Family Conflict, Mood Disorders, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues

Couples/Marriage Counseling, Family Counseling, Individual Counseling

In Person & Online in Cary, NC

10 years in practice

Ages served: 6-65+

Accepted insurance & self-pay

Desmond accepts 28 insurers

Aetna

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Anthem

Cigna | Evernorth

Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan

Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

Carelon

Compsych

Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage

Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

First Health Network

HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage

JP Farley Corporation

Medcost NC

Multi Plan PHCS

Optum Serve

Oscar Health

Poppins Health

Quest Behavioral Health

State Health Plan | North Carolina

Tricare East | Out of Network Provider

UMR

United Healthcare | Optum

United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage

Uprise EAP

SELF-PAY COSTS

Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.

$200

first session

$160

subsequent sessions

About Desmond

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.

"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."

Get to know Desmond

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I initially wanted to better understand myself and others. In doing so, I realized that I can help others in a similar manner.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with clients that are willing and open to do the necessary work and open to suggestions to address their issues.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

I wish all clients knew that it is a process and that you get as much out of it as you put into it. Things do not get fixed overnight, and we have to do work to make changes.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

In the first session with me, outside of going over confidentiality, client rights, and other intake information, is going to be a get to know you session for bother of us with me learning more about you and your concerns and you learning about me to feel comfortable to engage in the process.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

I feel that I have a heart for people and want to see people be well and do well.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I try to focus on meeting clients where they are with understanding and what they need. I can shift to being more direct at times or more subtle. I will also change up approaches to do what is best for clients.

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesFamily Conflict, Mood Disorders, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Grief, Divorce, School Issues, Racial Identity, Parenting, Spirituality, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Career Counseling, Anger Management, Gender Identity / Transgender, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Performance Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Emotional Disturbance, Relationships, Life Transition, Women’s Issues, Sex Therapy, Self Esteem, Men’s Issues, Coping Skills, LGBTQIA+

ApproachesMulticultural, Expressive Arts, Culturally Sensitive, Trauma-Focused, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Therapy, Any / Eclectic, Family Systems, Reality Therapy, Narrative, Motivational Interviewing