STAFF

Amy Greene, Administrative Assistant

Amy is originally from Detroit, Michigan. She now resides in Greensboro, NC. She is a wife and a mother of 3 girls. She has a background in Medial Office and Insurance. Outside of work her hobbies are extreme couponing, traveling with her youngest daughter for AAU Basketball and going to the beach. Amy works out of our Greensboro, NC location.

Anum Garraway, MSW, LCSWA

Anum Garraway, MSW, LCSWA is a clinical social worker who is excited to join the CPCH team. She brings many years of experience in a variety of diverse settings, originally serving trauma-based intimate partner and family violence. She uses a compassionate approach to empower individuals, and families to adapt to challenges and personal life issues. Anum strives to assist clients with improving overall wellness. She strongly believes that every client has valuable strengths. She aims to continue learning new information related to therapy to help her clients resolve concerns and improve their quality of life. Anum offers the safest and most comfortable environment throughout her client’s experience in therapy.

Anum is a native of North Carolina. She received her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Child Development & Family Studies. Anum earned her Master of Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  She loves to spend time with family and friends, kayaking, crafts, and traveling. 

Anuradha Bhaduri, PsyD

As a licensed psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver, Dr. Bhaduri specializes in complex neurodevelopmental evaluations, assessing autism, ADHD, and learning differences in children and young adults. She holds an HSP-P certification in North Carolina and combines her extensive training in assessment techniques with a deep understanding of child and adolescent development.

Taking a holistic approach, she prioritizes collaboration with families, educators, medical providers, and other professionals to develop customized strategies that meet each individual’s unique strengths and challenges. This commitment extends to young adults, helping them navigate transitions and achieve their personal and academic goals.

Dr. Bhaduri is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment that empowers clients and their families with informed insights and compassionate care. With a passion for ongoing professional development, she strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

Caroline Phillips, MDiv., MSW, LCSW

Caroline Phillips grew up the deep south, but most recently moved to North Carolina from Chicago Illinois where she lived for 13 years and received a Masters degrees in Divinity (McCormick Theological Seminary ’12) and Social Work (Loyola University Chicago ’13) . Caroline worked as a hospital chaplain and chaplain educator for six years and prior to that worked in Community Mental Health on the Southside of Chicago. She enjoys working with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and faiths. She believes cultural humility and cultural competency are key to understanding the whole person and building a strong foundation with her clients.

She enjoys working with adults and older teenagers and has a lot of experience working with the older adult population. Helping clients with issues such as anxiety, trauma, depression, and life transitions are of particular interest to her. She uses evidenced based therapies such as CBT and motivational interviewing. With her years of experience in chaplaincy, she is very comfortable incorporating spirituality (if important to the client) and helping those heal from past religious trauma.

Chris Zierman, LMFT

I am a father, son, husband, and friend. A key principle that I try to hold myself to is to refrain from judgment so that I am most able to help those around me in whatever ways I am able. I have a wealth of experience in social services in a variety of different capacities including working with children and adolescents, couples, and individuals with a broad scope of challenges. I hope to provide services that fit the needs of my clients in a respectful environment while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Cindy Huang LCMHC

Cindy Huang is a bilingual, English and Chinese Mandarin, psychotherapist. Before joining the CBT Counseling Centers of North Carolina, she held the LCMHC license in North Carolina and the PLC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in South Carolina. She adopts a client-centered care approach to provide holistic psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, children, families, couples, and groups. She uses evidence-based CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing modalities and techniques to provide therapeutic care and psychoeducation on cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and emotional support. She treats mild to moderate mental illness and emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and other trauma, additive behaviors, and relationship issues, grief and bereavement. She also treats adolescents and young adults with ADHD, behavioral addictions, and eating disorders.

As being an international students and immigrants herself, Cindy has a heart to provide care for their mental health needs of the international, immigrants, and Asian American populations in the community. Cindy is enthusiastic to help these people speak from their hearts to a therapist who understands their language and cultures. In her leisure time, Cindy enjoys Yoga, Pilates, swimming, skiing, volleyball, Chinese calligraphy, and jewelry design.

Cortlin Polo, LCSW

Cortlin Polo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina who has been practicing since 2020. Cortlin offers a safe therapeutic environment, open, and judgment-free, and will bring a compassionate, results-oriented approach to help you experience a higher quality of life. She applies a person-centered approach to her style of therapy.

