Psychology in North Carolina

Biography: Stephanie has an interactive and team-oriented approach to patient care. She actively participates in sessions, creating a collaborative therapeutic relationship. Stephanie views therapy as a shared process, where she brings her training, knowledge, and genuine care to help patients achieve their goals and feel better. Inspired by early volunteering experiences with the Special Olympics on a military base, she developed a passion for supporting individuals with diverse challenges. Early in her career, Stephanie worked with adolescent and young adult men, many gang-affiliated, in inner-city Chicago. Despite apparent differences, she found immense value in connecting on a human level, recognizing shared struggles and the universal need for support. Stephanie is committed to creating a safe, empathetic space for healing and growth.

Biography: Karen has a person-centered approach to therapy, drawing from various models such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and nonviolent communication. She also incorporates mindfulness, relaxation, and breathwork to help her patients connect with their mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Karen sees each individual as a whole person with strengths and inner resources, working collaboratively to empower them to create lives of wholeness and well-being. Karen's interest in psychology and human development dates back to her undergraduate years, where she pursued a degree in nutrition while also taking extra courses in social work and advanced psychology. Growing up overseas, Karen has a love for international and multicultural interactions, and she enjoys working with patients from diverse backgrounds. Outside of her professional life, Karen has a strong connection to animals. Before transitioning to mental health, she was a volunteer coordinator for a nonprofit dog rescue group and a keeper aide at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. She enjoys spending time with her pets, watching wildlife, watching films, and reading.

Biography: Joelle helps identify issues, process harmful thought patterns, and develop healthy skills to gain freedom and build confidence. She provides a safe, validating, and encouraging environment for patients. As a woman of color, Joelle hopes that her identity encourages individuals who historically may not seek mental health services to take a leap of faith toward improving their mental health. She believes everyone should have equal access to mental health care so they can be their best versions. Joelle deeply loves watching people build up the courage to care for themselves.

Biography: Sherri has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field.

Biography: Sonia is passionate about supporting others on their journey to healing and understands that meaningful change takes time. As a Latinx woman raised in a military community, her unique upbringing informs her culturally competent and empathetic approach to patient care. Sonia works with college students and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, using cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing. She creates a patient-centered, holistic space where patients feel understood and supported as they prioritize their mental health. Outside work, Sonia enjoys hiking, cheering on UNC sports, watching movies, and spending quality time with her family.

Biography: Carrie provides an empathetic, non-judgmental, safe, and supportive environment for patients to process their experiences. Her therapeutic approach includes helping patients identify and highlight their strengths to process trauma and life events. Carrie uses acceptance and commitment therapy, which assists people in living a more meaningful life by working toward accepting what is out of personal control and committing to actions that improve and enrich the quality of life. She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy. She recognizes that her patients are experts in their own lives and experiences and invites them to explore what has led them up to this point and what direction they would like their lives to go.

Biography: Kelly Jo has worked in the mental health field since 1997. While serving in the Army, she enjoyed working with military personnel and their families. Kelly Jo also has trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy training and often works with individuals who have experienced traumatic life events. She works hard to help individuals better understand their symptoms and develop more effective skills in managing or eliminating them. Kelly Jo educates patients on improved communication, relaxation, conflict management, and stress reduction techniques. While change and growth can be intimidating, anything is possible with support.

Biography: Susan is passionate about helping her patients navigate obstacles and create change to bring happiness and contentment. She wants her patients to realize their potential and strength to learn more effective problem-solving and communicative skills. She has a collaborative approach using cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), play therapy, equine-assisted therapy, and motivational interviewing. Susan is guided by the quote: “My past does not define me. I have the power to change my story and create a positive and healthy future.”

Biography: Ryan begins the psychotherapeutic process using person-centered therapy techniques, where the individual is given the autonomy to explore their presenting concerns freely without judgment. He then shifts his theoretical orientation to the needs of the patient. Ryan is passionate about counseling theory and frequently educates himself and his patients about the most appropriate evidence-based practices. He also draws from his experience, including working in residential mental health, inpatient dual-diagnosis, and partial hospitalization programs. Ryan believes that the patient-therapist relationship is a sacred bond reflective of one of the most basic human traits: the need to collaborate rather than face life's challenges alone.

Biography: Preston provides guidance but believes patients have the internal strength and direction to improve their satisfaction and mental well-being. His strengths-based approach uses cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, structural family therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, crisis de-escalation, and motivational interviewing.

Biography: Dr. Paul Fleischer has over 10 years of experience in mental health care. Dr. Fleishcer uses cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), psychodynamic psychotherapy, and somatic experiencing.

