Cornerstone Therapeutic Horsemanship
Marshall, North Carolina
Cornerstone Therapeutic Horsemanship is an equine therapy practice in Marshall, North Carolina, led by licensed clinical social worker Carisa Hooks. It offers ground-based equine-assisted psychotherapy, in-office counseling, and therapeutic riding. The practice works with children, teens, adults and families, including youth with and without disabilities.
- Individual equine-assisted psychotherapy
- Group equine-assisted psychotherapy
- In-office individual therapy
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Equine-assisted learning
- Children and teens
- Adults
- Families
- Youth with and without disabilities
- People dealing with anxiety, depression or trauma
- People coping with grief, stress or life transitions
- Youth with ADHD or emotional regulation challenges
- Youth facing family conflict or adoption issues
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Cornerstone provides trauma-informed mental health care that combines equine-assisted psychotherapy with traditional clinical methods, drawing on cognitive-behavioral, attachment-based and somatic approaches. Psychotherapy sessions are ground-based, with no riding, and are facilitated by a licensed therapist.
The site describes a typical session in four parts: a check-in and goal setting, activities with a horse such as grooming, leading, obstacle work and boundary exercises, guided reflection during the activity, and a closing discussion that connects the experience to relationships, coping skills or trauma responses.
Areas the practice lists include anxiety, depression and mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, stress and low self-esteem. For young clients it also lists ADHD, behavioral and emotional regulation challenges, school stress, social skills, family conflict and adoption issues.
The Horses and Staff
Carisa Hooks, MSW, LCSW, leads the practice. Her bio says she taught in self-contained special education classrooms for 23 years, including more than 15 years as a National Board Certified teacher, and worked for 3 years as a school social worker at a school for students with severe physical and cognitive needs. She earned PATH Intl. certification as a therapeutic riding instructor in 2014, contracted with a local therapeutic riding center for 6 years, completed her MSW in 2020 and became an LCSW in 2022. She is also a foster and adoptive parent.
The program's blog introduces members of its herd, several of them rescued or rehomed horses, including Lynx, a registered Quarter Horse.
Insurance and Getting Started
The website says insurance is accepted for equine-assisted psychotherapy and lists the practice as in-network with Medicaid, BCBS, Vaya, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Ambetter and Wellcare. Therapeutic riding and equine-assisted learning classes are offered for students in the NC Disability Grant program, according to the site, and are private pay at $80 per session, as listed.
To begin, families can call 828-380-9554, email carisa@cornerstonehorsetherapy.com, or use the contact form on the website.
Location
Cornerstone is located at 286 Paul Gosnell Rd., Marshall, NC 28753. The website says it serves Mars Hill and the greater Asheville area.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
Does Cornerstone accept insurance?
Yes, for equine-assisted psychotherapy. The website lists Medicaid, BCBS, Vaya, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Ambetter and Wellcare as in-network plans.
How much does therapeutic riding cost?
Therapeutic riding and equine-assisted learning are private pay at $80 per session, as listed on the website. See our guide to equine therapy costs for more on paying for sessions.
Do psychotherapy clients ride the horses?
No. The website says equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions are ground-based, with activities like grooming and leading alongside a licensed therapist.
How do I schedule a first session?
Call 828-380-9554, email carisa@cornerstonehorsetherapy.com, or send a message through the contact form on the website.
Location
Marshall, North Carolina 28753
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.