Krippa Family Psychological & Wellness Services (919) 893-9444
Find a Therapist
Deciding to start therapy can be an intimidating and confusing process. How do you find a therapist? How do you decide? There are so many different therapists and types of therapy you may feel overwhelmed and may not know where to begin.
Hopefully, some of the information provided on this website about my psychotherapy practice has helped you with this decision.
If you are ready to start therapy you may be wondering what happens next?
The answer depends on a number of factors.
If you know you are ready to begin and you want to schedule an appointment you may either send an email to info@ncpsychologist.com
Or you may call me at (919) 935-1901 and I will schedule your appointment within 24 hours. Afternoon and evening appointments are available.
* A note about telephone calls. I know that many people don't like to leave messages; however, if you call and the call goes to voicemail please leave a message. I am unable to answer calls while I am in session but will return your call as soon as I am available. You can also schedule a telephone consultation using the online scheduling program.
Free telephone consultation
If you are still not sure or if you have a few questions you want answered first we can set up a free telephone consultation to answer your questions.
After our consultation, if you decide you want to proceed and schedule an appointment I will provide you with a copy of my office policies, privacy policies, and consent forms. I ask that you read these prior to your appointment, complete the necessary forms, and sign where appropriate. We will review these documents at your first therapy session. You can schedule the free consultation by either calling or clicking the blue button at the top or bottom of this page that says schedule a free telephone consultation. The button will take you to a confidential online scheduling program with several available times during the week. If none of the times are convenient call now and let me know some times that you have available to talk.
Your first session
We will spend the first few psychotherapy sessions taking a detailed history and gathering information necessary to develop a plan of action for your therapy. Together we will develop a plan that will help you meet the goals you wish to attain through counseling. In the case of child and adolescent therapy, parents and clients will be involved in developing the plan.
Throughout the therapy process we will assess the appropriateness of your plan to see if it is working and change it as needed. Some people begin psychotherapy wishing to address an immediate issue causing pain and are satisfied to address this problem. Once the crisis is over and the pain reduced or eliminated they terminate therapy.
However, others may decide to pursue deeper issues once they have reached their initial treatment goals. Whatever you decide is best for you, we will work together to develop the most effective treatment.
FAQ's
I am often asked “Will my mom or dad be involved in my treatment sessions?” It depends on your needs and the needs of your family. With children the family is involved in therapy sessions as they play a major part in helping the client/family achieve their goals. Individual therapy, family therapy sessions, or parent coaching may be required depending on your family needs.
For teens the answer to this question is a little bit more nuanced and the response is “maybe”or “as needed.”
Some teens have problems and concerns that they don’t feel comfortable discussing in front of their parents. In that case we will work together to meet your treatment needs, those of your family, respect your family culture, and maintain your confidentiality.
Another question I am often asked is about payment. I ask clients to pay at the beginning of each session. Some clients wish to submit claims for reimbursement to their insurance carrier and others prefer to simply cover the costs without involving their insurance provider. There are both good and bad points to both and we can discuss these concerns during your initial therapy session. If you choose to submit a claim for reimbursement I will provide you with a receipt to submit to your insurance carrier and they will reimburse you directly. If you are a retired FDNY 9/11 survivor, payment arrangements are made through FDNY and I can make the necessary arrangements through FDNY counseling services.
Payments are accepted via cash, check, all major credit cards, or PayPal. If you are paying via PayPal please do so prior to coming to your session.
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Meet our Therapists
Kristin Krippa, M.A., LPA, HSP-PA RIST ICST Certified Havening Practitioner
Kristin Krippa, M.A., LPA, HSP-PA RIST ICST Certified Havening Practitioner
Kristin Krippa, M.A., LPA, HSP-PA RIST ICST Certified Havening Practitioner
As the founder and clinical director of Krippa Family Psychological & Wellness Services I continue to feel honored to work with the individuals and families that have trusted me and allowed me to partner with them over the years. I use the word partner for a reason as I truly feel our work in the therapy room is a partnership. My attachm
As the founder and clinical director of Krippa Family Psychological & Wellness Services I continue to feel honored to work with the individuals and families that have trusted me and allowed me to partner with them over the years. I use the word partner for a reason as I truly feel our work in the therapy room is a partnership. My attachment focus helps me connect with clients and families to leave the chaos, anxiety, depression, and difficulties behind. Working to connect and create the peace and harmony they want in their lives.
My 29 years experience treating children, teens, and adults gives me a unique perspective and strong background to help clients reach their full potential.
