services

Hickory Clinic

Behavioral and Medical Acute Care Center

Our clinic provides psychiatric services and medication management for children and adults. These services include comprehensive psychiatric assessments and monitoring the processes through which medicines are selected, procured, prescribed, and reviewed to optimize the desired outcomes of the beneficiary’s care.

Medical Rapid Care Services

  • Annual, Employment, and Sports Physicals
  • Urinalysis and Drug Screening
  • COVID Vaccines
  • Flu Vaccines
  • COVID Testing (Basic, Rapid, PCR)
  • Flu and Strep Throat Testing
  • Acute Care
  • Pregnancy Testing

Outpatient Therapy Services

Outpatient Therapy Services (OPT) are planned interventions intended to help the client achieve and maintain stability, improve their physical, mental and emotional health and cope with or gain control over the symptoms of their illness(es) and the effects of their disabilities. OPT is used to assist clients with problem solving, achieving goals and managing their lives by treating a variety of behavioral health issues. Services may be provided in an individual or family setting.

  • Face-to-Face Visits
  • Telehealth Visits
  • Mental health and/or substance use disorder
  • Behaviors that interfere with daily living, personal relationships, work and school/recreational settings
  • Difficulty solving or managing emotional and behavioral problems
  • Families who need help identifying and resolving emotional, cognitive or maladaptive and behavioral difficulties and need ways to improve and manage functional skills, personal development and to learn better alternatives to utilize improved behaviors, thoughts and emotions
Individual Therapy (IP) is an interpersonal, relational intervention directed towards increasing an individual’s sense of well-being and reducing subjective discomforting experiences. IP may be psychotherapeutic and/or therapeutically supportive in nature. Individual treatment involves planned therapeutic interventions that focus on the enhancement of a beneficiary’s capacity to manage his or her emotions and behaviors through effective decision making, developing and acquiring coping skills. They will also learn to make better choices and decisions regarding co-occurring substance use while achieving personal goals and development of self-confidence and self-esteem.
Family Therapy (FP) will allow clients and families with similar issues to meet face-to-face in a group with a clinician. The group’s focus is to assist the client and family members in resolving emotional difficulties, encourage personal development and determine ways to improve and manage their functioning skills. The group process allows members to offer each other support, share common experiences, identify strategies that have been successful for them and to challenge each other’s behaviors and cognitions. The therapist guides the group to ensure that the process is productive for all members and focuses on identified therapeutic issues.

New Patient?

Please download the New Patient packet below and fill it out before your first visit.

Meet the Team

Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCHMC). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Gardner Webb University in 2008, and received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2018.  Kelly brings 15 years of experience working with children and adolescents in various settings.  She is certified in Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is rostered through the North Carolina Child Treatment Program since March 2022.  Kelly is passionate about helping all ages heal and find a purpose in life. Kelly enjoys watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, concerts, and spending time with close friends and family. She resides in Hickory, NC with her husband and two dogs.

Kelly Biter

LCHMC

June Smith-Hartness, PA-C recently joined CTS Health at our Behavioral and Medical Health Acute Care Center.  She has eight years of experience providing medication management in psychiatry.  June treats various conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, depression and mood disorders.  She sees patients of all ages.June grew up in Kennebunk, Maine realizing her first goal of being in the first class of women at Bowdoin College, a previously all male college.  She was a Dean’s List student and played varsity basketball.She graduated from the Physician Assistant Program of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.  After several years of obstetrics and gynecology and family medicine, she found her true love in psychiatry.June still loves sports.  She earned a black belt in karate several years ago.  She loves being on Lake Norman enjoying the beauty of the lake while riding her jet ski.  She also enjoys a quiet evening at home reading a Stephen King novel.

June Smith-Hartness

PA

Amy graduated from Bradley University in 2010, with a master’s degree in Community/Agency Counseling and successfully defended a thesis, The Impact of Client Suicide on Counselors. Amy has a diverse background ranging from the adolescent to geriatric populations in outpatient facilities and prisons. Prior to earning her master’s degree, Amy was a certified athletic trainer and USA-Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach.  
Amy has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro and was a 70.3 Ironman finisher. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, cycling, and her two dogs.

