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.

 

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Dr. Magna Porterfield

Offering therapy in Alabama
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a psychologist who is licensed in both the states of Alabama and Georgia and I have had the opportunity to work in the field of psychology for several years. I have worked in the both university settings (as a teacher and counselor) as well as in private practice. I have also had the opportunity to travel and share my knowledge through lectures and workshops. I have the most experience in helping people who struggle with unipolar (but NOT bipolar) depression and anxiety. I also have a considerable amount of experience in working with individuals who have problems with managing stress and managing their emotions. I do not work with issues such as eating disorders, addictions, relationship problems or sexuality concerns. My counseling style is warm, but also straightforward and honest. I consider myself to be a kind person. and I truly desire to help those who are hurting. In my work with people, I do not spend much time processing the past (i.e., childhood experiences, past trauma, etc.). I believe that true healing comes when individuals take active steps in the therapy process and focus on what they can do in their "present" situation to address their challenges. In my work with clients, I focus on helping them understand how their thoughts impact their emotions and their behavior - principles from the field of cognitive behavior therapy. I also look at the impact of lifestyle habits - diet, rest, exercise, etc. - on mental/emotional health. In addition, I sometimes utilize concepts and strategies from the area of positive psychology, which helps people identify and enhance their strengths (as opposed to merely focusing on people's weaknesses "abnormalities," so to speak). Do you need a helping hand? I would love to be that "hand" and help you make those changes. Working with me will take commitment and will require you to not be just a "passive participant," so to speak, in your healing and recovery. If you are willing to do your part, I am here for you and would love to work with you. All it takes is that first step and you can make that step today!

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Thomas "Tom" Wissert

Offering therapy in Alabama
License: LPC
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
8 years of experience

Hello. I am Tom WIssert a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama. My experience over the last several years has been with drug and alcohol addictions and the co-occurring issues and causes that go along with these addictions. More recently I have dealt with many different marital and relationship problems from intimacy to communication. Using Motivational Interviewing and Active Listening I have been able to help clients see things from a different perspective and to identify problem thinking. I would describe myself as a behaviorist using a Cognitive Behavioral approach and Person Centered counseling to help client resolve problems. Being a good listener is one of my best skills and using things clients tell me to unlock some deeper issues is a great reward for both the client and myself. I am generally available to clients on weekdays and some weekends if necessary. A goal of mine is a 24 hour message return. I usually check messages throughout the day and return messages before leaving the office.

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Melisa Ford

Offering therapy in Alabama
License: LPC- AL and GA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

I am a Professional Counselor licensed in Alabama and Georgia, with over 10 years of experience working as a mental health, substance abuse and behavioral counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, substance abuse, emotional disturbances, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is eclectic. I do not believe in a one size fits all treatment approach. I believe in treating all clients/potential clients with the dignity and respect that we all deserve. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused and person centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I commend you for even considering counseling services. This is a major step to making the changes you want to see in your life. I can't promise you it will be easy, but it will definitely be worth it. I look forward to working with you!

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Amanda Hawkins

Offering therapy in Alabama
License: LPC-S,NCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
12 years of experience

Hi! My name is Amanda and I am a licensed counselor in the Alabama. I have worked in the mental health field for sixteen years and have provided counseling services for the last 10+ years. I have worked mostly with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. However I do also have experience in helping others in processing grief and loss, family conflict, and forgiveness. My experience has been with adults, children, and adolescents. I believe that everyone can benefit from counseling and that it can be beneficial to anyone looking for change within or outside of themselves. We all struggle with something and having your own personal guide to help you through those struggles can make it easier. I believe in treating everyone with respect and not defining someone with a label. You will find that I initiate therapy with a warm and inviting approach to help you feel more comfortable and to know that I am not here to judge you but am here to help you. The approaches I utilize most often in therapy are a person-centered approach, a cognitive-behavioral approach, a solution-focused approach, or motivational interviewing. However, I do have experience in other approaches and will tailor my approach to what would benefit you the most in counseling. It takes courage to take that first step but know that I will be here to help you through the struggles you are facing when you are ready. I will help guide you through the therapeutic process and will work with you to achieve your therapeutic goals. I hope to hear from you soon and I look forward to working with you.

