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LCSW, LISW-CP

Kristi Rakes, LCSW, LISW-CP

  • Experience13 years
  • LocationNorth Carolina
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Grief
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Check the available next steps for working with Kristi online.

About Kristi

Kristi Rakes brings a compassionate, nonjudgmental presence to work with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and a wide range of life challenges including ADHD.

Background and approach

She centers her practice on helping clients identify strengths and build practical skills for coping when life feels overwhelming, drawing on a holistic outlook that attends to mental health and everyday concerns. Kristi is a licensed clinical social worker with both LCSW and LISW-CP credentials and 13 years of experience in mental health practice in North Carolina.

Her clinical work integrates client-centered methods with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness strategies, along with motivational interviewing and narrative techniques to support change. She has supported people through issues such as trauma, relationship and family difficulties, mood and panic disorders, addictions, and end-of-life and caregiver stress.

In sessions she aims to meet each person where they are, helping them recognize resources and set achievable goals for improved well-being. Kristi values clear collaboration and practical tools, and she works with clients to tailor approaches that fit their needs, preferences, and life circumstances.

Therapeutic approaches and online options

Kristi commonly integrates client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy into online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a respectful, empathetic therapeutic relationship and helps people explore their concerns at their own pace while identifying personal strengths. Cognitive behavioral therapy offers structured ways to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and to practice skills that reduce symptoms like anxiety, panic, and mood disturbances.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. She will work with clients to determine which combination of methods best fits their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds and priorities change.

Online sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These formats let clients connect from different locations and choose the communication style that fits their schedule and comfort level while pursuing consistent, goal-oriented therapeutic work.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Kristi often address in therapy?
She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship and family problems, ADHD, and mood disorders among other concerns.
What is Kristi's general therapy style?
Her approach is compassionate and client-centered, emphasizing empathy, strengths, and practical skill building with tools drawn from CBT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and narrative work.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Kristi has 13 years of experience in the mental health field working with diverse clinical challenges and life transitions.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
She holds LCSW and LISW-CP credentials with licensure details NC LCSW C007259 and SC LISW-CP 16825, and practices from North Carolina.
Does she provide services in languages other than English or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English only, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available for working online?
Kristi offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate varying schedules and preferences.
How is cost and billing handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are needed to begin working with her?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule appointments based on her availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

13+ years

Licensed

North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina

Languages

English

What Kristi can help with

Kristi Rakes works with clients on stress and anxiety, grief, self esteem, depression, and coping with life changes.

Kristi works with people navigating stress, mental health issues, and "life" in general.

How Kristi approaches therapy

Kristi's clinical approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Kristi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in North Carolina, with 13 years of clinical experience.