Daniel Kinney, LCSWA

Hi there! It’s great to see you. I offer support services to teens, young adults, older adults, and justice involved individuals. Life is full of difficulties and therapy has been shown to be an effective way of navigating through those times. My goal is to work with individuals to find their strengths and to support them in developing adaptive tools that can be used across a variety of settings. I work from a person-centered empowerment approach to create an environment where individuals feel supported in achieving their therapy goals.

My area of work includes anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, life transitions, substance use, and more. I pull from a variety of therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

I am LGBTQIA affirming and incorporate and awareness of oppression and social justice into my therapy work. Populations that I have worked with include teens, young adults, older adults, and justice involved individuals.  I have worked with individuals of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender expressions and identities.

Debi Bell, PhD, LMFT, CTHP

The therapeutic relationships I form with my clients instill hope for a better tomorrow. My focus is to provide you with a level of safety and trust that facilitates an effective treatment process. My experience has taught me that clients are more motivated to stay in therapy when they decide how they want to improve by the end of therapy. An important part of my role as a clinician is to assist clients in reaching their therapeutic goals. To do that, I have to keep the therapy relevant to those objectives. Humor and creativity in conjunction with friendly, goal-oriented clinical relationships have proven to be quite successful.

I am trained and certified in CBT and EMDR, which I use to successfully treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other complex traumas. I combine different modalities to create customized treatment plans for each client based on their presenting problem. I work to empower my clients. I trained at Ft. Liberty and learned to serve Military families too.

If you feel stuck in grief from the loss of a loved one, I can assist. If you need help working out problems in your current relationship, I offer Couples Counseling utilizing multiple approaches that can be beneficial. If you need guidance coping spiritually or desire Christian counseling, I am unbiased and empathic. I listen carefully to respond warmly.

Destinee Burch, LCSW

Destinee has a Master of Social Work degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill. She is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSW-A) in North Carolina. Her experience includes working with clients who aim to manage stressors, improve relationships, enforce boundaries, and cope with life transitions, anxiety, and depression. Destinee works with various populations but specializes in people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Her preferred treatment modalities are solution-focused interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strength-based approaches, motivational interviewing and more.

Destinee has an understanding that starting therapy can sometimes be intimidating. Because of this, Destinee strives to create a safe, non-judgemental therapeutic space so that clients feel comfortable to be their most authentic self. Her style pulls on the individual strengths and unique traits of each of her clients to help them find ways to accomplish their therapeutic goals. Destinee’s style remains open to change depending on what works best for the growth of her clients. When Destinee is not at work with clients, she enjoys seasonal gardening and trying new restaurants around the Triangle.

Ellyn Brown, LCMHC

Ellyn is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Licensure to teach middle grades social studies. She went on to earn her Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University.

Ellyn has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She strongly believes in a collaborative therapeutic relationship to first identify clients’ natural strengths and then apply additional tools in order to meet each individualized goal. She utilizes a systemic, strength-based, and trauma informed approach as a foundation when working with her clients, however, the primary theory she will utilize is based on the needs of the person, couple, or family while also taking into consideration the type of issue and goal. She applies evidenced-based theories including, but not limited to, Eco-Systemic Structural Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Her areas of work include, but are not limited to, those experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, relationship issues, career transitions, self-care, domestic violence, communication issues, parenting support, low self-esteem, and trauma work. When she is not helping clients, she loves to spend time with her family, travel to the beach, read a good book, window shop, complete a puzzle, and binge-watch her latest favorite show.

Clinical Site Leader - Greensboro

Emily Peterson, LCSW

Emily is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who received her Graduate degree from the joint Clinical Social Work program of NC Agricultural & Technical University and University of North Carolina Greensboro. Emily was raised in New England where she completed her undergraduate degree in child development and early education. Emily transitioned from a teaching profession to a graduate level Social Work study in 2013.