Amy Biegler

lcmhc

Abagail Fuhrman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSW-A). She earned herBachelor of Social Work degree from University of Indianapolis in 2021, and a Master of SocialWork degree from Appalachian State University in 2023. Abagail has experience with individuals of all ages and disorders through her time spent as an intern with Hope UnitedSurvival Network as well as a registered behavior technician conducting treatment for children with Autism at Compleat Kidz. During this time Abagail spent time specifically with survivors of domestic violence and provided behavior analysis treatment for children who had been diagnosed with autism and other disorders. Abagail’s specialty is working with children, adolescents, and young adults with treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, MotivationalInterviewing, Play Therapy, and Solution Focused. Abagail is passionate about helping all individuals heal and find purpose in their lives. In her free time and for self-care, Abagail enjoys going on adventures with her boyfriend and her dog, Milo. She enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling to new places.

Abagail Fuhrman

LCSW-A

20+ years of experience in the mental
health and substance abuse arenas.
Specialty:
Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric Therapy using a variety of treatment modalities including CBT; Solution focused; Motivational Interviewing; Couples counseling; Psychodynamic individual and group therapies; stages of grief; Trauma Informed Care; Breaking the Cycle of addiction; Alternative coping strategies used for transitioning through milestones in life and advocating for those without a voice.Working in conjunction with a larger treatment team for an effective, therapeutic integrated experience for all.
Schools: Appalachian State University, BSW; Barry University, MSW
Clinical interests: Depression and other mood disorders; severe and persistent mental illnesses; substance abuse and dual diagnosis issues; bereavement; sexual Identity issues; adjustment disorders, health coaching; marriage & family counseling; anxiety & self-esteem-related issues.
Personal interests: Health & fitness, deep sea fishing, boating, travel
Favorite quote: “Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.”—-Bill Clinton.

Shan Bassion

LCSW/LCAS

Shane Brown has been a Family Nurse Practitioner with CTSHealth since August 2023 and a behavioral health nurse for over 8 years. Shane has worked in the Catawba Valley Medical Center’s psychiatric unit and at Frye Regional Medical Center – South Campus. He earned an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2015 from Catawba Valley Community College, Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Appalachian State University in 2016, Master of Science degree in Nursing Education from Queen’s University in 2020, and a Post-graduate Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner from Chamberlain University in 2023. Shane is a lifelong resident of Caldwell and Catawba counties. In his free time and for self care, Shane enjoys hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, watching movies, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family. He also has two dogs named Fleetwood and Jolene and two cats named Black Phillip and Stevie.

Shane Brown

np

Adam Campbell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, or LCSW-A. He earned his Bachelor of Social Work degree from Western Carolina University in 2020, and a Master of Social Work degree from Appalachian State University in 2023. Adam has experience with individuals of all ages and disorders through his time spent as an intern with CTSHealth and as a behavioral technician conducting applied behavioral analysis treatment for children with autism at Compleat KiDZ. Adam’s specialty is working with children, adolescents, and young adults with treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing. Adam has a passion for ensuring quality of life and helping all clients find their life’s purpose. Adam currently resides within the Gaston County area and enjoys playing golf and spending time with family during his free time.

Adam Campbell

LCSW-A

Chancey Stalnaker, LCMHC, obtained a master degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montreat University in 2018. Additionally, she has obtained a Post Master's Certificate in School Counseling at the University of North Carolina Charlotte in 2020, and a Bachelor of Science in Child Development Birth-Kindergarten from Appalachian State University in 2011. Chancey has worked in the Educational field for over twenty years and has experience working with children of all ages and abilities. She has worked in various positions supporting children: Behavior Specialist, School Counselor, Educational Specialist, Family Resource Center Coordinator, NC Pre-K teacher, and as a Child Care Director. She has provided out-patient therapy for therapeutic foster care clients. She uses a variety of treatment modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She has a passion to help others on their journey and make a difference in the lives of others. Chancey’s interests include spending time with her family, camping, and exploring nature.

Chancey Stalnaker

LCMHC

Dr. Phyllis Armstead, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist in North Carolina with over 30 years of experience. She is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she completed both medical school and her psychiatric residency at the Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Armstead is adept at treating patients of all ages in a variety of clinical settings, including those with the most severe and persistent mental illnesses. She has always been committed to making quality mental health treatment accessible to all, especially to those in the rural and underserved areas and has done so in part by offering virtual psychiatry services long before COVID. Dr. Armstead is invested in building relationships with patients and empowering them to be active participants in their treatment plans so that they may meet their treatment goals and improve their quality of life. She lives in the Raleigh area with her two daughters and enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, attending concerts and reading in her free time.

Dr. Phyllis Armstead

MD

Our Staff

Abigail Fuhrman
LCSW-A

Abagail Fuhrman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSW-A). She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from University of Indianapolis in 2021, and a Master of Social Work degree from Appalachian State University in 2023.

