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

I believe healing happens best in spaces where you feel safe, understood, and never judged. I bring both curiosity and compassion to every session, and I genuinely love learning about the unique story that makes you you. I’m thoughtful, a little quirky in the best way, and always eager to grow... both as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and as a person. That means I stay open-minded, ask meaningful questions, and work collaboratively with you to find what truly fits your needs. You’re the expert on your life; I’m here to support you with knowledge, guidance, and encouragement.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, or just feeling stuck, I want you to know that you don’t have to figure it out alone. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to move toward the life you want.

Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed with life, exhausted, anxious, or depressed? Have you experienced a stressful or traumatic life event? Perhaps you struggle with a chronic illness. Maybe you struggle with a difficult child or teen. Or maybe your partner has been unfaithful. Are you tired of feeling isolated and hopeless? You want- no, you need- things to change, but you don’t where to begin. Asking for help can be one of the most difficulty things to do, but I would be honored to help you discover your inner strength and begin your journey to healing and being who you are meant to be.

I have received training in Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) for managing bipolar disorders as well as certification as a clinical trauma professional. A nationally certified counselor, I am also a member of LPC Association of NC and the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP).

I am passionate about helping people triumph over trauma, learn mindfulness-based practices to reduce stress and manage anxiety, improve self-esteem, understand the relationship among our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (CBT) and learn to tolerate distress in their lives.

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.

Growing up and transitioning into adulthood, I always felt that I needed a "person". Someone who could be there to support me through the hardships and uncertainties of life. Someone who was unbiased and was there to just listen or to be that shoulder to cry on when I felt like no one in the world would be able to understand me. Being that person that I once needed, is what fueled the desire within to become a therapist.

Hi, my name is Debbi Huntoon. I received a Master of Social Work degree from UNC- Chapel Hill. I am licensed by the states of North Carolina and Virginia as a clinical social worker. During graduate school internships I learned that my ability to help others depended on my willingness to help (change) myself. In the last 37 years I have engaged in my own treatment and have successfully served many clients in a variety of settings: all levels of education settings, inpatient and outpatient services for adult and pediatric patients, hospice, patients experiencing dementia and their families,and the state court system. We are all trying to cope with painful memories and experiences so that we can work, pay our bills, and care for our families.

Brian is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor as well as a certified addiction professional. He has provided therapy in a variety of settings from county jails to college campuses. Brian believes adversity is often an opportunity for growth. He has extensive experience working with individuals experiencing substance abuse and their families. He also has significant experience working with young adults, helping them process developmental challenges and family-of-origin concerns.