If you’re looking for mental health care in Kentucky, counseling center staff and independent practices are options. However, barriers to treatment, like a lack of available providers or transportation challenges, can make finding in-person appointments difficult. With an online therapy program like BetterHelp, you can find clinical mental health counseling from the comfort of your home at a time that works for you. This flexibility can make teletherapy a great option for busy college students, parents, and professionals.

With BetterHelp, you can work with a psychologist, social worker, or licensed professional clinical counselor to get the treatment you need to work through your mental health challenges. Whether you are interested in commitment therapy, need support with symptoms of a mental illness like depression or anxiety, or want to learn coping skills to improve your mental wellness, talking to a therapist can help.

While BetterHelp does not currently provide group therapy or family counseling, the solution-focused therapy you receive in individual sessions can help you work through challenges related to your personal or professional relationships and help you learn how to manage them more effectively.

If you’re looking for an online therapist, KY has many options. The licensed professionals listed below offer telehealth services statewide.

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Ginger Vanmeter

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
15 years of experience

Life reminds me of an iceberg. The tiny portion that is visible to the eye is nothing compared to what lies beneath the surface. Through my experiences I have helped chisel ice in order to assist individuals to reach the goals and change negative thinking into something more positive. I have experience with different modalities of therapy. These include PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, or trauma experienced during childhood. I graduated with honors from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY, and have been in private practice for 17+ years. I have and will continue to invest my time and experience to help those who want to seek additional help navigating this world and create coping skills to improve each individual's life experience.

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Susan "Jill" Hedges

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: LPCC,LPAT,RPT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Professional Art Therapist, licensed in Kentucky. I have more than 12 years experience working with anxiety, depression, medical trauma, PTSD, ADHD, Autism, as well as bereavement and grief. My style is humanistic with a client-centered approach supporting evidenced-based intervention. I believe in human beings, in their capacity to grow, change and endure. I believe in using the strengths of the individual as the basis of finding solutions to existing difficulties and paths forward. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but am able to supplement this with Expressive therapies which can provide a deeper personal meaning to the pursuit of wellness. I believe in the importance of establishing a safe place for the building of relationship and communication with unconditional acceptance of the individual, and of holding that safe space open for the expression and movement of the individual in therapy.

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Karen Richardson

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
24 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 21 years of experience in behavioral health care, working with children, teens, and adults. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing individual, family and group therapy, through community mental health centers and in-home therapy. I have worked in other arenas, such as criminal detention, family court service provision, and an intensive outpatient program for dual diagnosis clients -those with a substance abuse and a type of mental health need. I hold a bachelor's degree from Furman University, a Master's degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and earned a post-master's certificate in marriage and family therapy from the University of Louisville. I have to specialized expertise in the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, chemical dependency, child/parenting issues and issues relating to divorce. Collectively, I have a broad range of therapeutic knowledge of grief, trauma, mood stability, and mental illness symptomology and treatment. I can address issues with a Christian foundation, as requested.

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Jamie Godby

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: LPCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefCoping with life changesADHD
21 years of experience

As a mental health professional, I have devoted much of my life to working in the service of others. Whether that was “counseling” a dying 25-year-old man by wheeling him downstairs from the sixth floor of the hospice inpatient unit, where I worked and he was a patient, so that he could watch the annual Kentucky Derby Pegasus Parade; for a few minutes, he was able to forget he was dying, as he sang Dancing Queen and danced with his arms while the ABBA float coasted by. Or whether that was advocating for a student with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, and a very superior I.Q. score, with obtaining accommodations and financial aid to go to engineering school. Or whether that was helping clients absorb and integrate the loss of a relationship, a meaningful job, or their physical health. These experiences have shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally. I often ponder on the fragility of things in the context of impermanence. And I often ponder on the astounding fact that we even exist on this tiny planet in this too-massive-to comprehend universe. But I also ground those existential ponderings in a knowledge base that fulfills the licensure demands of a mental health professional. My imagination was captured by my first psychology textbook when I was in college back in the 1980s, and I continue reading psychology books for both professional and personal development. I actually read the DSM-5 (the manual of psychological diagnoses) in my leisure time, and I was downright giddy when the text revision came out. (I also like gardening, playing the piano, and making sourdough bread. And I deeply love my partner of 22 years and my dog Ruby.) I am schooled in various therapy approaches, with leanings toward the humanistic, existential, contemplative, and cognitive behavioral, and I have acquired a toolbox of skill sets to share with clients so they may experiment and decide what works best for them. My hope for you is that you have a helpful and meaningful experience with a therapist. My own experience in therapy involved a lot of hard work and grit, but each step in the right direction invigorated me, and little by little, a little became a lot. Before therapy, I saw the world almost exclusively through an anxious lens, but therapy gave me the chance to reframe my life minus the distortion. I view therapy as the endeavor of two people creating a safe space to identify those thoughts, feelings, and emotions that otherwise may be too disorienting or too frightening to do on one’s own, and then learning the skills conducive to a more compassionate and supportive inner dialog. I often ask my clients with a harsh inner critic if they would talk to another person the way they talk to themselves, and the answer is usually a tearful no. With some courage and the guidance of a therapist, this tearful no can be the start of a more authentic and meaningful life. If my approach resonates with you and you’d like to schedule a session, please take a look at my appointment calendar and see if the posted openings fit your schedule. If you do not see a time posted that works for you, let me know what does fit your schedule, and I will do my best to accommodate. Also know, I usually like to devote the first session to a modified clinical interview, to help me know where you’ve been and where you want to go. If you have any additional questions or concerns that you’d like to address before you schedule a session, feel free to reach out. In the meantime, please be gentle with yourself!

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Melissa Doll

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I love to work through challenges using the talents and strengths of my clients, including art, music, writing, and physical activity. 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.

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Dr. James Archibald

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, adjustment issues, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

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Margaret Elkins

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
7 years of experience

I have been a licensed therapist for 7 years and have worked in the mental health field for 15 years. I have experience helping individuals with severe mental illness, depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, body image issues, and grief/loss. I received my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University. I am trained in EMDR therapy.

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Addis Shepherd

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 4, going on 5 years, of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes, as well as with clients with severe traumatic experiences, and also of various backgrounds, gender identifications, sexual orientations, etc. 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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Jane Gotshalk

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and seniors. My three areas of passion are working with trauma survivors, working with combat veterans, and feminist practice. When I was 39, I commissioned in the US Army as a behavioral health officer and deployed to Iraq through Operation New Dawn. I love helping women create their best lives despite conventional pressures of marriage and child rearing. I also love working with male or female veterans from all branches of service and have limited experience working with veterans who were Rangers and Special Ops.

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Tavina Hensley

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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 2,449,218 people live in KY, 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 Kentucky 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:

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 Kentucky?

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.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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