Blue Hills Counseling & Consultation, LLC

09/01/2025

Exercise is something I regularly encourage my clients to incorporate into their treatment plans. Read more about it on my blog below.

Here in the Appalachian region, we’ve always taken pride in being resourceful and strong. We know how to get through hard times and make do with what we have. That same spirit can help us care for our mental health and o...

09/01/2025

My office is closed today, September 1, 2025. Have a happy and safe Labor Day!

08/05/2025

School is back in session, and I want to give everyone a chance to equip themselves with adaptive skills for coping with stress, change, anxiety, and more!

I've created a short list of techniques for children and adolescents for use in a school setting. These can also be used by adults and in settings outside of school, too, so feel free to generalize this one! I've included screenshots and the link on my site where you can download your copy!

Light & love

https://bluehillscounseling.org/content

07/29/2025

Back-to-school is here and so is the pressure on kids. While we talk a lot about mental health online, kids need more than hashtags and infographics. They need connection. They need *us.* Especially parents. Su***de is now reported to be the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10–24. Depression, anxiety, and bullying are on the rise for our youth. The truth is, most of them aren’t talking about any of this unless they are asked. So, what do our kids need most? YOU!

I've included some tips below that I recommend to parents of school-aged children that can help with building healthy coping skills, increasing resiliency, and reducing symptoms associated with mental health conditions like depressive disorders and anxiety disorders.

1. Talk Early, Talk Often
Your child needs to hear, "I’m here. I care. Let’s talk about how you’re really doing."
Ask:
• “What’s been hard this week?”
• “Anyone at school treating you badly?”
• “Do you ever feel really sad or not yourself?”
Even if they shrug, you've opened the door.
2. Model and Encourage Healthy Coping
Kids mirror adult behavior. Show them how you handle stress—without yelling or numbing out.
Encourage:
• Regular sleep
• Breaks from screens
• Outdoor time
• Movement
• Honest conversations
Don’t just manage their behaviors. Support their ability to manage emotions.
3. Advocate Relentlessly
If your child is struggling:
• Contact the school counselor or psychologist.
• Ask about mental health screenings or accommodations.
• Find a therapist who specializes in kids and adolescents.
• Secure lethal means: lock up medications and fi****ms.
No one will advocate harder or sooner than you and early action saves lives.

Parents: this is your call to action.
1. Talk to your child regularly (even if they act like they don’t want to).
2. Encourage healthy habits: real sleep, real food, real breaks.
3. Advocate. Call the counselor. Set up therapy. Ask the hard questions.

We can’t control everything, but we *can* show up early and consistently, and sometimes that's what helps the most.

Wishing everyone a healthy school year!

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline – 24/7, always free, always confidential.

Contact me with questions about services, consults, and more: info@bluehillscounseling.org

Light & love,
Laura

Send a message to learn more

06/13/2025

Good evening! I want to share an update regarding my services and share a bit about myself.

I’m Laura, and I own Blue Hills Counseling. I’m the sole provider for the company. I run things solo and maintain the administrative and clinical stuff independently. Given that I don’t have any staff, it might take a couple days for me to return messages about inquiries. I have a phone number (859-320-7147) that you can call and leave a message. I also have an email address (info@bluehillscounseling.org) designated for inquiries, so feel free to use that!

Here’s what I do: I provide 1:1 counseling and psychotherapy to adolescents and adults for mental health concerns and conditions. I only do individual counseling at this time. I also provide consulting services to other professionals, groups, and businesses. If you are looking for feedback or education about a specific concern or topic, I might be able to help! I offer licensure supervision to KY LPCAs as well. Further information can be found on my website: www.bluehillscounseling.org.

Here’s a little about me: I have a psychology degree from EKU and a clinical mental health counseling degree from UC. I have been working in the field for over 10 years and obtained independent licensure as an LPCC in 2020. I’ve been trained in many modalities and mainly use an eclectic approach in office (meaning I don’t just offer one type of therapy). More about me can be found on my website.

I see people by appointment only, so my office isn’t open to walk-ins. I typically take appointments M-F 9-4pm, but my hours vary. I accept the following insurance plans: Aetna (commercial), Cigna (commercial), Anthem/BCBS (commercial), and United Healthcare/Optum (commercial). I can see anyone located in KY and provide in person and telehealth services.

Feel free to contact me with questions via phone or email.

Light & love

P. S. Here’s a glimpse of my therapy space.

05/31/2025

I’ve been seeing a lot of mental health content online lately, especially those “signs you might have [this diagnosis]” videos and posts. As a licensed therapist, I want to remind folks: these posts aren’t always accurate, and they definitely aren’t a substitute for working with a trained professional.

Mental health is nuanced. A symptom like trouble concentrating might show up in anxiety, ADHD, depression, or trauma. Diagnoses aren’t made by checking off a few boxes on a screen—they require thoughtful assessment, context, and sometimes time. That’s why professionals like myself spend years learning how to do this carefully and ethically.

The biggest concern? Self-diagnosis. It’s tempting to relate to something you see online and assume it explains everything you’re feeling. But misdiagnosing yourself can lead to unnecessary stress, or it could mean missing the real issue underneath. If you’re experiencing significant distress or disruption in your life, talk to someone qualified.

For those of us here in Kentucky, mental health needs are high:
• Around 1 in 5 adults in Kentucky lives with some form of mental illness.
• Over 74% of Kentucky youth with major depression aren’t receiving any mental health treatment.
• In 2021, more than 40% of adults in the state reported symptoms of anxiety or depression.

https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms/BHI/KCCCR%20Research%20Report%207.6.23.pdf

https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/KentuckyStateFactSheet.pdf

https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/KentuckyStateFactSheet.pdf

If you’re ready to take the next step toward help, here are some options to consider:

• Community mental health centers: Many offer affordable therapy and psychiatry, especially for those with Medicaid or no insurance. Search online “[your county] community mental health center.”

