Feeling stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed?

Begin therapy with Stephen Messer, PhD Experienced Chapel Hill Psychologist

  • Regain personal resilience

  • Build emotional agility

  • Strengthen relationship skills

Trusted mental health care

As a licensed psychologist with extensive training and decades of experience, I offer sophisticated, personalized care for a diverse array of mental health conditions, relationship complexities, and life challenges. My practice encompasses work with older children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, providing a multifaceted approach to enhancing overall well-being.

At the core of my practice is a collaborative process where we work together to develop solution-focused strategies tailored to your unique needs. I create a respectful and secure environment that fosters deep reflection, valuable insights, and meaningful change.

I deeply appreciate and honor the courage it takes to seek professional help. I commit to working alongside you, enriching your self-awareness and adaptive capabilities. Together, we'll navigate your challenges and unlock your potential for growth and resilience.
Learn more about my psychological services.

Stephen Steve Messer, PhD is clinical psychologist psychotherapist therapist in Chapel Hill NC and Southern Village neighborhood

Contact me

You're not alone in this. I respond personally and promptly.

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Dr. Stephen Messer Chapel Hill Psychotherapy

Building Resilience Together

Feel secure and confident Strengthen your relationships Meet life’s challenges effectively

Effective therapy and mental health treatment

I enjoy working with people across the lifespan, from school-aged children to older adults. My extensive training and experience allow me to offer clinical and research-informed therapies for normative life stressors and various mental health conditions (no stigma, safe space — some examples):

  • Self-esteem, perceived competence, self-doubt

  • Adjustment to life transitions and stressors

  • Anxiety, fears, catastrophizing (e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder)

  • Sadness, depression, rumination, prolonged grief (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Prolonged Grief Disorder)

  • Obsessions, rituals, perfectionism (e.g., Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

  • Trauma, intrusive thoughts, avoidance, hypervigilance (e.g., Posttraumatic Stress Disorder)

  • Distractibility, impulsivity, motivation (e.g., Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

  • Emotional dysregulation, self-harm, impulsivity

  • Relationship issues (e.g., communication problems, commitment issues, anger and contempt, boundaries and neediness, heartbreak and loss)

  • Family distress (e.g., conflict, ineffective communication, estrangement, parenting challenges)

Anxiety, Depression, Psychotherapy, Stephen Messer, PhD

Professional psychological services

  • Assessment and Diagnosis:

    Conduct thorough diagnostic evaluations to identify issues and develop flexible treatment plans.

  • Individual Psychotherapy:

    One-on-one therapy sessions to adults, older and younger adolescents throughout the lifespan.

  • Couples and Family Therapy:

    Relationship, couples, and family therapy to improve communication, reduce relationship distress, and address interpersonal dynamics.

  • Consultation Services:

    Expert consultation with individuals (e.g., second opinions) and other mental health trainees and professionals (e.g., seminars, courses, trainings)

Philosophy of therapy and care

  • Collaborative Approach: Partnering with clients to develop effective strategies for addressing concerns and promoting resilience.

  • Holistic Perspective: Considering the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to mental health and well-being.

  • Emphasis on Human Potential: Focusing on enhancing overall quality of life and personal growth.

  • Commitment to Confidentiality: Providing a safe, respectful, and confidential environment for clients to explore their challenges and work towards positive change.

Practice values and commitment to you

I value compassion, respect, and integrity in my clinical psychology practice. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all clients, treating each individual with the dignity and respect they deserve. So, our work together will be honored with the highest standards of ethics, privacy, and care, starting with your initial inquiry. Every individual who enters my practice represents a unique opportunity to support a journey toward an enriched quality of life. I invite you to reach out and explore whether we might be an excellent fit for your therapeutic needs. Let's embark on this transformative process together, cultivating the insights, skills, and resilience crucial for development and enduring change.

Gain relief, explore strategies, and strengthen your core coping skills

  • Personal resilience

  • Emotional agility

  • Psychosocial flexibility

    Contact Dr. Messer today

Office

Dr. Stephen Messer Chapel Hill Psychotherapy 102 Market St, Ste 200
Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Hours
Tuesday–Friday
1:00 pm–8:00 pm

Saturday—Monday Office closed

Phone or Text
(919) 960-1034

Conveniently located in Southern Village