Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025Looking for self-esteem support in Raleigh? You’re in the right place. Explore trusted self-esteem therapy and counseling options near you, compare providers, and take the next step toward confidence and well-being with resources tailored to Raleigh residents seeking mental health care.
Psychologist
Remote only
Dr. Christine Coleman, Ph.D is a Psychologist in Durham, North Carolina and has been in practice for 11 years. They treat Self Esteem, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Acute Stress Disorder.
I welcome and affirm clients of all identities and backgrounds in my practice. I offer mental health counseling via telehealth, and I have availability.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Remote only
Annie Seier is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Self Esteem, Academic Concerns, Panic.
I welcome and affirm clients of all identities and backgrounds in my practice.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Counselor, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Remote only
Ebony Martinez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Self Esteem, Cognitive Functioning, Relationship(s) with Friends/Roommates.
I aim to remain culturally sensitive and open to what is priority for you. I believe your voice has value & I'm ready to listen.
Psychologist, Sport Psychologist
7401 Metro Boulevard, Edina, Minnesota 55424
Carlin Anderson is a Psychologist in Edina, Minnesota and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Self Esteem, Academic Concerns, Cognitive Functioning.
Grounded in empathy and evidence-based interventions, we are 20+ sport psychology experts providing service & care to individuals, teams, & sport orgs.
Psychologist, Psychotherapist
47 West Polk Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605
Samuel Macy is a Psychologist in Chicago, Illinois and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Self Esteem, Performance Anxiety, Peer Difficulties.
With an appreciation for the many facets of identity that shape each person’s worldview, I offer an engaging and culturally-informed approach to therapy.
Counselor
4904 Waters Edge Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606
Lindsey Umstead is a Counselor in Raleigh, North Carolina and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Self Esteem, Self-Harm, Anxiety.
I work with folks seeking to heal their relationships with food and body & learn skills to cope effectively with difficult emotions and experiences.
Self-Esteem therapy in Raleigh is available in multiple formats, including in-person sessions across neighborhoods like Downtown, North Hills, Five Points, Brier Creek, and the Village District, as well as virtual teletherapy for flexible, at-home care. Individual therapy offers personalized strategies to build confidence and challenge inner critics, while group therapy provides peer support and real-time practice in safe, guided settings. Teletherapy can reduce commute stress on I-40/I-440 and fits busy schedules near NC State or RTP commutes, and in-person care may appeal if you prefer face-to-face connection and local resources. Many locations are accessible via GoRaleigh and GoTriangle routes, with ample parking in Midtown and Glenwood South, which can make consistent attendance easier.
MiResource makes it simple to compare Self-Esteem therapists in Raleigh by location, specialization, and approach—such as CBT , ACT, psychodynamic, and strengths-based methods—so you can find a good fit. Filter for in-person offices near your home or workplace, or choose North Carolina–licensed teletherapy providers for maximum convenience. You can also review availability, insurance, and treatment focus to match individual or group options that meet your goals. With clear profiles and side-by-side comparisons, MiResource is a trusted, easy-to-use tool for exploring and choosing the right Self-Esteem support in Raleigh.
NAMI Wake County offers free support groups and education classes that build self-esteem for individuals and families, with meetings held in community spaces around Downtown Raleigh and Midtown/North Hills. Haven House Services provides counseling, life-skills groups, and youth crisis support that can boost confidence for teens and young adults, with programs accessible from the NC State/Western Blvd and Glenwood South areas. UNC Health WakeBrook, near the WakeMed Raleigh Campus on Sunnybrook Road, offers 24/7 behavioral health crisis services, inpatient care, and outpatient therapy that can support self-esteem recovery. You can also use MiResource to find licensed Self-Esteem therapists in Raleigh.
Wake County Health & Human Services provides public clinics, care coordination, and referrals with sliding-scale options at its main campus near WakeMed on Sunnybrook Road. Alliance Health , the managed care organization for Wake County, connects residents to publicly funded mental health services and crisis support, including a 24/7 Access and Information Line. WakeMed offers mental health resources and emergency behavioral health evaluation at its New Bern Avenue campus. For additional referrals to nonprofits and community programs across neighborhoods like the Village District and Southeast Raleigh, call or search NC 211 .
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department: WakeMed Raleigh Campus (919-350-8000), UNC Rex Hospital (919-784-3100), or Duke Raleigh Hospital (919-954-3000); for non-life-threatening but urgent needs, you can also visit an urgent care (e.g., WakeMed Urgent Care locations). Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call/text 988, chat at https://988lifeline.org ) or text HOME to 741741 to reach Crisis Text Line for immediate, confidential support. For local behavioral health crisis response in Wake County, call Alliance Health’s 24/7 Access and Information Line at 800-510-9132 to connect with mobile crisis teams and urgent mental health services. If unsure where to go, call 988 or Alliance Health first for guidance to the fastest appropriate care.
Self-Esteem is your overall sense of personal worth—how much you value, respect, and trust yourself in daily life. It includes your beliefs about your abilities and your feelings of confidence or doubt, and it can change with experiences at home, work, or school (American Psychological Association, APA Dictionary of Psychology). Self-Esteem is not the same as arrogance; healthy Self-Esteem balances strengths and limitations with self-compassion (American Psychological Association, APA Dictionary of Psychology). Clear, accessible understanding of Self-Esteem helps you notice patterns that build you up or wear you down (MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine).
Healthy Self-Esteem is linked with resilience, better coping under stress, and more satisfying relationships, while low Self-Esteem is associated with higher risk of anxiety and depression (MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine). Recognizing how Self-Esteem shows up—through self-talk, boundary setting, and willingness to seek support—can guide practical steps toward feeling more grounded and capable (American Psychological Association, APA Dictionary of Psychology). For people in Raleigh balancing work, school, and community life, tuning into Self-Esteem can make everyday challenges feel more manageable and meaningful. Learning small, steady skills to support Self-Esteem is a powerful investment in long-term mental health (MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine).
