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

I have 19 years of experience as a fully licensed therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and 25 years of social work experience

I have a passion working with children, adolescents, adults, and families and am skilled in the application of therapeutic interventions across a number of settings (i.e. schools, community mental health, social services, medical/hospital/PDC [Private Diagnostic Clinic], and private practice).

Trained in treating ODD, CD, ADHD, PTSD, Anger, Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Bereavement, Complex Trauma, Depression, Eating Disorders, Mood Disorders, Stress, and Personality Disorders (particularly Antisocial and Borderline)

I use intervention techniques such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Trauma Focused included), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Crisis Intervention

I am an alumna of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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.

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.

If you're ready to make change in your life, you've come to the right place! If you want to do therapy via Telehealth from the comfort of your home, we will be a great fit (just get ready for me to ask to meet your pets over the computer!) If you want to meet OUTDOORS for therapy, I'm your girl. My favorite therapy sessions are done in nature in the Boone, NC and surrounding areas - we can walk, hike, kayak, or even ski/snowboard during your therapy session! I believe the best therapy happens while moving your body in nature. I specialize in relationships, body-centered therapy, trauma-healing, women's issues, and goal-achievement.

I am a queer, cisgender female in my mid-30s (she/her pronouns.) I am diagnosed with depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and ADHD. I understand addiction and mental health first-hand. Though I am a therapist, I see us as equals and partners. I have 5 years experience working in Community Mental Health with diagnoses from Depression to Schizophrenia.

I'm currently accepting clients across NC. Let's partner to make your life THRIVE! I will provide the help you need or link you to someone who can. Your first session with me will be free. We'll get to know one another through a relaxed conversation and see if we will make a good fit together. BCBS coming late Spring of 2022! Cigna, Aetna, Optum coming Dec!