Meet our Mental Health Counselors at our Morehead City Clinic!

Eliza Bowen Lydon, MS, LMCHCA, LCASA

Life can feel messy. Trying to balance family, a career, school, and relationships can all feel very overwhelming. Maybe you’re struggling with something from your past or trying to navigate a present unforeseen circumstance, leaving you feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, angry, or burned out and feeling “stuck” but unsure where to go from here. It is my goal as a clinician to create a safe and supportive environment for you to explore the challenges you are facing at your own pace, and to collaborate with you so that, together, we can identify helpful solutions and positive changes to address and meet your needs.

I specialize in working with anxiety and depressive disorders, PTSD, adjustment disorder, and substance use disorders. I practice from a person-centered approach, and incorporate several theories into treatment, including cognitive behavioral, acceptance and commitment, solution-focused and play therapies based on your personal experiences, needs, and goals.

As a clinician, and someone who has walked my own mental health journey, I know the first steps can often feel the most daunting and commend you for having the courage to take them. Welcome, I’m glad you’re here! Therapy is not one size fits all, but if you feel that we would be a good fit, I’d be honored to help you begin your path to mental wellness.

Check out Eliza's Psychology Today Profile!

Katie Krauss, LCSW

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2020. Prior to that, I completed my Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in Psychology at the same institution in 2019. Throughout my post-secondary education, a strong emphasis on early childhood development has provided me with a solid foundation for understanding and addressing the needs of children. This focus has significantly shaped and enhanced my therapeutic approach.

I have extensive experience working with at-risk youth, families, and individuals across various age groups. I spent two years in community mental health, providing support to both children and adults. For the past 2.5 years, I have worked in educational settings, where I have helped students with developmental and learning challenges acquire coping strategies to enhance their success in school. Additionally, I have supported students struggling with mental health issues by empowering them with effective strategies and coping skills.

My specialties includes delivering person-centered care through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness. I enjoy making therapy fun with for children by incorporating fun or creative and artistic approaches to my therapeutic approach. I feel it is very important to help children understand their brain as well as their feelings to help them manage and regulate their bodies when they experience big emotions.

I have experience working with a range of mental health conditions, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

As a mother of two neurodivergent children, I had the privilege of being a stay-at-home parent during their early childhood years. Additionally, I spent 13 years as a military spouse before returning to school to complete my degrees. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending my leisure time crafting and relaxing with my family.

Check out Katie's Psychology Today Profile!

Vanessa McBride, LCMHCA

Vanessa graduated from East Carolina University in 2023 with a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) degree. With two decades of experience working with children and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, she brings a unique understanding of the developmental needs of her young clients.

Vanessa has lived in Eastern North Carolina for the past ten years, but was born and raised in South Dakota, living in California, Colorado and Texas in-between. As a mother of four, she has cultivated a compassionate awareness that enhances her practice. Throughout her career, she has worked in diverse settings, including schools, community organizations, and private practice, earning a reputation for creating safe and nurturing environments where children can explore their emotions and experiences. Her evidence-based approach incorporates play therapy and family dynamics to promote resilience and emotional well-being.

As a proud member of a military family, Vanessa also brings an understanding and ability to help support families with military backgrounds, acknowledging the unique challenges they face, including relocation, deployment, and adjustment. While a significant portion of her work has focused on children, she is equally passionate about empowering parents and adults of all ages. Her commitment to fostering healthy relationships and emotional growth positions her as a trusted resource for both children and adults.

Payton Hill, MEd, LCMHCA

Together, we’ll embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, unraveling the tangled web of negative thoughts and paving the way for a brighter future. Through the lens of cognitive behavioral therapy, we’ll navigate the maze of self-doubt and anxiety, forging a path towards improved relationships and a healthier self-image. In my cozy, judgment-free space, we can sip coffee as we delve into your inner world, nurturing a friendship built on trust and understanding. Let’s embark on this transformative process at your own pace, embracing the beauty of gradual, sustainable change. So, bring your latte, settle in, and let’s start chatting about a better future!

Check out Payton's Psychology Today Profile!

Heather Plourde LCMHCA, NCC

Heather earned a Master of Science in Counselor Education, Dual Track Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling, from East Carolina University in 2025; she is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). In addition, Heather is a school counselor, a North Carolina-licensed K-12 educator, a licensed K-12 school administrator and National Board Certified Teacher, with over 20 years of experience in public school education and student case management.

Throughout her professional career, Heather has supported children with a wide range of disabilities, diagnoses, and mental health challenges, equipping them with effective strategies and coping skills essential for success in public school environments. Her counseling experience includes assessment and treatment of at-risk (mild to moderate) children, adolescents, and families; young adults and college students; and adults. While her clinical services have primarily focused on outpatient individual therapy, she has also facilitated both counseling and psychoeducational groups.

Grounded in Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered approach, Heather strives to offer unconditional positive regard within the counseling space so that every client feels seen, heard, and valued. With a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based model that helps clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, her approach is eclectic and tailored to the unique needs of each client.

Heather’s scope of clinical practice includes stress and anxiety management, support for depression, executive functioning skill development and coaching, and strategies for personal wellness. Across every setting, her goal is to create a supportive, collaborative environment where clients can build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and experience meaningful growth. Beyond her professional roles, Heather is a proud mother of three and the child of a military veteran—experiences that deeply shaped her values of service, resilience, dedication, and compassion in both her personal life and professional practice.

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