GETTING STARTED

Reaching Out Is the Hardest Part

Most people who contact me have been thinking about it for a while. They’ve talked themselves out of it a dozen times. They’re not sure what to say, or whether what they’re going through is “bad enough” to warrant counseling.

It is. Whatever brought you to this page, it matters. And you don’t have to explain everything in the first message or phone call. A simple “I’d like to learn more” is enough to get started.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so you can ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and decide if it seems like a good fit — all before committing to anything.

“The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.”

CONTACT & LOCATION

Find Me, Call Me, or Schedule Online

Whether you prefer to call, use the form below, or just show up and find out where I am first — here’s everything you need.

📍 Office Location Nelson Christian Counseling 110 Taylor St. Suite B Rutherfordton, NC 28139 Easy parking available. Comfortable setting.	📞 Phone & Hours 828.513.6491 Monday – Friday By appointment Free 15-min consultation available.
💻 Telehealth Available for all NC residents. SC telehealth registered. (SC License #2320) Same quality care, no commute required.	🏥 Insurance Accepted BlueCross BlueShield Aetna UnitedHealthcare Not sure about coverage? Call and we'll figure it out.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

Here's What to Expect When You Reach Out

I know that contacting a therapist for the first time can feel uncertain. Here's exactly what the process looks like, so there are no surprises:

1	You call 828.513.6491 or fill out the contact form below. No need to explain everything - just let me know you'd like to connect.
2	We schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. This is a no-pressure conversation where you can ask questions, and I can learn a little about what you're going through.
3	If it feels like a good fit, we schedule your first full session. I'll ask about your history, your goals, and what you're hoping counseling will help you with.
4	We build a plan together. Every client gets an approach tailored to their specific needs - not a cookie-cutter process.
5	The work begins. Real, meaningful change takes time - but most clients notice a difference sooner than they expected.

GETTING HERE

How Far Are You From My Office?

My office is located in Rutherfordton at 110 Taylor St., Suite B - easy to find, with convenient parking right outside. Here's how far I am from communities across the region:

Coming From	Drive Time	Main Route
Forest City, NC	~5 min	US-74
Spindale, NC	~5 min	US-74
Shelby, NC	~25 min	US-74 E
Marion, NC	~30 min	US-221 N
Morganton, NC	~35 min	US-64 E
Lake Lure, NC	~25 min	NC-9 N
Hendersonville, NC	~40 min	US-74 E / US-64
Gaffney, SC	~35 min	US-74 W / SC-11

Can't make the drive? I offer telehealth for all NC residents and SC telehealth-registered clients - same quality of care from the comfort of your home.

BEFORE YOU CALL

A Few Questions I Hear Often

What do I say when I call?

Anything. Seriously - you can say "I'm not even sure where to start" and that's completely fine. I'll ask a few gentle questions to get a sense of what you're looking for, and we'll go from there.

What if I'm not sure I need counseling?

That uncertainty is exactly why I offer a free 15-minute consultation. There's no commitment involved - just a conversation. If counseling isn't right for you right now, I'll be honest about that too.

Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?

Please call to discuss scheduling. I do my best to work with clients who have limited availability during standard business hours.

What if my spouse doesn't want to come to couples counseling?

It's more common than you'd think. Call and let's talk about it - there are often good first steps even when one partner is hesitant.

Is everything confidential?

Yes. Everything you share with me is protected by professional confidentiality. I'll explain the few legal exceptions - which rarely apply - in your first session.

CONTACT FORM

Send Me a Message

Prefer to write rather than call? Use the form below to introduce yourself and let me know what you're looking for. I'll respond within one business day.