Alexis Gunipero Bunt, LCSW
Kristin Krippa, M.A., LPA, HSP-PA RIST ICST Certified Havening Practitioner
Kristin Krippa, M.A., LPA, HSP-PA RIST ICST Certified Havening Practitioner
I am grateful that you are here and am hopeful to begin a collaborative journey with you. As an LCSW it is my mission to provide a supportive and empowering environment while assisting individuals on their personal journeys through life.
I have over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and families with
I am grateful that you are here and am hopeful to begin a collaborative journey with you. As an LCSW it is my mission to provide a supportive and empowering environment while assisting individuals on their personal journeys through life.
I have over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and families with a wide range of presenting issues including anxiety, peer relationship issues, social concerns, academic/work struggles, depression, difficult family dynamics, as well as stress and life transitions. I am able to work with individuals or with groups in order to provide you with the best therapeutic approach and one you are most comfortable with.
Together we will work on managing symptoms, building skills and changing perspectives. I believe in a client centered, strengths based approach in order to help individuals find balance, empowerment and provide a safe environment while navigating life’s challenges.
Katelyn Jakobsen, LCMHCA
Stephanie Brekstad, LCMHCA
Stephanie Brekstad, LCMHCA
As your counselor, my goal is to provide a warm and welcoming space. I will show up for you again and again, truly listen, and put YOU first. We will work together to identify your strengths and goals, and to overcome life’s adversities. My education is rooted in trauma; I understand the diverse impacts trauma can have on the human body a
As your counselor, my goal is to provide a warm and welcoming space. I will show up for you again and again, truly listen, and put YOU first. We will work together to identify your strengths and goals, and to overcome life’s adversities. My education is rooted in trauma; I understand the diverse impacts trauma can have on the human body and mind. I have worked with a wide array of clientele, backgrounds, and ages. My treatment specialities encompass: chronic health, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression among others. No soft voice here; just a real and relatable gal ready to listen, challenge you, and aid you in your growth.
I use a range of therapeutic techniques best suited for each individual. You are uniquely you, and your treatment should reflect that. I specialize in the treatment of chronic health conditions. Individuals of chronic health conditions often experience feelings of anxiety, and depression. Let’s work together to unpack your identity outside of your illness.
The first step of reaching out is the hardest, but I believe you are ready. I commend your bravery, and cannot wait to aid you on your journey. I greatly look forward to hearing from you.
Stephanie Brekstad, LCMHCA
Stephanie Brekstad, LCMHCA
Stephanie Brekstad, LCMHCA
My passion, is working together to identify your values, build understanding, and heal so you may reach your goals, We will navigate these together in a compassionate and safe space.
I enjoy working with children to adults and offer support through individual, family, and group sessions.
I have experience addressing anxiety, depression, O
My passion, is working together to identify your values, build understanding, and heal so you may reach your goals, We will navigate these together in a compassionate and safe space.
I enjoy working with children to adults and offer support through individual, family, and group sessions.
I have experience addressing anxiety, depression, OCD, behavioral issues, adjustment issues, navigating family dynamics, trauma, self-esteem, and grief and loss. I utilize various techniques and approaches based on your needs, but utilize a cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy lens.
If you are feeling lost, overwhelmed, and hopeless, I want to offer you a safe and nonjudgmental environment to pursue your wellbeing.
Samantha Scuderi, LMFT
Stephanie Brekstad, LCMHCA
Ericka Mollica Epstein, LCSWA
As your therapist, you are my focus and we will work together to build a life that you deserve and find fulfillment in. We will explore why we do what we do, not with judgment but with compassion. All behaviors make sense and you will gain insight to explain behaviors and learn to heal from previous hurts. There is no room for judgement
As your therapist, you are my focus and we will work together to build a life that you deserve and find fulfillment in. We will explore why we do what we do, not with judgment but with compassion. All behaviors make sense and you will gain insight to explain behaviors and learn to heal from previous hurts. There is no room for judgement in my sessions, we are learning the root causes of unskillful behaviors and how to interact in the world, develop healthy relationships, all while maintaining your needs and acting in congruence with your values. We will create goals for therapy and celebrate the successes (large or small), and continue to build on the progress.
I have years of experience working with adolescents, family conflict, eating disorders, parenting challenges, and couples.
My therapy style is client focused and I use a wide variety of techniques to tailor to the clients needs.
I am a family therapist by training and use a Structural Family Therapy approach to identify the needs of the family system, identify the problematic cycles and the internal strengths, and improve the overall functioning. I can help families learn to manage the challenges of parenting adolescents with big feelings in a safe relationship that develops trust and respect.
