical. Let me encourage you to give this a try.

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Amy Prokopowicz

Offering therapy in NC
License: MA, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC, MAC
AddictionsGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed mental health and addictions counselor with more than 13 years of experience working in community mental health and private practice. I earned my BS from North Carolina State University then earned a MA in Counseling from North Carolina Central University. I completed my practicum at Hospice, studying thanatology and my internship focused on counseling women with mental illness, addiction, and trauma. Since 2014, I have worked with active duty military and their families providing solution focused counseling. I take an integrative approach to counseling focused on mind and body connection to support mental, physical, spiritual, and financial self-care. It's a privilege to support and empower you on your journey to achieve your goals to lead the healthiest life that is best for you.

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Kendrick Burden

Offering therapy in NC
License: LCSW,LCAS
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
13 years of experience

Events don't cause what you feel, how you talk to you about these events does! Seeking help is difficult enough, and it's my job to make the process easier by offering the people I serve a warm, empathic, and safe place to address their challenges. If you are struggling with a particular issue or simply looking for a safe place to express yourself, I'm excited to begin the process with you. I am Kendrick Burden, and I'm a licensed clinical social worker and trauma counselor specializing in the field of mental wellness. I have 13 years of experience as a general practitioner in a community-based outpatient mental health clinic providing individual, family, couples, and group therapy. My areas of expertise include depression, self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and health issues, domestic violence, and adjusting to many of the challenges life throws our way. I utilize a client-centered approach (meaning that YOU are the expert on you) that will allow you to identify your own strengths and resources, as well as cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches. The best year of your life is when you take ownership of every problem and challenge in your life. Ownership is saying, here's what I have, what do I do with it, and how do I go forward. I'm here to help you take OWNERSHIP of your life. Also experienced in: Addictions, Working with Children, Trauma, and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Blended Family Issues, Caregiver Issues, and Stress, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication Problems, Parenting Problems, Divorce and Separation, Family Problems, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Self-Harm, Social Anxiety, and Phobia. Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Health, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing Therapy Years of Experience: 13

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This is Yvonne Johnson-Gilbert's avatar and link to their profile

Yvonne Johnson-Gilbert

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 35 years of professional work experience that is multi-diagnostic in the areas of Addiction, Trauma, Anger Management, Abuse , Personality Disorders , Emotional Dysregulation Disorders and Clinical Art Psychotherapy. My value system dictates treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step by signing up for therapy takes emotional courage and I am proud of you for starting on your journey to recovery and healing and hope that you will allow me to take that journey with you.

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David Rosser

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with four years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with grief and loss. I view life as a journey, and counseling as help and guidance in a portion of that journey when it becomes difficult. All of our journeys at some point will come to a place of hardship, pain, or sorrow. Counseling can provide both healing and the ability to overcome those obstacles that are holding you back from living your best life. My counseling style would best be described as eclectic. I use cognitive behavioral therapy because of its proactive nature, but also use interventions from other modalities. The most effective counseling to me addresses both the cognitive mental piece and the emotional piece as well. In other words, I want my clients to be able to express themselves and release pent up emotions but also understand the possible causes creating the issues. I believe the key to successful therapy is creating a safe environment that encourages openness and honesty and is free from judgment. I encourage my clients to express themselves without feeling as if they have to edit or filter their thoughts and feelings. 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. On a personal note, I am a widowed and remarried father of two wonderful but challenging teens. My journey has had certainly had some hardships but has also been filled with more blessings than I can count. Thanks for taking time to read this, and if you feel we might work well together, then please reach out. Either way, I sincerely hope you find the peace, balance, and happiness that you deserve.

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This is Donavon Kirby's avatar and link to their profile

Donavon Kirby

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesADHD
19 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Easy to talk to, understanding, nonjudgmental, humorous & knowledgeable are just a few of the ways people describe me. I have worked with a wide variety of people in mental health agencies, private counseling practices, and several colleges. I blend counseling and coaching in a way that allows folks to understand the root cause of their issues and offer possible solutions, support and encouragement as they make concrete changes in their lives. Areas where I have experience not listed in the spaces elsewhere are: Procrastination, Impostor Syndrome, Test Anxiety, Fear of Public Speaking and Low Self Esteem.

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This is Mikayla Franklin's avatar and link to their profile

Mikayla Franklin

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Danielle Mickelonis's avatar and link to their profile

Danielle Mickelonis

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 4 years of professional work experience. I have worked with both adult and adolescent populations with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, codependency, anxiety, stress, depression, and mood disorders, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence, behavioral problems, developmental disabilities, vocational difficulties, sexual offense histories, severe and persistent mental illness, and personality disorders. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I work best with clients who are motivated to put in the work it takes to make sustainable changes so they are able to live their life in a way that is meaningful to them. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Ronald Blanchard's avatar and link to their profile

Ronald Blanchard

Offering therapy in NC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Lake Park

Finding the best therapist close by in Lake Park 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 Lake Park. 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 Lake Park, 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 Lake Park 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 Lake Park 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 Lake Park, elsewhere in Union, 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 Lake Park area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lake Park 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 Lake Park 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 Lake Park 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 Lake Park, 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 Lake Park 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 Lake Park 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 Lake Park 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 Lake Park 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 Lake Park 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 28079 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 Lake Park 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 Lake Park 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 Lake Park, 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.

Lake Park 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 Lake Park.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Lake Park:

28079

Popular cities near Lake Park, NC

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