.png)
~A place to find acceptance and heal
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 and once you spend a minute you will realize he enjoys helping others. Others have said to him, "You have never met a stranger, you can talk to almost anyone". He enjoys helping his clients see their lives from a different set of eyes and holds no judgment which creates a safe and, often healing container for his clients.
Philip and his wife, Susan, set out to create a clinic that would create a client community. One that can help individuals feel like they matter and that those in our clinic are invested in their care. This can be a somewhat unique experience in the world of medicine as it is currently operating. For those who are looking for a provider who cares and who spends more time, asking and answering more questions, you have found him. Philip 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.”
David M Cleveringa, PMHNP-BC
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 (of a newborn daughter) who values family, service, and contributing to the well-being of his community.
Tonia Lawson, LCMHC
Tonia is the newest member to our clinical team. She comes from a clinic located in Southern Pines with a strong reputation for helping those with histories of trauma and substance abuse. She has extensive experience working with military members and their families. In fact, she was married to a military member and lived that lifestyle for several years which has given her great insight into how to assist those who currently experiencing the stressors that often accompany being a part of the military community. Tonia's approach is to treat each individual, couple and/or family with compassionate, understanding and providing a client-centered approach. Tonia provides evidence-based counseling tailored to each person’s unique needs. My mission being to foster resilience, emotional well-being, and personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.
Tonia 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 Master's 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.
Tonia is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Her overall philosophy is to empower each individual to recognize their strengths, develop healthy coping skills and create meaningful change in their lives.
Tonia has been a wonderful addition to our team. We all find her warm, empathic, easy to engage. She has proven to be a therapist who means something to her clients due to the following she has created within our community.
Brandon Couch, LCSW
Brandon has been a part of our clinic for several years now since he obtained his LCSWA from UNCP. He is now fully licensed! While he was an associate, he has not been idle; he obtained his certificate in TB-CBT and is now trained in IFS. Most recently, he has been working with individuals who have significant substance use disorders and welcomes working with this population in his private practice.
Brandon's passion stems from his belief in the inherent resilience that lies within every person. He is a firm advocate for de-stigmatizing mental health challenges and fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance. He understands that seeking help can be a courageous step and is here to provide a judgment-free space where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and concerns openly and without concern that they will be labeled and/or judged. His approach to therapy is rooted in a combination of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and TB-CBT. I enjoy working with Neurodivergent individuals due to my incessant curiosity about how they view the world.
Brandon has a unique skill; making people laugh. This often results in an individual's ability to shift their perceptions of life events and/or laugh at their bumbles as they learn a new skill or a new way of thinking. It often helps individuals feel a sense of ease while working with him on difficult issues.
See providers profiles on Psychology Today for which insurance panels they are currently accepting