
Philip Couch, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Philip Couch began his career as an accountant for a top 10 accounting firm over 30 years ago. He made a career in the business world, eventually becoming a high-level consultant for large corporations. While he found tremendous success in this career, he did not find the fulfillment he was looking for in his work. He had always been a person who enjoyed mentoring others and helping them succeed in their career path. In fact, he would say he enjoyed this more than completing whatever project he was working on within the corporation.
He went back to school at Duke University to obtain his ABSN and his FNP. He has worked on a hospital unit as well as within different specialty clinics. He would tell you he found his place in the medical field. It is meaningful and there is always something new to learn. He had been working in Laurinburg in an Internal Medicine clinic when he and his wife started talking about opening a clinic that would blend both medicine and mental health care. He became increasingly excited about how this type of clinic could provide better care for his patients.
Philip is a provider who cares deeply for those who come to him for care. He wants to provide the most comprehensive, collaborative and caring treatment possible. He often says, “We want to treat each client like we would like to be treated by our providers.”
Philip is on the following insurance panels: BCBS, Cigna, First Carolina Care, Humana Health Plan, Medicare Advantage/First Medicare, Medicare Advantage/Humana, Medicare and United HealthCare.
Susan Couch began her career in social work in the 1980's. She has extensive experience working in a variety of settings including iin patient substance abuse clinics, outpatient mental clinics, working for the Air Force as a Mental Health Officer, working with CPS as well as other setting. Susan has always been interested in helping people understand themselves and

Brandon Couch
Brandon Couch is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (LCSWA) who graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Carolina at Pembroke in 2021 and completed his Master of Work in May 2023. With a warm and empathetic approach, is committed to helping individuals navigate life's complexities, providing support and guidance in a safe space. Brandon enjoys working with diverse populations, particularly adolescents and young adults, recognizing their unique struggles and empowering them with the tools they need to thrive. His genuine passion for understanding the human experience drives commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Tonia Lawson
Professional Overview
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families in navigating life’s challenges. With a compassionate, client-centered approach, I provide evidence-based counseling tailored to each person’s unique needs. My mission is to foster resilience, emotional well-being, and personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.
I was born and raised in a very small town in Southwest Ohio. I obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Wilmington College in 2001, and began a career as a Social Worker at a local Social Services agency. By 2005, I obtained my first Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology. In 2006, I moved to Georgia as part of a Military Family, and continued my Social Work career. We welcomed our son in 2008 and our daughter in 2013, and life was very busy, but I remained focused on higher education and pursuing my dreams of becoming a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. In 2020, that dream became a reality when I obtained my second Master’s Degree in Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
🎯 Areas of Expertise
Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders
Trauma-informed care and PTSD support
Stress management and coping strategies
Relationship and family counseling
Grief and loss counseling
Career and life transitions
Self-esteem and personal development
🛠️ Counseling Approach
Therapeutic Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Philosophy: I believe in empowering clients to recognize their strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and create meaningful change in their lives.
📍 Location & Services
Office: Serenity Mental and Medical Health Care: 430 Magnolia Square Circle. Aberdeen, NC 28315
Telehealth: Secure online sessions available for clients across North Carolina
Hours:
Mondays 8-1pm
Tuesdays-Fridays 8-5 pm
🌟 Why Choose Me
Licensed and experienced in clinical mental health counseling
Warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment
Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual goals
Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical care
📞 Contact Information
Phone: 910-637-0051
Email: tonia@serenitymmc.com
Website: serenitymmc.com
Social Media: tonia lawson - Psychology Today
David K. Cleveringa,
David K. Cleveringa, PMHNP, is our newest member. David is a native who came to us looking for a place to learn and decided he wanted to stay and be a part of a clinic that wants to provide excellent care to those we serve. David was born and raised in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where strong community values and commitment to service shaped his early path. Motivated to serve his country, David joined the military at a young age. During his time in uniform, he witnessed the significant and growing need for accessible, compassionate mental health care, especially among service members and veterans navigating stress, trauma, and transition. This experience inspired David to pursue a career dedicated to mental health.
Before becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), he worked as a clinical mental health therapist, supporting veterans and active-duty personnel through complex emotional and psychological challenges. His clinical background also includes extensive work in inpatient psychiatry and the emergency department, giving him a strong foundation in crisis response, acute stabilization, and comprehensive patient care.
Today, David brings this diverse experience back home to the Sandhills. He is committed to improving access to high-quality, evidence-based psychiatric care and strives to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered. Outside of his professional work, David is an avid lover of the outdoors. He enjoys spending time in nature, raising and breeding Labradors, and practicing gunsmithing as both a craft and creative outlet. Above all, he is a devoted husband and proud father who values family, service, and contributing to the well-being of his community.

