Black Mountain Counseling Center

08/06/2025

Did you know that Black Mountain Counseling Center offers counseling and therapy services to people with insurance, those who are under-insured, and those who cannot afford to pay? About 1/3 of our clients receive our help at no or very low cost.
If this speaks to you, please consider a donation to support our work.

https://www.blackmountaincounseling.org/

08/04/2025

We are deeply grateful to the Swannanoa Valley Medical Center for their incredible work over decades, and their incredible support of us and other nonprofits. SWMC has done amazing work over the years. Thank you!

https://www.thevalleyecho.com/all-news/swannanoa-valley-medical-center-celebrates-an-impactful-sunset

08/04/2025

Physical wellness support mental wellness! Thank you YMCA of Western North Carolina for offering this to our community.

From August 1–15, we’re offering free day passes (up to 3) and no join fees. Stop in to any of our 7 locations or join online (ymcawnc.org) to beat the summer heat and stay active.

07/31/2025

You are NOT alone! Did you know that in the USA 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year? 1 in 6 American children aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year - and 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14.

Struggling with mental wellness is challenging - but we are here to help. We offer professional mental health counseling for children, teens and adults of any age.

If you are looking for help, please give us a call at 828 669-9798 to schedule your therapy appointment.

We work with all kinds of insurance including Medicare and Medicaid - and we also have a Client Assistance Program if you have no insurance at all.

07/29/2025

We are so excited to introduce Henry Seiler to you! Henry has officially joined our team as a therapist, and our Community Outreach Coordinator. Henry is no stranger to BMCC as he was an intern with us previously.

Henry says, "As the new Community Outreach Coordinator I'm looking forward to connecting with folks in the community, listening, and discovering how we can better serve the Swannanoa Valley. I love being a therapist and am beyond excited to be working somewhere that supports all clients, regardless of their financial situation or ability to pay. When not in the office I can usually be found on the trail with Nestor, my 80lb lapdog, hiking buddy, and professional taste tester."

Welcome Henry in your new role! And if you are interested in having him come to your organization, or having a conversation about your community's needs, please reach out to him at Henry @ BlackMountainCounseling.Org

We can't promise that Nestor will be with him though.

07/09/2025

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Beth Russo, who has stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director at Black Mountain Counseling Center!

Beth is a seasoned nonprofit leader and has a deep connection to our mission of making mental health care accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay. As Beth shared, “BMCC’s mission deeply reflects my own values. I’m honored to support this work and help build on Ellen’s incredible legacy.”

We also want to take a moment to celebrate the leadership of Ellen Begley, our founding Executive Director, who retired this month after 18 years of compassionate service. Her vision and leadership have shaped BMCC into the trusted, resilient organization it is today.

Read more about this leadership transition in our latest blog post: https://www.blackmountaincounseling.org/blog/celebrating-leadership

07/03/2025

We’re Hiring! 📣
Black Mountain Counseling Center is looking for a skilled and organized Operations Manager to join our team!
This is a behind-the-scenes role that keeps our nonprofit running — managing systems, supporting staff-board-clients, and making sure the details don’t get missed.
We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about mental health, aligned with our mission, and excited to work in the nonprofit space.

To learn more about the role and how to apply, visit our latest blog post: https://www.blackmountaincounseling.org/blog/were-hiring-operations-manager-at-black-mountain-counseling-center

Please help as spread the word!

07/01/2025

Meet Melody Gardner – Our New Development Coordinator! 🎉
We’re thrilled to welcome Melody Gardner to the Black Mountain Counseling Center team! Melody brings an incredible blend of experience, energy, and heart to her role. With degrees in nursing, adult education, and law, plus over 30 years of fundraising experience, she’s already making waves!
Melody is a true powerhouse—an author, public speaker, and lover of tennis, knitting, and serving at church. She describes herself as high-energy (and we can confirm—it’s contagious in the best way!).
Keep an eye out—Melody will be out and about in the community, and she would love to meet you. If you see her, be sure to say hello!
We are so grateful to have her on our team. Welcome to BMCC, Melody! 💙

06/25/2025

It’s hot out, y’all! Like, surface-of-the-sun hot. 🔥 And if you're taking psychiatric medication, your body might have a harder time keeping cool.

Some meds (like certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers) can mess with your ability to sweat or regulate body temperature — making heat intolerance a real thing.

So what can you do?
💧 Stay hydrated
🧊 Keep cool (literally)
🧢 Rock that sunhat
🏃‍♂️ Take it easy during peak heat hours
💊 And never stop or change your meds without talking to your provider!

Your brain and body both matter — take care of them this summer! ☀️💛

Check out this article by Deborah Serani, Psy.D on Psychology Today to learn more about Heat Intolerance and Psychiatric Medications: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/two-takes-on-depression/202107/heat-intolerance-and-psychiatric-medications

06/12/2025

Pride is more than a celebration. 🌈
It’s a declaration that everyone deserves to live authentically, love openly, and thrive with dignity.

But for many in the LGBTQ+ community, that journey is shaped by barriers — discrimination, isolation, and lack of access to affirming care. These challenges can take a deep toll on mental health.

This Pride Month, we uplift LGBTQ+ voices, honor the strength it takes to be yourself, and advocate for inclusive, compassionate mental health support.

❤️ You are worthy.
🧡 You are not alone.
💛 Your mental health matters.

Happy Pride Month from BMCC. 💚

06/06/2025

A New Chapter at Black Mountain Counseling Center 🌿

As we prepare to say a heartfelt goodbye to our long-time Executive Director, Ellen, we’re filled with both gratitude and anticipation. Ellen’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable era—her steady hand, compassion, and deep commitment to accessible mental health care have shaped our work in countless ways.

We’re now beginning the search for our next Executive Director—someone who shares our values and is ready to support and guide the ongoing work of our dedicated staff and community partnerships.

To learn more about the role and how to apply, visit our latest blog post:
🔗 blackmountaincounseling.org/blog/executive-director-search

Please help us spread the word as we navigate this meaningful transition. 💚

06/03/2025

June is Men’s Health Month — and that includes mental health.

Too often, men are expected to “tough it out” in silence. But mental health is just as important as physical health — and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Let’s break the stigma.
Let’s normalize therapy, emotional honesty, and reaching out.
Let’s make space for men to heal.

Check out this article from the American Counseling Association on how we can better support men’s mental health: https://www.counseling.org/publications/counseling-today-magazine/article-archive/article/counseling-today--september-2024/rethinking-masculinity #