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Abagail has experience with individuals of all ages and disorders through her time spent as an intern with Hope United Survival Network as well as a registered behavior technician conducting treatment for children with Autism at Compleat Kidz. During this time Abagail spent time specifically with survivors of domestic violence and provided behavior analysis treatment for children who had been diagnosed with autism and other disorders. Abagail’s specialty is working with children, adolescents, and young adults with treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, and Solution Focused. Abagail is passionate about helping all individuals heal and find purpose in their lives. In her free time and for self-care, Abagail enjoys going on adventures with her boyfriend and her dog, Milo. She enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling to new places.

Adam Campbell
LCSW-A

Adam Campbell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, or LCSW-A. He earned his Bachelor of Social Work degree from Western Carolina University in 2020, and a Master of Social Work degree from Appalachian State University in 2023.

LEARN MORE

Adam has experience with individuals of all ages and disorders through his time spent as an intern with CTSHealth and as a behavioral technician conducting applied behavioral analysis treatment for children with autism at Compleat KiDZ. Adam’s specialty is working with children, adolescents, and young adults with treatment modalities such as CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing. Adam has a passion for ensuring quality of life and helping all clients find their life’s purpose. Adam currently resides within the Gaston County area and enjoys playing golf and spending time with family during his free time.

Amy Biegler
LCMHC

Amy graduated from Bradley University in 2010, with a master’s degree in Community/Agency Counseling and successfully defended a thesis, The Impact of Client Suicide on Counselors.

LEARN MORE

Amy has a diverse background ranging from the adolescent to geriatric populations in outpatient facilities and prisons. Prior to earning her master’s degree, Amy was a certified athletic trainer and USA-Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach. Amy has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro and was a 70.3 Ironman finisher. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, cycling, and her two dogs.

Chancey Stalnaker
LCMHC

Chancey Stalnaker, LCMHC, obtained a master degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montreat University in 2018.

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Additionally, she has obtained a Post Master's Certificate in School Counseling at the University of North Carolina Charlotte in 2020, and a Bachelor of Science in Child Development Birth-Kindergarten from Appalachian State University in 2011. Chancey has worked in the Educational field for over twenty years and has experience working with children of all ages and abilities. She has worked in various positions supporting children: Behavior Specialist, School Counselor, Educational Specialist, Family Resource Center Coordinator, NC Pre-K teacher, and as a Child Care Director. She has provided out-patient therapy for therapeutic foster care clients. She uses a variety of treatment modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She has a passion to help others on their journey and make a difference in the lives of others. Chancey’s interests include spending time with her family, camping, and exploring nature.

Charles Gross
LCHMC

Charles is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. He received a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling in 2019, as well as a degree in Master of Business Administration in 2007, both from Liberty University.

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Before joining the clinical staff at CTS Health, he worked in a community behavioral health agency for three years. Prior to becoming a mental health counselor, Charles spent twenty years in the U.S. Air Force and served in Washington, D.C., Turkey, Guam, Japan, and Massachusetts. He also served on the UNC General Administration staff in Chapel Hill, and as a military veteran student advocate at Western Carolina University and Montreat College. Charles was drawn to the mental health profession by a desire to help others address their emotional and psychological suffering. His intention in counseling is to help people find relief from this suffering when possible, or to help them find meaning, purpose, and even joy in life in spite of this suffering, or even because of it. In doing so, he utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Existential Therapy. His clinical interests are grief and loss issues, healing from spiritual harm or abuse, and engaging in personal growth. Charles has four adult children. His personal interests include listening to and playing music of various genres, hiking and running in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, and spending time with his wife and asking her difficult questions as she is also a mental health therapist!

Dr. Phyllis Armstead
MD

Dr. Phyllis Armstead, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist in North Carolina with over 30 years of experience.

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She is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she completed both medical school and her psychiatric residency at the Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Armstead is adept at treating patients of all ages in a variety of clinical settings, including those with the most severe and persistent mental illnesses. She has always been committed to making quality mental health treatment accessible to all, especially to those in the rural and underserved areas and has done so in part by offering virtual psychiatry services long before COVID. Dr. Armstead is invested in building relationships with patients and empowering them to be active participants in their treatment plans so that they may meet their treatment goals and improve their quality of life. She lives in the Raleigh area with her two daughters and enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, attending concerts and reading in her free time.

Jen Strickland
LCMHC

Jen Strickland is an accomplished professional with a unique blend of academic excellence and a personable demeanor.

