Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Raleigh, NC

Matt Smith is a Nationally Certified Counselor and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has worked in various counseling and education settings for over 15 years. He has counseled elementary school students, middle school students, high school students, college dormitory residents, adult college students, and adults in the workforce. Matt has also helped clients work through a variety of issues, such as relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, PTSD, homelessness, divorce, academic difficulties, attention deficit, anger management, assault survival, and inmate transition back into society.

Matt earned his undergraduate degree in Education and Psychology from Guilford College, and his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Matt has served in a university counseling center and public and private counseling agencies. He provided personal, career, and life skills counseling, and created and revised detailed accommodation plans for students with disabilities. Matt has served clients from disadvantaged backgrounds: low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities.

Matt’s counseling approach is a blend of Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Cognitive Therapy. During sessions, Matt will identify appropriate and applicable projects and expressive arts techniques for his clients to consider trying. Such projects and techniques may include therapeutic photography, journal writing, genograms, painting, clay, music, and additional tactile/kinesthetic arts.

During your initial visit, Matt will review your paperwork, your history, your current counseling goals (if any), and presenting strengths & next steps. Matt is excited to assist you to reach your goals!

Jarrett Isler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) who has over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. As a young man Jarrett began to live a healthy life by working out, eating healthy, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He found that he wanted to help others make positive choices to live a happy, content, fulfilling life. 

Jarrett completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) at West Virginia University. He is a certified personal trainer and a certified yoga instructor. He is a very outgoing young man, able to converse with many people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles. He can carry on conversations in a way that makes people feel comfortable speaking to him about their wishes or needs. Jarrett’s strongest asset is his personality. He is always willing to lend a kind, listening ear to whatever clients would like to share. He tries to respond with genuine positive suggestions. 

Jarrett can help you by demonstrating his own positive ways of making decisions. He is always available to talk through or listen to his clients’ suggestions. He lets his clients know that he understands and feels what they are going through. He also tries to convey that he is here whenever they need his help.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 16 years of experience helping individuals and families build healthier, more fulfilling lives. My passion lies in creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to overcome life’s challenges. I’ve worked across diverse settings, including emergency departments, inpatient, and outpatient care, supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Fayetteville State University and my Bachelor of Social Work from North Carolina Central University. My approach integrates collaboration, empathy, and evidence-based practices to help clients navigate complex emotional and behavioral health issues with understanding and care.

My goal is to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where we work together to identify challenges and develop personalized solutions for healing and growth. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward balance, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Kristyn Martinez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 7 years of professional experience. She specializes in working with all adults looking to focus on identifying, healing, and learning to cope with anxiety, depression, OCD, stressors in life, work-life balancing, body image, or single motherhood. Kristyn also specializes in helping clients learn to be successful with bipolar, psychosis, dissociative, and mood disorders. 

Kristyn completed her Master in Clinical Counseling at the University of Webster Myrtle Beach. She is a military spouse with first-hand knowledge of life's many stressors. Kristin uses various methods to help each client, including acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), compassion-focused, motivation interviewing, and trauma-informed care. 

Our minds are similar to plants, and our bodies are gardeners. Even gardeners need tools to grow their plants, let's come together, and we can find the tools that best work for your garden. Reach out and schedule an appointment with Kristin today!

With 5 years of experience in the mental health field, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Taylor Gallaher has worked in various settings with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She began her career in a mental health hospital before transitioning to providing school-based therapy for children before moving into individual counseling. Currently, she focuses on supporting college-aged and adult populations dealing with anxiety, depression, decision-making fatigue, and everyday stress. Her ideal client may struggle with finding balance in their personal or professional life or feel overwhelmed by the demands placed on them.

Taylor holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered treatment, and solution-focused therapy to help clients challenge negative thought patterns, build self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies.

Taylor understands that reaching out for help can be a big step, but she believes everyone deserves support. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or the everyday stress that life brings, Taylor is here to listen without judgment and work alongside you to find practical solutions.

Nakisha Rodriguez is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 13 years of experience in mental health. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and military members. Nakisha is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families address their unique challenges and live more fulfilling lives. Nakisha earned her Master of Science in Human Services with a specialty in Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. She is an Air Force spouse and former military child. She has years of experience navigating the stressors and joys of military life.

Nakisha utilizes multiple treatment approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy. Nakisha believes in a holistic approach to mental health, with deep breathing and meditation practices. She is trained as a yoga and meditation facilitator.

The only thing guaranteed in life is change. Nakisha is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that will allow you to cope with those changes. If you are ready to change your perspective, schedule an appointment with her today.