Locally known as the Fayetteville Family Life Center (Fayetteville location) and the Robeson Family Counseling Center (Lumberton location), we are a compassionate, spiritually-integrated and community-based care organization affiliated with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and we have been providing counseling since 1974. As one of six regions in the CareNet Counseling family, our center is committed to improving the mental health of our region and the counties we serve including: Cumberland, Robeson, Moore, southern Harnett, Sampson, Bladen, Richmond, Scotland and Hoke counties.
We are supported in our mission by a highly-engaged board of prominent religious, business and professional leaders with one driving goal – making sure everyone in our community has access to our mental health counseling services. 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.
Our Team
Robbie Byrd, DMIN, LCSW
Regional Manager
Trish L. Carter, MSW, LCSW
Trish Carter, MSW, LCSW, has been with the Robeson Family Counseling Center since 2011. Trish has over 30 years of experience serving in all types of mental health agencies in Robeson County. Trish received her BSW from UNC-Pembroke in 1987 and her MSW from East Carolina University in 1997. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1993. Trish works with all age populations–children to older adults. Trish serves two days in the Lumberton office, and she also works two days out of the Pembroke Pediatrics office (812 Candy Road Park, Pembroke NC).
Caroline Kimberly Cofiori, MA, LCMHC
Caroline Kimberly Cofiori, MA, LCMHC 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 a special interest in trauma recovery and has received specialized training in trauma care. Kim also treats many different 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 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 Masters Degree in Psychology Counseling. Kim has been an active member of the Fayetteville community and Haymount United Methodist Church for 37 years. Kim works out of our Highland office and also provides telehealth services.
Andrew Finkler, MDIV, MA, LCMHCA, LCASA, NCC
Andrew Finkler, MDIV, MA, LCMHC, LCAS-A, is a Nationally Certified Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate who joined the Fayetteville Family Life Center in 2018. 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 recently 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 counselor, help him to create a truly holistic counseling experience. His clinical training experiences include: working with the homeless population at Operation Inasmuch, hospital chaplaincy at Cape Fear Valley medical Center, inpatient substance abuse detox and mental health stabilization at Cape Fear Valley Behavioral Health-Roxie Avenue Center, and outpatient spiritual psychotherapy at the Fayetteville Family Life Center. Andrew works out of our Highland office and also provides telehealth services.
Dorothy Funkhouser, MCM, MSW, LCSWA
Dorothy Funkhouser, MCM, MSW, LCSWA, is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate., who completed her MSW from The Catholic University in May of 2023, as well as her internship with the Fayetteville Family Life Center. Dorothy is now a resident with the FFLC through CareNet Counseling’s Spiritually-Integrated Psychotherapy program. Dorothy has experience with and passion for children and adolescents, serving as Guardian ad Litem for Court District 12 of Cumberland County since 2015. She worked for 25 years as the Director of Christian Education at Haymount United Methodist Church, having earned her Master’s Degree in Church Ministries from Duke Divinity School in 2006. While being in full-time ministry, Dorothy was a trainer of sexual abuse prevention practices for the over 800 local congregations in the North Carolina United Methodist Church Conference and worked collaboratively for a period with the Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville, NC in a faith-based initiative for the prevention of child abuse in the Fayetteville community. Dorothy is also a trained Stephen Ministry leader, having served in Stephen Ministry, a pastoral counseling ministry, for over 15 years. Prior to serving in the church, Dorothy taught several years in public elementary school and preschool classrooms and has worked extensively with several Boy Scouting units for over 30 years, celebrating her three sons who completed their Eagle Scout rank. Dorothy grew up as an Army dependent, allowing her insights into the inherent challenges faced by military families. She is married, has two biological adult sons, one now adult foster son, two beautiful grandchildren, and is care-giver to her mother. Dorothy hopes to work with children, using play therapy approaches, adolescents, families, individuals. Her plans include becoming a trainer of Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), which is endorsed by the Department of Social Services of Cumberland County, NC. She will also concentrate future studies on complex trauma with children and adolescents and become certified as a play therapist. Dorothy works out of the Highland office.
Darlene Hopkins, PhD, LCMHC
Darlene Maryalice Hopkins, PhD, LCMHC, has been in the counseling field since 1985. She came to the Fayetteville Family Life Center in 2017. In 1993, she began a 23-year career at Methodist University, Fayetteville, where set up the first Counseling and Psychological Services Center to offer mental health counseling to students, staff and their families. Her master’s level education was completed at Indiana University and she earned a PhD in Christian Counseling at Atlantic Coast Seminary in Florida. She has earned a license as a clinical addictions specialist and a certification in the treatment of trauma. She is also a certified meditation teacher. She continues to teach psychology courses, to supervise graduate internships and to provide pre-licensing supervision to mental health and addiction counselors. Dr. Hopkins believes that building on existing strengths to create hope is central to every counseling session. Darlene works out of the Highland office and provides telehealth services.