Emily joins the CBT Counseling Centers of Greensboro with over eight years of experience working with individuals of all ages and across one’s lifespan. Emily has experience working with individuals who are enduring symptoms of acute and chronic anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, perfectionism, behavioral noncompliance, interpersonal challenges, impulsive behaviors, anger reactivity, attachment complications, and understanding neurodiversity. Emily compassionately meets individuals where they are through a person-centered approach and provides a safe, non-judgmental space for an individual to reflect, grow, and learn. Emily successfully implement’s evidenced based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy techniques (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skill building, motivational interviewing, solution focused strategies and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to meet the individual needs of client’s and help client’s meet outcomes. Additionally, Emily has experience working with active military personnel, veterans and their family members. Emily enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults and seniors.

In her free time Emily enjoys spending time with her family, running outdoors, reading novels and listening to music.

Gay Haynes, LCSWA

Gay graduated from NC Wesleyan College with a B.A. in Psychology, then earned a Master of Social Work from the clinical social work program at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and is a licensed clinical social work associate. She has worked in several settings over the years, to include private practice, Duke Hospital, a crisis call center, community outreach, the UNC student health action coalition, and mental health services through Legal Aid of NC with their Disaster Relief Program to help displaced people.

Gay has experience working with children (10+), teenagers, adults of all ages and couples. Gay utilizes a person-centered approach while drawing from evidence-based treatment models, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based therapies, humanistic approach, inter-personal, and eclectic. Gay is passionate about facilitating growth for those that have concerns about their mental health and/or their relationship issues to include, but not limited to, life transitions, couples, parenting, interpersonal difficulties, stress management, anxiety of all kinds to include social anxiety, PTSD, sexual trauma, depression, ADHD, and cognitive and health-related struggles. In addition, Gay has facilitated cancer support groups for patients and caregivers, and worked with older adults and families as they navigate dementia related illness, caregiver burnout, and end-of-life issues.

Gay believes everyone has the capacity for change. She serves people from all walks of life, is LGBTQ+ affirming, and values compassion, authenticity and kindness while helping clients move towards growth. Gay practices with the philosophy that therapy is a collaborative work-in-progress between therapist and client to formulate a plan of treatment that is best suited to individual needs and goals. She incorporates creativity, a sense of humor, and provides a safe and nonjudgmental environment where you can unpack and heal from the painful, challenging, and difficult parts of your life, and/or learn new strategies and skills, all while understanding that you don’t have to carry that weight alone.

Gina Haney, LCMHC, NCC, CCMHC

Gina is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC). She received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 2016 from Capella University. Prior to this, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology with a minor in Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 2012.

Gina brings many years of experience from a variety of diverse settings. Gina has an extensive background working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, social and relational related concerns, mood disorders and ADHD. Most of her work includes individual therapy and family therapy with children, young adults and adults. Through evidence-based treatment modalities, such as cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapy, she provides her clients tools to build a stronger and renewed sense of self-confidence, purpose, and self-awareness.

Haley Elder, Ph.D.

Haley Elder, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in empirically-based cognitive and behavioral treatments for anxiety and mood disorders.

She received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from St. John’s University in Queens, New York and has worked in a variety of settings, including partial hospitalization programs, outpatient clinics, and a college counseling center. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Albert Ellis Institute in Manhattan where she gained expertise treating anxiety and depression in adults using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT).

Most recently, her interests have focused on the treatment of adults with obsessive-compulsive spectrum and other anxiety disorders at the Bio-Behavioral Institute in Long Island, New York, using cognitive-behavioral and exposure and response prevention (ERP) frameworks.

Dr. Elder joined the staff of the CBT Center in 2014.

You can eMail Dr. Elder at helder@behaviortherapist.com or call (828) 350-1177. She practices out of the East Asheville office.

Haley Jackson, LCMHC

Holt Johnson, LCMHC

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist Associate (LCAS-A). Since 2021, I have provided therapeutic services for individuals with a variety of ages, socioeconomic status, sexual orientations, ethnicities, race, and personalities. I adapt my interactions with each individual patient based on how he/she/them respond best as every person is unique and for them to get the most out of my sessions. I specialize in working with teens and adults who are going through anxiety, ADHD, depression, and self-esteem concerns.

I use a variety of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I do, however, like to incorporate other treatment models or innovative techniques that may best suit a patient’s individualized treatment. Using humor, for example, in sessions with patients can be beneficial as patients are able to make light of a situation and find ways to move forward. Also maintaining regular physical activity has been found to have significant positive improvements in one’s mental health.

