Contact us:
p: 704-517-2106
f: 855-975-2701
e: intake@chronichealthnc.com
Our Team
Chronic Health Counseling, PLLC, is the proud home to some of the most highly skilled and well-rounded licensed therapists, all sharing an intense passion for what they do. Chronic Health Counseling, PLLC, is very selective in hiring therapists who are both highly specialized and have the ability to move clients forward through a careful balance of challenging and validation.
Angela Espin, MSW, LCSW
Founder, CEO, CFO
Angela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Chronic Health Counseling. She established the practice in order to bridge the gap between mental and medical healthcare by utilizing a person centered, eclectic approach in order to empower clients to address areas important to them. Angela has also has a passion for providing mental health care for those in a caregiver role, medical and mental health profession.
Angela’s other subspecialty is working with people who have simple and complex trauma by providing a safe, non-judgemental environment for clients to feel safe expressing their experiences. She has been trained and utilizes EMDR therapy and draws from CBT, DBT mindfulness skills to help the client effectively cope with stressors and process painful events.
Angela earned her Masters Degree from UNC Charlotte and obtained additional clinical experience while working at Daymark Recovery Services in emergency intake services, substance use recovery, assisted with DBT therapy and ran a group for those with SPMI. She also developed and implemented group therapy for people living with chronic medical conditions and chronic pain. At this time, Angela acts in an administrative capacity as CEO and CFO.
*Not currently accepting new clients​
Emily Materdo, MSW, LCSWA
Mental Health Therapist
Emily is a LCSWA with 10+ years of clinical and medical social work experiences. Age populations served in these roles range from adolescent to young adults and the elderly and disabled individuals. Emily specializes in working with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, young adults adjusting to their professional careers, teen therapy, simple or complex trauma, families and friends affected by a person's addiction, and other chronic health issues.
Emily is a person-centered therapist that views the therapeutic experience as collaborative. Emily uses a therapeutic approach of incorporating therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, Self-Compassion, & other Trauma Informed Practices. Emily has a passion to serve those in need of learning how to identify and process about how our upbringings within our homes and community impact us as adults. As a therapist Emily promotes the importance of creating a safe space for you to share what brings you to therapy. And that this first starts with recognizing that coming to therapy can be hard but can be rewarding too. Emily strives to empower her clients to see themselves as being the expert in their own life despite feeling lost and uncertain.
Emily attended UNC-Greensboro earning her Bachelor's in Social Work (BSW) in 2010 and earned her Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from UNC-Charlotte in 2013. In Emily's free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and trail running. She is also a mom-dog to a rambunctious golden retriever named Chester.
*Accepting New Clients
Dr. Aqsa Salman, LMCHC, DBH
Psychotherapist, Certified Health Coach, & Certified Hypnotherapist
Aqsa is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor as well as a Doctor of Behavioral Health, a Certified Health Coach, and a Certified Hypnotherapist with many years of experience in the medical system. Dr. Salman ‘s focus of practice is integrated behavioral health - integrated behavioral health care blends care in one setting of medical conditions and related behavioral health factors that affect health and wellbeing of the person. Based on the belief that "you are not your pain," Dr. Salman helps clients learn the neurobiology of the pain which leads to build neuroplasticity and coping skills to improve their mental and physical functioning.
Dr. Salman provides “whole person care” through Motivational interviewing techniques, Acceptance & Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Person-centered care. Dr. Salman specializes in providing GI psychotherapy to address IBs, IBD, GERD, and disorders of the brain-gut. Dr. Salman uses ACT, CBT to behavioral problems due to chronic illnesses. In addition to treating those with chronic illness and associated emotional distress, Dr. Salman also treats anxiety, depression, trauma, impulse control issues, and behavioral issues, among many other mental health struggles.
*Accepting New Clients - Virtual Only
Amy Smith, MSW, LCSW
Mental Health Therapist
Amy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25+ years of clinical experience serving individuals and families. Amy specialized in working with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, neurodiversity, family conflict, relationship issues, and adjustment to life changes.
Amy’s approach is person-centered, and incorporates techniques such as CBT, ERP, Mindfulness, ACT, and Psychodynamic interventions. She recognizes that taking a step forward and sharing your story with someone new can be intimidating. Amy is committed to developing a therapeutic relationship that promotes a sense of safety, and encourages collaborative work toward your individual goals.
Amy attended Purdue University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree studying Psychology, and graduated from East Carolina University with her Master’s in Social Work. In Amy’s free time you can usually find her hanging out with family and friends, and enjoying all of the great outdoor activities that NC has to offer.
*Not currently accepting new clients
Grace Bergman, MSW
COO, Credentialing & Operations Manager, Clinical Coordinator
Grace joined Chronic Health Counseling in 2023 as the Chief Operations Officer and Clinical Director.
She earned her MSW from UNC Charlotte in 2013. She has vast knowledge and experience in social work practices and worked with survivors of domestic violence and those experiencing homelessness. She also has first hand knowledge of the needs of military families and working with autistic children.
Her attention to detail, background knowledge of social work ethics and practices, and passion to contribute to mental health wellness in the community make her an invaluable part of the CHC team.