CLINICAL COUNSELING
Clinical Services can also be referred to as, Counseling, Psychotherapy, Talk Therapy, or Therapy. These services provide a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Most clinical services take place one-on-one with a licensed mental health professional or with other patients in a group setting. Talk Therapy and Medication Management are the most common forms of mental health treatment.
Clinical Services are conducted by individuals with a Master's or Doctorate degree, such as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Abuse Specialist (LCAS), and a Licensed Psychologist, or other Medical Providers with Specialty Training. These professionals can assess, treat, and diagnose a variety of mental health issues. In general, the goals of psychotherapy are to gain relief from symptoms, maintain or enhance daily functioning, and improve quality of life.
You or someone you know might seek out psychotherapy for many reasons, including:
Dealing with severe or long-term stress from a job or family situation, the loss of a loved one, or relationship or family problems
Having symptoms with no physical explanation, such as changes in sleep or appetite, low energy, lack of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed, persistent irritability, excessive worry, or a sense of discouragement or hopelessness that won’t go away
A health care provider suspecting you have or diagnosing you with a mental disorder that is interfering with your life
Supporting a child or family member who has been diagnosed with a condition affecting their mental health
Substance use that may include drugs and alcohol.
First, being examined by a health care provider can help rule out a physical health issue. This step is important because sometimes symptoms, like a change in mood or trouble concentrating, are due to a medical condition.
Psychotherapy can be used as an alternative to or alongside medication and other treatment options. Choosing the right treatment plan is based on a person's individual needs and medical situation and should occur under the guidance of a mental health professional.
Even when medication relieves symptoms, psychotherapy can help address specific issues. These might include self-defeating ways of thinking; irrational fears; problems interacting with other people; or difficulty coping with situations at home, school, or work.
The Licensed Clinician may have a variety of Specialized training and experience to assess, treat issues, do consultations, advise in a variety of settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, court/forensic setting, Schools, Social welfare settings. They use a variety of common types of therapy, including Cognitive behavior therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive behavioral therapy, Person-Centered, Family systems, EMDR, Play Therapy, Relational Counseling, Grief Counseling, Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Narrative Therapy. Reunification Therapy, to name a few.
Meet the Team
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Charlotte Windley - MA, LCMHC
I provide group and family counseling. My theoretical approach is cognitive behavioral therapy and person-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques such as role playing, cognitive restructuring, meditation, play therapy, DBT and journaling.
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Robert Lodwick - MA, MDIv, LCMHC
Robert Lodwick is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor working with West Counseling since 2017. He earned his Masters in Counseling Psychology (MA EdS), and Masters of Divinity (MDIV), from Gardner-Webb University in 2013.
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SUSETTE RITENOUR - MA, LCMHC, NCC
Susette graduated with an MA in Counseling from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. She has experience working with clients in the areas of substance abuse, depression, anxiety, career challenges, relationships, and boundary setting.
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Charles Baskin - MA, LMFT
Charles has a background in family and student ministry and he also served in various settings to assist youth, families, and couples to address a wide range of behavioral and relationship issues. He has significant experience in providing intensive in-home family counseling.
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Andrew West - MA, MA, NCCMHC, LCMHC, Founder & CEO
Mr. West was born in Ohio and he has lived the rest of his adult life in the southeast and western US. He has a MA in Counseling, and a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from ORU. He has served in the mental health career field for more than 30 years.
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Heather Chavis - MSW, LCSW
I have extensive experience working with children and adolescents struggling with ADHD and Anxiety. I am also certified in Triple P positive parenting modality and support parents in the management of children demonstrating difficult behaviors.
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Melanie Roach - MSW, LCSW
While providing therapy for her clients Melanie’s priorities are safety, trust, and honesty. She is a passionate therapist who specializes in the areas of, complex PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-image, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and mood and personality disorders. Melanie holds a Master's Degree from Louisiana State University and she has over 13 years of experience working in the mental health field. She uses Trauma Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and is experienced in Mindfulness Meditation.
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Jessica Herrera - MSW, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have both my Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Work from North Carolina State University. I specialize in providing therapy for individuals aged 4 - 40. I stive to create a safe and comfortable environment which will allow for personal growth. I am extremely passionate about my job and hope to make a meaningful impact.
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Ariel Huntley - Sowell - MSW, LCSW-A
I’m Arielle Huntley-Sowell and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (LCSWA). I work with children and adolescents, ages 5-17. I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and play therapy to connect and teach children about their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I absolutely adore what I do and look forward to working with your child and providing a positive change in their lives! I also treat young & middle-aged adults.
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Michelle White -MA, LCMHC-A
My primary approach to counseling is an integration of person-centered, existential, and social justice-focused therapies. I work with adolescents and adults facing a wide variety of issues, including depression, mood disorders, anxiety, personality disorders, ADD/ADHD, eating disorders, grief and/or loss,
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Wanda Nichols - MSW, LCSW, ACSW
Wanda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for the state of North Carolina. She is also a Supervisor with the North Carolina National Association of Social Work for students in preparation to hold a state licensure to provide clinical therapy. She has over 15 years of clinical experience and she provides therapy to children starting at age 10, adults, and seniors. She also provides couples’ counseling. She is experienced and worked in the areas of PTSD, military combat stress, child welfare, displaced populations, trauma and secondary trauma, and psychological trauma. She provides treatment adherence for people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, she is an educator on stress management and prevention, and self-care. You can count on Wanda when ‘hanging in there’ is no longer enough. Take that first difficult and say these 3 words, “I need help!”
