Our counselors provide therapy for children and teens in Raleigh, NC

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 8 years of experience providing comprehensive, person-centered care across the spectrum of psychiatric disorders, including mood, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions. I am licensed in multiple states and passionate about integrating evidence-based practice with compassion and collaboration. My clinical focus includes medication management, psychotherapy, and behavioral health education to support each patient’s journey toward emotional stability and improved quality of life.

I earned my Master’s in Nursing from Chamberlain School of Nursing. My approach emphasizes empathy, cultural sensitivity, and clear communication, creating a safe and trusting environment where patients feel supported and empowered. I am committed to holistic, individualized care that promotes long-term mental and emotional wellness.

My goal is to help individuals achieve meaningful progress by providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to their unique needs. I strive to reduce barriers to care, enhance emotional resilience, and equip each person with the tools to sustain mental well-being and live a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Jake Lamers is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who is passionate about fostering positive change by working collaboratively with each client to identify and achieve their unique goals. Jake works with clients to enhance self-esteem, navigate difficult life transitions, and cope with depression and anxiety. Jake helps clients develop and practice tools in therapy to prepare and empower clients to live a more fulfilling life even after therapy concludes.

Jake employs cognitive behavioral techniques in collaboration with acceptance and commitment therapy to assist the client in breaking down barriers that are keeping them from improving their quality of life. Helpful readings and practice will often be provided to reinforce what was learned in sessions.

If you feel you are ready to make the first steps toward self-improvement, seeking therapy is a great start. Please reach out if you are ready to start making the long-lasting changes you want or need.

Ava Baker is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 8 years of experience working with diverse populations. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, conduct disorders, autism spectrum disorder, self-esteem issues, and family/parenting issues. Before becoming a counselor, Ava spent 28 years as an elementary school teacher. She has worked with individuals, couples, and families in settings including the juvenile justice system, school-based therapy, and community health. Ava’s professional and personal experiences enable her to support and guide clients in dealing with life stressors.

Ava has a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She utilizes a wide range of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. Ava recognizes that change comes from within and employs a client-centered approach to treatment.

Ava believes that the challenges and struggles we face can help us grow and that everyone can develop the skills to have a healthy and fulfilling life. She encourages her clients to live today, plan for tomorrow, and love themselves so that they can shine. Schedule an appointment today!

Jessica “Jess” James is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate with over 5 years of experience. She specializes in working with neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults experiencing mood disorders due to complex trauma, including emotional, sexual, and physical abuse and neglect. Jess also treats anxiety, grief and loss, intimate partner violence, interpersonal concerns, identity exploration, and self-esteem challenges. She has worked in crisis intervention, detox, medical social work, medication-assisted treatment, private practice, and school social work.

Jess earned her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her therapeutic approaches include dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive processing therapy, motivational interviewing, somatic exercises, and expressive art therapies tailored to client needs.

Jess is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive space where clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped to grow. She works collaboratively to help clients identify strengths, build resilience, and achieve lasting well-being. Jess strives to meet clients where they are and walk beside them on their journey to healing and self-discovery.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor with 22 years of experience helping adults navigate depression, anxiety, grief, and major life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore challenges and find growth through self-awareness and emotional regulation. I believe in using therapy as a collaborative process that fosters healing, balance, and personal transformation.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling from the UNC-Charlotte. My therapeutic approach blends cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness-based strategies. This combination allows clients to develop greater control over their thoughts, manage emotions, and stay present in the moment.

If you are considering therapy, I commend you for taking this important step toward caring for your mental health. Continue showing up for yourself by scheduling a session and prioritizing your emotional well-being just as you would your physical health. Healing begins when you give yourself permission to grow.

Huguette Curah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of social work experience, 21 of those as a therapist. Huguette enjoys empowering people to learn themselves, accept their experience and healing, and make space for what comes next. She has worked with people experiencing grief, loss, depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and adjustment to significant life changes. Huguette completed her Master of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Commitment to remaining present with each client enables Huguette to facilitate growth and healing. Hugette uses an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Huguette takes the privilege of hearing your story and helping you through life's difficulties seriously. Step one is to reach out.

