Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Chapel Hill, NC

I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate (LCMHCA) and registered play therapist with 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through a wide range of emotional and life challenges. Play therapy is a central focus of my work, and I specialize in helping children and families navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relational concerns in developmentally appropriate, play-based ways. I also enjoy working with women, parents, and individuals seeking support during major life transitions.

I earned my master’s degree in counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. My clinical approach is grounded in play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy. I partner with clients and families to explore experiences, build insight, and strengthen skills that support emotional regulation, balance, and lasting change.

My goal is to provide a compassionate, collaborative space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. I believe growth happens through connection, curiosity, and play. Whether you are beginning your journey or returning to it, you do not have to face it alone.

Christal Nelson is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and substance counselor with over 8 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.