Care without the wait

104 licensed therapists & providers in North Carolina—6 in Chapel Hill. Available as soon as today, in person and online

Therapy for every life stage

Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more

#1 for in-network coverage †

We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees

Patients who get better

94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months

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695 people sought Trauma/PTSD therapy help at Chapel Hill in the last year

Discover how starting Trauma/PTSD therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a trauma therapist as soon as this week

Chapel Hill, NC

As a first-generation immigrant and woman of melanin, I understand the additional stresses to simply exist and succeed....

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Chapel Hill, NC

I believe every person has inherent worth and deserves a therapist they can truly connect with....

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Chapel Hill, NC

As a clinician with over 30 years of experience, I have worked in multiple settings with widely differing populations and needs as...

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We don’t have any providers with availability. Our schedules change daily. We’ll reach out as soon as a spot opens up.
Christal Nelson

Hear from Christal Nelson, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

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What is your go-to approach for PTSD/trauma therapy?

My go-to approach for assisting others with PTSD/trauma is trauma-focused CBT and EMDR. The benefit of EMDR is watching the client's triggers to trauma decrease within a few sessions.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I teach the following tools in PTSD/trauma therapy: use of coping skills, deep breathing, tapping, bilateral stimulation, and guided imagery.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I know the client is making meaningful progress when their triggers to trauma decrease and the narrative formed during the trauma changes from victim to an empowered survivor.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement PTSD/trauma therapy?

Clients can supplement their time outside of therapy with the homework I send and/or assign them.

What should someone do to prepare for starting PTSD/trauma therapy?

To prepare for their first PTSD/trauma therapy session, someone can practice expressing what they are and aren't comfortable with in sharing with the therapist. The sessions move at the pace of the client, not the therapist.

Trauma/PTSD therapy FAQs

What is PTSD/trauma therapy?

At Thriveworks, Trauma/PTSD therapy involves dedicated efforts to address and navigate through past and/or recent traumatic events. Therapists specializing in trauma create a secure environment to process and heal from these experiences, aiming to reduce trauma-related symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.

How does PTSD/trauma therapy work?

Our Thriveworks providers use Trauma/PTSD therapy treatments like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR, CBT, and exposure therapy with the goal of helping clients process the traumatic events they have experienced so that they can to start feeling safe and secure again.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:

  • Flashbacks and distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances
  • Intense anxiety and irritability
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood and thought patterns
  • Increased arousal, like difficulty concentrating or exaggerated startle response

How do you overcome PTSD triggers?

The best way to overcome PTSD triggers is to seek the assistance of a professional therapist, such as those at Thriveworks, who can help you to understand and treat your PTSD triggers.

What type of therapist is best for PTSD?

In most cases, a therapist who specializes in Trauma/PTSD therapy is the best type of mental health professional to address the symptoms of PTSD.

Is PTSD/trauma therapy conducted in person or online?

PTSD/trauma therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long should you go to therapy for PTSD?

If a client is working through a single traumatic event that occurred as an adult, trauma or PTSD therapy may only take a few months, but in general, it can take a year or more to effectively treat trauma symptoms and PTSD. The duration of treatment is highly dependent on the client and the severity of their symptoms.

How successful is therapy for PTSD?

The success rate of therapy for PTSD depends entirely on the individual’s symptoms, commitment to attending sessions, and personal abilities.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurance and we offer self-pay options too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling at Thriveworks.

Our therapists and counselors in Chapel Hill accept 29 insurance plans

  • Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

  • Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

View more
Self-pay costs at Chapel Hill
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I enjoy the time sharing my thinking thought bout how I’m doing and I’m very greatful to have my therapist her to guide me in the right direction and keeping my mine clear of negativity I appreciate her a lot
Zoey Aug 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Have some snacks
Nevaeh Aug 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Alison is my new therapist. My previous therapist did not return from maternity leave. I've had 2 sessions with Alison and I feel comfortable and fully supported by her. I'm so thankful.
Gabriel Aug 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have loved everything about Thriveworks since the very first day. There is nothing I would change.
Quiana Aug 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mr. Brooks was a very genuine guy, down to earth with me. Worked with me at my level, I felt very comfortable opening up to him, which is very hard for me to do.. Look forward to next session!
Piper Aug 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love that I get to be free to let all my feelings out and by giving the thanks to my therapist for being there for me getting through this process I needed her help she doing a good job at it she is #1 in my book.
Alexa Aug 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My experience with thrive works has been amazing! i have an amazing therapist who has helped me a lot and an amazing psychiatrist!!
Naomi Jul 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Well my therapist listens to me and make sure I’m doing what is required and that I speak about my own feelings that I’m dealing with and that she is there if I ever need a person to lean on she’s there for me
Isla Jul 2026Thriveworks.com verified review
8 of 50 reviews

Where to find us

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Address

1516 E Franklin St Suite 200
Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Chapel Hill is located in the Franklin Square building near E Franklin St and S Estes Rd, off Highway 501. It is close to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and right by the Battle Park trails.

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Phone number

(919) 642-1031
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Languages spoken by NC providers

  • English
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Hours

Friday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

Friday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 11:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 11:00pm

Shown in ET

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