About Me

I’m Dr. Christina Rush, a clinical psychologist licensed in NC, with the  Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) in over 40 jurisdictions through PsyPact (this includes DC, MD, & VA). I strive to create a safe, nonjudgemental space for my clients, where they can bring their full selves into therapy.

I specialize in perinatal mental health concerns and infertility counseling, including offering the necessary assessments required for clients utilizing third-party reproduction. I also have experience supporting clients with eating disorders, general mental health concerns, and trauma.  Living with mental health challenges can rob you of the joy of living a full life. Feeling stuck and hopeless while the world passes you by is an exhausting way to live. But there is hope. I can help get you unstuck so you can reclaim your joy and live the life you want.

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Offers teletherapy sessions

Experience & Training

My love for psychology began in high school when I lived in Belgium. With no drinking age limit, I watched the drinking culture take center stage in the lives of those around me. Then in college, I saw how disordered eating contributed to these struggles. My desire to develop a human connection in therapy to work through struggles like these led me to focus on psychology at Duke University, where I earned my BS, MA, and Ph.D. In graduate school, I worked with adults and children struggling with trauma, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, substance use, anxiety, and depression. After college, I worked at Wake Forest University as a substance use counselor, establishing that deep human connection with my clients to help them through their challenges.

But then, life threw me a curveball. For the next several years, I lived through the trauma of infertility. And it changed my personal and professional life. While I now have three beautiful children from IVF, my journey to motherhood was rough. Many days were filled with sadness, grief, despair, hopelessness, and pain. These experiences led me to refocus my professional work to specialize in reproductive and perinatal mental health.

Therapeutic Approach

My professional expertise and personal experiences foster a uniquely valuable connection between me and my clients. As a reproductive health psychologist, I am passionate about what I do and love the intersection of psychology, medicine, and ethics. When I partner with you through your journey, I will provide a safe space, where you can expect gentle, compassionate, and affirming care. I truly care about my clients and hold the belief that they are trying their best. I also value the healing power of connection, laughter, and authenticity. With me, there’s a good chance we’ll share a chuckle over something during our sessions together (when appropriate, of course.) I embrace and incorporate ACT, CBT, DBT, Rogerian, and EFT approaches.

Focus Areas and Expertise

I primarily specialize in perinatal mental health and infertility counseling. I have experience supporting clients through pregnancy complications, birth trauma, grief and loss, infertility, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, NICU-related concerns, and early parenting. I have extensive experience and training in supporting clients through all phases of infertility treatment and working with clients utilizing third-party reproduction to build their families.  I am trained to work with individuals and couples building their families.  I also am a seasoned trauma therapist and have experience supporting clients struggling with eating disorders and disordered eating.

  • Education

    Duke University - Bachelor of Science (Psychology)

    Duke University - Master of Art (Psychology)

    Duke University - Doctor in Philosophy (Psychology)

  • North Carolina 4009 

    Teletherapy in participating states pursuant to PsyPact Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) under the PSYPACT* Commission E. Passport Mobility Number# 8557 (includes DC, MD, VA & 40 additional states)

  • American Society of Reproductive Medicine 

    NC Reproductive Mental Health Consultation Group