Therapy can help you manage the challenges life brings, but barriers like a lack of available providers or transportation issues can make finding in-person treatment difficult. If you’re in or around Huntsville, Mobile, or Birmingham, AL, it may be beneficial to consider an online therapy platform like BetterHelp.
A licensed therapist can help you with many of life’s challenges. If you’re concerned about family conflict, distressed about the challenges of addiction, or coping with the symptoms of mood disorders, teletherapy can help. When you develop a therapeutic relationship with a counselor online, you can work toward your goals from the comfort of your home at a time that suits your schedule. This convenience can enhance the ability of many patients to get care.
If you’re a student at Auburn University worried about your future, a busy professional looking to avoid burnout, or a parent constantly anxious about your child, a BetterHelp therapist can help you through healing. Whether you live in a rural area or reside in a big city like Birmingham, therapists are available in your area. If you’re looking for a therapist, AL has many providers available for state-wide access to care. Connect with one of the professionals below to take the next step.

Laura Angers Maddox
Hello, I'm Laura! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Registered Play Therapist and a National Certified Counselor. I graduated with a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling in 2012 but the focus of my work experience has been with individuals, families and couples equally. I have worked in a group home, in office settings and I have also provided in-home counseling during the past few years. My hope is that whatever life situation you are facing, I can provide an open heart and a counseling relationship built on respect and trust. I have experience working with survivors of trauma and abuse, individuals with depression, stress and anxiety, as well as couples with relationship distress. When working with survivors of trauma, I use a technique called Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I use other techniques as well, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy when working with depression and anxiety, and systems theory when working with couples and families. My style of counseling is accepting, understanding and encouraging.

Judi Braswell
I am a licensed professional counselor with broad experience including addiction, co-dependency, relationship issues, parenting, blended family, work related issues, and depression/anxiety. I am a Christian and can incorporate biblical principles into therapy, if requested, but believe in supporting individuals to discover their answers and the steps necessary to have the life they want. I believe in incorporating behavioral change to address symptoms while working to uncover the root of the problem.

Paula Freeman
Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Alabama and registered to provide teletherapy for residents of Florida. With over 25 years of experience in social work, I have worked in child welfare, residential treatment, and mental health, as well as providing bereavement services as a hospice volunteer. I am also certified as a Specialist in the Grief Recovery Method and have extensive experience supporting children, teens, and adults in individual and group settings. Additionally, I’ve provided supervision, consultation, training, and coaching to fellow social workers and other professionals. My counseling approach is empathic, client-centered, and tailored to meet your unique needs. I use a combination of dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused strategies, and person-centered techniques, often incorporating psychoeducation to empower clients in achieving their goals. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, and sensitivity, meeting you where you are without judgment. Life's challenges can be overwhelming, but seeking support is a courageous first step. I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey toward growth and healing.

Mary Norwood
I am a licensed social worker working in Alabama with 11 years experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including: depression, anxiety, anger management, life transitions, and parenting difficulties. I also have experience with various mental health and behavioral disorders. My counseling style is warm and adaptive. I believe in meeting every client where they are and addressing their greatest concerns. I believe it is most important to treat symptoms and underlying sources that can be contributing to those symptoms. My approach combines focusing on and finding strengths to combine with cognitive-behavioral techniques. I will be sure to tailor your treatment plan to meet you where you are! It take a great deal of strength to reach out for help to improve your quality of life. If you are ready for that step, I am here to help empower you in the process. I look forward to working with you!

Timothy Rowell
I am a social worker licensed in Alabama and Florida with over 13 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma related challenges, addiction to substances, and psychosis. I believe it is important my patients feel comfortable engaging with me and know they will never be judged for anything they disclose during session. I believe the moment this occurs work will halt as honesty between us is essential to healing. I believe in treating everyone with care, respect, and being genuine with my patients. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, rational emotive behavior therapy, and dialectic behavioral therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes effort and work to make changes to our lives. When we work together in a collaborative effort we can make the progress you desire. My hope is to see you be successful and help you achieve the quality of life you desire and deserve. I look forward to working with you!

Mary McWhirter
I am a social worker based in Birmingham, Alabama with over seven years experience providing mental health services. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, but I especially welcome those struggling as caretakers, end of life, trauma, or those adjusting to major life health changes. My therapy style is compassionate and without judgement. I believe in treating everyone with empathy and an open mind. My approach can be tailored to meet the needs or wishes of my patients. I have experience in providing trauma informed therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, and motivational interviewing.

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.

Robert Pasley
I am a licensed therapist in Alabama and a Florida Telehealth Provider. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Art Degree in Professional Counseling. I have two decades of social service experience in hospitals, mental health clinics, correctional facilities and other community agencies. I believe in creating an environment that is collaborative, supportive and compassionate. My goal is finding the most effective combination of therapeutic approaches to help patients become successful in achieving and maintaining meaningful change. I provide therapy for adults coping with a variety of issues including anger, self-esteem, addictions, life transitions, interpersonal conflict, grief/loss, trauma/abuse, anxiety, mood disorders, psychosis and personality disorders.

Dwanla "Dwan" Madden
I am licensed in Alabama with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & compassion fatigue. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.

Shavon Rich
I am licensed in Alabama with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How can a counselor support you?
Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 2,972,142 people live in AL, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in Alabama support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. 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: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
When should I get a therapist in Alabama?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. 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 advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy the safe option?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
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