About me

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have provided case management services to child and adolescents, group therapy sessions, individual therapy sessions, therapy at school, and tele-health services. Additionally, I have even served as an child and adolescent in-home therapist providing mental health services in the home . I have worked as an independent contractor for DHR to provided therapy to children suffering with trauma and emotional abuse and neglect who were removed from their homes. I have worked with clients from a broad range of concerns including: trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, family dynamic distresses, poor communication styles, and emotional abuse.

My counseling technique is very caring, encouraging, and client centered. I am very candid and direct when providing therapy. I take pride in demonstrating compassion and being sensitive and thoughtful of the needs of others. More than anything, I strongly believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity.

It takes a great deal of courage to seek professional help and even more courage to implement change. I applaud you for taking the first step. I would love the opportunity to begin this journey with you in taking the next steps to begin living a more rewarding and self-empowered lifestyle. It would be an honor to help guide you along the way.

I look forward to working with you.

Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Family conflicts
  • Grief
  • Depression
  • Compassion fatigue
Also experienced in:
Bipolar disorder , ADHD , Family problems , Forgiveness , Guilt and shame , Life purpose , Money and financial issues , Self-love , Women's issues

Clinical approaches:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy

Years of Experience: 10

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

AL LICSW 4396C

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Carleen Gates. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Jun 02, 2025 after therapy with Carleen for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Highly recommend

Written on May 29, 2025 after therapy with Carleen for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

Carleen is very good at identifying the issues behind the issues and helping me to resolve them. I appreciate how much homework she gives and that we review the homework during our session. I didn't feel like I was starting therapy all over again having to rehash everything and get comfortable before opening up - she made me feel comfortable immediately.

Written on Apr 29, 2025 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks

Mrs. Carleen is a wonderful therapist. She’s incredibly understanding, loving, and caring. It’s clear that she has a genuine passion for what she does. She truly helped me through a difficult time, offering not only valuable advice but also activities that supported me when I needed it most. She has an energy that makes you feel completely comfortable expressing yourself. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone!

Written on Apr 07, 2025 after therapy with Carleen for 1 year and 11 months on issues concerning depression, and grief

Competent and listens to my concerns.

Written on Mar 31, 2025 after therapy with Carleen for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues

Best therapist I've had, hands down. Super respectful, great listener, truly cares, judgment free, very wise and a master of her craft. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! If you are reading this then it's meant to be!

Written on Mar 25, 2025 after therapy with Carleen for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue

Carleen is professional, empathetic, and encouraging - yet she challenges me to become my best self. It is not easy to be a therapist for a therapist, yet she does this with ease and grace. She is easy to talk to, yet is willing to call me out when needed. I would recommend her expertise to anyone.

Written on Feb 17, 2025 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Carleen is a Godsend. The absolute best.

Written on Jan 17, 2025 after therapy with Carleen for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and adhd

She is amazing I’m so grateful for her!

Written on Jan 16, 2025 after therapy with Carleen for 1 month on issues concerning self esteem

Carleen is a wonderful person and a great counselor who listens and provides excellent advice. Carleen is knowledgeable and easy to talk to; learn something every session.

Written on Jan 06, 2025 after therapy with Carleen for 1 month on issues concerning family conflicts

Carleen Gates is a wonderful therapist! I've already recommended her to several friends! I was skeptical about using teen counseling but it's made a huge difference in my life! She really is amazing and knowledgeable! Strongly recommend!!!!

Written on Dec 16, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, and adhd

The best therapist! She will definitely help you identity issues and resolve them!

Written on Nov 15, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning coping with life changes

Exceptional Therapist !

Written on Oct 20, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Mrs. Gates is a wonderful and empathetic therapist. I value her insight and knowledge. She is one who I’d recommend to others in a heartbeat. Her warm and welcoming spirit made it so easy for me to trust that teen counseling has a good system for pairing you with the right Therapist.

Written on Oct 17, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety

I don't really have enough words to express how much Carleen has helped me over the past several months. She's understanding and compassionate but knows what I need to hear to help me learn and grow to become the person I need to be. I'm in such a better place already because of her and I'm forever grateful.

Written on Oct 11, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

She’s wonderful!! Ms. Gates is the most attentive and compassionate therapist. She’s helped me through things that no other therapist has been able to. I’m immensely grateful for her care!

Written on Oct 09, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Carleen listens and helps gives me actionable steps to make changes in my life.

Written on Oct 08, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, and anger management

Carleen is great! I feel seen and heard and she offers practical advice that I can implement daily.

Written on Sep 16, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 2 years and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and adhd

Love my therapist to pieces! Best decisions I’ve made in the past 3 years!

Written on Jul 31, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

I have only had one session with Mrs. Gates yet it feels like she truly has compassion and understanding and for that I’m hopeful. I’m so glad that I’ve started this healing journey for myself and I thank Dr. gates for being a part of it.