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With her dual licensure as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCASA), along with being a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), she has demonstrated her commitment to providing quality mental health services to her clients. Her educational achievements include a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montreat College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Religion with a concentration in Cross-Cultural Studies from the same college. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctoral degree at Kieser University and is expected to defend her dissertation in late 2024. Jen's professional experience has been diverse, working with adults, adolescents, and children in various settings. Her specialty lies in working with complex trauma across all age ranges, as well as individuals and groups with adjustment disorders, acute stress, dissociative disorders, and dissociative components. She has a special interest in identity disorders, mood disorders, severe and persistent disorders, and neurodivergent individuals. Her approach is warm, straightforward, and personalized, rooted in foundational modalities propelled by evidenced-based humanistic modalities and goal-oriented trajectories. She is known for her ability to connect with her clients on a personal level, making them feel comfortable and safe. Jen calls Rutherford County her home, where she lives with her wonderful husband and hilarious teenage son. They all share a passion for the great outdoors, exploring new places, and spending time with their adorable tiny dogs

June Smith-Hartness
PA

June Smith-Hartness, PA-C recently joined CTS Health at our Behavioral and Medical Health Acute Care Center. She has eight years of experience providing medication management in psychiatry.

LEARN MORE

June treats various conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, depression and mood disorders. She sees patients of all ages.June grew up in Kennebunk, Maine realizing her first goal of being in the first class of women at Bowdoin College, a previously all male college. She was a Dean’s List student and played varsity basketball.She graduated from the Physician Assistant Program of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. After several years of obstetrics and gynecology and family medicine, she found her true love in psychiatry.June still loves sports. She earned a black belt in karate several years ago. She loves being on Lake Norman enjoying the beauty of the lake while riding her jet ski. She also enjoys a quiet evening at home reading a Stephen King novel.

Kelly Biter
LCHMC

Kelly is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCHMC). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Gardner Webb University in 2008, and received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2018.

LEARN MORE

Kelly brings 15 years of experience working with children and adolescents in various settings. She is certified in Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is rostered through the North Carolina Child Treatment Program since March 2022. Kelly is passionate about helping all ages heal and find a purpose in life. Kelly enjoys watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, concerts, and spending time with close friends and family. She resides in Hickory, NC with her husband and two dogs.

Shan Bassion
LCSW/LCAS

Schools: Appalachian State University, BSW; Barry University, MSW ‍Clinical interests: Depression and other mood disorders; severe and persistent mental illnesses; substance abuse and dual diagnosis issues; bereavement; sexual Identity issues; adjustment disorders, health coaching; marriage & family counseling; anxiety & self-esteem-related issues.

LEARN MORE

20+ years of experience in the mental health and substance abuse arenas. Specialty: Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric Therapy using a variety of treatment modalities including CBT; Solution focused; Motivational Interviewing; Couples counseling; Psychodynamic individual and group therapies; stages of grief; Trauma Informed Care; Breaking the Cycle of addiction; Alternative coping strategies used for transitioning through milestones in life and advocating for those without a voice.Working in conjunction with a larger treatment team for an effective, therapeutic integrated experience for all. Personal interests: Health & fitness, deep sea fishing, boating, travel

Valencia Von Dran
MA, LCMHCS, LCAS, Therapist

Working in the behavioral health field since 2003, Vee specializes in substance use recovery, the intersection of substance use and various mental health disorders, women's issues, trauma recovery, and domestic violence.

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She has strong group facilitation skills and believes that group treatment can be as good, if not better, than individual sessions, particularly when it comes to substance use recovery. It was while working as a legal secretary that Vee discovered her compassion for individuals working through life's difficulties and decided she wanted to become a therapist. Vee has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Vee enjoys reading, streaming old television programs, chocolate, and spending time with her fur-children. She currently has two geriatric dogs and two feisty kittens and spends most of her evenings just being a mom to them. You may also find Vee walking for her health and doing yard work.

Address

1781 Tate Blvd SE, Suite 202
Hickory, NC 28602

Email

info@ctshealth.org

Phone Number

(828) 758-1320

Fax

(828) 758-1332

Hickory Clinic

Where We Serve

Founder and President, Clarence Sutton, created CTS through his vision of improving the quality of life for children who have experienced unfortunate situations beyond their control. Clarence’s passion for fostering and restoring a child’s belief in his/her potential has continued to be a motivating factor in the agency's and staff's best practices.

North Carolina

Hickory, NC