I graduated from East Carolina University with a masters in Clinical Counseling and in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport & Exercise Psychology. In my free time I enjoy being with friends, family, and my rescue beagle/couch potato John. I like playing beach volleyball, watching sports, pickleball, and being active. I was a former collegiate wrestler and club rugby player.

Ian Meeks

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I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician with a Master’s in School Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University. My background focuses on the use of person-centered therapy, reality therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am also rostered in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an evidenced-based practice centered on aiding individuals in recovering from, and understanding, the traumatic events that have occurred in their lifetime. I believe that we all need support in various ways, and one most important piece is a systemic approach via our families or other outside members who are key to our success.

I enjoy helping children, youth, and adults become healthier individuals while improving family dynamics in the process. I have helped many clients manage, improve, and treat symptoms or behaviors such as anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, panic, social skills, organizational, and life skills.

During counseling I believe the client is the best resource of knowledge and strength. Everyone has the ability to succeed, learn, and utilize hope for that growth. Through hope and perseverance, change is possible. When you’re ready to get to work on a new, healthy you, I’m here get in the trenches with you.

Jessica LeMire, LCMHC

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Jessica provides both individual and marriage counseling.  She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Missouri and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas.  She is passionate about her work as a psychotherapist and has witnessed first-hand dramatic relationship and personal transformations. Her unique style in relational, empathetic, and practical therapies rejuvenate hope in clients that fear their dreams or partnerships are unsalvageable.

Through evidence-based treatment modalities, such as cognitive and solution-focused therapy, she gives her clients tools to build a stronger, renewed sense of self-confidence, purpose, and faith.

She also works with individuals and couples who have been exposed to hurtful behaviors within their relationship.  Utilizing The Gottman Method, Jessica provides a safe, heard, and valued space for both individuals and partners to heal and grow.

Jessica is committed to her holistic approach in therapy. She empowers her clients to re-discover the meaning in their life and relationships, so that they might have the fulfilling life they’ve been longing for.

John Ludgate, PhD

…is a licensed psychologist, who has worked as a psychotherapist for almost 30 years. He specializes in treating mood, anxiety, and psychosexual disorders. He trained at the Center for Cognitive Therapy under Dr. Aaron Beck, the founder of Cognitive Therapy, obtaining a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Cognitive Therapy from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986. He subsequently became Assistant Director of Training at Dr. Beck’s Center. In the early 1990’s Dr. Ludgate was a Research Clinical Psychologist at the University of Oxford in England and served as cognitive therapist in several outcome studies of panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia and hypochondriasis.

In 1988 he published the book Relapse Prevention in Emotional Disorders, and was co-editor with Beck and others of Inpatient Cognitive Therapy published by Guilford in 1990. He has written numerous journal articles and book chapters in the field of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Anxiety and Depression. He has presented many seminars and workshops on cognitive behavioral approaches, both nationally and internationally. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy and is licensed in North Carolina.

Karlene Marino, Administrative Assistant

Karlene is new to Asheville and has really enjoyed experiencing the four seasons as opposed to the hot Florida weather year-round.  Her and her husband love visiting the Biltmore, as well as all the beautiful waterfalls and scenery here in North Carolina. She loves most outdoor activities, as well as cooking and baking.

Karlene works out of our East Asheville office and can schedule for any location. She can be reached at 828-350-1177 or kmarino@behaviortherapist.com.

Kyle Flannelly, LCSW

Kyle Flannelly, MSW, LCSW, a Triangle native, graduated from UNC – Chapel Hill with a BA in Psychology in 2013, followed by a Master’s in Social Work in 2018. Prior to joining Triangle Counseling Agency, Kyle worked in senior communities and with agencies dedicated to providing mental healthcare to older adults.

Kyle has training in cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and dynamic techniques, and specializes in addressing concerns associated with aging, both with individuals and families, LGBTQ issues, and anxiety disorders. Kyle loves being in the kitchen and searching for new recipes, traveling, and spending time with his family and two dogs.

