Asheville
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Tori Essex
MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Email Me
(828) 944-9621 Call Me
(828) 944-9621 Call Me
or
Email Me
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC

Tori Essex

MS, LCMHCA, LLC (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
9 Endorsed
Call Me
Let's Connect (828) 944-9621
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Available both in-person and online
Asheville, NC 28804
My website
You deserve a good therapist. I work with people who are ready to pause, reconnect with themselves, and discover meaningful ways to engage in life with greater clarity and intention. Looking for a therapist you can connect to? Do you feel disconnected from yourself, struggling with feeling down, or yearning for more authentic living? Maybe you're managing anxiety, processing past trauma, navigating major transitions, or feeling like you've lost your sense of purpose. I can support you to explore your personal growth, understand your inner world, or build deeper connections.
The best way to explore fit is through a free consultation call. Using trauma-informed care & holistic wellness approaches, I support deep inner exploration. I integrate somatic awareness, mindfulness, & curiosity to create collaborative healing where you feel truly seen, valued, & empowered to create lasting change.
Seeking therapy requires courage, and you don't need to navigate this alone. Together, we'll honor your story, strengthen your natural resilience, and develop kinder ways of caring for yourself. If this speaks to you, I invite you to take the next step and reach out.
Call or Tori Essex now for a free 15 minute consultation - (828) 944-9621

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Asheville, NC 28804

(828) 944-9621

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

My website
I offer virtual sessions Mon, Tues, and Wed 10 am - 7 pm. I offer in-person sessions in Asheville, NC on Wed & Fri 10 am - 6pm.
I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Stress and Self Esteem 
$150 Per Session, I accept insurance 
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Let's Connect (828) 944-9621
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Asheville, NC 28804

(828) 944-9621

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

My website
I offer virtual sessions Mon, Tues, and Wed 10 am - 7 pm. I offer in-person sessions in Asheville, NC on Wed & Fri 10 am - 6pm.
I specialize in Trauma and PTSD, Stress and Self Esteem 
$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

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

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield
  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Out of Network
"
I am in-network with Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield (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!
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Tori Essex
MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621
"
I am in-network with Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield (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!
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Tori Essex
MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Call or 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 2 years
  • Attended Prescott College, Masters of Science in Counseling, Graduated 2024

    • Additional Credentials

  • License: Michigan 6451024173 / 2025
"
I am licensed in Michigan and North Carolina.
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Tori Essex
MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621
"
I am licensed in Michigan and North Carolina.
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Tori Essex
MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Stress
  • Self Esteem

Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Career Counseling
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Hoarding
  • LGBTQ+
  • Life Transitions
  • Polyamory & ENM
  • Relationship Issues
  • Sex-Positive & Kink Friendly
  • Transgender
"
I support people to find greater connection and ease to themself, more self compassion, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, stronger relationships, etc. I have a strong understanding of complex & developmental trauma and how our early experiences impact how we show up in the present. I am direct, transparent, & compassionate as I collaborate with clients to reconnect to their authenticity.
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Tori Essex
MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621
"
I support people to find greater connection and ease to themself, more self compassion, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, stronger relationships, etc. I have a strong understanding of complex & developmental trauma and how our early experiences impact how we show up in the present. I am direct, transparent, & compassionate as I collaborate with clients to reconnect to their authenticity.
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Tori Essex
MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621

9 Endorsements

Wills Reed
Wills Reed
Counselor, MS, LCMHCA
Tori is a grounded, compassionate, and highly skilled therapist, with a deep understanding of the body and trauma-resolution. I highly recommend Tori for anyone wanting to resolve trauma and self-esteem challenges and to live a more stress-free life!
Laramie Clawson-Roberts
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
Will Daddario
Counselor, PhD, LCAS, LCMHC
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
John Benton
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC, ICADC, EP
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.
Emily Ruth McIntosh
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.
John Caprell
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 !
Isabella Mayan Koepf
Isabella Mayan Koepf
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC
Tori is a highly skilled therapist with a grounded and warm relational approach. She meets people exactly where they are and walks them gently down the path of healing. I highly recommend her therapeutic services!
Kendra Hamman
Kendra Hamman
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
Tori Is a grounded, intelligent, warm, and creative! Her presence is calm and steady, like taking a deep breath and knowing that you are not on this journey alone.
Jordan Cassandra Stonecypher
Jordan Cassandra Stonecypher
Counselor, LCMHCA
Tori has a naturally calm and intentional presence that helps people feel at ease. She approaches her work with care and thoughtfulness, creating a grounded space where clients can slow down, reflect, and grow.

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Transgender Allied

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Attachment-based
  • EMDR
  • Emotionally Focused
  • Expressive Arts
  • Humanistic
  • Narrative
  • NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM)
  • Person-Centered
  • Psychodynamic
  • Relational
  • Somatic
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
I'm a relational therapist. That means I show up authentically and ready to connect with you as you are. I am curious about the root of symptoms, and approach therapeutic support with compassion and inquiry. Let's go!
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Tori Essex
MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (828) 944-9621
"
I'm a relational therapist. That means I show up authentically and ready to connect with you as you are. I am curious about the root of symptoms, and approach therapeutic support with compassion and inquiry. Let's go!
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Tori Essex
MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Call or 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

"
I offer virtual sessions Mon, Tues, and Wed 10 am - 7 pm. I offer in-person sessions in Asheville, NC on Wed & Fri 10 am - 6pm.
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Tori Essex
MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Call for a free consultation now - (828) 944-9621
"
I offer virtual sessions Mon, Tues, and Wed 10 am - 7 pm. I offer in-person sessions in Asheville, NC on Wed & Fri 10 am - 6pm.
Photo of Tori Essex, MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Tori Essex
MS, LCMHCA, LLC
Call for a free consultation now - (828) 944-9621