Sandhills Region - CareNet Counseling

Welcome To CareNet Counseling Sandhills Region

Our region is made up of two main centers, one in Fayetteville, known locally as the Fayetteville Family Life Center, and one in Lumberton, known locally as the Robeson Family Counseling Center. We provide spiritually-integrated counseling for clients in Cumberland, Robeson, Moore, southern Harnett, Sampson, Bladen, Richmond, Scotland and Hoke counties. We have been providing counseling in our Fayetteville center since 1974, and today we have one main center located on Highland Avenue, as well as two satellite locations in Haymount United Methodist Church and Southview Baptist Church. In our Lumberton center, we see clients at our downtown center on West 15th Street and also at the center at Pembroke Pediatrics.

Our team is closely tied to the local churches in the region and is committed to continuing to serve them as an extension of the counseling arm of their ministries. We are grateful for these local churches, their congregations and their ongoing philanthropic support of our long-standing mission to provide counseling to as many as we can regardless of their insurance coverage or their ability to pay for our services. We are here to care for the mental health of our communities.

NEWS & EVENTS

Telehealth

Click here to submit the Authorization and Consent to Participate in Telehealth form

Recognize the Signs – Depression Screening

In conjunction with the nonprofit, Screening for Mental Health, all of us at CareNet would like to encourage you to take advantage of this free online screening. And remember, dealing with depression is a road no one should have to walk alone. To take your free screening, click here.

PRESENTATIONS & TALKS

Throughout the year we host, and co-host, a variety of highly informative presentations and talks on various topics in mental health. Please check back regularly to learn more about our upcoming presentations and talks.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

OUR TEAM

LUMBERTON TEAM

Trish L. Carter, MSW, LCSW

Trish joined the CareNet staff at the Robeson Family Counseling Center in Lumberton, NC in January 2012. She is also providing services at a co-location, Pembroke Pediatrics, in Pembroke, NC. She has a Master of Social Work degree from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1993. She has had varied experiences during her 24 years of working with children, adolescents and adults with emotional and behavioral problems in individual, group and family sessions. She recently obtained the NASW-NC Clinical Supervision Certificate.

FAYETTEVILLE TEAM

Robbie Byrd, DMIN, LCSW

Dr. Byrd is the Center Director of the Fayetteville Family Life Center, is a Regional Director with CareNet Counseling and directs a counseling center in the Lumberton area. He is an ordained Baptist minister and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has been part of the Center’s ministry since 2004. He has served on staff with the local churches and has worked as a social worker with Cumberland County DSS and Mental Health Center, as well as the Cape Fear Valley Hospital System. He works with clients primarily in the area of faith and spiritual issues. Dr. Byrd holds the following degrees: D.Min. from Campbell University, 2010; M.Div. from Campbell University, 2003; M.S.W. from East Carolina University, 1997; and B.A. from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1990. Dr. Byrd works out of our Highland center.

Caroline Kimberly Cofiori, MA, LCMHC

Caroline is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who joined the Fayetteville Family Life Center in January 2015. Kim provides counseling to individuals, couples, adolescents and children. She has special interests in post–trauma recovery, clinical disorders, women’s issues, grief and loss, adjustment issues, and children with ADHD. Kim is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) trauma recovery. Kim also teaches our Love and Logic Parenting classes at the Center. Kim has a close concern for military personnel and their families. She is the granddaughter, daughter and wife of military veterans, and now the mother of an active Army Soldier. She understands well the commitment, tribulations and sacrifices in the lives of military and their families. She sees therapy as an active process, which incorporates the client’s belief system, all in a setting of unconditional positive regard. She graduated with a bachelor of science in psychology from Fayetteville State University (FSU) and a master’s degree in psychology counseling. Kim has been an active member of the Fayetteville community and Haymount United Methodist Church for 29 years. She and her husband, Allen, have reared three children here in Fayetteville, and they graduated from North Carolina universities. She worked for 10 years as a substitute teacher for upper and middle schools at the Fayetteville Academy and in Cumberland County middle and high schools. Kim works out of our Highland office and also provides telehealth services.

Andrew Finkler, MDIV, MA, LCMHCA, LCASA, NCC

Andrew is an outpatient therapist who joined the Fayetteville Family Life Center in 2018. He is also a post graduate resident with CareNet. He is a Nationally Certified Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate. Andrew was an Army nurse who served tours in Germany, Iraq, and Afghanistan. As a medically retired veteran, he understands first-hand the trials of not only being a soldier but a veteran living in the civilian sector. He retired from active duty at Ft. Bragg in 2013. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Olivet College and B.S.N. from Austin Peay State University. He finished his MDiv. in Chaplaincy and Counseling and M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Campbell University. Andrew is an ordained Baptist minister who has a love for working with people from all places and stages in life who wish to seek a better relationship with themselves and their higher power. Andrew believes that his life experiences and professional callings as a nurse and minister, along with being a counselor, help him to create a truly holistic counseling experience. Andrew works out of our Highland center.

Darlene Hopkins, PhD, LCMHC

Dr. Hopkins has been in the counseling field since 1993, when she began her 2O-plus-year career at Methodist University, in Fayetteville. While there, she set up the first Counseling and Psychological Services Center to offer mental health counseling to students, staff and their families. She believes that building on existing strengths to create hope is crucial to every counseling session. Dr. Hopkins is now seeing clients at the Fayetteville center on Highland Avenue.