Noticing changes in how you view yourself can be the first step toward strengthening your Self-Esteem. The list below highlights the most common signs and symptoms of Self-Esteem challenges to help Raleigh residents recognize patterns early and consider reaching out for support if needed.
- Frequent self-criticism or negative self-talk that’s hard to turn off
- Comparing yourself to others in Raleigh and feeling you never measure up
- Avoiding new challenges or opportunities because you fear making mistakes
- Difficulty accepting compliments or downplaying your strengths and wins
- People-pleasing or saying “yes” to avoid conflict, even when you’re overwhelmed
- Perfectionism (setting unrealistically high standards and feeling discouraged when they’re not met)
- Withdrawing from social activities or goals you once cared about due to shaky Self-Esteem
Self-Esteem often develops from a mix of influences rather than a single cause, and these factors can interact in complex ways over time. For people in Raleigh, understanding this web of influences can reduce stigma and foster empathy—both for yourself and others. By looking at the broader picture, you can better identify what’s shaping your Self-Esteem and where support might help.
- Biological
- Family history or genetic tendencies
- Brain chemistry (messengers like serotonin that affect mood)
- Hormonal shifts (puberty, postpartum, thyroid changes)
- Psychological
- Negative self-talk and harsh inner critic
- Perfectionism or all-or-nothing thinking (cognitive distortions: habitual thought errors)
- Past trauma or repeated failure experiences
- Environmental
- Family dynamics and early caregiving
- Bullying, social media comparison, or peer pressure
- Discrimination, financial stress, or work/school demands
Self-Esteem shapes how we see ourselves and what we believe we deserve, which can ripple through almost every part of daily life. When confidence feels low, even small tasks in Raleigh—like speaking up at work, joining a class, or meeting new people—can feel heavier. Stronger Self-Esteem can make it easier to take healthy risks, set boundaries, and bounce back from setbacks. Understanding this impact builds empathy for ourselves and others and can be the first step toward getting support.
- Work or school performance, including focus, participation, and willingness to try new challenges
- Relationships and social connections, from dating and friendships to family dynamics and trust
- Emotional well-being, including stress levels, mood, and how you handle criticism or setbacks
- Physical health and self-care habits, like sleep , nutrition, movement, and medical checkups
- Decision-making and boundaries, such as saying no, asking for help, and standing up for your needs
- Community involvement in Raleigh, including joining groups, volunteering, or attending local events
There are proven, evidence-based treatments for Self-Esteem that can reduce negative self-talk, build confidence, and improve daily functioning. With the right support, many people notice meaningful changes in mood, relationships, and quality of life. If you’re in Raleigh, you don’t have to do this alone—effective help is available, and taking the first step can make a real difference.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Teaches practical skills to challenge harsh self-criticism, build balanced thinking, and increase helpful behaviors.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking actions aligned with your values to strengthen Self-Esteem.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT): Trains your “inner voice” to be kinder and more supportive, reducing shame and boosting self-worth.
- Group Therapy or Support Groups: Offers a safe space to practice skills, share experiences, and receive encouragement from others in Raleigh working on similar goals.
- Lifestyle Interventions: Regular exercise, consistent sleep, and mindful practices (like brief breathing exercises) improve mood and resilience that support Self-Esteem.
- Medication (when appropriate): If low Self-Esteem is linked with depression or anxiety , medications such as SSRIs, prescribed by a clinician, can reduce symptoms so therapy works better.
Myth: High Self-Esteem means being arrogant; truth: healthy Self-Esteem is quiet confidence and self-respect, not bragging. Myth: You must love yourself completely before having good relationships; truth: Self-Esteem can grow alongside supportive connections and therapy. Myth: Self-Esteem is fixed by success or achievements; truth: it’s built over time through realistic self-talk, skills practice, and compassionate boundaries. If you’re in Raleigh, know many neighbors work on Self-Esteem too, and help is available without judgment.
Pick a calm, private time—like a quiet evening at home or a walk in a Raleigh park—to say, “I want to share how I’m working on my Self-Esteem; I’d appreciate listening over advice.” Set boundaries up front (how much you want to share, topics that are off-limits, and how you’d like them to respond), and use “I” statements to keep the conversation safe and focused. If judgment pops up, pause and reset: “That feedback feels tough right now; could we stick to support?” Share helpful resources you’re using—articles or podcasts on Self-Esteem, local Raleigh options like Wake Tech workshops, NAMI Wake County groups, or counseling referrals through Alliance Health—so loved ones know how to help constructively.
Yes—Self-Esteem can improve on its own through time, supportive relationships, healthy habits, and consistent self-reflection, but progress is often slow and uneven. Many people in Raleigh find that self-help tools like journaling, mindfulness, and structured goals boost Self-Esteem, yet setbacks can recur without deeper support. Professional counseling or coaching provides proven strategies, accountability, and insight into root causes, making gains more stable and lasting. If you’re in Raleigh, connecting with a local therapist or group can accelerate growth and help you sustain healthier Self-Esteem over the long term.
In your first Self-Esteem therapy session in Raleigh, you’ll start with a warm introduction, go over what brings you in, and talk about what you hope to change. Your therapist will ask about your background, daily stressors, and strengths to understand your story within the context of life in Raleigh and the Triangle. Together, you’ll set initial, realistic goals and agree on a plan for future sessions. You’re welcome to move at your own pace, ask questions, and take breaks—you’re in a safe, supportive space.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