Written on Jul 16, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes

I really appreciate you for being so understanding and gentle with me in my time of need. I've never been able to express freely without judgement.

Written on Jul 13, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, and coaching

Carleen is an excellent therapist who understands the needs of her clients. She is very concerned about her clients, and has been a tremendous help for me. I highly recommend Carleen!

Written on Jul 04, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Amazing person who really cares and provides practical advice for healing.

Written on Jun 20, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue

Carleen is very professional and well versed. She eases me and laughs with me when we need to laugh. I have progressed so much since I have started talking to her. Absolute GEM!

Written on Jun 18, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes

Carleen is very professional and caring. Our sessions are extremely helpful to me. I highly recommend her as a therapist.

Written on May 22, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

Carleen is a great listener and she allows me to be vulnerable while feeling safe. She guides my thoughts in a kind, supportive manner and I leave each session with gratitude. She has instilled confidence and with a needed sense of peace. She has my highest regard.

Written on May 13, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 8 months on issues concerning grief

Simply Amazing! Mrs. Carleen is simply amazing! She is just what I need to navigate this season of grief and self-discovery post trauma. I would recommend Mrs. Carleen 100 times over! She listens, supports, encourages and holds me accountable! 10/10

Written on May 10, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse

She speaks with compassion and I admire her ability to challenge me while providing a safe and supportive atmosphere to share my thoughts.

Written on May 03, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, career difficulties, and adhd

I’ve tried a few therapist and Carleen is just different and is such a great fit “for me”! She’s very warm, kind and understanding and she helps me see and understand things I’ve never considered. She motivates me and creates clarity in mind. I look forward to every single session because I know I’m going to leave with some type of growth and/or insight.

Written on Mar 08, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, and career difficulties

She’s incredible

Written on Feb 21, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, coaching, and compassion fatigue

Carleen Gates is an awesome therapist, so caring, she is compasionate and affirming. She has broad experience. She is flexible and attentive to my needs. My time with her is a joy. And I'm especially glad to find her because she is a believer in God and the Bible!

Written on Jan 22, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and sleeping disorders

She great. Help my mental state a lot.

Written on Jan 19, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and family conflicts

She is a wonderful therapist. Her guidance and feedback have been instrumental in helping me get through the difficult year I had. I would recommend her services to anyone that is looking for a great therapist.

Written on Jan 12, 2024 after therapy with Carleen for 5 months on issues concerning grief

Ms. Gates is kind, insightful, and compassionate. She helped me identify the things that were causing pain, and has guided me through learning to deal with them, to let the past go, and to form coping strategies for the future. She has made a drastic improvement in my life.

Written on Dec 31, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes

I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience with Mrs. Carleen. I truly feel she is a God send and I have seen a growth in myself, how I handle situations, and communication.

Written on Dec 07, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Ms. Gates is the perfect match for me as a therapist. She listens and provides sound feedback. She is very professional.

Written on Nov 30, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and coping with life changes

Great therapist. Helped me through a really tough time and tough situation.

Written on Nov 20, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping

She is the absolute best!!!

Written on Nov 08, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 2 years and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties

Great therapist!!

Written on Nov 05, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 1 year on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety

She’s the best and has helped me through a number of situations. I hope she always remain my therapist!

Written on Oct 30, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and career difficulties

The best! Words can’t fully describe how helpful Mrs Gates has been in my mental health journey

Written on Oct 14, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes

Mrs. Carleen is caring and kind while addressing the topics that are sensitive and difficult.

Written on Sep 24, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd

Ms. Gates is phenomenal, she immediately helped me to identify what some of my blind spots are. I feel confident that with her help I will be able to overcome my current challenges. I can't recommend her enough, she's incredible!

Written on Jul 31, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 11 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and compassion fatigue

Carleen is compassionate, responsive and driven by a kind spirit that is rare and highly valued. She’s doing exactly what God has called her to do, helping hurting people.

Written on Jul 20, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and sleeping disorders

Very good at helping to see yourself in your journey and zooming out to the big picture. So you can see where you've been and how to get to where you want to go

Written on Jul 12, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, and career difficulties

Carleen has helped me through so much. She is so attentive and truly has such of a heart for her clients. She always responds to me fast when I reach out to her, and points me back to the truth. She has been such of a blessing to my life.

Written on Jun 15, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and family conflicts

It has been wonderful working with Carleen. She is so caring and listens to me. I am comfortable talking with her and trust her

Written on Apr 10, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coaching

Carleen is amazing, patient, wise, insightful and productive. She’s going to get you through your healing with gentle, and direct instruction, direction and tools. She’s amazingly talented. She’s truly blessed her with a gift. My marriage, my self-esteem, self worth, and core beliefs are all stronger because of the time I spend with her.

Written on Apr 04, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd

Carleen has been counseling me for months and she’s amazing. Highly recommend!!!

