Meet our Mental Health Counselors at our Morehead City Clinic!

Eliza Bowen Lydon, MS, LCMHCA

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.

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.

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