Find a therapist in Durham, NC — covered by insurance

As a therapist, I have worked with clients in schools, communities, and office settings for over a decade. I enjoys working with children with ADHD and ODD and with children who have experienced physical and sexual abuse. He also works with adults who are dealing with substance misuse, mood disorders such as Depression, Bipolar Disorder, personality problems, and adults with dual diagnoses and behavioral problems.

As a therapist, my goal is to create a space where individuals, teens, and couples feel safe, respected, and truly heard. Whether you're navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, or just trying to find a clearer path forward—therapy can be a powerful place to reconnect with yourself and your goals.

I've worked with every stage of life - teenagers figuring themselves out, working adults running on empty, older adults navigating major transitions - and I've learned that there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to getting better. What you'll get from me is full attention, an honest approach, and a commitment to meeting you where you actually are. I spent years in inpatient care, and what kept pulling me back to outpatient work is this: I love watching people move forward. That's what I'm here for.

I’ve been practicing therapy for 25 years, which has included 12 years in NC and prior practice in both Kansas and New Mexico. I’ve worked in community mental health most of my career so I’ve had the opportunity to serve all ages and provide treatment for a huge variety of mental health concerns. I’m pretty down to Earth, open, honest, and genuine. I can be direct when needed to help bring awareness or light to a potential problem area while at the same time me providing support and encouragement. I enjoy hearing people’s life stories and helping individuals navigate their way through difficult life situations and problematic symptoms. No judgment, just a person available to help you find what you need.

I hold a masters degree and am a licensed mental health counselor. I also hold a hefty life school certification. I am a nerd. I am an artist. That combination is pretty cool and useful in relating to you as a person and not a collection of problems to be fixed.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, heard, and genuinely supported. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment where clients can show up as their authentic selves. My approach is compassionate, direct when needed, and focused on helping clients build practical tools for everyday life while also exploring deeper emotional patterns and experiences.

I enjoy working with individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem challenges, stress, identity exploration, and emotional overwhelm. I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients and creating an affirming therapeutic space where clients feel respected and understood.

I understand that starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and my goal is to meet clients where they are while helping them move toward healing, clarity, and meaningful growth.

Hi, I’m Jamelia Shahid-EL a LCMHC and school counselor with 10+ years of experience. I offer affirming, down-to-earth therapy for children navigating anxiety, identity, burnout, and life transitions. My space is inclusive, trauma-informed, and rooted in care.

If you're looking for a therapist who is direct and will challenge you, I might be a good fit. I'm not a therapist to just sit, listen, and provide head nods. My approach is straight forward and transparent. I'm able to probe if needed and provide honest and direct feedback when necessary. While I'm here to listen, my priority is to help people improve their lives. I enjoy working with Trauma, Anxiety and OCD especially.

In these uncertain times, I can assure you that I operate from a feminist lens and am LGBTQIA 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️ affirming/culturally aware.

I can happily provide gender affirming care and ESA (emotional support animal) letters.