I teach my clients healthy coping skills with a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. You will learn how to allow space for being uncomfortable and gain confidence to be able to regulate your emotions and not let your emotions control you. Emotional progress is not linear and I will be here with you during the ups and downs.
Ericka Mollica Epstein, LCSWA
Ericka Mollica Epstein, LCSWA
Ericka Mollica Epstein, LCSWA
As a therapist, I strive to help my clients feel like they are in the driving seat of their therapeutic experience. My passion is with a person centered and strengths-based approach. I work alongside my clients to help identify their unique goals and strengths, in order to work towards overcoming life challenges.
Once we’ve identifie
As a therapist, I strive to help my clients feel like they are in the driving seat of their therapeutic experience. My passion is with a person centered and strengths-based approach. I work alongside my clients to help identify their unique goals and strengths, in order to work towards overcoming life challenges.
Once we’ve identified difficulties and where you want to improve, we’d next identify goals to work toward, and create a plan to get there. I have worked with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, OCD and grief. I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults and adults, through individual, couple and family sessions. Various techniques will be utilized per the client’s needs.
I am here to create a safe and judgement free space for you to explore and process the obstacles that are keeping you from living your best life.
Heidi LeCount, M.S., LCMHCA
Ericka Mollica Epstein, LCSWA
Heidi LeCount, M.S., LCMHCA
I focus on identifying each person’s individual strengths and on helping find ways to use these strengths to work toward a solution.
I believe it is important that we work as a team to determine what is important to you. I create a safe space to explore how your thoughts and behaviors impact your situation. As we focus on what matters mos
I focus on identifying each person’s individual strengths and on helping find ways to use these strengths to work toward a solution.
I believe it is important that we work as a team to determine what is important to you. I create a safe space to explore how your thoughts and behaviors impact your situation. As we focus on what matters most to you, we will collaborate on determining goals. We will use creative expression to help you see your goals in a new way.
Ashley Denton, LCSWA
Ericka Mollica Epstein, LCSWA
Heidi LeCount, M.S., LCMHCA
Therapy is for everyone, whether you’ve experienced trauma, want to learn skills to better your relationships or regulate your own emotions and reactions. As your therapist I will meet you exactly where you are without judgement. I feel honored to walk through your life with you and learn about the events both helpful and harmful that hav
Therapy is for everyone, whether you’ve experienced trauma, want to learn skills to better your relationships or regulate your own emotions and reactions. As your therapist I will meet you exactly where you are without judgement. I feel honored to walk through your life with you and learn about the events both helpful and harmful that have shaped you into who you are today. I am interested in your goals and will help you work towards them with a strengths-based approach.
I currently have 6 years of experience in the mental health field working with trauma, ADHD, depression, anxiety, interpersonal/relational struggles and alcohol and drug addiction. I work with young children on up through adults, and will tailor our sessions to meet your specific needs. I use a combination of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy.
I’m excited to work with you and grow with you!
Lisa Bergstraesser, LCSWA
Lisa Bergstraesser, LCSWA
Lisa Bergstraesser, LCSWA
I strive to help adults achieve access to what I believe are the 4 most important qualities in life: balance, purpose, connections and freedom. Balance in being able to practice great self-care while maintaining responsibilities; finding purpose in life when we wake up every day; creating strong interpersonal connections that satisfy our
I strive to help adults achieve access to what I believe are the 4 most important qualities in life: balance, purpose, connections and freedom. Balance in being able to practice great self-care while maintaining responsibilities; finding purpose in life when we wake up every day; creating strong interpersonal connections that satisfy our emotional and intimacy needs; and gaining the freedom that comes from breaking harmful patterns of behavior and negative self-talk. For over 30 years I have worked in a variety of treatment settings helping individuals with anxiety disorders, depression, complex trauma and PTSD, parenting and relationship issues, life transitions, and substance use disorders. I draw from a wide range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). After completion of a thorough biopsychosocial assessment, we will develop an individualized treatment plan to guide and create a vision of what you want your life to look like when therapy is brought to completion. My style is straightforward, active, and motivational, and I believe in the healing power of laughter. I invite you to join me as we work together to discover how we can develop those 4 qualities in your life, and build a safe, consistent, and trusting therapeutic alliance to help you reach your goals.
