Dr. David A Maxwell, PHD
I have been a mental health professional my entire adult life. My first job out of college was working as counselor in a year-round therapeutic wilderness program for troubled boys. I then returned to school for my master’s in psychology, where my applied training experiences included community mental health agency and a rehabilitation hospital for survivors of stroke, spinal cord, and traumatic brain injuries. After earning my master’s, I worked for the NC Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention as a counselor, court counselor, and staff psychologist. I then returned to school for my doctorate in psychology, where my applied training experiences included a day treatment program for troubled adolescents and two university counseling centers, both of which were (and still are) accredited by the American Psychological Association. After earning my doctorate, I worked in a colleague’s private practice for two years before opening Ascend Psychological Services in 2013. I have been at Ascend Psychological Services ever since, and I hope to remain here for many years to come.
My theoretical orientation is existential-humanistic. This approach embraces topics unique to human existence such as meaning, purpose, autonomy, belonging, and awareness of mortality. Humans do not choose to be born (nor where, when, or to whom) and we do not choose if we will die someday either. But, to the extent that we are able, we can choose to make the most of our lives. As a counselor, I strive to balance years of training and experience with getting out of the way so each client can fulfill their own unique, individual positive potential.
For those that are more interested in the facts about my academic training and work experiences, my resume is available below. If you have further questions, you can email me at [email protected]
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Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Hours vary between clinicians. We have staff willing to accommodate our clients at night and on weekends. Please note these appointments do fill up quickly.
What You Need to Know About Your Appointment
Bring a completed New Client Intake Form and the following list of items to your first appointment.
Please download and print the appropriate New Client Intake Form below by clicking the text for the form required, then click the link to download and open the form. Print the form and fill in the fields that pertain to your situation.
New Client Intake Form
Proof of Insurance or Other
Misc. Requirements
Intake Forms
Child / Adult - new client form
Evaluation - new Patient form
