Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in 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 a clinician, supervisor, and educator. "

Dr. Brooks began his career in mental health and addictions counseling in 1992. Since that time, he has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings as varied as rural community clinics, hospitals, managing clinics in urban communities, directing an international employee assistance program, university counseling centers, and developing & managing treatment programs for executives and professionals. Populations he has served have been just as varied—addictions (both substance abuse and behavioral), mental health, individuals & families, adoption, indigent persons, athletes, executives, and professionals. He has held faculty positions at 6 universities and colleges in psychology and counseling programs.

Dr. Brooks earned his BA in psychology from East Carolina University, as well as an MS degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and an MS in Substance Abuse Counseling from ECU. After working for a few years, he returned to ECU and earned a Certificate of Advanced Study in Employee Assistance Program counseling and later an EdS in Counselor Education. He completed his academic career at NCSU where he received his Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision. Dr. Brooks worked full-time as a therapist while in school and brings a wealth of practical as well as academic experiences to his practice. His counseling style is based in the philosophy of existentialism and the work of Viktor Frankl's logotherapy using the theories of cognitive development and the tools of cognitive behavioral and rational-emotive therapies.

We have good days and bad days. Or we can say we have growing days. Growing days are those occasions when we are challenged to learn, change, and improve our lives and the lives of those that are most important to us.

"If I had one message to impart on the world, it would be the reminder that we are all HUMAN. "

Alex Bounds is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Specialist with over 6 years in the mental health field. Alex has found a passion for supporting people who struggle with ADHD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma/PTSD, and life transitions. Alex is also an Addiction Specialist and has experience helping people create and maintain an effective recovery plan, as well as people treating people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder who want to increase their independence through coping skills and building resiliency. Alex received a Bachelor's and Master's in Social Work from Western Carolina University.

Alex provides non-judgmental guidance and support based on each client's experiences. Alex also has experience working with prescribers and is happy to support treatment with medications, if clients choose. Alex uses evidence-based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectal behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and others.

As a proud therapy client herself, Alex knows that sometimes, even the easiest of days can seem difficult. We are meant to do more in this life than survive; we are meant to live and thrive! If you're ready to begin the work, schedule a first appointment with Alex today.

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

Christal Nelson is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and substance counselor with 6 years of experience. Before Christal entered the mental health field, she enjoyed a career in EMS and Medical Transport for approximately 15 years. It was the medical field that fostered her passion to assist in the mental health field, and it also geared her empathy towards grief, trauma, and addictions. In addition, it gave Christal an early insight into burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), so during her tenure as a therapist she became certified in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). As a therapist she is passionate to work with adolescents and adults, to overcome challenges so that they may live more fulfilling lives. Christal specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, addictions, grief/loss, and bipolar disorders. 

Christal completed both her bachelor's degree in Psychology and her Master of Science (MS) in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. She is eclectic in her therapeutic modalities but includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and motivational interviewing (MI) to guide her clients in the therapeutic process. 

Loss is loss, trauma is trauma, and grief is grief. When life is hard, it's hard--but you do not have to go through it alone. Christal 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 going through. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

"As a woman of color, I understand the unique challenges of minority stress and intersectionality as well as identity-based stressors such as rejection, prejudice, and discrimination."

Maxine Guthrie is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate with over 3 years of experience. She specializes in assisting adolescent girls and adult women with a range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, stress management, relationship issues, and behavioral problems as well as mood and personality disorders. Maxine provides a safe, judgment-free space that promotes trust, openness, empathy, and understanding. She works collaboratively with patients to address the root causes of mental health issues and uncover the unconscious factors that contribute to mental health problems.

Maxine has a Master’s in Counseling from Liberty University and a Master’s in Psychology from Capella University. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy and a variety of clinical approaches targeted to client needs. Maxine is familiar with clinical assessment and diagnostic evaluations and the development and implementation of individualized treatment plans.

Maxine truly believes that understanding the factors that influence our mental health makes us better equipped to take charge of our lives. She assists clients in identifying aspects of themselves and developing resilience with an authentic and empathetic presence. Schedule an appointment with Maxine today!