Clay Gruber, LCSW
he/him
Hey there, I’m Clay, a therapist who’s here to support you on your journey through life. I specialize in working with teenagers and young adults, helping them navigate the challenges that come their way. Transitioning through different phases of life can be tough, but I’m here to help make it a smoother ride. I have a laid-back style and love to use humor to make difficult topics easier to discuss. Life can be heavy at times, but through laughter and a relaxed atmosphere, we can tackle tough conversations together. I believe that creating a non-judgmental environment is crucial for genuine exploration and personal growth.
My Approach to Therapy
When it comes to therapy, it’s all about creating a safe space where you can be real without judgment. Whether you’re navigating identity, facing illness in your family, or dealing with tough emotions, it's essential to feel supported and to have a place where you can feel comfortable talking things out. The goal is to explore things with an open mind, often with some levity, because talking about hard stuff doesn’t always have to feel heavy. The clients I work with are resilient and bring so much strength, which makes this work incredibly rewarding. You deserve a space to grow, heal, and even laugh a little along the way.
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Outside the therapy room, life is full of variety. At home, there’s a constant battle between my old, grumpy orange cat and a mischievous sphynx kitten whose sole mission in life is to annoy the old grump. I describe myself as a serial hobbyist, always finding a fun new thing to dive into— most recently I have taken up creating stained glass and traveling the country participating in massive Pokémon trading card game tournaments. When I’m not doing that, you might find me making time for DnD campaigns or playing video games.
We'd be a great fit if...
- You're navigating difficult life changes, whether it's managing chronic illness in your family or working through big emotions like anger.
- You appreciate a more informal and humorous approach to therapy, where tough topics don’t always have to feel so heavy.
- You want a therapist who can help create space for both real talk and emotional expression, whether you need a laugh or just a good cry.
- You’re a fan of cats, DnD, Pokémon, tattoos, or have your own hobbies that you love to partake in..
- You are 14 years of age or older.
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Professional Bio
Clay began his career as a conservation biologist, but his passion for supporting others led him to become a therapist. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from NC State (2015) and a Master’s in Social Work from UNCW (2020).
During his Master’s program, Clay completed an internship at Laney High School, gaining valuable experience working with teenagers and young adults. For the past three years, he has been providing school-based therapy for teens and young adults at Coastal Horizons, both within New Hanover County Schools and at a separate office.
Clay is dedicated to understanding and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. As a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), he has completed their training, ensuring affirming and inclusive care for transgender individuals.
With his diverse background and compassionate approach, Clay creates a welcoming environment for his clients. Whether you’re facing personal challenges, seeking growth, or exploring your identity, Clay is here to support you on your journey to healing and self-discovery.
Accepted insurances: BCBS, UHC, Aetna and Tricare
Self pay rates: $130-$155
