geometry-shapes iconAnxiety, Depression, Life Transition, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Self Esteem, LGBTQIA+, Relationships
9 years in practice
Ages served: 6-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Kristen doesn't accept any insurers.
Check-out the out-of-pocket rates below.
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 Provider

About Kristen

Hi, I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) dedicated to providing compassionate, affirming, and evidence-based care. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, identity exploration, and self-esteem concerns. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply looking for support and personal growth, I provide a collaborative, nonjudgmental space where we can work together to help you build resilience, gain insight, and create meaningful, lasting change.

My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and tailored to your unique needs. I integrate CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, and person-centered techniques to help you build practical coping skills, strengthen emotional resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. Together, we'll work at a pace that feels supportive and empowering.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. I believe healing begins with feeling seen, heard, and supported. If you're ready to invest in yourself and create meaningful change, I'd be honored to walk alongside you on your journey.


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"As a queer woman of color, I bring both lived experience and clinical expertise to creating a safe, affirming, and culturally responsive space where you can feel seen, valued, and empowered to navigate life's challenges."

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Get to know Kristen

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

I became a counselor because I know how powerful it is to have someone who truly listens, validates your experiences, and helps you recognize your own strength. As a queer woman of color, I understand the importance of feeling seen and understood, and I'm passionate about creating a space where people from all backgrounds can show up authentically without fear of judgment. There is nothing more rewarding to me than helping clients build resilience, navigate life's challenges, and realize they are capable of creating meaningful, lasting change.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with adolescents and adults who are ready to better understand themselves, develop healthier coping skills, and create meaningful change. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, relationship challenges, identity exploration, or self-esteem concerns. I especially enjoy working with LGBTQ+ individuals and people from diverse cultural backgrounds, providing an affirming, culturally responsive space where they feel safe, valued, and empowered. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or simply want to grow, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

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

I wish every client knew that healing isn't about becoming a different person—it's about learning to understand, accept, and care for yourself in new ways. Progress isn't always linear, and it's okay to have setbacks along the way. Therapy isn't about having all the answers; it's about creating a space where you can explore, grow, and discover that you don't have to face life's challenges alone.

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

In our first session, you can expect a welcoming, judgment-free space where we'll get to know each other and discuss what brought you to therapy, your goals, and the challenges you're currently facing. Together, we'll begin developing a plan that fits your unique needs and strengths. In the early stages of therapy, we'll focus on building trust, increasing selfawareness, and developing practical tools you can begin using in your daily life while moving at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

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

My practice is grounded in the belief that every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. As a queer woman of color, I understand how identity, culture, and life experiences can shape the way we move through the world, and I strive to provide an affirming, culturally responsive space where clients can show up authentically. I value compassion, collaboration, and authenticity, and I believe healing happens through trust, meaningful connection, and recognizing the strengths each person already possesses.

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

I believe there is no onesize-fits-all approach to therapy. I take time to understand each client's unique experiences, identities, strengths, values, and goals before creating a personalized treatment plan. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, person-centered, and solution-focused therapy, adapting interventions as your needs evolve so that therapy remains collaborative, meaningful, and effective.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesAnxiety, Depression, Life Transition, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Self Esteem, LGBTQIA+, Relationships, Behavioral Issues, Anger Management, Alcohol Use, Coping Skills, Codependency, Addiction, Chronic Illness/Pain, Caregivers, Career Counseling, Family Conflict, Emotional Disturbance, Dual Diagnosis, Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse, Learning / Intellectual Disabilities, Grief, Gender Identity / Transgender, Men’s Issues, Racial Identity, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Personality Disorders, Performance Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Parenting, Panic Attack, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Open Relationships / Non-Monogamy, Neurodiversity, Mood Disorders, Substance Use, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Spirituality, Social Anxiety, Sleep / Insomnia, Sexual Abuse, Seniors & Geriatric, Self-Harming, School Issues, Women’s Issues, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Trauma / PTSD, Thinking Disorders, Teen Violence, Suicidal Ideation
ApproachesAny / Eclectic, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Culturally Sensitive, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family / Marital, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Play Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative, Multicultural, Trauma-Focused, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Education and training

Years in practice
9 years
Graduating institute
Liberty University
Graduating degree
Master of arts in clinical mental health counseling
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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State of practiceNC
Practice location

Practice information

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Kristen Swinnely-Hill's profile image

Kristen Swinnely-Hill

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)she/her