Sabrina Longley, LCSWA
Lisa Bergstraesser, LCSWA
Lisa Bergstraesser, LCSWA
I utilize a strengths based approach to help neurodivergent adolescents and young adults with their support needs. My goal is to help my clients stock their toolboxes with coping skills to face life’s challenges. I employ expressive arts modalities, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, along with other client centered therapy approaches to help
I utilize a strengths based approach to help neurodivergent adolescents and young adults with their support needs. My goal is to help my clients stock their toolboxes with coping skills to face life’s challenges. I employ expressive arts modalities, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, along with other client centered therapy approaches to help clients reach their goals. I was trained to use a holistic perspective. I think it’s important to understand external and societal factors, as well as internal ones, when healing, growing, and overcoming. I look forward to working with you towards your life worth living.
Medication Management
Jamie Wiles, RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC
Jamie Wiles RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC
As a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and
families to provide psychiatric care utilizing medications, complementary and alternative medicine, and
lifestyle modification strategies. I will work with individuals to establish goals for care and an indiv
Jamie Wiles RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC
As a Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and
families to provide psychiatric care utilizing medications, complementary and alternative medicine, and
lifestyle modification strategies. I will work with individuals to establish goals for care and an individual
path of care. I have experience in treating individuals with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis,
ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Eating Disorders, and substance use struggles. It is my goal for the
individuals I serve to play an active role in decision making and strategizing related to their care to make
sure it is person-centered.
Interns and Practicum Students
Interns and Practicum Students
Bethany Dement, Graduate Intern
Bethany Dement, Graduate Intern
What is an intern and how do they differ from licensed clinicians?
Interns and practicum students are completing their graduate degree in Psychology, Social Work or Marriage and Family Therapy. They are not yet licensed and work under the supervision of our Clinical Director, their University Graduate Professor, as well as a post-doctoral
What is an intern and how do they differ from licensed clinicians?
Interns and practicum students are completing their graduate degree in Psychology, Social Work or Marriage and Family Therapy. They are not yet licensed and work under the supervision of our Clinical Director, their University Graduate Professor, as well as a post-doctoral graduate student. Interns are required to complete a specific number of supervised 1:1 clinical hours and may be required to audio or video tape 3 sessions total per semester. The benefit of working with an intern is that they are in University Programs learning the latest counseling and treatment techniques. They are well supervised and they see clients on a very reduced fee schedule of $15-$50/session.
Bethany Dement, Graduate Intern
Bethany Dement, Graduate Intern
Bethany Dement, Graduate Intern
As a counselor, one value that I hold high is diversity. I love working with clients of all ages and different backgrounds. When working with clients, I want to create a safe space for those who feel they have never had one.
Counseling is not something that is to be feared but embraced through therapeutic partnership. As a counselor, creat
As a counselor, one value that I hold high is diversity. I love working with clients of all ages and different backgrounds. When working with clients, I want to create a safe space for those who feel they have never had one.
Counseling is not something that is to be feared but embraced through therapeutic partnership. As a counselor, creating awareness can be such an empowering tool, which is what I would like to teach you. As a counselor, I incorporate many different techniques and skills to best serve YOU! Throughout the therapeutic process, you and I will collaborate to create goals to help reach your desired outcomes.
I look forward to working with you throughout your therapeutic journey!
Kayla Dunston, Graduate Intern
Kayla Dunston, Graduate Intern
Kayla Dunston, Graduate Intern
It is important to me that my clients feel heard and understood while in a safe and non-judgemental space. I believe that my clients are experts of their own life and therapy should be client centered. I have worked with all sorts of backgrounds, cultures, ages, and trauma. I enjoy partnering with my clients to find solutions, resolutio
It is important to me that my clients feel heard and understood while in a safe and non-judgemental space. I believe that my clients are experts of their own life and therapy should be client centered. I have worked with all sorts of backgrounds, cultures, ages, and trauma. I enjoy partnering with my clients to find solutions, resolutions, and embrace reflections. My passion is people and to encourage, motivate, and support them to become their best selves. As an intern, I do not take this opportunity of being your counselor lightly. Therapy is for everyone.
Kristin York, Graduate Intern
Kayla Dunston, Graduate Intern
Kayla Dunston, Graduate Intern
I view counseling as a journey. My goal is to walk beside you during this journey. Each person has individual strengths and together we will build on your strengths to work towards fulfilling your goals. This journey is centered around the client in a compassionate, nonjudgmental, safe, and empathic environment. I am honored to have this
I view counseling as a journey. My goal is to walk beside you during this journey. Each person has individual strengths and together we will build on your strengths to work towards fulfilling your goals. This journey is centered around the client in a compassionate, nonjudgmental, safe, and empathic environment. I am honored to have this opportunity to witness the growth in each client and I am excited to grow with you!