Written on Mar 10, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, coaching, and compassion fatigue

The absolute best therapist! I’d recommend to anyone

Written on Feb 21, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and family conflicts

Ms. Carleen has been a God send and very good to work with. I highly recommend her services to anyone seeking therapy.

Written on Jan 30, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and grief

She is excellent at listening, respecting you and giving you homework that will make you think about why we respond to things around us and how to better cope with them. In just a short time, I feel so much better and I am making real changes that are helping me and my family.

Written on Jan 27, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and adhd

I'm a few sessions in and I appreciate her ability to SEE me. Not just hear me, not listen to respond, but to SEE me as well. I don't feel judged, and she challenges me on my perspective and I appreciate that.

Written on Jan 22, 2023 after therapy with Carleen for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd

Mrs. Carleen is right on time. She was there for me when I wasn’t there for myself.

Written on Dec 14, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and family conflicts

Ms. Carleen is heaven sent! I am so grateful for her honesty and how she encourages me.

Written on Dec 12, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes

Dr. Gates is the best. She truly helps me. She also feels like a great friend.

Written on Dec 10, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and anger management

She is so patient and kind and really takes the time to listen to you and hit the nail right on the head every time. Such a joy to have experienced such an amazing spirit. I would definitely recommend her.

Written on Nov 30, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks

My therapist is amazing! I am enjoying our sessions and really getting a lot out of it! I look forward to our sessions and have recommended her to everyone!

Written on Nov 07, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes

You are awesome! And I'm glad you chose me to be my therapist!

Written on Nov 01, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, and self esteem

I feel very blessed to have been paired with Carleen. She is supportive and kind, but does not shy away from telling me things I may find difficult to hear. I am encouraged by the work we are doing together and feel confident that I will be much healthier and happier through working with her.

Written on Nov 01, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and anger management

Carlsen has been absolutely wonderful! She has talked me through all my problems and has been thorough with her responses. I would recommend her to anyone she is such a wonderful person!

Written on Oct 31, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and grief

Carleen Gates is a great therapist. She very attentive and she allows you to express your feelings without being judged.

Written on Oct 11, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and anger management

She is a great person and a great listener very patient

Written on Sep 27, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Ms. Carleen is a truly wonderful therapist! She’s professional, caring, and extremely easy to talk to. I’ve worked with her for almost a year now and I felt that way about her on day one, and still feel that way now. I really can’t put into words just how great she is at what she does. I highly recommend her!

Written on Sep 16, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 4 weeks

She listens very well and is down to earth when giving her advice

Written on Sep 06, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, anger management, and coping with life changes

I feel very encouraged to continue after our first session.

Written on Aug 17, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Wonderful attentive and reassuring. Strongly recommend Mrs. Gates for those needing to gain confidence and helping sorting through & understanding circumstances. Great at self reflection and past traumas and bringing you to awareness of those things. She’s great!

Written on Jul 18, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and grief

Ms. Gates is professional, listens, empathetic and shows that she cares. She doesn’t push or judge. She gave me important things to think about based on our conversations. She is a gem!

Written on May 31, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and grief

She is the best!!!

Written on Mar 23, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and family conflicts

Carleen always encourages and supports me. She has gotten me through many struggles and has helped me develop coping skills I wouldn’t have otherwise. I feel like she genuinely cares about everything I am going through. She’s the best!

Written on Mar 22, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd

I am immensely fortunate to have her as my therapist! She is helping me overcome my trauma and listens to me and it shows through our sessions. I'd recommend her to anyone who needs help in trauma and self esteem!

Written on Mar 03, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and grief

I cannot say enough wonderful thing about Ms. Carleen. She is kind, patient, encouraging, and thorough. She is equipping me with the tools I need to navigate grief and the many anxieties I have. I appreciate how she challenges and encourages my faith throughout my journey to healing.

Written on Feb 10, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd

Best therapist I’ve ever had

Written on Feb 08, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties

Carleen has been a great help to me in the month I’ve been able to consult with her. She has given me so much to think about, and reminds me of ways to cope and is very direct which is what I’ve needed.

Written on Jan 05, 2022 after therapy with Carleen for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and bipolar disorder

Carleen Gates is heaven sent for me. She is exactly what I needed. I’m so thankful to have her as my therapist. She’s kind, patient, understanding, and also a good listener. I admire her patience and how she listens and respond to me. It’s always positive and honest. I’m very grateful to have her as my therapist. She deserves 100 stars!!!

Written on Nov 17, 2021 after therapy with Carleen for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Ms. Carleen was nothing short of Amazing!!! I looked forward to our sessions every week! She has helped me tremendously during our time & I highly recommend her!

Written on Oct 11, 2021 after therapy with Carleen for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd

I could write a lot, but in short she is awesome. Very positive and informative on what and how to do things. A non-judgmental ear, with many ways to help.

Work with me!