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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Dr. Janet Dean

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: MDiv, PhD
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

Hello, I am Dr. Janet Dean, a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Kentucky. I have over 20 years of experience in counseling and psychotherapy, working with people at many different places in life and with many different concerns. My training was at The Ohio State University. Clients would tell you that I am easy to relate to and quite supportive, even when we are dealing with hard issues. My general therapeutic approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy within a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients. While I am able to serve individuals with just about any personal or psychological issue, my practice tends to be with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, life changes, faith, relational issues, and sexual identity and sexual addiction concerns. In addition to being a therapist, I am a college professor, teaching psychology to undergraduate students and training graduate students who want to become counselors themselves. Part of my academic work includes research centering on sexual identity and faith, counselor self-care, and the connections between faith and mental health. My research team and I have published numerous articles and a book, and we travel throughout the country presenting our work and training people to provide better care. My hope for my clients is that they find freedom, peace, and joy by becoming comfortable with who they are, building strong relationships with others, and finding their place in life. It would be an honor to walk with you in your journey.

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Margaret Kaelin

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

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has been providing therapy for 18+ years. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Louisville, KY. My approach is client centered and goal oriented. The modalities that I use to name a few are: Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Cognitive processing therapy, Motivational interviewing, Solution focused and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Although not useful in this platform, I have been facilitating equine assisted psychotherapy for over 18 years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues,adoption/foster care, career challenges, ptsd, attachment issues, and trauma focused therapy I can interact with you however you feel most comfortable; video or phone. My availability is weekday evenings. I realize that it can be difficult to find a therapist that you connect with, and it takes courage to take this step. I am ready to support and empower you as you walk on this journey of growth. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Melinda Mays

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: Ed.D,LPCC-S,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello! I am Dr. Mendy Mays. I am a generalist therapist, licensed in Kentucky, with 15 years experience in providing individual services. Before that I served as a middle school counselor for 12 years. Through the years I have gained experience in working with life issues, communication problems, and mood disorders, among other things. I have specific training in grief counseling and trauma. I currently also teach in a master's level counseling program that prepares students for state licensure. This keeps me up to date on best practices. Also, after spending most of my life in rural areas, I am very aware of the challenges and cultural issues that often occur surrounding mental health issues in that atmosphere. I like for therapy to be a collaboration. I see my role of therapist as being a partner and facilitator in the client's journey to wellness and fulfillment. I like to use the analogy that I am like a hardware store. I have tools and information for people to successfully do the work needed. I strive to make therapy a safe, no judgment zone. The approaches I most often use are cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused and narrative therapy. However I have experience with many theoretical approaches and have lots of "tools in my tool bag" to tailor treatment for a specific client's needs. Change can be difficult and I realize the courage it takes for a client to enter therapy. The first step toward a better life is often the hardest. If your are ready, I look forward to taking that step with you and supporting you on your journey.

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Judea Castillo Winter

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: LISW,LCSW,MSSA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my profile! My primary approach to practice is based on Humanistic Psychology with an emphasis on Strength Based approaches. I started out as a psych major (BA) and later went into social work with a Master's in Social Work to gain a broad perspective. I am licensed in Montana, Kentucky and Ohio as a LCSW and LISW respectively. I have worked with complex cases and multiple populations (i.e., older adults and their families, Dual Diagnosis and SUD, LGBTQ, forensic, domestic violence, motivational and coaching, depression and anxiety, trauma, poverty and veterans). I enjoy working with people. Often, in therapy, it can be a little tough in the beginning, before you feel better. I have found that sometimes talking about these issues make them real, concrete, which can be very scary. My virtual office is a safe place. There is no judgement. I can work with different situations and work as a team or more of a guide to find the answers in you. In the Humanistic view, our stance is that we all hold the answers inside of us, we sometimes need assistance in bringing them out. I work from the perspective that you are the expert on you. My goal is to help you to feel better and to see a brighter future ahead. Thank you for your courage to pursue this avenue! Note: Just a reminder for clients, please make sure you are residing in Montana, Ohio or Kentucky to receive services. If you travel out of town, please make sure to schedule only when back in one of those states. I know it's tricky during the holidays and school breaks!

