Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Leah Guarino
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Email Me
or
Email Me

Leah Guarino

Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
2 Endorsed
Call Me
Let's Connect (828) 374-9660
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Available both in-person and online
Arden, NC 28704
Are characters/themes in the latest Pixar film or Netflix show relatable? Do you find yourself connecting feelings to movies, music, tv? Maybe you're experiencing a recent life change like a new job, relationship status change, or a big move, and it sucks doing it alone. Can you relate to the “buzz” of anxiety Ted Lasso felt when his panic crept in. Are you the Nick Miller of the group, struggling with holding boundaries, overthink little things, or feel you are your own worst enemy? Maybe you struggle with healthy communication and conflict resolution like the families in House of Dragons. You're motivated, but what now?
You’re currently saying "what the fuck?" about our world/timeline. You want support setting boundaries AND maintaining them to stop people-pleasing. You find yourself dwelling on the past, instead of crafting the future you want and living in alignment with your values. Maybe you feel activated by trauma- we can utilize brainspotting to decrease symptoms.
Ready to end your doom scrolling through therapy profiles? If anything resonated with you, I encourage you to reach out and schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation today. It takes a lot of guts to get this far in your pursuit of self-improvement and growth. I'm here if you're ready for support, and want to try something different or new.
Call or Leah Guarino now for a free 15 minute consultation - (828) 374-9660

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Arden, NC 28704

(828) 374-9660
My website
As of 10/1/26 I have openings via telehealth Monday-Thursday. I have a waitlist for in-person sessions in Arden, NC.
I specialize in Life Transitions, Anxiety and Relationship Issues 
$150 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Let's Connect (828) 374-9660
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Arden, NC 28704

(828) 374-9660
My website
As of 10/1/26 I have openings via telehealth Monday-Thursday. I have a waitlist for in-person sessions in Arden, NC.
I specialize in Life Transitions, Anxiety and Relationship Issues 
$150 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $150
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield
  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Cigna and Evernorth
  • Meritain Health
  • Optum
  • UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
  • Out of Network
"
I'm in-network with most Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna/Evernorth and United Healthcare plans. I also offer limited sliding scale spots for those needing a reduced rate, or those without insurance. Please let me know if you have any questions about your insurance plan.
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Leah Guarino
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 374-9660
"
I'm in-network with most Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna/Evernorth and United Healthcare plans. I also offer limited sliding scale spots for those needing a reduced rate, or those without insurance. Please let me know if you have any questions about your insurance plan.
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Leah Guarino
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 374-9660

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of North Carolina / 15746 Leah Guarino
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 6 years
  • Attended Western Carolina University, Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Graduated 2020
  • Additional Credentials

  • License: North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board LCAS-26859 / 2023
  • Certificate from National Board of Certified Counselors National Certified Counselor/1405180 / 2024
"
I have over 6 years experience working with individual adults ages 18 and up. I focus on a range of topics including life changes, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, boundary work, and trauma. I'm licensed in NC as a Mental Health Counselor, and Clinical Addiction Specialist.
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Leah Guarino
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 374-9660
"
I have over 6 years experience working with individual adults ages 18 and up. I focus on a range of topics including life changes, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, boundary work, and trauma. I'm licensed in NC as a Mental Health Counselor, and Clinical Addiction Specialist.
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Leah Guarino
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 374-9660

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Life Transitions
  • Anxiety
  • Relationship Issues

Expertise

  • Addiction
  • Alcohol Use
  • Bisexual
  • Burnout
  • Caregivers
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Gay
  • Lesbian
  • LGBTQ+
  • Peer Relationships
  • Polyamory & ENM
  • Religious Trauma
  • Self Esteem
  • Stress
  • Substance Use
  • Transgender
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Women's Issues
"
Clients I work with may struggle with "people pleasing," and poor boundaries in relationships, anxious over-thinking, low motivation, or big changes such as moving to a new area, new careers, changes in partner/family relationships. We will explore where the issues occur most, where the barriers exist for you, and determine plans to move you toward the goals you want to accomplish.
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Leah Guarino
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 374-9660
"
Clients I work with may struggle with "people pleasing," and poor boundaries in relationships, anxious over-thinking, low motivation, or big changes such as moving to a new area, new careers, changes in partner/family relationships. We will explore where the issues occur most, where the barriers exist for you, and determine plans to move you toward the goals you want to accomplish.
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Leah Guarino
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 374-9660

2 Endorsements

Katherine Mierek
Katherine Mierek
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LPC
Leah is a compassionate, welcoming, and skilled clinician.
Emma Scott
Emma Scott
Counselor, LCMHC
Leah's presence can be described as grounding and warm. Her compassion is genuine and a true gift to her clients.

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Gay Allied , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Sex Worker Allied , 
Transgender Allied

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Gay Allied , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Sex Worker Allied , 
Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Brainspotting
  • Humanistic
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Person-Centered
  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
For those wanting to address trauma or areas where they feel stuck, I'm trained in level 2 Brainspotting. I often take a less structured approach in session, and utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, motivational interviewing, and work from a relational lens.
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Leah Guarino
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 374-9660
"
For those wanting to address trauma or areas where they feel stuck, I'm trained in level 2 Brainspotting. I often take a less structured approach in session, and utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, motivational interviewing, and work from a relational lens.
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Leah Guarino
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 374-9660

Location

Primary Location

Arden, NC 28704

(828) 374-9660
"
As of 10/1/26 I have openings via telehealth Monday-Thursday. I have a waitlist for in-person sessions in Arden, NC.
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Leah Guarino
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Call for a free consultation now - (828) 374-9660
"
As of 10/1/26 I have openings via telehealth Monday-Thursday. I have a waitlist for in-person sessions in Arden, NC.
Photo of Leah Guarino, Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Leah Guarino
Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS, NCC
Call for a free consultation now - (828) 374-9660