East Carolina University, Bachelor of Arts Psychology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, MD
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Residency Training and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship
General Psychiatry
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Dr. Taren Coley, MD – Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist in Charlotte, NC
Dr. Coley is a double board-certified psychiatrist and the Director of Child & Adolescent Services, where she leads our Teen Mental Health Program. An integral member of the medical team, Dr. Coley works with children and adolescents experiencing mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, ADHD and other diagnoses.
Awards & Recognition
Her medical training and experience have contributed to her expertise in development throughout the lifespan and in using psychopharmacology and psychotherapy as fundamental components of treatment. Dr. Coley was recognized as a Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine, named a recipient of the Charlotte Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award and honored with a 2023 Inspiration Award from the White Oak Foundation.
Working With Dr. Coley
Dr. Coley approaches her clients as individuals, not simply as cases. She believes in the value of diagnostic clarification through comprehensive psychiatric assessments. She also collaborates with other healthcare professionals and therapists and works within each family system to create individualized treatment plans that support optimal outcomes for her clients.
HopeWay Programs With Dr. Coley
Dr. Coley oversees the Teen Mental Health Program, leading a robust team that provides exceptional, evidence-based care to every client and family. At HopeWay Psychiatry & Associates, Dr. Coley works with children and adolescents on an outpatient basis. She has also treated adult clients in HopeWay’s residential and day treatment programs prior to the Teen Mental Health Program opening.
Dr. Coley’s commitment to health equity further distinguishes her leadership and contributions to our community. In 2023 and 2024, Dr. Coley was an integral part of an initiative with Novant Health Foundation to expand access to psychiatric care for children and adolescents through the Hope Community Clinic, an integrated care clinic serving the uninsured and underinsured. She also shares her expertise more broadly through presentations and media appearances on topics related to child and adolescent mental health.
Education & Credentials
After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at East Carolina University, Dr. Coley completed her general psychiatry residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds board certifications in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. She is also a member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Psychiatric Association and the North Carolina Psychiatric Association.
Outside of work, Dr. Coley enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters and trying new Pinterest recipes and projects.
More From Dr. Coley
Happiness Beyond Smiles
June 30, 2025
Written By Dr. Taren Coley, MD, Psychiatrist & Director of Child & Adolescent Services A global survey found that 73% of Americans believe raising a happy child is the most important goal of parenting...
Dr. Taren Coley - Excellence
November 1, 2025
When we talk about HopeWay’s core values, excellence isn’t just a word on the wall. It’s a practice we live every day. It shows up in our program design, clinical care, staff training, and the courag...
#stayhomestayhopeful - Talking to Children about the Coronavirus
April 20, 2020
Written by Taren Coley, MD, Psychiatrist As we are all tasked with figuring out our “new normal” in times like these, many adults are also dealing with finding ways to talk with children about the Cor...
Understanding The Teenage Brain
October 17, 2025
You often hear that adolescence is one of the biggest times for change. Teens are going through puberty, growth spurts, navigating relationships and new responsibilities. In addition to the physical,...
Postpartum Depression or Baby Blues? Self-Care Either Way!
April 30, 2019
Written by Dr. Taren Coley, MD, Psychiatrist - Director of Child & Adolescent Services The art of prioritizing and personalizing self-care is a learned behavior. Logically we know that it is important...