Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Cornelius, NC covered by United Healthcare

I earned my Master of Social Work from UNC–Chapel Hill in 1999 and have more than 25 years of experience helping adults and families navigate emotional distress, relationship difficulties, and major life challenges. My background includes work as a psychotherapist and child welfare social worker.

I bring experience, steadiness, and genuine curiosity to my work. I am interested not only in what people are struggling with, but in how they came to experience themselves and their lives in the ways they do.

Through Headway, I provide insurance-based therapy to individual adults only. I do not see couples through insurance.

Do you dream of the days when you were your "old self "? Do you feel stuck? Are you trying to navigate new spaces in your life ? Do you dream of the days when you and your partner felt so connected and in love? Lately, miscommunications, arguments, or life stressors have created distance, leaving you feeling disconnected and out of sync. You are not alone. I work with couples and individuals just like you who want to learn how to strengthen communication skills, honor their needs, and set healthy boundaries to reignite the love and intimacy in their relationships or simply within themselves. With over 15 years of working with couples and individuals struggling with relationship and life stressors, I’ve helped many people find clarity and a path forward. I have a deep passion for guiding individuals and partners from anger, resentment, insecurity, disappointment and distrust to forgiveness, understanding, self-improvement and connection in their relationship with others and/or themselves. I would love to help you get through this tough time. If you are struggling with how you show up in your relationships or for yourself. I invite you to reach out today. It’s time to heal, rebuild, and reconnect so you can fight for the love and connections you truly deserve.

My Experience I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University in 2006 and my Master's of Social Work from the University of South Carolina in 2012. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have extensive experience working with a diverse range of clients, including adults and couples.

When I’m not in therapist mode, I’m... Living an active life and traveling the world. As a world traveler, I consider myself culturally well-rounded. I am originally from South Carolina, but I’ve made Charlotte my home.

Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck—emotionally exhausted, burdened by anxiety, or repeating the same unhelpful patterns in relationships, work, or self-care. Often, they're high-functioning on the outside but privately carrying a lot of pain, doubt, or confusion. They may be processing trauma, adjusting to a major life change, or working to break free from addiction or longstanding emotional struggles.

What they need is clarity, direction, and a nonjudgmental space to do the work. They’re not looking for surface-level solutions—they want something real. They want to better understand themselves, challenge the beliefs that keep them stuck, and move toward a life that actually feels meaningful.

Their goals vary—some want to build healthier relationships, some want to manage anxiety or heal from trauma, and others just want to feel more grounded and in control. But all of them are looking for growth, relief, and a sense of inner stability.

My background is in all aspects of mental health and substance abuse.

I began working in the field of Mental Health in 2004, serving the female population. After three years, I decided to make this a career choice and studied at Springfield College to earn a master’s degree as a Mental Health Counselor. The first paid position I accepted was offered by a non-profit in Brandon, FL, where I served as a Group Facilitator and Counselor to adult and adolescent populations. In this position, I discovered my passion for counseling and helping others grow.

I, Ifeoma Okani, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). I specialize in working with individuals who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, insomnia, adjustment disorders, OCD, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addiction. Many of my clients are juggling multiple roles and seek a safe, culturally sensitive space where they feel truly heard and understood. Their goal isn’t just to feel better but to reconnect with themselves, heal from past pain, and thrive emotionally. They want personalized, compassionate care that supports meaningful growth, not just symptom relief. I help by providing a safe, culturally sensitive space where you’ll feel heard and supported. Using compassionate, evidence-based care, I offer psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy tailored to your needs. In our early sessions, we’ll build trust, explore your concerns, and create a personalized plan to support your healing. My practice is unique because I focus not only on symptom relief but on helping clients reconnect with themselves, heal deeply, and thrive long-term. I’m passionate about supporting others so they never feel alone in their struggles. I am committed to providing the support, insight, and clinical expertise you need to restore your peace and well-being.

I'm Lucy Maina, a Board Certified, Licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) at Therapeutic Alliance Behavioral Health. I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care and psychotherapy for people of all ages — children, adolescents, and adults — in a safe, nonjudgmental space where your experience is always validated.

I specialize in treating anxiety, ADHD, depression, chronic fatigue, irritability, and emotional numbness, including the unique stress that comes with caregiving. I also have experience supporting neurodiverse individuals and those living with autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia, offering sensory-considerate evaluations, communication accommodations, and relapse prevention planning tailored to your needs.