Hickory, NC and telehealth across North Carolina
Counseling for healing, growth, and real change
Addiction and recovery support, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and help with anxiety, depression, and life's big shifts. In person in Hickory or by secure video anywhere in North Carolina.
LCMHCS · LCAS · CCS | In network through Headway | LGBTQIA+ affirming
You don't have to have it figured out to start
Maybe you've been white-knuckling it for a while. Maybe something changed and the old ways of coping stopped working. Either way, you're welcome here exactly as you are.
I'm David Zealy-Wright, a dually licensed counselor in Hickory. I bring 15 years of experience in education, mental health counseling, and substance use treatment, a lot of practical tools, and a simple promise: unconditional kindness. No judgment, no lectures, just honest work toward the life you want.
How I can help
Who I work with
I'm an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist, and every person who walks through my door gets the same thing: respect, no judgment, and real help. I work with teens through retirees.
Addiction & Recovery
Alcohol, drugs, and the habits that have started running the show. Support whether you're curious about change or years into recovery.
My specialty
As a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, I offer help without shame. No labels required, and no pressure to quit before you're ready to talk about it.
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy
A space where you never have to explain or defend who you are.
Anxiety & Depression
Relief from the worry, the heaviness, and the 3 a.m. thoughts.
Men's Counseling
A direct, no-nonsense place to talk about stress, anger, relationships, and the stuff men are told to keep quiet.
Life Transitions
Divorce, retirement, new parenthood, loss, or a career change. Help finding your footing.
Getting started is simple
1
Book a free 10-minute call
We'll talk about what's going on and see if we're a good fit.
2
Schedule your first session
If we're a fit, I'll send you a link to book, in my Hickory office or by secure video.
3
Start the work, at your pace
Practical tools and real conversation, built around your goals.
Why work with me
Experience, results, and kindness
Experience
Licensed in both mental health and addiction (LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS), with 15 years helping people in the Catawba Valley.
Results
Practical, evidence-based approaches like CBT and Motivational Interviewing, grounded in an existential belief that we get to decide what the hard chapters of our lives mean.
Kindness
You'll be treated like a whole person, not a diagnosis. Always.
Kind words
“His trainings always end with ample praise for both his techniques and ease of interaction. I would recommend David to anyone looking to bring quality training experiences to their organization!”
Toni Bahnsen, Learning & Engagement Specialist, McLeod Centers for Wellbeing
Seminars & presentations
Training and talks for your organization
I train counselors, treatment programs, and organizations across North Carolina on addiction, recovery, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Practical, research-informed, and useful on Monday morning.
From the blog
Addiction & Recovery
How to know if your drinking is a problem
Getting started
What to expect in your first therapy session
Start with a free 10-minute call
No pressure and no commitment. Just a quick conversation to see if we're a fit.
Or call (828) 813-1378