Find a therapist in Sanford, NC — covered by insurance

When you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or exhausted from carrying everything on your own, it can be difficult to know where to start. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, substance use, and other life challenges who are seeking meaningful, lasting change and a greater sense of balance and well-being.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I provide virtual therapy for adults throughout North Carolina via Telehealth, offering a supportive space where you can explore what’s weighing on you, build on your strengths, and work toward the life you want to create. You don’t have to navigate all of this on your own. If you’re ready for support and a space to feel heard, I’m here to help you take the next step.

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.

I hold two advanced degrees, Master of Social Work and Master of Science in Nursing Education. I integrate evidence-based modalities and techniques into my work based upon your needs. Some of the modalities I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness, and Somatic Experiencing. I was a holistic nurse for 15 years assisting clients with maximizing their physical, psychological, and/or spiritual health. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have worked with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, complex trauma, and early childhood neglect or abuse. My clients are adults including those of diverse cultural, ethnic, and/or religious backgrounds.

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, valued, and encouraged. Together, we'll build on your strengths, explore practical solutions, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey.

I believe healing happens through connection. I work collaboratively with clients, guiding them to understand the roots of their struggles, develop healthier coping skills, and build a life of balance and purpose. I bring authenticity, insight, and gentle honesty into my sessions.

I, Ifeoma Okani, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). I specialize in working with individuals who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma, PTSD, insomnia, adjustment disorders, OCD, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addiction. Many of my clients are juggling multiple roles and seek a safe, culturally sensitive space where they feel truly heard and understood. Their goal isn’t just to feel better but to reconnect with themselves, heal from past pain, and thrive emotionally. They want personalized, compassionate care that supports meaningful growth, not just symptom relief. I help by providing a safe, culturally sensitive space where you’ll feel heard and supported. Using compassionate, evidence-based care, I offer psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy tailored to your needs. In our early sessions, we’ll build trust, explore your concerns, and create a personalized plan to support your healing. My practice is unique because I focus not only on symptom relief but on helping clients reconnect with themselves, heal deeply, and thrive long-term. I’m passionate about supporting others so they never feel alone in their struggles. I am committed to providing the support, insight, and clinical expertise you need to restore your peace and well-being.