Latonya Ridges, LCSWA

Life’s challenges, combined with negative thinking patterns, can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. But change is possible! As a therapist, my role is to support and guide you on your journey to self-discovery and healing. My aim is to equip you with tools, coping strategies, and fresh perspectives to achieve the outcomes you desire. You are worth the work and effort it takes to become a healthier, stronger version of yourself. I firmly believe that everyone has the power to break free from self-defeating cycles and create positive change, but sometimes we need a little help recognizing our own strengths. Let’s tap into them!

My therapeutic approach is integrative and tailored to the unique needs of each client. I utilize techniques from CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, Narrative Therapy, and ACT, adapting as needed to best support the individual. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, including Indigenous and Native American communities.

I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can freely express your thoughts and feelings. This environment is essential for building a therapeutic relationship that fosters healing and growth. As the expert of your own life and your experiences, I am honored to walk alongside you, offering support and guidance on your journey.

Lonnie Smith, LCMHC

Dr. Lonnie Smith is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Dr. Smith utilizes Cognitive -Behavioral Therapy to work with all ages, couples, and families struggling with anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, grief, stress, life transitions, and relationship conflicts. He is a graduate of The Union Institute and University in Cincinnati Ohio with a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Smith is also a children’s book author ( Wadey ).

Executive Director

Maggie Anixter, LCSW

Maggie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Executive Director. She graduated from Appalachian State University with a bachelor’s and master’s in Social Work. Maggie is a North Carolina native and has served the triangle area for the last three years.

Maggie has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults and pulls from therapeutic models, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving, Eco-Systemic Family Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Maggie strives to work with individuals to recognize their current strengths and support them in developing adaptive tools that can be used across settings and support them in achieving their personal goals. Maggie works directly from a person-centered and empowerment approach and serves in a supportive role to help an individual or family meet their own goals.

Her areas of work include those experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, life transitions, relationship issues, career transitions, self-care, domestic violence, communication issues, parenting support, low self-esteem, and trauma work. Maggie prioritizes a hands-on approach in her interventions with clients and loves utilizing play therapy with children. When she is not helping clients, she loves to care for plants, bake, be outside, travel, and spend time with her pets and family.

Mary Martin-Looman, LCMHC

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Mary is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) earning a Masters in Counseling from Webster University in 2007 preceded by a Bachelors in Psychology and International Relations in 2004. Entering her 20th year in the field of mental health Mary works with adults individually age 18 and older. Mary has worked extensively with the treatment of depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, psychotic disorders and trauma as well as general life stressors and circumstances throughout the lifespan. Mary is a certified EMDRIA EMDR therapist (www.emdria.org) practicing since 2020 and was trained as a multi-systemic therapist and supervisor (MST).

With a high value placed on the uniqueness of each client and their experiences Mary believes that we’re all our own best resource and that entering therapy offers an opportunity to process out our needs/stressors in a non-judgemental, objective, caring and professional setting. Drawing on her experience thus far in mental health Mary integrates cognitive behavioral interventions, mindfulness practice, strengths and solutions focused intervention and EMDR to support clients in meeting their treatment needs.

Mary has been in private practice since 2015, prior to which she spent 5 years working inpatient psychiatric care for both the adult and geriatric populations. Mary worked extensively with an evidenced based in home family therapy program to intervene with predictors of juvenile delinquency in coordination with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice as well as adult residential support care. Born and raised in rural NW Indiana and after 17 years in SW Florida Mary now calls Haywood County home with a deep appreciation and respect for the community, pace of life, abundance of natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Administrative Assistant

Matthew Arthurs

Matthew is a native North Carolinian and has been working for our office for several years. In college, Matthew studied Business and Psychology and enjoys applying that education to his work. When Matthew is away from the office, he enjoys antiquing, meeting friends for dinner, and going on nature walks.

Matthew Brown, LCMHC

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Matthew is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). Prior to receiving his graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling Matthew worked as an outdoor experiential educator at a boarding school and several camps/ropes courses. Since graduating and obtaining licensure he worked in Kentucky as a therapist in a variety of settings over the past decade including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, university counseling centers, and in his own private practice. Matthew moved to NC with his family in 2022 and is excited to join the CBT Counseling team.

Matthew uses a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to help clients seek both healing and growth including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and existential and mindfulness based approaches. He notes that “as a rule I don’t want to try and fit a client or their concerns into one prescriptive template, I want to meet each individual where they are, help them assess there needs and then take the approach that is going to help them meet their own specific goals.” Reflecting on the therapeutic process Matthew notes “As a fellow human and LCMHC my mission is to create safe places in the wildernesses of our lives to explore new relationships with ourselves and others and imagine new possibilities for the future.”

