June is Pride Month: LGBTQ+ Mental Health Matters!

ASCC Therapist's Jessica Ringle (left), Susan Elaine (middle), and Adam Lewis (right) at the Blue Ridge Pride Festival in downtown Asheville September 2024.

Mental health challenges disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ individuals at higher rates, with young people facing evaluated risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Young LGBTQ+ individuals are not inherently prone to higher suicide risk due to their sexual orientation or gender identities, but rather are placed under high risk due to their mistreatment and stigmatization in society.

In the 2024 WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey from the WNC Health Network Inc., responses indicated LGBTQ+ adults are almost 3x as likely to experience suicidal thoughts an behaviors as their straight peers. Older LGBTQ+ adults (especially in rural WNC) often struggle with isolation, limited access to culturally competent providers, and the long term effects of discrimination. They are also disproportionately affected by substance use disorders, including tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.

Providing affirming, inclusive mental health support that recognizes the unique experience of LGBTQ+ individuals across the lifespan in WNC is a core goal at All Souls Counseling Center. Pride is not only a celebration, but also a call to ensure all people, regardless of age or identity, have access to the care and community they deserve.

Explore our Mental Health Resources to find local support and national support, or call our Center at (828) 259-3369 to get connected with a therapist.

Meet our Summer Intern: Kylie Cackovic

We're excited to welcome Kylie Cackovic to All Souls Counseling Center as our Marketing and Communications Intern this summer!

Kylie is a rising senior at UNC Asheville, majoring in Psychology and passionate about pursuing a career in mental health. A standout on and off the court, she plays for the UNCA women’s volleyball team, serves as an athlete representative for the Mental Health Ambassadors, and was recently elected Student-Athlete Welfare Executive on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Join us in giving Kylie a warm welcome!

ASCC Hosts Three Free Community Meals in Western North Carolina in May

During the month of May, ASCC had the privilege of hosting three free community meals across WNC—each one offering a space for connection, reflection, and healing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. These gatherings were made possible through the generous support of the Duke Energy Foundation and our dedicated community partners.

ASCC Spring Appeal Campaign is Underway!

Now through June 30, we invite you, our All Souls Counseling friends, to share your support of our mission to provide quality mental health services to adults who are uninsured or underinsured. We are so excited that we have reached 80% of our spring goal! Act now and help us reach (or exceed!) our goal of $15,000 to fund therapy services and mental health education in WNC! 

Click on the link below to easily make a donation today. Every gift makes a difference! 

https://allsoulscounseling.org/donate/

The 3rd Annual Hope is in Bloom Recap

On May 22nd, we hosted our 3rd annual springtime fundraiser, Hope is in Bloom, at Highland Brewing Company’s beautiful Event Space. The evening brought together an incredible community of supporters, all committed to strengthening mental health care in Western North Carolina.

Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere with the fun, upbeat sounds of The Lefties, who filled the space with classic oldies and great energy. A delicious array of appetizers from Chai Pani, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, and Twisted Laurel added a flavorful touch to the evening.

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was hearing the powerful remarks of community leaders who shared personal reflections and inspiring calls to action. Leah Wong Ashburn, CEO of Highland Brewing Company; Adam Lewis, LCSW, Therapist and Mental Health Educator at All Souls Counseling Center; and Amanda Edwards, Chair of the Buncombe County Commission, each spoke to the importance of collaboration, access, and compassion in addressing mental health in our region.

We were also honored to present the 2025 Pam Penland Mental Health Champion Award to Cheryl Antoncic Suess, Co-Owner of Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and Founder of Linked4Life. Cheryl was recognized for her tireless advocacy, community leadership, and unwavering dedication to suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

We are deeply grateful to our staff, board, therapists, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees for making this event such a success. Your presence, energy, and generosity continue to move our mission forward. Also, huge thank you to our presenting sponsor: First Bank!

📸 View the photo album from the evening here:

Hope is in Bloom 2025 Photo Album

Thank you for helping us grow hope — and for being part of the movement to expand access to compassionate, community-based mental health care in Western North Carolina.

Fred Anderson Subaru Shares the Love With All Souls Counseling Center

We are thrilled to share that All Souls Counseling Center was awarded a generous gift of $22,754 from Fred Anderson Subaru as part of their Share the Love Campaign!

Our team had the pleasure of visiting their brand-new, state-of-the-art facility and was truly blown away—both by the warm welcome and the incredible support shown for mental health access in Western North Carolina.

As a selected nonprofit partner for this year’s campaign, we are deeply grateful to the amazing team at Fred Anderson Subaru and to every Subaru customer who made this gift possible. Thank you for sharing the love with All Souls Counseling and helping us continue to provide affordable, high-quality mental health care to those who need it most.

All Souls Counseling Center (ASCC) | 828-259-3369 | allsoulscounseling.org

ASCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (EIN: 56-2200862).

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