Accepting New Clients!
Session format options:
In-Person
Virtual / Telehealth
Samantha Franklin, LCSWA
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Works with clients age 4+
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (NC) - #P022559
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Licensed School Social Worker
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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Certified
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Teen Group Therapy: The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®)
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) (Web 2.0)
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Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Samantha Franklin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) who provides therapy for children, teens, and families. Samantha has advanced training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and experience leading teen social skills groups based on the PEERS curriculum. Her clinical focus includes ADHD, autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Samantha employs an integrative, evidence-based approach that fosters emotional regulation, promotes positive parent-child relationships, and facilitates effective behavior management. She incorporates creative techniques such as play, art, and interactive activities to help children engage in the therapeutic process while guiding parents in strategies tailored to their child’s needs.
Before joining Redfish Counseling, Samantha worked for several years in non-profit organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Inspired by this work and her own parenting experiences, she returned to graduate school to earn her Master of Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill. During her training, she completed internships in public schools and a developmental and behavioral pediatrics clinic, gaining experience with children, adolescents, and families in both educational and healthcare settings.
SPECIALTY AREAS
ADHD
Parent Coaching
Setting Boundaries
Autism Spectrum & Neurodiversity
Emotion Regulation
Parental Stress & Burnout
Intellectual & Developmental Disability
Anxiety
Behavioral Issues
Insurance & Billing Options:
​Samantha will be in network with most plans through Aetna, BCBS, Medcost, and CBHA. Samantha also works with clients paying out of pocket or those who have out-of-network insurance, and has openings available for clients seeking reduced rate services as well.
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*May NOT include BlueLocal​, Medicare-, or Medicaid-sponsored plans*
From Samantha:
"Hi, I’m Samantha!
I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves support, understanding, and practical tools to thrive, especially when life feels overwhelming. I’ve seen firsthand how the right guidance can make a huge difference, and I love walking alongside parents and kids as they navigate challenges together.
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I know how challenging parenting a neurodivergent child can be—the worries, the exhaustion, and questioning whether you’re doing it right. Part of what led me to become a counselor was my own experience of receiving support from caring professionals who made me feel less alone. That experience taught me how powerful the right kind of help can be, and it’s what I hope to offer the families I work with today.
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In therapy, I create a warm and collaborative space where parents and children feel understood and supported. You’ll leave each session with practical tools to use right away.
I draw from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and other evidence-based approaches to strengthen family connections and build confidence.
For kids, I incorporate play, art, and games to make therapy engaging and accessible, helping them express themselves and learn new skills in a safe, comfortable way.
I believe that all brains are unique and work differently when it comes to processing information, and not everyone fits the "neurotypical" mold. Traditional parenting strategies don’t always work well for neurodivergent kids and their families. I specialize in working with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism, and intellectual or developmental disabilities, as well as their parents and siblings.
Many of the families I support come to me feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or unsure how to manage their children’s big emotions and behaviors. Together, we build strategies that fit your family, improve communication, and create more moments of peace and connection.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing volleyball, reading, listening to podcasts, and exploring hiking trails with my family.
If you’re looking for someone who understands the unique challenges of parenting and can offer both compassion and practical strategies, I’d be honored to work with you.