Matthew is passionate about working with clients from all walks of life and is particularly skilled at addressing depression, anxiety, trauma related disorders, spiritual crisis, and difficult life transitions. When not working with clients he is usually playing with his three young children, reading a good book or adventuring in the outdoors with his wife or friends.

Matthew is based in the Fletcher, NC office. Please call to schedule an appointment.

Maxine Sutton, LCSW

Greetings!

First let me say, “Congratulations on the decision to make a change in your life”. I give you applause because life can be difficult; heavy in fact. As a Master’s Graduate from East Carolina University and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of North Carolina, my ultimate goal in life is to help alleviate some of that load. Through working with NC’s Department of Social Services Reunification Program and specializing in Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST); an evidenced based program aimed at keeping families together and children from being displaced, it’s clear to see that most of my background consists of working with families and couples in an effort to strengthen bonds and relationships. However, as an outpatient therapist, I also have an extensive background working with individuals who are having a difficult time adjusting to the stressors of the world and may be wondering what to do with their lives.

I believe in a strength based approach and meeting the client where they are; after all we are in this together, right? I have over six years’ experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy; all that aim at highlighting the positives in your life and extending that to areas in which you’d like to see change. I am an active listener and believe in focusing on what you feel is most important and not the other way around.

My availability is limited to evenings. Please call 828-350-1177 to schedule. You may reach me at msutton@behaviortherapist.com.

Meredith Arbelo, LCMHC

Meredith Arbelo was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. Meredith is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) who received her Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from NC Agricultural & Technical State University in 2015.

Meredith brings almost 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She has worked in multiple settings including the office, home, and school. Meredith utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and a solution focused approach among other evidence-based therapy to work with each client on reaching their therapeutic goals. Meredith has experience treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, trauma, behavioral disorders, interpersonal conflicts, grief, ADHD, and low self-esteem.

Nick Denny, LCSW

Hello! I am dedicated to helping individuals discover their unique strengths and empowering them to thrive. I provide support to people of all ages, including children, teens, young adults, and older adults. As a therapist, my mission is to guide others in finding the tools they need to nurture their growth and become the best versions of themselves.

I was born and raised in Roanoke Rapids, NC, and later made my home in Waynesville, NC. In my downtime, I indulge in creative pursuits like woodworking and tinkering, dive into immersive storytelling through Dungeons and Dragons, and enjoy exploring virtual worlds in video games. My professional passion lies in helping others, utilizing a variety of evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centered Therapy, Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing, to support individuals and families in achieving their goals and fostering growth. I look forward to meeting you all!

Patricia Cruz, DSW, LCSW

With a wealth of experience in mental and behavioral health, I offer evidence-based interventions that support healing, growth, and improved quality of life. My approach is grounded in both clinical expertise and practice wisdom, creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. Whether you are navigating life changes, trauma, life transitions, or emotional overwhelm, I walk alongside you with practical tools and compassionate care—helping you move toward clarity, resilience, and peace.

Rebecca Redpath, MSW, LCSWA

Rebecca is a native of WNC and loves to call these beautiful mountains home. She completed both her Bachelor and Master of Social Work at Western Carolina University. While working to complete her education, she gained experience working with adults at a residential treatment facility as well as with older adults in a long-term care facility and the Senior Resource Center. Upon graduation, Rebecca worked as a clinician at an adult inpatient psychiatric unit. She then went on to provide therapy and crisis response to both children and adolescents within the school system. She brings a diverse range of skills and knowledge while working with individuals of all ages from different walks of life. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, she is committed to becoming a well-rounded clinician before specializing. Rebecca is passionate about working with those impacted by anxiety, depression, ADHD and parent support, behavioral issues, trauma, women’s issues, substance use, and relationship issues.

Rebecca values a person-centered and trauma-informed approach and integrates interventions from evidenced-based modalities such as, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing skills, and Play Therapy techniques. She feels her role is to empower the client to walk through their journey towards healing in whatever way they need to while fostering a safe, compassionate, and judgment free environment to do so. Rebecca is committed to providing high quality therapeutic interventions and collaborating with clients to develop effective coping strategies, uncover natural resources, and work towards lasting positive change.