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Michael Straw - MA, LCMHC
Michael Straw is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). He has his Master of Arts in Counseling from Saint Louis University. Michael provides counseling to teens and adults helping them address life challenges related to anxiety, depression, grief, difficult transitions, career changes, and low self esteem. He has served in the mental health field for more than 25 years.
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Shatamra Jackson- MSW, LCSW
I am a dedicated and compassionate clinician with a commitment to fostering positive change in individuals and communities. With a Master’s Degree in Social Work, I have enhanced my skills to address complex social; issues to those in need. My expertise extends to mental health, child welfare, carceral services, maternal health, domestic abuse, substance abuse (mat), and clients of Ryan White. My client centered approach and the ability to establish genuine connections with individuals has contributed to the success of numerous interventions and support initiatives. Let’s see what we can accomplish together and I look forward to seeing you!
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Matthew Fagan - MA, LCMHCA
Matt is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (Associate), receiving his Master's from Capella University. Matt's passion stems from the belief that a person's route to overall wellness is entirely achievable, and therapy can help along that path. Prior to becoming a therapist, Matt spent his career within a diverse range of mental health settings, such as inpatient and crisis stabilization, primarily in leadership roles.
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Caitlin Runge – MA, NCC, LCMHCA
Caitlin graduated with an MA in Counseling from UNC Charlotte. As a person who is legally blind Caitlin is passionate about working with children and adults with varied disabilities. She is alas experienced in the areas of anxiety, depression, and trauma.
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Tene Brito - MA, LCMHC-A
Hi everyone! I have been working in the mental health field for about eight years. I’m originally from Florida and have lived in Charlotte for the past three years. I am also a disabled veteran and a proud mom to two amazing kids. I am passionate about helping people reconnect with their true authentic selves and find healing through self-awareness, balance, and growth. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, journaling, and spending time in nature—anything that helps me stay grounded and reflective. I love playing with my kids and exploring new ways to blend spirituality and mental health in both my personal and professional life.
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Erin M Lawing - MSW, LCSW-A
I graduated with a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio, TX. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and I am currently in the process of pursuing my Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist License. My approach involves a combination of aspects from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Practice, Play Therapy, and Art Therapy with a trauma informed, strength-based, and client-centered approach. It is my goal to provide a safe and welcoming environment for clients to meet their individual and unique goals. I aim to collaborate with clients to make connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as explore emotional regulation skills to enhance overall mental health and well-being.
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Travis Dixon - MA, LCMHC-A
I am passionate about helping children, adolescents, and individuals find steadiness and hope during difficult seasons of life. With a warm, strength based approach, I support clients experiencing mood disorders, emotional dysregulation, and the impact of stressful or overwhelming events. I believe that healing begins in a space where clients feel safe, respected, and genuinely heard. Special attention is given to building trust and rapport, while working collaboratively to understand emotions, patterns, and behaviors in a non-judgmental way. Therapy is tailored to each client’s needs, focusing on practical, developmentally appropriate tools that support emotional regulation, resilience, and improved daily functioning.
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K. Michael Shamberger - MA, LCMHC-A
Michael Shamberger is a husband, father, and grandfather. He loves helping people heal and become whole again, achieve their dreams and goals, and restore or recover from broken relationships. He has a Masters degree in counseling and is a license mental health counselor and school counselor. Michael has worked in Christian ministry for many years, and has been a school counselor, high school soccer coach, and executive director of a non-profit. Michael is also a published author. His most recent book is a soccer devotional titled, Beyond the Pitch: Soccer Strategies for Winning at Life. Additionally, Michael has written a discipleship curriculum, Rooted and Grounded, which is an excellent educational tool for church educational programs and small groups. He has also written several articles for magazines.
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Sarah Rodgers - MSW, LCSW-A
Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate, having received her master’s from Louisiana State University. Sarah is passionate about serving children, individuals, and families in achieving overall wellness by helping them build skills and explore emotions in an engaging environment. Clients can expect to be met with warmth, curiosity, and compassion at every visit. During sessions, Sarah works to incorporate client interests such as art, music, sports, games and more. Sarah believes that clients are most successful when they are empowered, supported, and informed.
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Tyla Young - MA, LCMHC-A
Tyla is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio. Tyla earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ohio University, then went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tyla holds a special interest and experience in attachment and trauma work with infants, younger children and their families. Tyla has supported children struggling with self-confidence, conflict resolution, anger management, anxiety, and depression. She has also offered parent education and family counseling to improve parent-child relationships and support addressing children’s mental health. Tyla utilizes an integrative approach, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy, with a strong consideration of strengths and attachment to encourage growth, resilience, and regulation in young people and their families. She is passionate about encouraging people to prioritize their mental health, break generational cycles, and address needs specific to their culture and experiences.