Biography: Tybreisha helps patients process major life changes, overcome lifelong trauma, and understand their feelings and well-being. She recognizes this process can be overwhelming and guides patients to use the innate tools they already have. Tybreisha’s approach includes solution-focused therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a narrative approach. She teaches self-care by keeping the mind and body active. Tybreisha enjoys cooking, walking outdoors, and spending time with family, friends, and her Boston Terrier.

Biography: Maureen uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, internal family systems therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). She has always wanted to help others.

Care Philosophy: Brightside Health is a fully online mental health practice providing life-changing care for anxiety, depression, & related conditions through personalized Psychiatry & Therapy services available to all 50 states. Appointments are available in as little as 24 hours - including evening, night, & weekend availability. Recently named the "Best online psychiatry service of 2024" by Forbes, EverydayHealth, & Yahoo. Brightside Health specializes in depression & anxiety, as well as a wide range of related conditions, including: Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder & Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum Depression, Social Anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Insomnia, & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). *Please note Brightside can treat ADHD but does not offer diagnoses or controlled substances for the treatment of ADHD, such as Adderall. Brightside also cannot treat Schizophrenia, or any symptoms of psychosis

Biography: Billy creates a safe, collaborative environment in therapy where patients feel genuinely heard and supported. He uses cognitive behavioral therapy to challenge negative thoughts, dialectical behavioral therapy for emotional regulation, and mindfulness to reduce stress. Billy’s experience in the United States Air Force, where he saw service members’ unique mental health challenges, inspired his commitment to helping others heal and build resilience. Throughout his career, he has supported diverse populations, addressing a wide range of mental health and substance use issues. Outside work, Billy enjoys photography and quality time with family and friends.

Biography: Caitlin believes in the power of mindfulness: If we remain still long enough, our minds and bodies will tell us exactly what we need to know. It’s connecting the two, where counseling steps in. Our thoughts tend to shape our feelings, influencing our actions and ultimately defining our character. Caitlin combines mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy to provide mind-brain-body wholeness. She can be found in nature, using it as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect.

Care Philosophy: Brightside Health is a fully online mental health practice providing life-changing care for anxiety, depression, & related conditions through personalized Psychiatry & Therapy services available to all 50 states. Appointments are available in as little as 24 hours - including evening, night, & weekend availability. Recently named the "Best online psychiatry service of 2024" by Forbes, EverydayHealth, & Yahoo. Brightside Health specializes in depression & anxiety, as well as a wide range of related conditions, including: Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder & Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum Depression, Social Anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Insomnia, & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). *Please note Brightside can treat ADHD but does not offer diagnoses or controlled substances for the treatment of ADHD, such as Adderall. Brightside also cannot treat Schizophrenia, or any symptoms of psychosis

Biography: Taylor believes all her patients are unique, resilient, capable, confident, self-worthy, and deserving of happiness. She has an individualized, evidence-based approach using cognitive behavioral therapy. Martin Luther King Jr.'s quote inspires Taylor, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Biography: Jeffrey has over 40 years of experience in the mental health field. He uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and somatic experiencing. Jeffrey has experience with leadership positions in emergency services, the Department of Family Services, outpatient addiction services, and other mental health treatment facilities across New York and Maryland.

Biography: Judy has over 35 years of experience providing cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and motivational interviewing. She also incorporates HeartMath, mindfulness, breathing, and relaxation techniques. Mental health has been Judy’s passion and mission for over three decades, and she enjoys providing support that helps others find the courage to make changes that enhance their lives.

Biography: Dee is passionate about helping her patients understand their relationships and what is important to them. She provides her patients with a comfortable enviorment where they can share their experiences using cognitive behavioral therapy. Dee has experience working with child protective services and the families impacted. She implemented the Partnership for Stronger Families program, LINKS program, and foster parent training.

Biography: Coraleisha became a therapist to promote self-healing, empowerment, elevated mindsets, and inner peace. She encourages patients to consider her a life coach, therapist, mindfulness guide, or confidant. Coraleisha uses cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, self-esteem work, and stress and anger management. She also encourages positive coping, conflict resolution, mindfulness, and grounding practices.

Care Philosophy: Brightside Health is a fully online mental health practice providing life-changing care for anxiety, depression, & related conditions through personalized Psychiatry & Therapy services available to all 50 states. Appointments are available in as little as 24 hours - including evening, night, & weekend availability. Recently named the "Best online psychiatry service of 2024" by Forbes, EverydayHealth, & Yahoo. Brightside Health specializes in depression & anxiety, as well as a wide range of related conditions, including: Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder & Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum Depression, Social Anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Insomnia, & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). *Please note Brightside can treat ADHD but does not offer diagnoses or controlled substances for the treatment of ADHD, such as Adderall. Brightside also cannot treat Schizophrenia, or any symptoms of psychosis

Biography: Mary has over 20 years of experience helping patients improve their lives. She is passionate about trauma-recovery work because she often sees patients overcome obstacles holding them back, clearing the way toward a brighter future. Likewise, Mary appreciates how, in other forms of work with patients, people learn to create a stable and fulfilling life for themselves. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral intervention for trauma, dialectical behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and structured psychotherapy for adolescents responding to chronic stress (SPARCS).

