Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

6 Endorsed

Asheville, NC 28804

Are you feeling disconnected from yourself, wrestling with inner complexity, or longing for more authentic ways of living? Maybe you're navigating anxiety, past traumas, life transitions, or just feeling like you've lost touch with your sense of purpose. If you're curious about your own growth, willing to explore your inner world, or craving deeper connections, you are not alone. Finding therapeutic support that's a good fit for you is a great next step. I'm here to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, & rediscover your unique and meaningful ways of moving through the world.

The best way to see if we are a good fit is a quick, free consultation call. Drawing from trauma-informed practices & a holistic understanding of wellness, I can support you exploring your inner world. I often utilize somatic awareness, mindfulness, & creative expression to create a collaborative space where you feel seen, respected, & empowered to grow.

Looking for a therapist takes courage; and, you don't have to figure everything out alone. Together, we'll honor your experiences, build on your inherent resilience, and help you develop more compassionate ways of caring for yourself. If this has resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you.

Call or Email Tori Essex now for a free 15 minute consultation - (828) 944-9621

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Asheville, NC 28804

(828) 944-9621

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

I offer virtual sessions and am generally available between 10 - 4 most weekdays with later sessions (between 4 - 8 pm) on some days, too!

$135 Per Session, I accept insurance

Individual one-on-one therapy

Feel free to reach out and we can schedule a free 15 minute consultation call within the week!

Let's Connect (828) 944-9621

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Asheville, NC 28804

(828) 944-9621

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

I offer virtual sessions and am generally available between 10 - 4 most weekdays with later sessions (between 4 - 8 pm) on some days, too!

$135 Per Session, I accept insurance

Individual one-on-one therapy

Feel free to reach out and we can schedule a free 15 minute consultation call within the week!

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $135
Couple Sessions $150
Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

Cash, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

Aetna
Blue Care Network
BlueCross and BlueShield

I am in-network with Aetna (in North Carolina) and Blue Cross Blue Shield (in Michigan). Please reach out to me to check your health insurance eligibility. I also offer self pay and sliding scale sessions!

Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621

Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Prelicense by State of North Carolina / A20910 Supervised by Susan Lipiec (North Carolina / QS121765) Tori Essex

Education and Years In Practice

In Practice for 1 year

Attended Prescott College, Masters of Science in Counseling, Graduated 2024

Additional Credentials

Prelicense by State of North Carolina / A20910

License: Michigan 6451024173 / 2025

I am licensed in Michigan and North Carolina.

Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621

I am licensed in Michigan and North Carolina.

Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

ADHD
Anxiety
Career Counseling
Depression
Grief
LGBTQ+
Life Transitions
Relationship Issues
Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
Stress

I have a background learning about complex and developmental trauma and how our early experiences impact how we show up in the present. I am most interested in supporting each client's own hopes, dreams, and desires they have for themself. This often looks like greater connection and ease to oneself, more self compassion, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, stronger relationships, etc..

Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621

Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621

6 Endorsements

John Caprell

Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC

Tori has an enthusiasm for the profession which is rare! Tori also has a strong clinical background and a warm approachable demeanor. I wholeheartedly recommend Tori as a competent psychotherapist !

Laramie Clawson-Roberts

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, NCC, LCMHC

Tori has a presence that is unmatched. Safe, understanding, smart, and humorous when you need it. The care she exudes will have you feeling at ease as soon as you meet with her. Know that if Tori is your therapist, you are in good hands.

Will Daddario

Counselor, MEd, LCASA, LCHMCA

Tori is a creative and compassionate powerhouse. Talk about an amazing mix of intellect, empathy, ingenuity, and resourcefulness! I cannot recommend her strongly enough.

John Benton

Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC, ICADC

Tori's ability to be herself and honor this in others is one of the many qualities that make her the skilled therapist that she is in connecting and helping others make life changing discoveries.

Katie Sachs

LCMHC Associate, LCMHCA

Tori is a magical human and brings with her a calm, grounded presence. She is smart, analytical, and compassionate. I know that she will be an amazing support to anyone who is struggling.

Emily Ruth McIntosh

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LAMFT

I've known Tori for over 5 years and in my experience, she is the perfect blend of chill and professional. Tori is highly skilled in cutting edge models and I would trust anyone I care deeply about to work with a clinician of her caliber.

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Non-Binary Allied ,

Queer Allied ,

Racial Justice Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Attachment-based
Humanistic
Narrative
Psychodynamic
Relational
Somatic
Strength-Based
Trauma Focused

I'm a relational, "chill" therapist. That means I show up authentically and ready to connect with each client as they are. I am curious about the root of symptoms, and approach therapeutic support with compassion and inquiry. Let's go!

Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621

Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621

Location

Primary Location

Asheville, NC 28804

(828) 944-9621

Email me

My website

Additional Location

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

(828) 944-9621

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

Neighborhoods

Heartside

I offer virtual sessions and am generally available between 10 - 4 most weekdays with later sessions (between 4 - 8 pm) on some days, too!

Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC

Call for a free consultation now - (828) 944-9621

I offer virtual sessions and am generally available between 10 - 4 most weekdays with later sessions (between 4 - 8 pm) on some days, too!

Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC

Call for a free consultation now - (828) 944-9621