LGBTQIA+, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Grief

Individual Counseling, Family Counseling

In Person & Online in Durham, NC

9 years in practice

Ages served: 6-64

Accepted insurance & self-pay

Jay accepts 29 insurers

Aetna

Aetna Medicare Advantage

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Anthem

Cigna | Evernorth

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

Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Compsych

Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage

Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

First Health Network

HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage

Humana Medicare Advantage

JP Farley Corporation

Medcost NC

Medicare NC

Multi Plan PHCS

Optum Serve

Oscar Health

Quest Behavioral Health

Railroad Medicare

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 Jay

Jay Key is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 9 years of experience in settings including offices, homes, and schools helping individuals ages 4-65. He specializes in depression and oppositional defiant disorder and is also experienced in treating anxiety, ADHD, grief and loss, trauma, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and more. Jay is LGBTQ+ affirming and has extensive experience working with the Black and Hispanic communities of the Triangle (aunque no hablo español, lo siento). He is dedicated to building a strong, positive rapport, ensuring clients feel comfortable and sufficiently challenged.

Jay graduated from Wake Forest University with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling. He utilizes approaches such as emotionally focused therapy, humanistic therapy, culturally sensitive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and cognitive reprocessing.

Jay knows people can be hesitant to reach out to a new therapist because of the intense emotional commitment it takes, or because they feel isolated and alone. He promises to provide unconditional positive regard and support you without judgment. You are the expert on yourself, and he will always work to build you up.

"I'm a Durham native dedicated to making the Bull City as strong and welcoming a community as possible."

Get to know Jay

What types of clients do you work with best?

I work best with a client who feels that they can build a strong relationship with me.

What type of clients are you most excited to work with?

I am most excited to work with a client who doesn't quite see the value in themselves that I see in them.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew?

You matter more than you think. Yes, even you.

Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?

I chose Thriveworks to be part of something bigger than myself.

What inspires you?

Resilience

What can clients expect in their first session with you?

For an intake, clients can expect a lot of questions about their history. Some of these will not always feel comfortable, and they are to help make sure that you are getting the care that you need. For first sessions after that, expect a lot of relationship building and getting to know each other.

What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?

Developing and building a strong relationship to base future sessions after.

What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?

I am an expert in what I do, but you are the expert in you.

What do you do for fun/on your time off?

Read, play video games, and play board games with my friends.

What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?

I love most types of animals. I also have two pet bunnies and two pet parakeets.

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesLGBTQIA+, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Grief, Behavioral Issues, Relationships, Anger Management

ApproachesHumanistic / Rogerian, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Play Therapy, Existential Therapy, Any / Eclectic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Person-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)