Find a therapist in North Carolina — covered by insurance

NOW ACCEPTING AND SERVING CHILDREN!! Have you ever felt lost or lonely while in a familiar or crowed place? Life throws many surprises at us, and while we cannot predict the outcome of any situation, we can take control of how we respond to certain situations. I first developed a passion for therapy when I hit a roadblock in my own life and was struggling to move past it. I specialize in helping people identify and achieve their personal goals by coping with the issues that are causing them distress, anxiety, and discomfort.

Unfortunately, life doesn't always allow us to be the best version of ourselves. With my help, you'll learn about acceptance and how to exert your power of choice over whatever life may throw at you. I take great pride in the progress and success of my clients.

My job is to give you the tools and techniques to achieve a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. After several sessions, you will become well-versed at handling issues whenever and wherever they arise. Let's work together to put your life back in focus. I look forward to working with you.

I bring over 20 years of experience in mental health, addiction counseling, public health, and higher education leadership into my work with clients. My approach is grounded in both clinical expertise and lived experience, which allows me to meet you not just as a professional—but as a whole person who understands complexity, transition, and healing on multiple levels.

My work centers on helping individuals reconnect with who they are at their core—beyond survival, expectations, or systems that may have shaped them. I integrate emotional wellness, identity exploration, and purpose-driven growth into our work together.

Whether you are navigating anxiety, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, or questions around identity and purpose, I create a space where you can show up fully and begin the process of realignment and healing.

Please DO NOT BOOK consultations or appointments on Headway. My booking link is: https://sisterwells.janeapp.com/

I am Theresa Abbah, a board-certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner based in Smithfield, North Carolina, with over 27 years of experience in nursing and mental health care. My professional journey has been deeply rooted in psychiatry, where I have developed a broad and comprehensive clinical skill set focused on delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.

I spent more than 15 years working as a psychiatric nurse in an inpatient state mental health facility, which provided a strong foundation in managing complex mental health conditions. I am proud to have been one of the pioneers involved in establishing Youth Behavioral Health services, helping guide its successful accreditation and commitment to maintaining high standards of care.

As a Nurse Practitioner, I have advanced my practice working in both youth and adult inpatient behavioral health settings, including roles with UNC Youth Behavioral Health Hospital in Butner and UNC Johnston Health. I specialize in diagnosing and managing a wide range of mental health disorders, conducting crisis assessments, and providing timely referrals for individuals of all ages experiencing psychiatric, substance use, neurocognitive, or developmental challenges.

In 2018, I independently developed an alternative psychotherapy-based psychosocial treatment program to support patients in crisis at UNC Wakebrook, reflecting my commitment to innovation in mental health care.

I bring a positive attitude, creativity, and a high level of dedication to my work, consistently striving to deliver evidence-based care to patients and their families. My clinical strengths include psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, crisis stabilization, maintenance treatment and leadership, all of which guide my mission to improve mental health outcomes and support individuals on their path to recovery.

With over 15 years of experience, I have worked with children, adults, and families in diverse roles (counseling, education, disability services, healthcare, and social services). These experiences have equipped me with versatility and empathy towards the various challenges faced by individuals (spouses, parents, caregivers & employees). Currently, my focus is on clients ages 18 - geriatric who are dealing with anxiety/depression stemming from stress, life transitions, relationships, and trauma.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience serving children and adolescents, with a passion for the positive development of youth. I used a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and interactive approach, prioritizing that every child finds their voice; feels seen, heard, and empowered; and has fun in the process! I specialize in assisting youth in navigating daily stressors and trauma.

Thanks for stopping by. I believe healing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or out of reach. If anxiety, depression, trauma, identity stress, or patterns in relationships have left you feeling stuck or exhausted, you’re not alone. Many people seek support when everyday life or past experiences feel heavy, when communication with loved ones breaks down, or when coping feels more reactive than intentional. I work with teens and adults across differences in culture, identity, and life experiences to help you find steadier ground and more meaningful connection in your relationships and your sense of self.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Originally from Chicago, I earned my MA from University of Chicago in 1998, and since then I have worked in a variety of therapeutic settings including domestic violence shelters, a foster care/adoption agency, and a parenting organization as well as managing a private practice where I currently reside in North Carolina. I work with clients affected by anxiety, depression, life changes, trauma, parenting and relationship challenges.

I'm a therapist who believes real change happens in the space between people, not on a worksheet. I work with adults navigating anxiety, relationship patterns, grief, and the quiet exhaustion of carrying things alone. With 7 years of experience, I bring EMDR, IFS, and deep relational work to every session, but more than any modality, I bring genuine curiosity about you as a person. If you're ready to stop hitting the same wall and start understanding

why it's there, I'd love to work alongside you.