

Aiken residents with Cigna insurance can access mental health care through Headway's network of 1,205 providers, with copays ranging from $0-$30. Schedule your free consultation today and get started on your mental health journey with convenient online or in-person options.
I'm Michelle Smith — LPC, MA in Professional Counseling, and your biggest advocate before you've even said a word. I chose this work because I genuinely believe that every person who walks through the door carries something worth fighting for, and I want to be in your corner while you fight for it. I specialize in working with people who are anxious, exhausted, grieving, or just quietly wondering if things can ever feel different. Spoiler: they can. Whether you're carrying old wounds, navigating a hard season, or searching for something that feels like hope — I'm here for all of it. You have immense value and purpose, and my job is to help you remember that.
Hello and welcome! I am a Master's level dual board certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Medication management is my specialty, and supportive therapy is part of every visit. I have experience with veterans, adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, TBI, severe and persistent mental illness, pregnant women, transient/low income populations, Indian Health Services, geriatrics, trauma, and LGBTQIA2S+ patients. I do not diagnose Autism or ADD/ADHD.
As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for individuals facing anxiety, stress, and performance-related challenges. My approach is collaborative, focusing on identifying your strengths and developing practical tools for mental well-being. My goal is to help you build resilience and achieve your personal and professional goals through personalized support.
Dr. Maher is a licensed psychologist specializing in individual psychotherapy for adults. With extensive experience in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, and stress management, Dr. Maher is dedicated to helping clients achieve meaningful, lasting change. His approach is often described as "down-to-earth," fostering an environment where clients feel comfortable, understood, and motivated to engage in their therapeutic journey.
Having worked in a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals and outpatient clinics, Dr. Maher brings a wealth of experience in addressing the diverse challenges his clients face. He offers a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, tailoring each session to the unique needs and goals of the individual. His therapeutic style integrates a variety of evidence-based techniques, including motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help clients build resilience, manage stress, and improve emotional well-being.
I am a Army veteran and love helping people. I started this journey with my own mental health. I soon realized the power of this process. I did not realize I was always a counselor. It started as a Army Medic helping soldiers in Iraq and now I help everyone.
Hello, I’m Dr. Lisa Merritt, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). I specialize in mental health care for children, adolescents, and adults, and I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where individuals feel heard and respected.
With a background in both clinical leadership and community-based care, I focus on treating the whole person, addressing mental health, substance use, and the social factors that affect well-being. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, my goal is to work alongside you to find realistic, compassionate, and evidence-based solutions.
I look forward to supporting you on your path toward healing and growth.
For other health and wellness needs (weight loss support, hormone replacement therapy) - https://www.slraymiriwellness.com
or
https://slraymiriwellness.clientsecure.me/contact
I help women explore and define their dating identity while building the confidence to navigate relationships authentically. Through assertiveness and boundary-setting skills, I empower clients to communicate their needs clearly and confidently. I also provide psychoeducation on relationships of all kinds, helping clients better understand themselves and their connections with others.
I’m especially passionate about supporting and affirming clients with complex or multicultural identities. My favorite part of this work is helping clients strengthen their self-esteem so they can move through the world with greater confidence and self-acceptance. Whether we’re destigmatizing sexuality, challenging body image myths, or building a stronger sense of self, I love seeing clients thrive with pride in who they are and the knowledge to carry them forward.
Hi, I’m Nicole! Therapy with me is about real conversations, practical tools, and accountability. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I’m down-to-earth, supportive, and won’t let them slide. I bring a diverse background of both life and professional experience, allowing me to see multiple perspectives and help you navigate complex relationship dynamics.
My name is Megan Higgins, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Calm Tides Psychiatry. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from Wilkes University and am licensed in South Carolina. I provide compassionate, evidence-based care for children, adolescents, and adults through telepsychiatry. My background in critical care nursing and personal experience as a parent of children with mental health challenges have shaped my empathetic, collaborative approach. I’m dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to achieve wellness.



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