About

Choosing to begin psychotherapy can feel overwhelming, and finding a good match with a therapist is important. I have created this website to provide information about me, to share what to expect in your first several sessions, and to provide contact information.

I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor practicing intensive psychoanalytic treatment in Durham, NC. I see people online and in person depending on needs and current COVID levels. I use concepts from attachment theory to frame my work when working with adults and couples. I received my Master of Education degree from Vanderbilt University in the Human Development Counseling program and am currently a psychoanalyst in training at the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas (PCC). 

I have undertaken advanced-level training in attachment theory and am a parent facilitator for the Circle of Security Parenting program. My work with trauma is enhanced by training in EMDR. I am an active member of the PCC community and have served as chair of the Scientific Programs Committee. I currently serve on the Curriculum Committee and the Anti-Racism Task Force. I have led a study group, Psychoanalysis at the Margins, for six years, concerned with issues and groups historically overlooked by psychoanalytic institutions.

 

 

What to Expect

At your initial appointment, I will meet you in the waiting room (or on a secure online portal) and show you to my office, where we will review your paperwork and I will answer any questions you may have. Our first few sessions will focus on getting to know each other and the issues you are dealing with so that we can decide together what treatment may work best for you. Future sessions tend to be more open-ended based on what your needs are.


I work both online and in person with masks. My office is on the first floor and wheelchair accessible with ample parking options. Please let me know if there are other accommodations that may make attending sessions, either in person or online, easier.

I schedule my own appointments for my clients. I require at twenty-four (24) hours notice if you must cancel your reserved time. If you give less than 24 hours notice, you may be charged for your session.

Sometimes illnesses and emergencies happen which prevent you from keeping your reserved time and I do not charge a fee for these infrequent occurrences. In the absence of such circumstances, you will be charged your usual fee for appointments that are not canceled 24 hours in advance.

Fees

My fee is $130 per individual session. I take most BCBS, Aetna plans and am a Medicare provider. I will also gladly provide the information you need in order to file an out of network claim with your insurance provider.

Clients are responsible for full payment of fees at the time services are rendered.

Special fee structures for certain specified tasks such as consulting, or court ordered-appearances will be discussed with you and agreed upon before any actions are taken.

I provide a brief initial phone consult so that we can determine if we will be a good fit for therapy. Please feel free to call or email to set something up.

Contact

Please contact me if you have questions, or to schedule a brief phone consultation or an appointment.

Terri Onstad, LCMHC
5015 Southpark Dr.
Durham, NC 27713
Phone: 919-998-6854
E-mail: info@terrionstad.com

Emergencies and Telephone Calls

You may leave me a message at any time on my office number (919) 998-6854. If you feel you are in crisis and need immediate assistance, please call 988, or go to the nearest emergency room. I generally do not return calls made to me between the hours of 7pm and 9am. Please use all of your resources if an emergency occurs between these hours, including the resources listed above.