Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone – Fayetteville, NC

Alexa Smith-Surrett graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with her Masters in Social Work and Bachelors in Psychology. She was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC and has a background working with children as a kindergarten teacher. Throughout her time in her graduate program, she was trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma-informed care. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their mental and emotional well-being as well as providing a safe space where everyone feels seen, heard, and understood. Her future goals include earning a doctoral degree. In her free time, she loves reading, being outside in nature, and volunteers with local animal rescue organizations.

Tonetta is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) who attained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work at Fayetteville State University. She uses a person-centered approach to mental health and substance use treatment helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction by creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and empowered. Tonetta’s clinical approach integrates evidence-based practices, including Psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), tailoring treatment to client’s unique experiences, strengths, and goals. She believes in meeting clients where they are, fostering self-awareness, and building practical skills that support lasting change. As an Army Veteran, Tonetta brings a deep understanding of discipline, service, and the unique experiences faced by veterans, military members, and their families. She is a strong believer in lifelong learning and continuously pursues certifications to expand knowledge and skills.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I obtained my bachelor’s in social work from the University of North Carolina Pembroke. Then, I received my Master of Social Work from Fayetteville State University. My professional background includes working as a foster care social worker and intensive in-home therapist, where I gained valuable experience supporting children and families through a variety of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. My approach is primarily person-centered, creating a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and work toward their goals. I also incorporate evidence-based practices, including CBT ACT and DBT, to help clients build healthy coping techniques and sustainable growth. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family and friends.

I am a therapist with experience across inpatient psychiatric care for adolescents and adults, adult protective services, guardianship, and outpatient therapy. My clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other integrative modalities which are tailored to each client's needs. I believe life is rarely an either/or experience. More often, it invites us to navigate the messy, meaningful middle. I have a particular interest in supporting individuals through life transitions, LGBTQ+ related concerns, and the unique challenges of living with chronic physical health conditions.

My work focuses on helping clients move away from rigid extremes and toward greater flexibility, self-compassion, and authenticity. Together, we explore how to invest energy intentionally rather than avoid discomfort, making room for both accountability and curiosity along the way. I strive to create a space that fosters insight, practical growth, and the occasional reminder that being human is often more complex, and more interesting than we expect.