The capital of Alabama and the third most populous in the state, Montgomery is a major seat and hub for both government bodies and the military. Montgomery, AL is also home to three major universities, Alabama State, Troy University, and Auburn University at Montgomery. Historically, as a center of major Civil Rights events, and home of active military and veterans, for many there can be a lot of unprocessed trauma.
When it comes to finding a therapist, Montgomery, AL may have more options than many suburban and rural areas, but finding the right therapist isn’t always easy even in a densely populated city. There are a number of therapy approaches that utilize evidence-based practices to address emotional and behavioral challenges. Which of these approaches is most effective can depend on the mental health condition as well as the individual. For example, treating clinical depression may take a different set of skills than working with the post traumatic stress disorder experienced by a victim of domestic violence. There may be some overlap, but specialization can give you a true person-centric experience.
Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can offer a wider variety of choices. BetterHelp gives you access to over 30,000 mental health care professionals, from cognitive behavioral therapists to experts in crisis intervention. Whatever your mental health concerns, simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you to a therapist that meets your personal needs. And because therapeutic alliance can be an essential factor in success, if you need to switch therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
For many, online counseling sessions are a convenient treatment solution, as well. Sessions can easily fit into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options you can talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home.
If you are in the Montgomery area and are seeking help for any kind of mental health challenge, whether treatment of clinical depression, healing from sexual assault, or managing family conflict, therapy can help. By reaching out to the professionals at BetterHelp you can be one step closer to finding the mental health and well-being that you deserve.
Katherine Myers
Maybe you have waited a long time to seek help and suffered in silence. Perhaps you've become accustomed to this discomfort or a pain. Or maybe you desire change through seeking understanding and want a greater sense of wellbeing. Therapy can help you with this process of personal growth and healing. Whether you have a crisis, traumatic experience, significant life challenge or are wanting to experience greater fulfillment therapy may be for you. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and helping people heal from traumatic experiences. I also enjoy working with people struggling with anxiety and depression, self-esteem and body image, and substance abuse/recovery from addiction. I believe through understanding and awareness, we can move toward becoming our true selves and deeply experience life. As a therapist, I am nonjudgmental, genuine, compassionate and goal oriented. I believe humor helps humanize the therapeutic experience. My treatment philosophy is primarily based in psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy. I am trained in EMDR and certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Jill Sexton
I am an Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience . I specialize in treating adoption related issues, trauma, grief and loss, parenting issues. I am certified in TF-CBT, trained in EMDR and is and adoption competent professional. I serve children, adolescents, adults and families. I graduated with undergraduate degree in Psychology from Auburn University and with her masters degree in community counseling from Auburn University Montgomery. Dr. Brené Brown says "When we deny the story, it defines us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending.", I believe this to be true and work with clients to create new endings through understanding our own stories, identifying triggers to block our growth, and identifying steps towards achieving desired outcomes. I provide a relatable, empathic, and calming approach. Because each person holds unique qualities and circumstances, I work to holistically understand clients and tailor the counseling experience around clients' specific needs and desires.
John Kelly
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience and specializing in crisis counseling, substance abuse, mental health. I provide both client-centered individual and family therapy, group sessions and counseling in a supportive, reassuring, platform. I use the following approaches to provide the best client-centered therapy to my clients: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Based Therapy.
Brandy Sutton-Gamble
I have had the pleasure of working within the field of social work for 16 years after receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2005 and my Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2008. I have worked within the non profit sector, acute care setting, and rehabilitation settings. I have experience working with young adults, military veterans, homeless individuals/families, individuals with chronic health conditions, and older adults. My approach to therapy is faith/strengths based and I believe very strongly that those who seek change will find it! I have experience in the areas of anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, and adjustment disorder. I commend you for taking the first step and consider it a blessing and honor that you are considering me to walk this path/journey with you. I look forward to growing with you but most importantly learning from you! God bless you!
Astra Barkley
Astra Barkley has 20 years of experience with children, adults, and families in nonprofit sector, school setting, state agencies, and private practice. Her career spans from foster and adoptive case work, working with children with special needs, and marginalized populations in community setting to obtain needed services. She has provided mental health counseling in private sector for more than 8 years, providing counseling for depression, attention deficit disorders, anxiety, adjustment disorders, stress related issues, and more. In addition, Astra is employed at Troy University where she is an adjunct instructor and teaches bachelor level psychology classes. She is also a graduate teaching assistant at Auburn University where she is currently enrolled in counselor education and supervision doctoral program. She is a foster and adoptive parent, in addition to an advocate for foster and adoptive parents and foster children. She is trained in Trauma Informed Partnering of Safety and Permanence-Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting and provides this training to interested foster and adoptive parents. She utilizes an integrative approach to counseling, this allows her to individualize each clients treatment plan.
Danel Whitehead
I am licensed in Alabama with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to ask for help, to take the first steps toward a change, and seek out a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Cathy Clifton
I am a Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Life Coach in Alabama with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Ruth Racz
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama who has spent 12 years working with individuals with a variety of mental illness diagnoses including psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family issues, and co-occurring conditions. I received my Master's Degree from Troy University in 2011 and have been working at the same company full-time since then. I have been married for 27 years, and we have 3 boys (24, 21, and 9). I like for our interactions to be conversational and will use reality therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, and mindfulness. In this space, you are free to be who you are and talk about what is important to you. There will be no judgment, and I urge you to be real and talk about whatever you want. You are taking the first steps to a better life, and I am glad to be here for it.
Anna Shinn
I am a nationally certified counselor and am licensed as a professional counselor in Alabama with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, couple's conflicts, confidence, substance use, and severe mental illnesses. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Fabiola Casimir
I am licensed in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Montgomery
Finding the best therapist close by in Montgomery can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services in Montgomery that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Montgomery. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Montgomery, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Montgomery region and in the state of Alabama. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Montgomery or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Montgomery area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find Montgomery therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Montgomery, elsewhere in Montgomery, or in the greater state of Alabama.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Montgomery area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Montgomery therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Montgomery due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Montgomery may not take health insurance, some in the state of Alabama may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Alabama you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.
How is a licensed therapist on this Montgomery online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Montgomery, Alabama working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Montgomery psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Montgomery above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Montgomery helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified Montgomery therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Montgomery therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Montgomery?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Montgomery therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Montgomery therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Montgomery therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Montgomery therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in AL, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 36102 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Montgomery counselor?
Before seeing your Montgomery therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Montgomery.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice from a therapist. A Montgomery licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy with a Montgomery counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Montgomery, Alabama can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Montgomery has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Montgomery, Alabama
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Montgomery:
36064, 36101, 36102, 36103, 36104, 36105, 36106, 36107, 36108, 36109, 36110, 36111, 36112, 36113, 36114, 36115, 36116, 36117, 36118, 36119, 36120, 36121, 36123, 36124, 36125, 36130, 36131, 36132, 36135, 36140, 36141, 36142, 36177, 36191