Life comes with its fair share of challenges, and sometimes, those challenges can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with persistent mental health issues, struggling with depression, anxiety, or simply trying to navigate a difficult period in your life, therapy can provide valuable support. But how do you know if therapy is the right choice for you? Understanding the signs that…

Forensic psychological evaluations play a critical role in the legal system, providing courts with expert insights into a person’s mental health, behavior, and cognitive abilities. Whether conducted for criminal and civil cases, child custody disputes, or personal injury claims, these assessments help answer important legal questions. If you have been referred for a forensic evaluation, understanding the process can help…

Imagine walking side-by-side with your therapist on a wooded trail or sitting together in a quiet park. There’s something about natural settings that can make hard conversations feel just a little easier. You’re still doing the same work—processing emotions, building insight, practicing coping strategies—but the environment changes everything. At Lepage Associates, serving Durham, Raleigh, Cary and Chapel Hill, we’ve seen…

When facing mental health challenges, one of the most common questions people ask is: Should I try therapy, medication, or both? It’s a fair question—especially when you’re overwhelmed and just want to feel better. The answer? It depends on your unique symptoms, history, and goals. And in some cases, the most effective path forward isn’t choosing between therapy or medication—it’s…

For today’s teens, social media isn’t just a way to pass time—it’s part of how they communicate, form identity, and interact with the world. From filtered selfies to 15-second videos, the impact of social media on teens’ mental health has become one of the most pressing conversations among parents, therapists, and educators. At Lepage Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how the…

In today’s fast-paced world, feelings of anxiety and overwhelming stress have become increasingly prevalent, and are often referred to as the ‘common cold’ of mental health. These emotional states not only impact our mental well-being but can also hinder our ability to function optimally in various aspects of life, including work, studies, and personal relationships. However, it’s essential to understand…

Attorneys and clients have at times expressed frustration in their attempts to find a board certified expert in North Carolina. Here is some information to clarify this for NC. The term ‘board certified’ can be confusing when referring to psychologists. The NC Psychology Board licenses psychologists and does not grant any specialty certificates; thus a psychologist is never board certified…

Attorneys many times see people at their worst. Often very large stressors are impacting a person when they are involved in legal matters. Being in such a state can negatively impact a client’s ability to collaborate as effectively as possible with their attorney. A client may be sabotaging their own case because they are not able to cooperate with the…

Psychological testing can be a transformative tool for understanding mental health, cognitive functioning, and overall well-being in both children and adults. Whether the goal is treatment planning, assessing the impact of a brain injury, or identifying strengths and weaknesses, psychological testing provides valuable insights that can guide effective interventions.  At Lepage Associates, we specialize in psychological assessment to help individuals…

Overthinking can feel like an inescapable loop—reliving past conversations, worrying about future outcomes, and constantly second-guessing decisions. This vicious cycle of overthinking not only fuels anxious thoughts but also contributes to anxiety disorders, making it difficult to focus on the present moment and enjoy life. Fortunately, with the right strategies, you can break free from overthinking, manage anxiety, and regain…

Depression is often pictured as someone unable to get out of bed, visibly struggling with day-to-day life. However, not all depression looks the same. Some individuals maintain successful careers, fulfill social obligations, and even appear cheerful to others—all while battling a form of depression that’s often referred to as smiling depression or high-functioning depression. While they may not show obvious…