Most therapist directories sort Charlotte clinicians by who paid for placement. This list is narrower. Each practice below was checked on its own website in September 2026, and everything we say about it comes from what that site states.
The practices differ a lot: psychologist-led teams, trauma specialists, a faith-informed nonprofit with a sliding scale. Read for fit, not rank. The right therapist is the one whose approach, location and payment setup suit you.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.
How we chose
- The practice is based in Charlotte or Mecklenburg County.
- Its own website says who it works with, such as adults, teens, couples or families.
- Its website names the concerns it treats and describes its approach or the methods its clinicians use.
- Its website states that its clinicians are licensed, or names their license types, so you can look them up with the state boards.
- The practice publishes how insurance and payment work, including whether it is in or out of network.
The ranking
1.Laura Bass Counseling
Charlotte, NC, with a part-time second location in Columbus, NC
This is the practice that publishes this guide.
Best for: Adults and older teens who want an integrative approach they help shape
Laura Bass has been in private practice in Charlotte since 1991. She studied psychology at UNC Chapel Hill, earned her MSW at the University of South Carolina in 1985 and worked as a family therapist on an adolescent unit at Charter Pines Hospital. She was a founding member of Arboretum Behavioral Health Associates in 2000, joined Cameron Valley Associates in 2017 and received the Ann Brown Award for significant contribution to mental health.
She sees individuals and couples, adults and teens aged 17 and over, for depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, midlife issues, shame, trauma, chronic illness and relationship difficulties. Her approach is holistic, humanistic and integrative: talk therapy, with grounding, meditation or journaling added only if the client chooses. She is in network with Aetna and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and also sees clients part time in Columbus, NC, near Tryon. Read more about Laura.
- In private practice since 1991
- Sees adults and teens aged 17 and over, individuals and couples
- In network with Aetna and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Licensed to practice in North and South Carolina
2.Therapy Group of Charlotte
South End (South Church Street); in person and secure video
Best for: People who want a team led largely by psychologists
A South End group practice founded in 2021, with a team made up mostly of doctoral-level psychologists plus a licensed marriage and family therapist. It names psychodynamic therapy, CBT and trauma-informed care, and lists anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma and work stress among its focus areas. It is out of network: clients pay up front and the practice files claims for them. Telehealth is offered across North Carolina.
- 1514 South Church Street, Suite 101 (South End)
- Founded in 2021
- Out of network; files claims for clients
3.Montgomery Counseling Group
Park Road, south Charlotte; in person and telehealth in NC
Best for: Trauma-focused work using EMDR, DBT or clinical hypnosis
A trauma-informed practice on Park Road, across from Park Road Shopping Center, founded by John Burns, a clinical social worker with the EMDRIA Approved Consultant designation. It names EMDR, CBT, DBT (led by a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist), Ericksonian clinical hypnosis, group therapy and play therapy, and sees children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Its site lists Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Magellan, Medicare and United Healthcare as in-network plans, with telehealth anywhere in North Carolina.
- 4108 Park Road, Suite 410
- In network with Aetna, BCBS, Magellan, Medicare and United Healthcare
- Sees children, teens and adults
4.Carolinas Counseling Group
Carmel Executive Park, south Charlotte
Best for: Families who want counseling and psychological testing in one place, from a Christian worldview
Based in Carmel Executive Park, this practice says its services are rooted in a Christian worldview. It sees children and teens (including play therapy), adults, couples and families, for concerns including anxiety, depression, affair recovery, trauma, addictions and spiritual development. It also offers psychological testing for ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities. Its fees page lists BlueCross Blue Shield, Aetna and MedCost, and says it is not a Medicare or Medicaid provider.
- 7401 Carmel Executive Park Drive, Suite 210
- Offers psychological testing
- Accepts BCBS, Aetna and MedCost
5.Clear Creek Counseling
Two offices: University area and South Charlotte (Carmel Road)
Best for: People on BCBS or Aetna plans who want an office in north or south Charlotte
Clear Creek has two offices, one near UNC Charlotte on JN Pease Place and one on Carmel Road in South Charlotte. Its services cover OCD and anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, teens and middle schoolers, adults, and couples and families (using the Gottman Method, EFT and Prepare/Enrich). It is in network with most BCBS and Aetna plans; some therapists take United Healthcare and one takes Medicare. Sessions are in person or virtual.
- Offices in the University area and South Charlotte
- In network with most BCBS and Aetna plans
6.Sanctuary Counseling Group
Main office on East 7th Street, plus church-based satellite offices
Best for: People who want room for faith in counseling, or who need a sliding scale
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering mental health and pastoral counseling from a main office on East 7th Street and satellite offices, many in United Methodist churches, in Matthews, Cornelius, Davidson, Pineville, Monroe and beyond. Its therapists are trained in counseling and in theology, and the site notes that not every client brings faith into sessions. It sees individuals, couples, families and children. Its fees page lists Aetna, most BCBS plans, Healthgram, MedCost and some Medicaid plans, plus a sliding scale and a scholarship fund for those who qualify.
- 2129 E 7th St., plus satellite offices
- Nonprofit with a sliding scale
- Accepts Aetna, most BCBS plans, MedCost and some Medicaid plans
7.Charlotte Counseling Associates
Fairview Road, Charlotte; office-based and online
Best for: Compulsive sexual behavior, betrayal and trauma work, including EMDR and Brainspotting
This Fairview Road practice focuses on the aftermath of affairs and compulsive sexual behavior, for both the person whose behavior caused harm and the partner who was betrayed. It also lists anxiety, depression, anger, substance use and trauma, using EMDR and Brainspotting. It sees individuals from age 13, couples and families, and runs adult groups and intensives. It is not in network with any insurance plan and provides monthly superbills for out-of-network claims. Sessions are in the office or online.
- 5970 Fairview Rd, Suite 414
- Individuals from age 13; adult groups
- Private pay with superbills
How to choose a therapist in Charlotte
Start with the problem you want help with, then find a practice that names it and says how it approaches it. Next, settle payment: some practices are in network, some file out-of-network claims, and some are private pay with a superbill. Ask your insurer about outpatient mental health benefits, then ask the practice which clinicians take your plan. Our guide on what to expect from psychotherapy covers the first sessions.
- Check the license. North Carolina counselors can be looked up with the NC Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors.
- Ask which methods the therapist uses and how you will know if it is helping.
- Think about the drive: South End, Park Road, University City and Carmel Road are far apart at rush hour.
- Give fit a few sessions. See how to tell whether a therapist is a good fit.
Group practice or solo therapist?
A group can switch you to another clinician and often has more appointment times. A solo practice means you see the same person from the first call on. Neither is better in general; if you want one therapist whose approach you have read about, a solo practice like Laura Bass Counseling may suit you.
Questions people ask
- How did you choose these practices?
- Each has a Charlotte office, publishes who it sees and how it works, lists licensed clinicians and explains how insurance works. We checked every detail on its own website in September 2026. None paid to be included.
- Do Charlotte therapists take insurance?
- Some do and some do not. Practices here range from in network with several plans to private pay with a superbill, so ask before you book.
- Does Laura Bass Counseling take insurance?
- Laura Bass is in network with Aetna and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Contact the practice with questions about your plan.
- What if I need help right now?
- Call or text 988 at any hour. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Sources
- Psychotherapies, National Institute of Mental Health
- License verification and board information, North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988 Lifeline
Published by Laura Bass Counseling as general information, not personal advice or an endorsement. Details change: confirm anything you rely on with the organization itself. Published .