David Barlow, MSW Clinical Intern

Equitable Care Clinic ‘26-’27 Advanced Clinician in Training:

David Barlow (he/him) is an MSW Clinical Intern at Obsidian Care Collective, PLLC. David holds a Bachelor's in Psychology and English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2025). Psychology and English led to curiosity about the human experience, both from a cognitive and literary perspective. Now, continuing his time at UNC-Chapel Hill, David is in his final year of his Master of Social Work program. He is supervised by Maureen Gomeringer, MSW, LCSW, SEP, receiving weekly individual and group supervision as part of his practicum requirements in his final year of graduate-level clinical training.

His journey toward social work began with a deep curiosity about how we exist within the many systems that shape our lives—from our families and communities to our broader social environments. David's previous work, including human-centered design, taught him that while our internal and external worlds are complex and distinct, they are deeply intertwined. He brings this same curiosity into the therapy room, honoring that every individual has a unique story and way of navigating their world.

David believes that therapy is a powerful, collaborative space where clients can advocate for themselves and navigate life's transitions. Whether someone is working through anxiety, depression, or simply trying to understand their own identity, he is there to listen with empathy, attention, and a non-judgmental perspective.

David is particularly interested in supporting people during the transition from high school to college, as well as those in their 20s. His practice is affirming and welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals, and he has a specific interest in exploring identity, childhood experiences, family dynamics, and religious or spiritual trauma.

He does not believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Instead, David hopes to create a safe environment where he and his clients can explore what works for them. He draws on a mix of modalities—including CBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness—to help uncover what is most helpful for each person's specific needs. He is a firm believer that therapy is a gradual process; there is no "correct" way to feel, and clients do not need to have everything figured out before walking through his door.

Outside of the office, David is a person who values connection and creativity. He might be found annotating song lyrics, reading contemporary fiction, or visiting the Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning. Being in nature, meditation, and connecting with friends and family keep him grounded. David believes being a "real person" is a vital part of the therapeutic relationship.

David would be honored to support you as you advocate for yourself and your well-being

Register Your Interest to start Therapy with David:

Fees: As an Advanced Clinician in Training at the Obsidian Equitable Care Clinic, David offers sessions on the sliding scale rate of $5-$50 per a session. Following your video consultation and upon acceptance onto David’s case load, you will self select the amount you wish pay based on what feels most sustainable to you, requiring no proof of income.

Session Information: Sessions can occur onsite in our Historic Downtown Hillsborough office or virtually to anyone in the State of North Carolina. David sees clients Wednesdays-Fridays from now until May 2027. After you submit your inquiry form, David will reach out to you schedule a free of cost 30-minute video consultation. This will allow you to meet with David and give you an opportunity to mutually vet one another for goodness of fit. In some instances, prospective clients require a higher level of support than our Advanced Clinicians in Training are able to offer. If this is the case for you David & Maureen will work diligently with you to get you referred to an appropriate provider.

David is actively accepting new clients with immediate openings. Ready to get started? Please click the button below to ‘Submit a New Client Inquiry.’ We will be in touch quickly!