Biography: Melanie helps people cultivate a way of being that matches their values and meets their long-term goals. She prioritizes patient comfort, recognizing how this allows people to be vulnerable. From a young age, she pursued knowledge of psychology. This interest intensified after seeing a friend in high school struggle with the lack of resources available to help her recover from an eating disorder.

Care Philosophy: Brightside Health is a fully online mental health practice providing life-changing care for anxiety, depression, & related conditions through personalized Psychiatry & Therapy services available to all 50 states. Appointments are available in as little as 24 hours - including evening, night, & weekend availability. Recently named the "Best online psychiatry service of 2024" by Forbes, EverydayHealth, & Yahoo. Brightside Health specializes in depression & anxiety, as well as a wide range of related conditions, including: Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder & Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum Depression, Social Anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Insomnia, & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). *Please note Brightside can treat ADHD but does not offer diagnoses or controlled substances for the treatment of ADHD, such as Adderall. Brightside also cannot treat Schizophrenia, or any symptoms of psychosis

Care Philosophy: Brightside Health is a fully online mental health practice providing life-changing care for anxiety, depression, & related conditions through personalized Psychiatry & Therapy services available to all 50 states. Appointments are available in as little as 24 hours - including evening, night, & weekend availability. Recently named the "Best online psychiatry service of 2024" by Forbes, EverydayHealth, & Yahoo. Brightside Health specializes in depression & anxiety, as well as a wide range of related conditions, including: Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder & Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum Depression, Social Anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Insomnia, & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). *Please note Brightside can treat ADHD but does not offer diagnoses or controlled substances for the treatment of ADHD, such as Adderall. Brightside also cannot treat Schizophrenia, or any symptoms of psychosis

Biography: Beth has been involved in triangle-wide community outreach for many years, offering services and support to underserved community members, including coming-out support groups and domestic violence volunteer training.

Biography: Vanessa pursued a career in social work to help individuals identify their strengths, develop goals, and work towards overall well-being. Her strength-based and person-centered approach uses cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies and motivational interviewing. Vanessa remains interested in helping neurodivergent people process their experiences, identify strengths, and develop treatment plans to accomplish their goals. She is also an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. Vanessa previously spent 12 years in special education.

Care Philosophy: Brightside Health is a fully online mental health practice providing life-changing care for anxiety, depression, & related conditions through personalized Psychiatry & Therapy services available to all 50 states. Appointments are available in as little as 24 hours - including evening, night, & weekend availability. Recently named the "Best online psychiatry service of 2024" by Forbes, EverydayHealth, & Yahoo. Brightside Health specializes in depression & anxiety, as well as a wide range of related conditions, including: Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder & Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum Depression, Social Anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Insomnia, & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). *Please note Brightside can treat ADHD but does not offer diagnoses or controlled substances for the treatment of ADHD, such as Adderall. Brightside also cannot treat Schizophrenia, or any symptoms of psychosis

Biography: Susan Strain, LCSW is a Psychologist who practices in Hendersonville, NC. She is 67 years old. Susan Strain, LCSW is affiliated with AdventHealth Hendersonville.

Biography: Dr. Garrett Hazelton, PHD is a Psychologist who practices in Arden, NC. He is 46 years old. Dr. Garrett Hazelton, PHD is affiliated with AdventHealth Hendersonville.

Biography: Dr. Cynthia King, PSY.D is a Psychologist who practices in Arden, NC. Dr. Cynthia King, PSY.D is affiliated with AdventHealth Hendersonville.

Care Philosophy: I specialize in helping women interested in therapy, but are unsure of what to expect. I connect with my clients while also finding a way to enjoy the process through laughter. After working with me, you will feel more confident, lighthearted, and have a better understanding of yourself and others.

Biography: Kimberly has over 15 years of experience in mental health care, with a specific interest in women’s issues, pregnancy, postpartum, and infertility. She passionately advocates for comprehensive, actionable, and sustainable patient care. Kimberly prioritizes education and empowerment throughout the healing process. She draws on cultural experiences and innate abilities to foster patients’ trust to provide support, gain insight, and find a path for effective change. Kimberly uses cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, psychodynamic, insight-oriented, narrative, and rational emotive behavior therapies.