Ruchika Verma, LCMHC

Sarah Davidson, LCSW

Regional Clinical Director

Sarah Lewis, MSW, LCSW

I am excited to have recently joined the CPCH team as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in a variety of diverse settings, originally serving complex, multi-dimensional clinical needs in the Bay Area of California. I believe that social justice and cultural humility are integral to a strengths-based perspective, and I value the power of authenticity, transparency, and levity during the therapeutic process. It is important to be able to experience moments of joy and laughter, especially when navigating the difficult times in life!

My therapeutic style is open, affirming, and direct, with approaches including CBT, DBT skills building, Acceptance and Commitment, Solution-Focused, Compassion-Oriented, and Psychodynamic therapies within a relational lens; I enjoy utilizing elements of Expressive Arts Therapy and mindfulness, and have prior certification in Trauma-Focused CBT. My community mental health work in San Francisco supported adults who were unhoused and managing psychiatric, medical, and substance use issues alongside complex and chronic trauma. After a shift to address mental health needs through an earlier intervention lens, I was honored to work with many amazingly resilient Transitional Age Youth (18-21) who were surviving the foster care and juvenile justice systems of Oakland, and working to address impacts of complex, intergenerational, and community trauma as they moved towards autonomy as adults. An LBGTQIA+ advocate, I believe in the power of community healing, and affirming, safe environments for self-expression and personal growth. I enjoy serving a diversity of clinical needs including depression and anxiety (general and social), panic, mood, and personality disorders, life transitions, relationship issues, exploration of identity and intersectionality, grief and loss, compassion fatigue, and trauma.

Prior to graduating from the Smith College School for Social Work MSW program in 2006, my creative side of life was filled with joyous innovation as a choreographer for a radical social justice performance art collective in Chapel Hill/Durham, and upon moving to California I was elated to continue this creative journey as a choreographer/performer within radical social justice community in Oakland. I spend as much time as possible riding and taking care of horses, and I enjoy finding beautiful places for paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, and adventuring in general. I truly believe that we all possess the strengths and resilience to face life’s challenges with integrity of spirit and compassion for self and others, and I’m honored to walk beside clients in their journeys of actualizing life goals and healing.

Sarah Rathbun, LMFT

Sarah is a Board Approved Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in North Carolina. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma and her Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Houston- Clear Lake. With five years of experience in the field, Sarah primarily works with teens and young adult individuals and has also worked with couples and families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Sarah specializes in anxiety disorders and grief/loss. In addition, she provides treatment for interpersonal conflicts/relationship issues, OCD/phobias, depression, managing trauma symptoms, life transitions, and self-esteem issues. Sarah provides Christian or spiritually integrated psychotherapy when requested by the client.

Sarah focuses on creating a supportive environment and provides a safe space to help clients create positive changes in their lives. Sarah believes in continuing to normalize the importance of mental health, that it is okay to not be okay, and to ask for help. She views issues through a systemic lens, i.e. considers the systems surrounding the client that make up and affect their overall health and experience. She uses Person-Centered Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman techniques, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and incorporates Solution-Focused methods and Mindfulness.

When she’s not in the therapy room, Sarah enjoys working out and singing. You can email Sarah at rathbun@behaviortherapist.com or call (984) 223-5825 or (828) 341-2307 x105027 to schedule an appointment. She practices out of the Apex, NC office and offers telehealth.

Shannon Judd, LCMHC

Shannon has a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wake Forest University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHC-A) and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCAS-A) in North Carolina. She is also a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Her experience includes working with clients who are dealing with life transitions, stress, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, substance use, and more. Shannon’s preferred theoretical approaches include person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing. However, her theoretical orientation can shift to accommodate the client’s needs.

As a counselor, Shannon strives to reduce the stigma against mental health and therapy while also reminding the clients that it is “okay to not be okay”. She treats counseling like a conversation between individuals in a safe space where the client can be seen and feel heard. She enjoys helping clients by showing up for them in ways that others in their lives have not. While also empowering them to find the power to overcome life’s challenges.

