Individual Therapy in Wilmington, NC - Start Feeling Better
Licensed therapists serving Wilmington and the Cape Fear coast - offering compassionate, effective counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. In-person and telehealth available.
Request an Appointment
Free 15-min consultation - no commitment needed.
Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
At Fresh Breath Therapy, our Wilmington therapists provide a warm, non-judgmental space for you to explore what's holding you back and build a path forward. Whether you're struggling with anxiety that won't let you rest, depression that dims your joy, or trauma you've been carrying for years - you deserve real support.
Wilmington is a vibrant coastal city, but life here comes with its own pressures - career transitions, coastal disaster stress, substance recovery, and the unique challenges of living far from family networks. Our licensed LCSW and LCMHC clinicians understand the Wilmington community and bring culturally sensitive, client-focused care to every session.
We believe deeply that you are the expert on your own life. Our therapists are here not to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you as you discover your own strength, resilience, and path to healing.
Begin Your Healing Journey -Common Reasons Wilmington Residents Seek Therapy
You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people come to us simply wanting to feel better, think clearer, and live more fully.
Anxiety & Worry
Chronic anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, health anxiety, and generalized worry that gets in the way of daily life and relationships.
Depression & Grief
Sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, withdrawal, and grief after loss - we help you reconnect with your sense of purpose and joy.
Trauma & Abuse Recovery
Childhood trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, accidents, and natural disaster stress including hurricane-related PTSD common in coastal NC.
Caregiver Burnout
Exhaustion, resentment, and emotional depletion from caring for aging parents, children with special needs, or chronically ill loved ones.
Life Transitions
Career changes, divorce, relocation, retirement, empty nesting, becoming a parent - major changes that leave you feeling unmoored or uncertain.
Self-Esteem & Identity
Negative self-talk, perfectionism, people-pleasing, imposter syndrome, and difficulty knowing or asserting who you truly are.
Relationship Challenges
Communication struggles, trust issues, codependency, boundary-setting difficulties, and patterns you keep repeating in relationships.
Stress & Anger Management
Work-related burnout, financial stress, anger that feels disproportionate, and difficulty finding calm amid life's pressures.
Prenatal & Postpartum Mental Health
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, postpartum depression, and the identity shifts that come with new parenthood.
Proven Methods, Personalized to You
No single therapy fits every person. Our Wilmington clinicians are trained in multiple evidence-based approaches so we can adapt to what works best for you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Reframe negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety, depression, and unhelpful behaviors - one of the most well-researched therapies in the world.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing - highly effective for trauma and PTSD. Reprocess painful experiences so they lose their grip on your present.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Learn powerful skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and healthy interpersonal communication.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Stay grounded in the present, reduce rumination, and build a gentler, more accepting relationship with your thoughts and feelings.
Attachment-Based Therapy
Explore how early relationships shape your current patterns - and learn to form healthier, more secure connections going forward.
Motivational Interviewing
Build your own internal motivation for change, working with your readiness rather than against your ambivalence.
Your First Session: What to Expect
Warmth, Not Paperwork
We start by getting to know you - your story, your goals, and what matters most to you.
Exploring Your Goals
What do you want therapy to help you with? We explore this together to make sure our work is truly aligned with what you need.
A Collaborative Plan
We'll map out an approach that fits your life, schedule, and preferences - in-person, telehealth, or a mix of both.
Privacy Guaranteed
Everything shared is protected by HIPAA law and NC state regulations. Your privacy is sacred to us.
Flexible & Convenient
See us at 140 Cinema Dr, Wilmington - or connect from home via secure video. Mon-Fri, 8 AM-7 PM.
Meet the Wilmington Team
Our licensed Wilmington clinicians bring clinical expertise, warmth, and genuine investment in your healing journey.
Extensive expertise in trauma, addiction, and complex mental health. Brings evidence-based, compassionate care to clients navigating life's most difficult challenges.
Specializes in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Uses a strengths-based, person-centered approach to empower meaningful growth.
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor offering specialized individual therapy. Currently accepting new clients - contact us to schedule your free consultation.
Why Wilmington Trusts Us With Their Mental Health
Coastal NC Expertise
We understand the unique stressors of coastal living - hurricane trauma, seasonal tourism pressures, maritime industry stress, and community resilience.
LCSW & LCAS Licensed
Our Wilmington team includes LCSW and LCAS-licensed clinicians, meaning expert-level care with specialized addiction counseling credentials on staff.
Insurance & Self-Pay
We accept major insurance plans including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and United Health. Call us to verify your specific benefits before your first appointment.
No Long Waitlists
Mental health can't wait. We work hard to offer rapid access - often same-week or within a few days of your first inquiry.
Inclusive & Affirming
LGBTQ+-affirming, culturally competent, and welcoming of all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life. You belong here.
Telehealth Statewide
Not near our Cinema Dr office? Connect from anywhere in North Carolina via our secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform.
Serving Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Surf City & All of New Hanover County
Our Wilmington therapy office is located at 140 Cinema Dr, Unit E - easily accessible from downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and surrounding communities. Telehealth available statewide.
Our Wilmington Therapists
Catherine (Cay) Fulop, LCSW, LCAS brings extensive expertise in trauma, addiction, and complex mental health issues. Kailyn Mattingly, LCSWA and Lisa McCormick, LCMHC round out our coastal team, offering specialized care in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
Each therapist is licensed, supervised, and committed to the highest standards of ethical, compassionate care. Visit our therapist profiles to learn more and find your best fit.
Meet the Wilmington Team -Serving These Needs Across Wilmington & the Cape Fear Region
Frequently Asked Questions
It's easy - call us at (919) 300-6717, email admin@freshbreaththerapy.com, or fill out our online form. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can ask questions and feel confident before committing to anything.
We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Health. We also have self-pay rates available. Call us at (919) 300-6717 to verify your specific benefits before your first appointment.
Yes! Our telehealth service is available to anyone in North Carolina. Sessions are conducted via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. All you need is a private space, a smartphone or computer, and a reliable internet connection.
Individual sessions are typically 50-55 minutes. Most clients start with weekly sessions and adjust frequency as they progress. Your therapist will work with you to determine the cadence that fits both your goals and your schedule.
Yes - our Wilmington team is experienced with the psychological aftermath of hurricanes and natural disasters, including acute stress, PTSD, grief over property loss, and community trauma responses. This is a specialized need in the Cape Fear region and we're prepared to help.
Your privacy is strictly protected under HIPAA. Your employer does not have access to your therapy records. If you use insurance, the insurer may receive a diagnosis code for billing purposes, but session content is never shared without your written consent.
The Healing You Deserve Is Right Here
Wilmington is known for its beauty and resilience - and so are you. Our therapists are ready to support your journey back to yourself. Start with a free 15-minute consultation, no commitment required.