Mary Denina is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) who treats a variety of mental health concerns including, women's issues, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, grief, and loss. She is a fierce advocate for reducing the stigma of mental health issues in the adult and geriatric populations. Her role as a PMHNP includes education, medication management, advocacy, and counseling.

Mary completed her Master's degree at East Carolina University and her studies included psychopharmacology, therapy modalities, and working with populations across the lifespan. Mary possesses strong rapport-building skills and clinical assessment skills. In addition to medication management, Mary uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy (PCT) techniques, and motivational interviewing (MI) techniques.

Everyone faces various challenges in life and those can become overwhelming. Mary will be able to provide support as you navigate through these challenges with medication management and supportive counseling. Please reach out to schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Atia Wise is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor-Supervisor with over 15 years of experience. She specializes in working with women, emerging adults, and professionals from historically marginalized backgrounds navigating transitions, burnout, identity development, and the pursuit of purpose. Her clinical expertise spans multiple levels of care, informing a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach to treatment. Dr. Atia is dedicated to helping clients gain clarity, build resilience, and create lives aligned with their values.

Dr. Atia earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from High Point University. She specializes in supporting you through life transitions, burnout, and identity exploration. She offers a warm, collaborative space grounded in cultural awareness, helping clients gain clarity, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Dr. Atia believes healing begins with being truly seen and heard. She creates a welcoming space where clients can show up as they are, without judgment. With warmth and empathy, she helps clients navigate challenges and reconnect with their strengths. When you're ready, she will walk alongside you on your journey.

Michael Marcinowski is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with 16 years of experience in the mental health field. He is passionate about helping individual adults address their unique challenges and live more fulfilling lives. Michael specializes in depression, anxiety, panic, anger management, stress management, grief, and trauma.

Michael completed his Master of Arts in Counseling at Kean University in New Jersey. Michael's experience with severely chronically mentally ill clients and working in hospitals allows him to help clients in a calm, kind, and non-judgmental way. Michael utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered, and motivational interviewing.

Life is full of challenges that we don't have to go through alone. Michael is confident that he would be able to guide you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to start the process, schedule an appointment with him today.

Shine Chauhan is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina with 11 years of experience in mental health. Step into sessions with Shine and experience a compassionate blend of her life wisdom, tailored to address anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, and relationship hurdles. With her guidance, you'll articulate emotions, validate experiences, and break free from limiting patterns, moving towards self-acceptance, fulfillment, and stronger connections. Shine is also here to support immigrants in navigating cultural assimilation and finding deeper personal meaning.

Shine uses various therapy approaches tailored to each person's situation. She aims to relieve distress and help clients gain self-awareness. Spirituality is an important part of her life and practice. When appropriate, Shine helps clients discuss their deepest values to enhance greater meaning in their lives.

In life's ups and downs, Shine is your empathetic guide, ready to help you tap into your inner strength and clarity with personalized techniques. Ready to level up your well-being? Book your session online today and let's kickstart your journey together!

Kesha is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, school issues, bipolar and trauma. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. 

Kesha completed her Master of Nursing at Maryville University. Kesha possesses strong clinical skills and a natural ability to build rapport with patients and families. In addition to medication management, she incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), culturally sensitive therapy, faith-based therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered techniques into treatment. 

Kesha is no stranger to challenges. Kesha is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be challenged with. If you are ready to get started, schedule an appointment with her today. 

Chiquana Bryant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina. She has been employed in the mental health field since 2006 starting as a community supports worker/case manager. She became a licensed therapist in 2012 and has gained a wealth of knowledge from the experiences of those she's counseled. She's come across all walks of life from small children and caregivers with a history of trauma and attachment issues, oppositional and defiant teenagers with behavioral challenges, and adults who are figuring out underlying causes of mental and emotional challenges potentially picked up over the course of their lives.

Most recently, she has been a therapist in a close-custody prison. She experienced what society may consider "the worst of the worst" human beings completely changing their thinking patterns and behaviors to be promoted and/or released from prison after gaining a new level of insight and motivation to succeed.

