MENTAL HEALTH
RESOURCES
Part of our mission at Storied Church is to make our community more just, compassionate, and whole. We are aiming to do this by tackling the mental health gap and stigma. We're thrilled to offer psychoeducation gatherings on Sunday and in the community, affordable therapy resources, and vibrant support group options! Together, we hope to create a supportive space for healing and understanding and make a fantastic difference in mental health within our community! Reach out and let us know how we might best support your mental health journey.
Some of the barriers to Mental Health can be the lack of financial resources or access to Health Insurance reimbursement. So we have put together a list of clinicians who are affordable and work well with diverse populations and experiences.
Website/Book Resources
Discerning when to see a therapist.
Q: Do I need to be in crisis to see a therapist?
A: No. Therapy isn't only for emergencies. Many people seek therapy to manage everyday stress, improve relationships, build self-awareness, or simply have a consistent space for reflection. Seeking support early often prevents things from escalating.
Q: What are common signs it's time to talk to someone?
A: Watch for persistent sadness or anxiety lasting more than two weeks, difficulty functioning at work or in relationships, using substances to cope, feeling disconnected from yourself or others, recurring intrusive thoughts, or going through a major life change — like grief, divorce, or job loss — that feels overwhelming.
Q: Can therapy help even if I don't have a diagnosis?
A: Absolutely. A formal diagnosis is not required. Therapy supports a wide range of experiences — life transitions, relationship patterns, low self-esteem, burnout, grief, or simply wanting to understand yourself better.
Q: How do I know if what I'm feeling is "bad enough" for therapy?
A: Ask yourself: "Is this getting in the way of my life, sleep, or relationships?" If the answer is yes — even slightly — it's worth exploring. There's no threshold you need to cross. If you're asking the question, that alone is a meaningful signal.
Q: What if I'm not sure what kind of help I need?
A: That's completely normal. Most therapists offer an initial consultation to discuss what's bringing you in. You don't need to arrive with a clear problem statement — just showing up is enough to begin.
Q: Is therapy only for mental illness?
A: No. Therapy supports mental health the same way a gym supports physical health — whether or not you're injured. People use it for personal development, communication skills, career stress, parenting challenges, and more.
Q: What if I've tried therapy before and it didn't help?
A: A poor past experience often comes down to fit — the wrong therapist, approach, or timing. Different therapists use very different methods (CBT, psychodynamic, somatic, etc.), and the right match makes a real difference. It may be worth trying again.
Q: Are there situations where therapy is especially important?
A: Yes. Seek support promptly if you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, trauma from recent or past events, a sudden inability to manage daily tasks, severe anxiety or panic attacks, or if someone close to you has expressed concern about you.
Q: What if I don't have insurance or can't afford therapy?
A: Cost is a real barrier, but there are options worth knowing about:
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Sliding scale fees — many therapists charge based on your income, so sessions may cost significantly less than the standard rate. It's always okay to ask.
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See a student or intern in a master's program — graduate students completing their clinical hours provide therapy under close supervision from licensed professionals. Sessions are often free or very low cost, and the quality of care is generally strong because supervisors review cases regularly.
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Community mental health centers — these publicly funded clinics offer low-cost or free services regardless of insurance status.
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University training clinics — graduate programs in counseling, psychology, and social work run clinics open to the public at reduced rates.
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Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) — if you're employed, your workplace may offer a set number of free confidential therapy sessions.
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Online platforms — services like Open Counseling list therapists by sliding scale availability in your area.
Q: Where do I start? A: We have provided resources below that will help you get the journey started.
Find a Therapist in the Triangle
We've Partnered with Jackie Tyson, LCSW of Kaluluwa Counseling kaluluwacounseling.com, 336-439-9383, admin@kaluluwacounseling.com
You can also reach out to Jason at Storied Church jgaskin@nccumc.org