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Shannon Hautala

Offering therapy in Kentucky
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with high stress careers/front line workers, addictions, PTSD/ trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & LGBTQ related issues. I meet my clients where they are at to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Joe Lara

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Trauma and abuse
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients navigate life challenges resulting from issues such as anxiety, anger, and depression; as well as trauma and abuse. In previous counseling positions, I have worked with clients ranging from 10 to 65 years of age and from differing cultural backgrounds. In addition to my experience within the counseling profession, I also have a military background where I was faced with a myriad of different circumstances and challenges in which effective use of problem solving, stress management, and coping strategies were necessary. Throughout our journey, we may be faced with challenges and traumatic experiences that often leave us feeling alone and misunderstood. My focus is to come alongside you to identify those challenges and navigate toward a more desirable future. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges that serve as barriers to genuine healing and personal growth. 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 and empower you in that journey.

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Cynthia Coscia

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, LGBTQ, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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!

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Ashley Reid

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hi there! I am a native Kentuckian who received by Bachelors degree in Psychology from UK and my Master's degree in Social Work from UK as well. I am licensed in Kentucky with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I have also supervised many new therapists in these areas. 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. I will utilize both professional and personal experience to assist you in reaching your goals. Remember that rain brings rainbows!

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Jennifer Sackett

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepression
14 years of experience

Greetings! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of KY and provide therapy and counseling services. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Louisville. As an LCSW, I am qualified by training and experience to treat adolescents, families, and adults. Given authority to practice independently of supervision from the Kentucky Board of Social Work, I stay up to date on continuing education, as required by my governing board and adhere to strict ethical standards. I have over fifteen years of clinical experience providing individual, group and family therapy to adolescents and adults with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and substance abuse. I believe it is important to meet each client where they are and to assist each individual in meeting their goals. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Valencia Dickerson

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 8 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 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Peter Taylor

Offering therapy in Kentucky
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
35 years of experience

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 35 years of experience helping clients deal successfully with addiction, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, and mood and anxiety problems. You'll find me to be a relaxed, friendly and non-judgmental ally and I really love helping people. I strongly believe that therapy should be client-centered, client-directed and enjoyable. Don't hesitate to contact me if you'd like to explore what we can do to meet your needs, or if you have any other questions. I'm looking forward to hearing from you!

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Sara Keinath

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Indiana and Kentucky with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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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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Erica Hayes

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Kentucky with 4 years of professional work experience. I graduated from University of the Cumberlands. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & 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. I primarily utilize CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and person centered approaches in therapy, although I occasionally pull from other modalities when it is best suited for my client. While this may be confusing to you, what it means is I have a lot of different approaches that I use depending on what we are working on together. My availability on BetterHelp is very limited. Currently, my availability is typically Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday afternoons/evenings, but this does change at times. Due to limited availability, I ask that you give 24 hours notice if you need to cancel an appointment. This allows time for other clients to take that time if needed. All no shows/late cancellations (less than 24 hours notice) will be reported to BetterHelp. No showing 2 appointments within a 6 month period will result in being referred for in person counseling or to another BetterHelp therapist. Late canceling and/or no showing 2 appointments within a 60 day period may result in being referred out, as well. While I understand that things come up, I do ask for 24 hours notice for cancellations. If you stop treatment/have a lapse in payment that causes you to become “inactive,” I may not have availability to see you if you return. I keep a small number of active clients and due to limited time I cannot hold places on my caseload for inactive clients. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am excited to walk beside you and be your partner in this journey.

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Donna Woodward

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How can therapists in Kentucky support you?

Therapists in Kentucky 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 Kentucky, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for licensed professionals in Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

Mental health counselors in Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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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