Jennifer Lamberth, MA, LMFT

Jennifer is a North Carolina Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. She has several years of experience both working within the local military and civilian communities. Jennifer is a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and holds professional membership with American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and American Counseling Association (ACA). She has experience as an Emergency Services Clinician and Counselor at a mental health center in Harnett County. Jennifer has experience in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, life transition issues, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, grief, anger management and women’s issues. She also has experience working with parenting issues, couples, marital issues and family-related concerns. Jennifer has received training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) through the EMDR Institute, Inc. In the past, she has served as a volunteer with the American Red Cross, Cumberland County Hospice, Fayetteville Care Clinic and the CONTACT Crisis Center. She is available for counseling men, women, children ages six and up, adolescents and families. Counseling can be conducted in a variety of settings such as individual, couples, marital and family.

Denise Merritt, DMIN, LMFT

Dr. Merritt joins us after 23 years of active duty military service. Reflecting, she notes her last assignment at Fort Bragg, which was to stand up the Unit Ministry Team at the Warrior Transition Battalion, was the most challenging and greatest honor. In this position, Chaplain Merritt invested her 7R skills and training to journey with Soldiers and families navigating uncertainties due to trauma and transition. Upon retirement, Dr. Merritt sought opportunities to continue sharpening her skill set.She enrolled at Liberty University in the Marriage and Family Therapy track and is currently under supervision for permanent license. Concurrent, she has been accepted in the Wake Forest Baptist Hospital Psychotherapy and Spirituality Residency program. This opportunity will further integrate the whole person approach to enhance family interventions. Dr. Merritt does not consider coming into the Fayetteville Family Life Center as going to work; rather she considers this her ‘Thank you America’ payback tour. She attends conferences hosted by the American Association of Christian Counselors to acquire resources to strengthen the bridge between pastoral congregational care and professional therapy. Her unique experiences fuel her vision and enthusiasm to model Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor, especially in a pluralistic culture. She serves persons and families navigating trauma, spiritual significance inquiries and relational life transitions. Dr. Merritt works out of our Highland center.

Elizabeth Ramos, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS

Elizabeth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. She has worked with people who suffer from the disease of addiction and with their family members for over 25 years. She was a member of the Substance Abuse Outpatient Program at the Cumberland County Mental Health Center for over 20 years. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Myrover-Reese Fellowship Homes, a member of the NC Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, a member of the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board and a member of the Board of the NC Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Studies. She also supervises individuals who are seeking a license in substance abuse or social work. She treats depression, anxiety, anger management, marriage and trauma. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She earned an associate degree in psychology from Fayetteville State University in 1996; a bachelor’s degree in social work from Methodist University in 2001; and a master’s in social work from Fayetteville State University in 2005. She joined the staff of the Fayetteville Family Life Center in 2006. Elizabeth works out of our Highland center and Haymount United Methodist Church.

OUR BOARD

Board of Directors

Rev Dan Abe
Dorothy Funkhouser
Phil McCall
Rev Chris Oliver
Rev Susie Reeder
Kathryn Whisnant

IMPACT

See The Difference We’re Making Across The Counties We Serve.

Over 6,100 (June 30, 2016 – July 31, 2017)
The number of hours of counseling care our team has provided over the past twelve months.

100+
Individual and family referrals from Fayetteville’s local churches through July 31, 2017.

$49,159 (June 30, 2016 – July 31, 2017)
The total dollar amount of care we provided to uninsured and underinsured clients in the Fayetteville area.

200+
The number of military clients, both active duty and retired, that we have been able to assist through our counseling.

NEW CLIENT FORMS

New Client Forms – ONLINE SUBMISSION
Click on the form name below to complete and submit online

Authorization and Consent to Participate in Telehealth
Confidential Information
Client Rights and Responsibilities
Consent to Treat and Center Information
Notice of Privacy Practices & Privacy Notice Acknowledgement

New Client Forms – DOWNLOAD & PRINT

LOCATIONS

Highland Office
114 Highland Avenue
Fayetteville, NC 28305
Phone: 910.484.0176
Fax: 910.484.5781

Robeson Family Counseling Center
202 West 15th Street
Downtown Lumberton Office
Lumberton, NC 28358
Phone: 910.738.8558

DONATE

At CareNet we know everyone should be able to get the mental health care they need that’s why we’re inviting you to support our mission and help make it happen.

Remember, it’s because of donations from organizations, service clubs, corporations, foundations and individuals like you, that we’re able to provide these critical counseling services for the communities we serve here in the Sandhills Region.

Please join us by giving the gift of mental health and help us help the children, teens and adults who need us most. Every gift makes a difference.

Online Giving

You can donate securely online through PayPal below with either a single gift or recurring monthly gift.

Giving By Mail

Please mail your donation to the address below with your check made payable to CareNet Counseling Sandhills:

Mailing Address:

CareNet Counseling Center

Volunteer – An Invitation to Give Your Time & Talent

We always need volunteers to serve on our board and committees, as well as help at the center and at events. If you are interested in volunteering please contact, Center Director, at Robbie Byrd at robyrd@wakehealth.edu or (910) 484-0176.

Our Supporting Partners

The congregations listed below partner with us by providing financial support for faith-based counseling. The Center gives priority to referrals made from these congregations. For information on how your congregation may participate, please contact our Director.

Camp Ground United Methodist Church
Covenant Love Church
CrossPointe Church
First Christian Church
First Presbyterian Church
Haymount United Methodist Church
Hay St. United Methodist Church
Highland Presbyterian Church
Lafayette Baptist Church
Lebanon Baptist Church
Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church
New South River Baptist Association
Snyder Memorial Baptist Church
St. John’s Episcopal Church
St. Patrick Catholic Church