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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Jetona Milby

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: LMFT
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

My name is Jetona, but clients can and do call me 'Jet' for short, as it is much more fun and memorable to many! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Kentucky with 18 years of experience working in the helping industry, 16 of those in providing direct counseling services to a diverse caseload of clients. All humans are unique, as are all clients. While there is no way to describe the “ideal” client, I work best with those individuals who place a high value on authenticity, transparency, and honesty. Those three factors are well suited for clients who are goal-driven and aspire true and lasting change. Some areas of rewarding experience have included work with non-traditional family structures, women’s health and wellness, intergenerational trauma healing, adoption and its impact for all involved, and healthy relationship development and intentional living- to name a few. I assist humans in realizing, trusting, and believing in their highest potential and most authentic purpose. Additionally, my experience includes working with individuals struggling with low self-esteem, adjustment disorders/issues, depression, anxiety/stress, OCD, as well as grief related loss & trauma. I've worked with all ages, 6-75 years, and enjoy watching and assisting each with navigating their unique life path. Education is very important to me, as I graduated Magna Cum Laude with my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, followed by completing my Masters of Science in Counseling with honors less than two years later. As an undergraduate, I was actively involved in academic research and presentation of my work in the field of positive parenting. As a post graduate, I have completed some doctoral work, as well as served in educational training roles regarding adoption. Additionally, I have served as a Board Approved Supervisor and mentor for students and practitioners working towards licensure in their respective counseling fields. Lastly, I consider my time spent serving on the state licensing board of Marriage and Family Therapy as part of the most influential in my entire professional career. My theoretical/treatment approach is best described as eclectic, as I focus on combining various techniques and methodologies in the effort to best serve and tailor to my client's individual needs. I view the therapeutic journey as a partnership, where client input and feedback are both necessary and essential for self-growth/development, progress, and goal achievement. I incorporate cognitive techniques to assist in replacing self-defeating thinking patterns, while maintaining a humanistic stance in regarding my client as the ultimate authority in their own lives. I specialize in working with women, couples, and young adults, repairing unhealthy relational dynamics and training mindful connection to the present moment. As an eclectic intrinsically self-guided to get at the heart of clients' issues, client's could expect an experience that combined CBT with humanistic approaches to assist them in remaining goal/task driven, while being reminded they are in the drivers seat of their own healing. They would be welcomed in a safe space conducive for healing, with me there as their steady, supportive co-pilot. Watching others start to realize their own strengths, value, and worth as their eyes glow brighter, their smiles stretch wider, and their laughter runs deeper is among the most rewarding experiences of unparalleled joy this lifetime has to offer. My hope is that my adventurous spirit & curious zest for life is transferred during my time & work with others.

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Lauren Oates

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: LPAT ,LPCC,ATR-BC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hello, my name is Lauren. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) in Kentucky. I also am nationally board certified in Art Therapy (ATR-BC). I have spent the past few years working for a non-profit community mental health organization providing therapy for people and families in need. My approach to therapy is very person-centered and adaptable. I am a professional therapist, but you are the expert when it comes to your own life, and it is important that therapy be tailored based on each client's goals and needs in order to be as effective as possible. I am interested in helping people in a way that utilizes their unique strengths rather than focusing only on a diagnosis. The goal is to achieve a positive, healthy state, which does include overcoming difficulties, but is more than that. I am also able to provide art therapy for those who are interested. Art therapy can be useful in cases where it is difficult to express something, or for figuring out how one feels about something. Additionally, the act of making art can be enjoyable and therapeutic in itself. I believe that mental health is just one more part of overall health, and that seeking mental health care should be regarded as similar to receiving any other kind of health care. Every person experiences times when extra help would be valuable, but not everyone seeks out that help. If you are considering therapy, even if you are hesitant, I encourage you to get in touch so that I can help you move in the direction of overall wellness.

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Anita Coffey

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: MSSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

Hi, I am Anita and appreciate you stopping by to learn more about me. Both my undergraduate and graduate degrees are in social work. I have been practicing for 15 years in a variety of ways. I have spent 10 years working within short- and long-term addiction rehabilitation facilities, outpatient therapy in clinical setting with children and adults, therapist for Drug Court, children and families in school setting before entering private practice. I have enjoyed working with people from all different backgrounds and walks of life. I am very flexible and easy to communicate with whether it be verbal or written. My treatment approach is client centered and solution focused while utilizing motivational interviewing. I also utilized cognitive behavior techniques integrated with the others. If you think this would be a good fit for you, reach out to me. It doesn't hurt to try. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

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Linda Smiley

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: LPCC-S
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello, Welcome! My name is Linda Smiley and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Before, I went back to college to get my Masters Degree. I had 10 years of experience as a Case Manager for clients that had a severe mental illness. I decided that I wanted to do more, so I went back to school in order to get my Master's Degree as a mental health therapist. I graduated from Lindsey Wilson in 2013 and for the past seven years I have been working with clients that are dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and psychosis. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma and/ or emotional abuse as well as traumatic concerns that have increased due to the pandemic. My goal is to be here to assist you in processing your feelings in a safe, judgment free environment. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is primarily person centered but I also utilize motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and solution focused interventions and CBT and CBTp . I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I realize it is difficult to reach out in order to talk to a complete stranger about your deepest darkest secrets, feelings, and concern. It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone but if you are reading this then you are taking your first step to having a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. You are in the driver seat of your treatment. I am the passenger in this journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Melissa Pickett

