Jan Cheek, MSW, LCSW

Jan Cheek, MSW, LCSW

I am proud to utilize my vast experience to assist patients of all ages—individuals, couples and families— as they struggle with challenges ranging from life adjustment concerns to more serious psychiatric, behavioral  and emotional disorders.

As an established and experienced diagnostician and clinician, I collaborate with patients and other professionals to provide effective and thorough treatment based on individual needs. In private practice since 1997, I received my BA in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned my License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) in 1999.

From 1997 to 2015, I practiced with the Center for Behavioral Healthcare, PA, as an outpatient therapist and clinician. Previously, I worked as a counselor for a battered women’s shelter serving women and children who were severely impacted by domestic violence, rape and family trauma issues. In 2015, I formed Behavioral Healthcare Associates, LLC with my esteemed colleagues to continue providing services to patients from Sanford and surrounding areas in a comprehensive mental health private practice setting.

In 2007, I had the honor of joining outstanding professionals who have received the NC Clinical Social Worker of the Year Award.  This award is peer-selected and reflects excellence in clinical practice, along with contributions to the promotion and development of the Clinical Social Work profession.

Areas of Expertise

I assess, diagnose and treat a broad range of emotional, behavioral and neuro-physiological disorders that include but are not limited to:

• Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar Disorders)
• Anxiety Disorders
• ADHD
• Tic Disorders
• Childhood Behavior Concerns
• Psychotic Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders
• Obsessive- Compulsive Related Disorders
• Disruptive Behavior Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Dual Diagnoses (both mental health and substance abuse diagnoses presenting simultaneously)
• Adjustment Disorder
• Interpersonal Relationship Issues and Couples/Marital Counseling Concerns
• Grief and Bereavement Concerns
• Parental Guidance Needs

An Eclectic Approach to Treatment

All people have inherent strengths, and I believe it is important to identify and build upon those strengths while reducing the impact of vulnerabilities and negative symptoms. This is why I use an eclectic mix of therapy modalities including, but not limited to:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Family Systems Therapy
• Reality Therapy
• Behavioral Modification
• Motivational Interviewing Techniques
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Supportive Therapy
• Psychoeducational Interventions

My View on the Nature of ‘Disorders’

There are many factors that play a role in how or why a person may develop a specific disorder. Primarily, I subscribe to the bio-psychosocial model of diagnostics—recognizing that cultural and spiritual influences should be taken into account as well.

A person’s genetic makeup, what they have been taught and exposed to through learning, their social and interpersonal experiences, and their cultural and spiritual influences, beliefs and values may all have an impact on the development of a particular disorder.

In turn, these same factors can influence how one person experiences a specific disorder vs. how another person experiences the same disorder in a distinctly different way.

Therapy Approaches 

I typically use a strength-based approach, combining an eclectic blend of therapeutic treatment models to best suit the person’s diagnoses and personality so they will be receptive to the process and engaged in their own treatment.

Continuing education is a requirement for maintaining licensure, but also critical to ensuring that I regularly enrich my skills and enhance my knowledge for the benefit of my patients.  I continue to learn evidence-based treatment strategies and innovative treatment modalities that can be used in daily practice.

I encourage each person to become empowered and responsible in the life journey of their own health and well-being. What has proven to be effective and beneficial for most people is usually a blended treatment plan and therapeutic model that is based on sound, evidenced-based therapeutic techniques combined with building a supportive network.

It is an honor and privilege to serve you, and I am grateful for the experiences.