

Gastonia residents with UnitedHealthcare can connect with experienced mental health providers through Headway, offering flexible virtual and in-person sessions. Start with a free consultation and pay as little as $0-$25 per session while accessing over 1,194 providers nationwide.
Hi! My name is Daria Barksdale and I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor and a yoga instructor. I received my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University. I've been counseling for 6 years now. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress management for children, teens, and adults. I've worked in a crisis center, in the school system, with the Department of Social Services, as well as with private practices.
Hello my name is Monica Whitlock, Welcome! I strive to embrace, empower, and uplift clients on their journey into all avenues of wellness. I have over 13 years of experience working with children on up until adults.
Martha Ochako is a Board-Certified PMHNP who is competent in assessing patients, diagnosing disorders, and prescribing appropriate treatments. She does not just cover a symptom with a drug before investigating and addressing its root causes.
She graduated from Metro State University, in MN with an E L M Sc. in nursing. She completed a Post Masters Certification of PHMNP from R M University of Health Professions, Utah. She holds a doctorate (DHSC) from Nova SE University, Florida.
I’m the kind of therapist who sees past “I’m fine” and hears what you’re not saying. I work with women who are used to being the strong one, carrying it all, taking care of everyone else yet inside, you’re tired, anxious, or feeling disconnected from yourself. In our sessions, you don’t have to perform or hold it all together. You get to show up as you are, be honest about what’s weighing on you, and start doing the work to heal at the root. Expect real talk, genuine support, and tools you can actually use in real life.
I’m a licensed clinical social worker in NC, SC, FL, and NJ holding a Master of Social Work. I’ve worked in hospitals, schools, confinement settings and community mental health, and those experiences taught me how complex, layered, and personal healing can be. I specialize in helping women navigate anxiety, trauma, perfectionism, and people-pleasing, using a warm, direct, and culturally responsive approach. I also facilitate group therapy and provide clinical supervision for associate-level clinicians who want to grow with confidence and authenticity.



Headway makes it easy to get affordable in-network mental health care with United Healthcare — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to booking your first session.