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

“People start to heal the moment they feel heard.” I have worked in the mental health field for 9 years. I have experience in working with children, adolescents and adults. Some of the disorders I have treated include anxiety, depression, severe mental illness, grief, trauma and addiction. I specialize in treating OCD with the use of ERP, Exposure Response Prevention. I have also worked closely with couples and families to assist with strengthening relationships and family bonds. I am certified in DBT and utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches to include MI, CBT, SFT, talk therapy. My mission is to provide people with a safe and confidential place to offer help, guidance and to improve stability and quality of life. Your emotional well being is my number one priority. If you are ready to begin taking steps toward a more healthy, peaceful, grounded and mindful way of life, please take the first step and reach out.

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Dr. Johnnie (John) Terrell

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
45 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida. I have 38 years of experience in working with individuals and families. During my career, I have been the director of hospital units and operated private practices in three states. I have experience in working with individuals from basically all walks of life. I have assisted individuals who have struggled with depression, anxiety, grief and loss issues, trauma, career issues, OCD, ADHD, emotional abuse, and a variety of other trying and difficult life challenges. I have found that life is sometimes very tough and challenging no matter who we are or where we are on life’s journey. The core of my therapy style consists of two combined words: “grace/acceptance.” I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with the utmost kindness, acceptance, and care by someone who is safe. My life goal, not only as a psychologist but also as a human being, is to treat every person with grace and kindness. A huge aspect of my style is patience and listening. From a clinical standpoint, I would probably best be described as interpersonal and compassionate in approach. I also use cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive strategies and thoughts to assist in the therapeutic process. Additionally, I incorporate a host of other thoughts and strategies that I have gleaned from both secular and non-secular writers over the years. My goal is always to treat everyone as a person with differing needs, thoughts, feelings, goals, and struggles. I do not believe that one technique, strategy, or approach fits all. I am constantly learning and trying to improve so that I can better myself and others. My approach is as a professional and human who has experienced a host of challenges and struggles himself. My thrust is to help each person realize that there is hope, even if they currently feel hopeless and at wits end. Again, all of these techniques are woven into a package that I like to term as a grace (favoring whether one believes that they deserve it or not) or acceptance-oriented approach. For many individuals, it is difficult to step out and seek help; and I understand that, because I am human and have practiced in the field of psychology for more than three decades. I think that the question that often comes to our minds as we take such a risk has to do with safety, that is, will the person I talk to be safe and not judge, criticize, or think poorly of me. My goal initially is to answer that question and continue to answer it via my behaviors and comments with, “No, I will strive to make this a safe and beneficial experience for you. I will treat you with acceptance and grace in the same way that I want to be treated.” Please let me know if I can be of assistance to you. If not, please continue to search for someone that you believe can be of help to you. If you are struggling, please don’t go it alone!

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Dr. Cynthia Hanson

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

I am a doctoral-level psychologist licensed in Kentucky with over 30 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, anger management, physical and emotional trauma, PTSD, and LGBTQ concerns. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I place emphasis on the client becoming their own “agent of change” by identifying areas for change or modification. Although I gather information about past history, my primary focus is about determining how to improve psychological, emotional, and life circumstances in the “here-and-now.” I will never tell you "what to do." Instead, I will serve as a guide as you explore and consider the changes you want to make. My primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, but I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Joy Spice

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: LCSW,APHSW-C
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

Hello, my name is Joy. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 7 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflict. It is my goal to create a safe environment for my clients to explore any struggles they may be facing. I utilize a Person-Centered and solution-focused therapy approach while providing support. It takes courage to reach out for help. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Mary Lindsey Higgins

Offering therapy in Kentucky
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Searching for a clinician that is right for you is an important step in the change process. It takes courage and strength. I encourage you to be proud of yourself for simply exploring therapy as an option to enhance your wellness.  I have worked as a therapist since 2015 and in the mental health field since 2009. I achieved my Master's in Social Work at Western Kentucky University in 2015. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Kentucky LCSW 253593).  I have obtained education and supervision in the utilization of person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused brief therapy, strengths-based therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy inspired interventions. I work through a person-centered approach, meaning the interventions and therapy approach utilized will be determined based on each individual's specific expressing, processing and learning styles. This ensures each individual I partner with receives the best possible care and support, specifically for their individualized life and circumstances. I have trained experience with working with individuals regarding life stressors, self-worth/self esteem concerns, behavioral pattern concerns, substance use, trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar I and II, grief, and a number of other concerns. I strive to provide each person I see with an authentic environment, filled with empathy, education and empowerment, to enable them to develop and reach their wellness and/or life goals. Even if you have not been able to identify your goals, and know you just want something different, you are at a place to begin your process.

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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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Michael Nicholson

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, anger management, motivation, self esteem/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. 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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Emily Logsdon

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

I am licensed in Kentucky with 10 years of professional work experience in the field of mental health. I specialize in helping clients with chronic stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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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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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Andrea Dosen

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky and Montana with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Taylor Roberts Carneal

Offering therapy in Kentucky
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 10 years of professional work experience working with both adults and teens. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our 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.

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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