•Private practices: Some towns/areas are equipped with private practices that offer therapy and other services. Try a search for “therapy in [your city].”

• Talk to your primary care doctor. They can help rule out medical causes and provide referrals to mental health professionals.

• PsychologyToday.com: You can search for therapists in your area based on specialty, insurance, and more.

• Call or text 988: The Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 if you’re in crisis or just need someone to talk to.

Mental health concerns are real, and so is recovery—but it starts with good information and the right kind of support. Be thoughtful about what you consume online, and don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who can help.

You’re not alone. You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

⸻

Light & love
🏔️Laura

05/12/2025

Hey y’all,

I’m out of the office today but I will respond to all messages & emails first thing tomorrow when I’m back in office. Thanks for your patience.

Light & love
🏔️Laura

05/03/2025

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of oversimplified, even misleading ideas about therapy floating around online.
Things like “therapy is just about gaining insight” or “you just need to feel your feelings to heal.”

And while those ideas aren’t totally wrong, they leave out something essential.
So I wanted to offer a more honest take on what therapy actually is—and why it matters so much:

Therapy isn’t really about “finding yourself.”
It’s not about insight or self-awareness alone.

It’s about being witnessed—in your rawest, most unfiltered form.
The parts of you you’ve been hiding, judging, silencing… they get to come forward in therapy.
And they’re met with compassion, not shame.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “you have to feel it to heal it.”
But here’s the truth:
Feeling it only leads to healing if it happens in a SAFE environment.
Otherwise, it just keeps you stuck.

That’s what therapy offers:
A space where the hard stuff can rise to the surface—
and be met with understanding, patience, and presence.

Because healing doesn’t happen through isolation or self-analysis.
It happens in relationship.
It happens when we are seen.

Light & love
🏔️Laura

05/01/2025

🎗️ May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Prioritize Your Mind. Protect Your Well-being.

🧠 1. Mental Health Is Health
Your mind matters just as much as your body.
Take time for regular emotional check-ins.

🤝 2. Connection Builds Strength
Talk. Text. Laugh. Listen.
Connection reduces stress and boosts resilience.

🌱 3. Small Habits, Big Impact
Sleep well. Move often. Eat mindfully.
Boundaries and balance create better mental health.

🫶 This May, take one small step for your mental well-being and support others in doing the same.

🌐 www.bluehillscounseling.org

04/29/2025

Good afternoon, all!

I have a few openings right now and would love to connect with folks who are looking for support.

I offer therapy for adults in KY looking for practical support and real change, using approaches like CBT, ACT, EFT, Behavioral Activation, and trauma-informed care.

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or just needing some space to sort things out — you’re not alone. I work best with adults who want practical tools, a grounded approach, and a space to get curious about how they’re living and what really matters to them.

I pull from approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Behavioral Activation, and trauma-informed care to help you build real, sustainable change.

Some of the things we might work on together include:
- Managing anxiety, depression, or burnout
- Working through trauma or tough transitions
- Reconnecting with your sense of purpose or self
- Building habits and patterns that actually support your life

If we’ve worked together before and you’re thinking about coming back, I’d love to hear from you. If you’re new and wondering if it’s a fit, feel free to take a look at my website to learn more.

🧾 I accept commercial Anthem, commercial Optum, and commercial UHC plans
💻 Telehealth sessions available for anyone in KY
🌐 www.bluehillscounseling.org
☎️ (859) 320-7147

Feel free to share with anyone who might be looking for support right now. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Light & love

— Laura
Blue Hills Counseling & Consultation, LLC
Paintsville, KY

Light & Love

02/21/2025

I have a secondary email set up to receive inquiries and referrals only. This will help to streamline my process in responding to faxes and emails.

Questions/referrals can now be directed to info@bluehillscounseling.org and faxes are received at (606) 385-1632.

Established clients may continue to email me at laura@bluehillscounseling.org.

Again, if you’re interested in a group let me know so that I can gauge interest and prepare.

Inquiries that have yet to be addressed will have a response Monday, the 24th.

Below is a reminder of the services I offer 😊

I appreciate everyone’s patience.

Light & love🏔️

02/20/2025

The past few months have been a challenge, both personally and professionally. I’ve struggled with consistency in scheduling, communication, and referrals—things that are critical to providing the best care possible. I want to acknowledge those shortcomings because I know they’ve impacted clients, colleagues, and those seeking services.

At the start of the year, I made some much-needed investments, including a dedicated phone system and office phone, to improve accessibility. I’m also in the process of streamlining referrals by designating a specific email for new clients and professional contacts. These are small but important steps toward creating a more efficient and responsive practice.

Like many in eastern Kentucky, the unpredictable weather has made maintaining regular office hours difficult, and balancing work with life’s other demands has been challenging. However, I remain committed to improving. Looking ahead, I want to offer group sessions to the public and present on mental health topics to businesses, youth, and community organizations. These are long-term goals, but I’m actively working toward them.

I’d also love to hear from you—would you be interested in participating in a group? I can facilitate psychoeducational groups, skills groups, and support groups on a variety of topics. Initially, these would likely be virtual, but with enough interest, in-person options could be possible. Topics will depend on the needs of those involved, so if there’s something you’d like to see covered, drop a comment or send me a message!

I appreciate the patience and support of those who have stuck with me through this season of growth. My goal has always been to provide quality care, and I’m committed to making the necessary changes to better serve this community. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I will keep everyone updated about the projects I’m working on to bring mental health education and counseling to our communities.

Light & love to you all! 🏔️