
Matthew Ross,
LCSWA
Matt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) at MentPhys Wellness PLLC who brings both clinical training and lived experience to his work with clients.
A former competitive athlete (ice hockey, and later varsity squash at Bates College), Matt understands firsthand the pressure, perfectionism, and fear of failure that come with high-level competition.
His own journey through anxiety, OCD, depression, and substance use—and his recovery since 2018—shapes his compassionate, practical approach to therapy today.
He provides individual, couples, and family therapy for children through older adults, with particular focus on anxiety, OCD, depression, substance use, perfectionism, and performance-related struggles in student athletes and high performers.
Matt also brings specialized experience supporting families through high-conflict divorce, custody disputes, and reunification.

My Story:
"Hi, I'm Matt, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) and therapist at MentPhys Wellness PLLC.
Originally from Westchester County, New York—about an hour north of New York City—I grew up in a family where sports, hard work, and competition were central to everyday life. (Fun fact: I hold dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship.) Athletics taught me discipline, resilience, accountability, and the value of perseverance—qualities that continue to shape both my life and my work as a therapist.
Ice hockey was my first passion, and I played competitively from a young age through high school. I also competed in lacrosse, baseball, cross country, and several other sports. Growing up in competitive athletics gave me firsthand insight into the pressures of performance, perfectionism, fear of failure, and the constant drive to improve.
While attending Bates College in Maine, I challenged myself by walking onto the varsity squash team despite having never played the sport before. After spending my freshman year training relentlessly, I earned a spot on one of the nation's top collegiate squash teams. We competed against schools such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and many other nationally ranked programs. That experience reinforced a lesson I continue to carry into therapy today: meaningful growth often comes from stepping outside of our comfort zone and committing to the process.
Like many of my clients, my own journey has included significant personal challenges. I experienced anxiety from a young age, which became more pronounced following the events of September 11th. Over time, I also struggled with social anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), perfectionism, and substance use. In 2018, I entered recovery and have maintained long-term sobriety since. My recovery journey inspired me to pursue a Master of Social Work and dedicate my career to helping others navigate life's challenges through compassionate, evidence-based treatment.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts from Bates College and my Master of Social Work from the University of New England. I moved to Raleigh in 2020 and now live in North Raleigh with my wife and our two dogs. We're excited to continue building our life and starting a family here in the Triangle.
Today, I provide individual therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy for children, adolescents, college students, adults, and older adults. My goal is to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported while also being challenged to grow.
I have a particular passion for helping individuals experiencing anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, substance use disorders, perfectionism, and life transitions. I also enjoy working with student athletes and high-performing individuals who struggle with performance anxiety, burnout, excessive self-criticism, confidence, and the pressure to consistently perform at a high level.
My clinical approach is collaborative, practical, and individualized. I believe there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to therapy, so I tailor treatment to each client's unique goals, strengths, and circumstances. I have completed advanced continuing education in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), while also incorporating Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, and psychodynamic principles when appropriate.
In addition to general outpatient psychotherapy, I have developed experience working with individuals and families involved in high-conflict divorce, child custody disputes, and reunification efforts. This work has included collaborating with attorneys and other professionals, maintaining thorough clinical documentation, and, when clinically appropriate and legally required, providing objective fact witness testimony regarding treatment participation and clinical observations.
Above all, I believe therapy should help people build practical skills, develop greater self-awareness, and create meaningful, lasting change. Whether you're navigating anxiety, OCD, addiction, relationship challenges, or simply trying to become the healthiest version of yourself, my goal is to walk alongside you and help you move toward a life that feels more balanced, fulfilling, and aligned with your values.
I know that reaching out for help can be one of the hardest steps to take. If you're ready to begin that journey, I'd be honored to work with you."
Credentials & Experience
License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) in NC
Education:
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M.S.W., Social Work — University of New England
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B.A. — Bates College
Clinical Services:
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Individual therapy
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Couples counseling
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Family therapy
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Clients: children, adolescents, college students, adults, older adults
Areas of Specialization:
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Anxiety disorders
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Depression
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Substance use disorders
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Perfectionism
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Life transitions
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Performance anxiety, burnout, and self-criticism in student athletes and high performers
Therapeutic Approaches:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
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Solution-Focused Therapy
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Person-Centered Therapy
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Strengths-Based Therapy
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Psychodynamic principles
Specialized Experience:
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High-conflict divorce, child custody disputes, and reunification work
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Collaboration with attorneys and multidisciplinary professionals
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Objective fact witness testimony (when clinically appropriate and legally required)
Athletic Background:
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Competitive ice hockey (youth through high school)
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Lacrosse, baseball, cross country
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NCAA varsity squash, Bates College
Contact Matt:
Serving North Carolina Residents
In-Person Availability:
North Raleigh Location:
Mondays, Wednesdays-Saturdays
Scheduling in the Wake Forest, NC Location on
Tuesdays
Late morning through the evening availability