Amy Mistarz LCMHC, PMH-C
Welcome to Hearth Counseling & Consulting
I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist here to provide skills and strategies for people in any stage of parenthood including fertility struggles, loss, parenting challenges, and the complex process of adjusting to parenthood.
I’m also available to support those impacted by Severe Mental Illness (SMI) which includes chronic depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
My perspective on therapy includes deep respect for the unique experiences that shape our identities, with a specific focus on social justice. Therapy should be a space where you feel safe to be your authentic self, an experience you look forward to, and an accomplishment you feel proud of.
Education, Licensure, and Certifications
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Specialization: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina
Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International
Certified adoption-competent clinician through the Training for Adoption Competency
Professional Experience
Over 15 years of experience supporting families impacted by complex trauma.
Expertise in maternal/paternal and reproductive mental health including fertility challenges, loss, the process of adapting to motherhood sometimes referred to as matrescence, and challenges parenting children of all ages.
Highly skilled at safety assessments including evaluating risk of harm to self/others and identifying treatment options.
Experience working in foster care, post-adoptions, intensive in-home therapy, behavioral health urgent care, and pediatric psychiatric inpatient hospitalization.
Area of Focus
Those anticipating becoming parents who would like professional assistance developing their "village".
Parents interested in establishing a new rhythm of self-care, assistance setting healthy boundaries, and addressing other barriers interfering with joy.
Parents with traumatic experiences such as fertility struggles, loss, physically/emotionally challenging pregnancies, difficult labor/delivery, or feeling overwhelmed by any stage of parenthood.
Anyone with a safety concern about themselves or a loved one who would like an assessment to identify risk of harm to self or others, along with comprehensive safety planning and resource connection.
Those feeling confused about symptoms and interested in understanding possible diagnoses and treatment options.
Therapeutic Techniques & Modalities
Solution-Focused Therapy - Practical solutions to current challenges. Therapy without the “how does that make you feel?” part.
Interpersonal Therapy - Exploring the impact of relationships on various challenges. This includes relationships with your support system and with yourself.
Mindfulness - Cultivating self-awareness and stress management techniques. Who couldn’t use that these days?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) -Replacing cycles of thoughts/feelings/behaviors with healthier coping strategies. If “thought spiral” or “catastrophizing” sounds familiar, this may be the treatment for you!
A Little About Me
Outside of work, I also enjoy spending time with my family, sharing stories with friends about the absurdities of parenting young kids, finding new favorite music/rediscovering old favorites, and falling asleep before deciding what to watch on TV.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS
Aetna
UHC
Heathy Blue
Carolina Complete
AmeriHealth Caritas
UHC Community Plan
Wellcare
Alliance Health
Out-of-network for all others
Session Availability
Virtual sessions offered