Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Katie Rickel
Psychologist, PhD
Email Me
or
Email Me

Katie Rickel

Psychologist, PhD

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
2 Endorsed
Call Me
Let's Connect (984) 237-3909
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Available both in-person and online
Durham, NC 27713
That fake smile is exhausting, and you’re tired of pretending everything’s fine. On the surface, it might look like you have it all together, but internally you’re worn down, anxious, or stuck in patterns that keep repeating. Many people come to therapy because of burnout, relationship strain, people-pleasing, or a persistent sense of working incredibly hard just to stay afloat. Others notice themselves engaging in the same behaviors over and over, even while knowing it’s digging a deeper hole.
I am a licensed psychologist with 18 years of experience and am best known for my work in weight management and health psychology, including my former role as CEO of a behavioral health hospital. While concerns about weight, health, or eating often bring people in, our work focuses on the deeper emotional and relational patterns that drive that struggle.
My approach is practical, direct, and collaborative. I help clients understand what’s keeping them stuck and make meaningful changes that feel realistic and sustainable. If you’re looking for thoughtful, no-nonsense therapy and want support moving toward a life that feels more aligned, I invite you to reach out. Free consults are welcomed!
Call or Katie Rickel now for a free 15 minute consultation - (984) 237-3909

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Durham, NC 27713

(984) 237-3909

Charlotte, NC 28210

My website
We can meet in my sunny office or via my secure video platform (and we can mix it up for your convenience).
I specialize in Anxiety, Relationship Issues and Obesity 
$180 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Looking forward to figuring it out together!
Katie Rickel
Let's Connect (984) 237-3909
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Durham, NC 27713

(984) 237-3909

Charlotte, NC 28210

My website
We can meet in my sunny office or via my secure video platform (and we can mix it up for your convenience).
I specialize in Anxiety, Relationship Issues and Obesity 
$180 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Looking forward to figuring it out together!
Katie Rickel

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $180

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Lyra EAP
  • Out of Network
"
I am in-network for BCBS, Aetna, and Lyra EAP. I will be in-network with Optum (United Healthcare, Oscar) in the coming months. I can provide a superbill if you wish to use Out of Network benefits..
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Katie Rickel
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (984) 237-3909
"
I am in-network for BCBS, Aetna, and Lyra EAP. I will be in-network with Optum (United Healthcare, Oscar) in the coming months. I can provide a superbill if you wish to use Out of Network benefits..
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Katie Rickel
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (984) 237-3909

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of North Carolina / 3790 Katie Allison Rickel
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 18 years
  • Attended University of Florida; Duke University, PhD, Graduated 2008
"
I have 18 years of clinical experience providing individual and group psychotherapy. I also served as the Chief Executive Officer of a small behavioral health hospital for 7 years.
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Katie Rickel
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (984) 237-3909
"
I have 18 years of clinical experience providing individual and group psychotherapy. I also served as the Chief Executive Officer of a small behavioral health hospital for 7 years.
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Katie Rickel
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (984) 237-3909

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Relationship Issues
  • Obesity

Expertise

  • Addiction
  • ADHD
  • Autism
  • Body Image
  • Chronic Pain
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Grief
  • Infertility
  • Infidelity
  • Life Transitions
  • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
  • Peer Relationships
  • Polyamory & ENM
  • Self Esteem
  • Sexual Addiction
  • Stress
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Veterans
  • Weight Loss
  • Women's Issues
"
I help adults with anxiety, burnout, people-pleasing, relationship difficulties, and concerns around weight or health. I can help you understand the patterns behind your symptoms, strengthen your boundaries, and build more flexible and sustainable ways of coping. Most clients tell me they feel steadier, more confident, and less driven by anxiety and self-criticism after our first few sessions.
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Katie Rickel
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (984) 237-3909
"
I help adults with anxiety, burnout, people-pleasing, relationship difficulties, and concerns around weight or health. I can help you understand the patterns behind your symptoms, strengthen your boundaries, and build more flexible and sustainable ways of coping. Most clients tell me they feel steadier, more confident, and less driven by anxiety and self-criticism after our first few sessions.
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Katie Rickel
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (984) 237-3909

2 Endorsements

Christine Leonard
Christine Leonard
Licensed Professional CounselorLAC/SSAPNCACIIAADCCAMT CS
Easy to talk to, very skilled, personable, and flexible scheduling.
Rachel B Needle
Rachel B Needle
PsychologistPsyD
Katie is a highly skilled and ethical therapist whose work reflects both strong clinical judgment and genuine compassion.

Client Focus

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Lesbian Allied
Queer Allied
Single Parent

Religion

Jewish

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Lesbian Allied
Queer Allied
Single Parent

Religion

Jewish

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Attachment-based
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
  • Existential
  • Integrative
  • Interpersonal
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative
  • Person-Centered
  • Positive Psychology
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy
  • Relational
"
I use evidenced-based, insight-oriented, and practical approaches tailored to YOUR goals. Sessions are collaborative; you won't just be talking the whole time - I'll jump in quite a bit! We'll clarify your values, identify patterns that no longer serve you, and focus on realistic changes that help you live with more intention, balance, and alignment.
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Katie Rickel
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (984) 237-3909
"
I use evidenced-based, insight-oriented, and practical approaches tailored to YOUR goals. Sessions are collaborative; you won't just be talking the whole time - I'll jump in quite a bit! We'll clarify your values, identify patterns that no longer serve you, and focus on realistic changes that help you live with more intention, balance, and alignment.
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Katie Rickel
Psychologist, PhD
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (984) 237-3909

Location

Primary Location

Durham, NC 27713

(984) 237-3909

Additional Location

Charlotte, NC 28210

(984) 237-3909
"
We can meet in my sunny office or via my secure video platform (and we can mix it up for your convenience).
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Katie Rickel
Psychologist, PhD
Call for a free consultation now - (984) 237-3909
"
We can meet in my sunny office or via my secure video platform (and we can mix it up for your convenience).
Photo of Katie Rickel, Psychologist, PhD
Katie Rickel
Psychologist, PhD
Call for a free consultation now - (984) 237-3909