Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Carter-Gardener.
Danielle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Danielle Carter Gardener, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and the heart behind Fountain of Life Mental Health Counseling. As a Black female, I feel deeply called to help fill a gap in mental health care. My goal is to make therapy a welcoming, safe, and affirming space for everyone.
In June of 2020, I returned to college during COVID to pursue my dream of becoming a licensed therapist. At first, I was reluctant — I already had so much on my plate. At 37, I was the Director of a busy senior center in Queens, NY, a wife to my very supportive husband, Nicholas, and a mom to two amazing girls, Kayleigh (16) and Olivia (9). On paper, I had already “made it” academically with a B.A. in Sociology and a master’s in public administration and public Affairs. But deep down, I couldn’t ignore the call I felt from God — not just to achieve another goal, but to step into my true purpose.
I am a woman of strong faith, and I believe that when COVID shut the world down, it was a time for reflection and following God’s plan for my life. I also witnessed firsthand the power of the therapeutic process. In 2015, I developed a pulmonary embolism. I was young, had no prior medical issues, and suddenly found myself navigating numerous doctor appointments, medications with challenging side effects, loss of employment, and still grieving the loss of my step-father, a deeply supportive figure in my life.
Anxiety slowly began to creep into every area of my life. I faced a choice: manage my anxiety with medication or see a therapist weekly. I chose therapy — and it became a pivotal moment in my life. With trust in God and the therapeutic process, I experienced firsthand how faith and mental health support can work together. While I am not against medication for those who need it, at that time, I needed to explore my own resilience and capacity for growth.
With the support of my family and a leap of faith, I am here today. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Christian Foundation and the founder of Fountain of Life Mental Health Counseling ( Virtual Counseling services). My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative — blending evidence-based methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, while honoring each client’s values and faith, if they wish.
Life brings challenges — transitions, stress, loss, and moments of feeling stuck. I believe we don’t have to walk through those seasons alone. My greatest joy is creating a safe space where people can be heard, supported, and empowered to take meaningful steps forward.
Most recently, my family and I relocated from Queens, New York, to Wylie, Texas, seeking a change of environment for our family. It’s another new chapter — and I’m grateful to continue doing the work I love, walking alongside others as they write their own next chapters with hope and courage.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Pursuing my dream to become a licensed therapist came with many sacrifices and challenges. I faced self-doubt, sleepless nights, and long hours away from my family to complete assignments. Summers were often spent in school instead of with my girls. Moving from Queens, New York, to Wylie, Texas, added another layer of change and adjustment.
It was a sacrifice of love — balancing work, family, and school while trusting that I was following my purpose. Family support from my husband, our children, my mother, father, sisters, and a host of other family members helped to keep me focused on my goals. There were moments of anxiety and uncertainty, but each challenge strengthened my faith and resilience. Those experiences now inform how I walk alongside my clients, helping them navigate their own challenges with hope and courage.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Fountain of Life Mental Health Counseling is a counseling practice I founded to create a warm, welcoming, and safe space for anyone seeking support — especially for people who may not always see themselves reflected in mental health care. I am most proud of having the opportunity to create a safe space to connect and talk. I am very passionate about helping and making therapy accessible, affirming, and culturally sensitive for all.
I offer virtual mental health counseling sessions, so individuals can receive services from the comfort of their homes, office, or even car. As a gift to the community, I also provide sliding scale services for those who are in need of services but may be having some financial challenges. I specialize in working with teens (17 and up), older adults, and adults navigating anxiety, grief, burnout, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, while also honoring each client’s values and faith, if they wish. What sets me apart is my personal understanding of the struggles my clients face — from balancing work, family, and life stressors to managing anxiety and change — and my commitment to creating a safe space where people feel heard, supported, and empowered.
I’m most proud of building a brand that reflects authenticity, empathy, and hope. Every aspect of my practice — from my warm, down-to-earth approach to my commitment to culturally affirming care — is designed to make clients feel seen and valued. I want readers to know that at Fountain of Life Mental Health Counseling, therapy is a partnership. My goal is to guide people toward practical steps, emotional resilience, and renewed hope, walking alongside them as they navigate life’s challenges.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing Fountain of Life Mental Health Counseling and engaging with local community partners, including schools and adult day programs, to spread awareness about mental health for people of all ages and backgrounds. Women’s issues are especially close to my heart, and I look forward to supporting individuals navigating those challenges.
My goal is to make mental health education and therapy accessible, affirming, and stigma-free, while empowering clients to take practical steps toward resilience, hope, and meaningful change.
Pricing:
- $125 for individual counseling sessions
- $85 Sliding scale fee for individuals facing financial challenges
- Open Path Website fee is between $40-$70 for their members
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fountainoflifementalhealthcounseling.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579299407408
- Other: https://care.headway.co/providers/danielle-carter?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=163155
Image Credits
Danielle Carter-Gardener