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Rebecca Shaughnessy

Offering therapy in Alabama
License: MA,MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am so glad you made it to my page today as you are deciding who to choose for your therapist. I would like to share with you a little about me and my approach. I have a passion for helping those in need find their inner strength and resilience. We all have it within us to find solutions to our problems; sometimes we just need some guidance. Are you at the point where saying "I just need to try harder" or "I used to be able to" is just not working? I offer an integrative, client-centered approach to counseling. Our work together will be collaborative in nature. Just one small step is all it takes to begin the process of change. If you are struggling, reach out to me and we will begin the process together. Building a strong therapeutic relationship may be the bridge between who you are now and who your are yet to become. I work with a variety of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, mood disorders, OCD, panic disorder, and women's issues. Whatever is going on, let's explore together!!!

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Astra Barkley

Offering therapy in Alabama
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

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.

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Jenay Williams

Offering therapy in Alabama
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteem
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Jennifer Maddox

Offering therapy in Alabama
Stress, AnxietyLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Dr. Shari Barfield

Offering therapy in Alabama
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
22 years of experience

Hi! My name is Dr. Shari Barfield, but most people call me Dr. Shari. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama and Tennessee, with almost 20 years of professional work experience. I earned a doctorate in human services and have a masters in clinical mental health counseling. I hold the National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner credentials. 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. My role is to help you identify your strengths and challenges, and collaboratively create goals to help you in taking steps needed to find a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to support you in your journey

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Heather Sims

Offering therapy in Alabama
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Dashon Mcnelley

Offering therapy in Alabama
Stress, AnxietyCoping with life changesADHD
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with life changes, & concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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.

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Michael McGraw

Offering therapy in Alabama
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Alabama and Virginia. I help clients with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship and family issues, recovery from trauma, and self-care. I will collaborate with you to identify your internal strengths and help you connect with the resources you need to move forward on your unique path.

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Faith Richardson

Offering therapy in Alabama
License: MDiv., MS, LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia, National Certified Counselor, pastoral counselor, and ordained minister. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Wesleyan College (Macon, GA), a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Penfield College at Mercer University (Atlanta, GA), and a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University (Atlanta, GA). My Clinical Pastoral Education work includes the Training and Counseling Center at St. Luke's, Emory University Hospital, and the VA Medical Center in Atlanta. I have additional experience working in psychiatric and drug treatment facilities, major hospitals, and in church settings. I believe in establishing rapport and unconditional positive regard in the therapeutic environment. My clinical orientations are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Counseling. Nevertheless, I am able to tailor my approach to fit your needs and often utilize an eclectic approach to counseling. Some of the counseling concerns I address include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, grief and loss, stress, chronic and terminal illness, veterans concerns, spirituality, women's issues, life transitions, family dynamics and couples counseling. I am very passionate about helping people reach their full potential and I am excited to help YOU!

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Alejandro Molina Rendon

Offering therapy in Alabama
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Connecticut with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Adulthood is always challenging but could be especially difficult. Trauma and pain could exist in places of our interior universe and be apparently silent until the day they show up affecting our ability to be ourselves and perform as family members, workers and members of the community. I have extensive experience working with adults and senior’s emotional difficulties that appears one day with no apparent reason and also those caused by stress, extreme change or significant losses. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Allison Bates

Offering therapy in Alabama
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefAnger managementSelf esteem
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief, coping with loss, anger management, motivation, & self esteem. I also have experience working with confidence. 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.

How can therapists in Alabama support you?

Therapists in Alabama 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 Alabama, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in Alabama 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 BetterHelp does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why are many residents in the state of Alabama working 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 in Alabama, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in Alabama support clients with varying issues, which can include:

  • 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

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:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some commonly asked questions can be found 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.

How do I know if I should get a therapist?

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 in Alabama can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover 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 safe?

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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