Jennifer Lamberth, MA, LMFT
Jennifer Lamberth, MA, LMFT, 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 many years of experience both working within the local military and civilian communities. Jennifer is a Clinical Member of the American Association of 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 (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 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. Jennifer is available for counseling men, women, and children ages six and up, adolescent and families. Counseling can be conducted in a variety of settings such as individual, couples, marital, and family. Jennifer provides telehealth services only.
Denise Merritt, DMIN, LMFT
Denise Merritt, DMIN, LMFT, 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 most challenging and the 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 retooled at Liberty University in the Marriage and Family Therapy track. In August 2018 she completed a two year Residency at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Psychotherapy and Spirituality. This experience integrates the whole person approach which enhances couple and family interventions. Denise 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 for ongoing professional development and resourcing 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. Denise serves persons and families navigating trauma, spiritual significance, and relational life transitions. She is EMDR trained, and accepts most insurances. Denise works out of our Highland office and also provides telehealth services.
Elizabeth Ramos, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
Elizabeth Ramos, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. She has worked with people who suffer from the disease of addiction and their family members for over 35 years. She was a member of the Substance Abuse Outpatient Program at the Cumberland County Mental Health Center for over 20 years. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Myrover-Reese Fellowship Homes, the NC Commission for Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Services, the Board of the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board and the Board of the NC Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Studies. She treats for depression, anxiety, anger management, marriage and trauma. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She holds an Associate Degree in Psychology from Fayetteville State University, (1996); a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Methodist University (2001); and a Masters in Social Work from Fayetteville State University (2005). Mrs. Ramos joined the staff of the Fayetteville Family Life Center in 2006. Elizabeth provides telehealth services only.
Melissa M. Reed, MS, MA, LCMHCA
Melissa M. Reed, MS, MA, LCMHCA, is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor-Associate who completed her internship at the Fayetteville Family Life Center and is now a resident with the FFLC through CareNet Counseling’s Spiritually-Integrated Psychotherapy program. Melissa is a 16-year social work veteran and has worked in child protective services with children and families. Melissa holds a Master of Science in Administration (Public Administration) from Central Michigan University, a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Campbell University, and she will complete her Master of Divinity in December 2023 from Campbell University. Melissa also holds a Certifications in Non-Profit Management from Duke University and has worked extensively with local and national non-profits. Melissa is passionate about volunteering. Melissa is a proud Army Brat who has lived and traveled to several places and continents but declares Charleston, South Carolina. She understands the nuances of being a military dependent and welcomes the opportunity to work with those experiencing angst related to adjusting to military culture and transition. Melissa has lived in Fayetteville since 2004 and is very connected to the community through church, community organizations, and volunteering. Melissa provides counseling services for all ages, genders, individuals, and couples; however, her counseling specialty area is adolescents and issues surrounding women. She treats many clinical disorders, women’s issues, depression, and adjustment issues and enjoys helping develop skills related to communication in relationships, handling emotional discomfort, and regulation of emotions. Melissa believes psychotherapy and spiritual integration can coexist to provide healthy behaviors and growth. She works out of our Highland office and also provides telehealth services.
Locations
Highland Office
114 Highland Avenue
Fayetteville, NC 28305
Phone: 910-484-0176
Fax: 910-484-5781
Robeson Family Counseling Center
Downtown Lumberton Office
202 West 15th Street
Lumberton, NC 28358
Phone: 910-738-8558
New Client Forms
New Client Forms – ONLINE
(Click on the form name to complete and submit online)
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 Central/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.
ONE-TIME ONLINE DONATION
RECURRING ONLINE DONATION
GIVING BY MAIL
Please mail your donation to the address below with your check made payable to CareNet Counseling Sandhills:
CareNet Counseling Center
Need mailing address
Our Board
Board of Directors
Dan Abe
Susie Reeder
Jimmy Townsend
Phil McCall
Craig Morrison
If you or a loved one are struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing emotional distress, contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 (24/7, free and confidential, English or Spanish).
It is the policy of CareNet Counseling, Inc. to administer all educational and employment activities without discrimination because of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or veteran status (except where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification or a statutory requirement) and in accordance with all local, state, national laws, executive orders, regulations and guidelines.