OUTPATIENT THERAPY

FIRST connects persons with disabilities and their families with the resources they need to thrive in the community. Whether it is coordinating with government agencies, schools, or community partners, we have the knowledge and relationships to advocate effectively on your behalf. Simply put, we want to be the first place persons with disabilities and their families go to when they need support.

OUTPATIENT THERAPY

FIRSTwnc accepts Medicaid, United Healthcare, BCBS, and Healthchoice Insurance. We also accept private pay clients. Due to changes with insurance plans, please check to make sure your covers therapy sessions and if you have deductible. FIRSTwnc currently can not except Medicare.

Our Staff

Lindy Montelone, LCMHC, NCC, MAEd

Welcome! My counseling practice is centered on working with children ages 3-13 in need of support due to trauma, home and family transitions, school challenges and other mental health needs. I also work with individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in need of mental health support. I follow a whole person, strengths based approach and utilize the following techniques: Child Centered Play Therapy, Expressive arts, Movement, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Positive Behavior Supports. These techniques support the development of insight, self regulation, impulse control and an overall sense of well being.

My expertise has been developed by working as a School Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Direct Support Professional Supervisor, and with Medicaid Managed Care. I have trained with NADD, NCSTART, TEACCH, Elevatus and understand the Innovations Waiver. I offer individual counseling, parent/caregiver coaching, and provider training.

Please contact me for a consultation to gather information about your needs and help you find the right support.

Gianna Catania, CLSW-A

We are excited to add Gianna to our staff.  More about her clinical support for you and your family members to come.

Email her at gianna@firstwnc.org

Jackie Spring, LCMHC-A

Jackie provides mental health counseling and Specialized Consultation at FIRST. With previous experience providing structured teaching and consultation to individuals on the Autism Spectrum, Jackie now comes to FIRST as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, with a Master’s degree from Western Carolina University. Bringing with her initiative, empathy, and optimism, Jackie practices counseling with a diverse group of young people, ages 3 to 25.

Whether with children or teens, Jackie’s approach to counseling is collaborative and she empowers each individual to lead the counseling process while sprinkling in opportunities to incrementally enhance skills and progress toward goals. Jackie incorporates a variety of evidence-based practices to fit each person such as Child Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Theraplay-based strategies, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She often integrates expressive arts and body-based practices into her sessions to bring forward the tools that the body already possesses. Additionally, Jackie is in the process of earning a certification in TraumaPlay to expand her skills when counseling children and teenagers who have experienced trauma.

As a consultant for teams and caregivers, Jackie has specialized experience in evidence-based practices for children, teenagers, and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She understands that learning occurs all along the continuum, including one-on-one skill development, team training, and parent coaching.

Jackie is available in-person or through telehealth.

In addition to her work as a counselor and consultant, Jackie loves spending time and being playful with her family and friends, practicing partner acrobatics, getting out for hikes on beautiful (and crummy) days, crafting, and gardening.  Please contact me for a consultation to gather information about your needs and help you find the right support.

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