Sheri Monroe, MA, LCMHC, NCC

Sheri has a passion to help others develop better mental health in all aspects of their lives. She is a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University and a Marine Corps veteran who has worked with children and families from all around the globe. Sheri has worked with diverse groups of people, participating with the Okinawan Special Olympics program while contracted with Marine Welfare and Recreation program in Japan. Aboard Marine Base Camp Lejeune, she worked with the Children and Youth & Teen Services program as a Developmental Trainer and has worked with North Carolina Statewide projects for the Healthy Social Behaviors Group, Carolina Applied Behavior Analysis Autism Group, Cornerstone Family Services, and has been a part of the Wounded Warriors Project. Sheri has worked closely with blended families, interracial families, and veterans in all different stages of life. Sheri has 30 years of extensive training and experience working individually with adults, families, people who have behavior disorders/concerns, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, developmental delays, schizophrenia, abuse, neglect, phobias, depression, grief and crisis counseling as well as couple’s therapy.

She brings a compassionate touch to her style of therapies. Her approach to counseling is an integration of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), ART Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). This creates a person-centered, mindfulness-based therapy that is sensitive to multi-cultural and faith-based beliefs. Sheri believes that this integrative counseling approach brings a balance to emotional stressors and creates a mindful awareness to life’s challenging situations. Together, Sheri will help build an empathic relationship with each client, working to identify what changes a client chooses to work on, and create individualized treatment to minimize emotional and behavioral disturbances. This hands-on approach to therapy is designed to bring inner healing and psychological awareness of one’s own life. Nationally Certified Counselor, North Carolina Early Educator Certification | Masterclass Acupressure Certified, ART Certified Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Telemental Health Trained.

Tarra Gibson, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a robust background in providing therapeutic support to individuals across various age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. I hold a master’s degree from Michigan State University and have recently relocated to North Carolina, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to my new community. Over the course of nine-years as a school social worker, I honed my skills in addressing the unique emotional and psychological needs of young people, employing evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

My therapeutic approach is direct, person-centered, and deeply supportive. I am passionate about helping individuals strengthen their relationships and providing specialized care to military service members, recognizing the distinct challenges they face. My practice is goal-oriented and strengths-based, focusing on empowering clients to harness their inherent capabilities to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. Through a collaborative and empathetic process, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards meaningful change.

Tonya Johnson, LCMHCA

I have a passion for helping people to become the best versions of themselves; and I have always been a sounding board for those closest to me. I was also inspired by my late father, who was a Substance Abuse Counselor, and my late mother, who was always an advocate for those in need. Also, mental health is a very important topic that is sometimes overlooked. We take care of our bodies and get checkups when things seem out of balance, and we should do the same for our minds.

I specialize in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, sex therapy, narcissism, and both women’s and men’s issues.

It can be intimidating to sit down and speak with a stranger about the things that are going on in your life. There is nothing wrong with asking for help and guidance. By deciding to come to therapy, you are taking the first step to a more fulfilled life. I tell my clients, “this is YOUR session”.

Tynnatta Pettit, LCSWA, LMSW, LCAS-A

Tynnatta, pronounced Ty-net-a, enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 17. After her military service she received a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Winthrop University. She is a Clinical Social Worker Associate licensed in North Carolina and a Licensed Master Social Worker in South Carolina.

Tynnatta has worked in outpatient mental health and inpatient Addiction treatment facilities. Tynnatta also has years of experience providing individual support and group facilitation in a jail setting.

Tynnatta strives to empower clients 16 years and older utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and a solution focused approach among other evidence-based therapy. Tynnatta has experience working with a variety of life issues including substance use, anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, self-esteem, life transitions and many others. She also enjoys helping clients when requested, incorporate their faith or spiritual beliefs in therapy.

Tynnatta is seeing clients our of our Pineville location, please call 828-350-1177 to schedule!

Vincent Sultenfuss, LCMHC

Vincent graduated from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a master of arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

He worked closely with the community addressing substance abuse and mental health needs for adults and adolescents while completing his training in Outpatient and Hospitalization programs. He focuses on building individual strength and challenging negative internal thoughts through the use of CBT, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Emotional Focused Therapy. He’s experienced working with adults, children, families, and couples. Vincent works to create an atmosphere where clients grow in their understanding of themselves and their behavior to achieve a longer lasting and positive change.