Chiquana brings knowledge of attachment issues, especially between young children and their primary caregivers. Utilizing play therapy and addressing traumatic experiences will aid in a parent's ability to help their child (and themselves) regulate emotions. The same goes for adults who have faced trauma over the course of their lives — narrative therapy and discussing the circumstances involving the trauma tends to help alleviate symptoms of paranoia and trust issues, depression, anxiety, anger, and mood disorders. Chiquana believes that any situation can be handled with a listening ear, knowledge of how the mind and emotions work, and patience.

Chiquana believes that the most important part of the therapy process is the therapeutic relationship. Being able to relate, empathize with, and understand you without any judgment or bias will allow her to best serve and assist you through whatever mental and emotional challenges you may face. However, without creating a relationship of trust and genuine regard for the therapy process, it will be impossible to see results. Please allow her to assist you by forming a therapeutic alliance that will help you to achieve your goals. Depression, anxiety, stress, behavioral challenges, relationship issues, and trauma can be turned around with the right attitude, persistence, and knowledge!

Aisha Alston is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor from the state of North Carolina. She has experience working with clients who are seeking counseling for an array of life challenges. She works with all individuals in life stages from adolescence through late senior years, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or handicap. Specialties include parenting issues, mood disorders, thought disorders, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, sexual abuse, relationship issues, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), conflict issues, grief/loss, adjustment disorder, LGBTQ+, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiance disorder, conduct disorder.

Aisha’s educational background includes Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, Masters of Arts in Business Management and Leadership, Liberty University. Through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or other therapeutic treatment modalities, she looks forward to assisting you with finding creative solutions that can bring about deep and meaningful change in your life.

There are two mantras she often refers to in therapy with clients. Change is a personal choice that is often uncomfortable. The other is, what you allow will continue. Aisha's goal is to provide you with an encouraging, safe, and judgment-free environment where you can talk freely about your presenting problems and learn how to work through those issues and concerns so that operate at a higher functioning status.

Tamiqua is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) who diagnose, treat, and manage various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, trauma/PTSD, and many others. Her practice foundation is built upon compassion and empathy focusing on care of young and older adults. 

Tamiqua completed her Master's Degree at University of Cincinnati where she earned her Family Nurse Practitioner education. After working in various settings, she learned that many people experience mental health challenges. This led her to return to school at Liberty University, where she earned her Post Master's education as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Tamiqua also earned her Bachelors in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University and her Associates Degree in Nursing from Wake Technical Community College. Tamiqua possesses an extended history of patient care and provides an open relaxed atmosphere allowing her patients to feel heard and included. Her care consists of individualized treatment plans that may include a variety of options such as psychiatric medication management, concise psychotherapy, and/or non pharmaceutical alternatives with promotion of lifestyle changes to help aid in the restoration of better mental health.

You are not alone. Tamiqua has the compassion and experience to help support your pathway to better mental health. Contact her today to schedule an appointment. 

Alison Graham is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has worked with a spectrum of patients from adolescence to geriatrics. She has helped these individuals with depression and anxiety, all the way to psychosis and self-harm. 

"Mental illness can be scary and isolating. I am not here to just focus on your symptoms. My purpose is to see you as a whole person," says Alison. "I offer honesty, hope, and humility during every visit. I want to have those tough conversations to then get to those 'I did it!' ones. While working with you, I am also your greatest advocate."

"Emotional pain is not something that should be hidden and never spoken about. There is truth in your pain, there is growth in your pain, but only if it's first brought out into the open," says Alison. "Let's work together to learn how to not sit in the pain forever but to sit in it for just enough time to grow from it."

Allison Rascoe is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with over 10 years of experience in mental and behavioral health. She started her career in community-based services before becoming a state correctional behavioral specialist in North Carolina. She specializes in helping individuals ages 20 and up who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about their next steps in life. Her ideal clients struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, or life transitions and seek guidance in building resilience and confidence.

Allison received her Master’s in School Counseling from Capella University. She uses solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and spirituality to help clients recognize their inner strengths and develop strategies for lasting change.

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but no one has to face them alone. Allison creates a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their struggles without judgment. Through personalized guidance and proven therapeutic approaches, Allison helps clients regain confidence and clarity. Reach out and take the first step toward healing!