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100 licensed therapists & providers in North Carolina—3 in Cary. Available as soon as today, in person and online
Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more
We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees
94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months
Discover how starting individual therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
As a West African immigrant fluent in two cultures, with over 10 years of experience across medical, administrative, and behaviora...
About
As a West African immigrant fluent in two cultures, with over 10 years of experience across medical, administrative, and behavioral health roles, I bring a culturally informed and compassionate approach to care that supports and empowers diverse individuals navigating life’s challenges.
I am a licensed clinical social worker associate (LCSWA) with 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with adults and young adults navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use concerns, mood disorders, and major life transitions. I have experience supporting individuals with complex mental health diagnoses and am committed to providing compassionate, person-centered care that meets clients where they are.
I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky after completing my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Fayetteville State University. My clinical experience includes work in psychosocial rehabilitation and day treatment settings, where I utilized CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, and person-centered approaches.
I believe meaningful change happens through collaboration, trust, and consistency. I strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore challenges, build coping skills, and work toward improved mental health and overall well-being. I look forward to supporting you on your journey and invite you to schedule a session with me.
Education and training
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I have been privileged to have walked with people in the most difficult times in their lives for the last 14 years....
I have been privileged to have walked with people in the most difficult times in their lives for the last 14 years.
Sarah Olson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years of experience helping infants, toddlers, children, teens, and adults who are faced with anxiety, depression, anger, poor coping skills, and family conflict issues.
Sarah received her Master's degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University and is classically trained at the Master’s level in cognitive behavior therapy and solutions-focused therapy. She helps clients to explore behavior patterns that may have been caused by past events. Sarah believes that being honest about how you feel is the most effective way to move forward in getting to where you want to go in life.
Sarah likes to think that speaking with her is like speaking with a best friend that is able to really hear what you are experiencing. Expect every moment we are interacting to be all about you. Nothing is more important to her than making you feel truly heard.
If you are ready to explore what things need to change in your life to reach your picture of peace and happiness, Sarah is ready to speak with you. You deserve the life you want!
I pursued mental health initially to help myself with my own issues of anxiety, depression, and life transitions, and I understand...
I pursued mental health initially to help myself with my own issues of anxiety, depression, and life transitions, and I understand how challenging yet effective change can be.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) with 10 years of experience supporting individuals and families through a wide range of mental health challenges. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, autism, grief, stress, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and focused on helping clients build resilience, improve relationships, and begin meaningful healing.
I earned my master’s in clinical mental health counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, person-centered techniques, expressive arts therapy, and motivational interviewing to tailor treatment to each client’s needs.
I hope that learning a bit about me helps you feel supported in taking the next step in your healing journey. My goal is to create a safe, grounded, and empowering environment where you feel seen, heard, and understood. I look forward to working together to help you move toward meaningful growth and well-being.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My standard approach to individual therapy is most often cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy. First and foremost, I evaluate the needs of the individual in determining the best course of treatment, and my skills are eclectically borrowed from a variety of approaches as a result. I enjoy working with clients to determine the approach that will fit best with their goals as well as their personality. I find that CBT and DBT have broad scopes and applications across a multitude of diagnoses.
The following skills are taught in individual therapy:
I know clients are making meaningful progress in therapy when they are tracking progress toward their goals and establishing how they want to proceed with ongoing sessions. Some clients prefer to look at therapy as a course of treatment where they will want to reduce and spread out sessions until they feel confident in terminating treatment. Other clients will view therapy as a form of ongoing self-care, similar to someone who continues attending the gym after meeting a physical fitness goal. Either perspective is indicative of meaningful progress as we look for a reduction in the frequency, intensity, or duration of the issue being treated.
Clients can supplement their time in individual therapy by establishing healthy supports outside of therapy. If you are lacking support, you might consider joining a club, class, or volunteer organization. If you have established supports, you may want to reach out and let them know more about what has you seeking therapy services. Very often, we find that people in our social support systems are experiencing similar difficulties, and this can have a positive effect on clients who have realized that they aren't alone in what they have been feeling.
To prepare for individual therapy, you can give your open and honest feedback throughout the process. The most effective part of counseling comes down to the therapeutic relationship—in other words, how well you click with that provider. Like any other relationship, sometimes you click, and sometimes you don't. You are seeking counseling for a service, and the odds are good that if you feel that you're not connecting with the provider, they can also feel the disconnect. It's okay to advocate for yourself and your needs or preferences!
Individual therapy, also known as Individual therapy, allows people to engage in private sessions with a skilled therapist, counselor, or psychologist. The core objective of individual therapy is to establish a secure and confidential setting where you can openly discuss whatever emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges you face. Through these one-on-one sessions, the client and therapist work together to delve into, comprehend, and ultimately find solutions for the issues at hand in their life.
Individual therapy unfolds in a structured process, commencing with an initial assessment in which the therapist gathers essential information about your history, concerns, and objectives. Together, you and your therapist collaboratively establish specific, attainable goals for your sessions, which can encompass symptom alleviation, personal development, or finding solutions to particular challenges.
Yes, individual therapy, also known as Individual therapy, at Thriveworks can help you to improve your mental health and overall quality of life.
Individual therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The duration of your individual therapy sessions will vary. The decision on the number and frequency of sessions is typically collaboratively determined by the client and therapist.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cary is located near SW Maynard Rd and Kildaire Farm Rd, off US-1. It is a short distance from the Page-Walker Arts & History Center and right by the Cary Arts Center.
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100 therapists available in North Carolina, including 3 in Cary
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