Depression can be a debilitating disease that not only affects your mind but can also destroy your entire life if it is not treated. Isolating yourself, constant fatigue, feeling sad or lost, and sleeping more than usual are just some of the symptoms that can wreak havoc on your daily life.
The town of Athens has been home to 18 famous sports stars such as Dick Coffman, Andy Nelson, and Pryor Williams so the community is fond of sports of any kind. When you have depression, you lost interest in things that you used to enjoy such as sports, but it is important to stay active to fight depression. Talk to a therapist in Athens about treatment today.
Leslie Powers
I am Leslie S Powers, a Licensed Professional Counselor from Alabama. I have been in this profession forover 30 years, having begun my journey as a Certified Addictions Counselor in 1988. Since then, I have worked in treatment centers and free-standing mental health clinics via private practice, school counseling, and contracting with my county's Department of Human Resources. I am a 1994 graduate of Troy University with a Master's degree in Counseling and Human Development. I am also a certified school counselor. I have a Master of Speech Communication degree from Auburn University. I have earned approximately 40 hours post-graduate in the counseling psychology and ministerial fields. My approach to counseling is cognitive, and I especially appreciate the solution-focused therapies. I believe that clients are the experts at problem-solving given the right questions and goals, and that an accepting counseling environment allows positive outcomes! We'll proceed toward your goals as colleagues, working with humor and respect, serious-minded curiosity, homework and brainwork. If you're coping with longterm mental health issues which require medicine and physician supervision along with psychotherapy, I'm willing to be part of your care team. (I generally do not work with chronic pain clients in online settings without collaboration with an MD. ) I look forward to speaking to you soon! Leslie
Vincent Dwayne Hinton
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor looking forward to sharing the experience with you. I have been licensed for over 15 years and will bring an array of knowledge as well as tools and techniques.
Rebecca Moerbe
Hello! My name is Rebecca and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have provided mental health support to people for over 15 years. I have worked with all ages in a variety of settings from homes to hospitals. I have focused on working with people facing challenges due to change- either health, relationships, or mental health. I have experience working with challenges including depression, grief, adjustment, life transitions, caregiver stress, and trauma. My counseling style is warm, encouraging, honest, and respectful, with a dash of humor. I like to adjust my therapy approach according to what best serves my client, often this holistic style combines attachment based/emotionally focused with rational-emotive work. I want to help empower you in reaching your goal and better understand yourself and your world. I encourage you to be honest and approach your counseling experience with curiosity. I respect the courage and vulnerability it takes to lean into a discovery process about ourselves. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Carmela Drake
I am a Certified Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Professional (CAADP), and a Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor, level III (ACGC-III) in the state of Alabama. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Alabama. I have worked in the field of addictions and mental health for over 20 years. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect and compassion. I provide a nonjudgmental zone and exercise the use of “person-first” language. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and client-centered therapeutic approaches. I make use of motivational interviewing in most of my session, but am also well versed in other therapeutic styles of facilitating counseling sessions. My specialty area is co-occurring disorders with adolescents and young adults. I have since broadened my scope to focus on the mental health needs of student-athletes with emphasis on transitioning from high school competition to intercollegiate sports as well as the impact of transitioning to life after competition. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am glad that you have taken the first step and look forward as you continue to move forward in your recovery/healing process.
Coleman Thompson
I have 5+ years experience working with individuals to improve their mental health. Most of my experience has been working with families, individuals, couples and at-risk youth. I have also worked in outpatient therapy for 3+ years. My focus has been on depressive disorders, situational/lifestyle adjustment, trauma, and anxiety. I want to ensure my clients are heard. I like to take time to celebrate the progress you make on yourself; We are a team, and I am in your corner. I will do my best to help you work through whatever you might be going through, and I will provide tools you can use to improve your mental well-being.
Melanie Walton
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama with over 20 years of experience. I've always had a desire to help people even as a little girl. My motto in life is "How can I help?" I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns including substance abuse, anger issues, parenting/co-parenting problems, relationship issues, intimate partner violence, anxiety, depression, and physical/psychological trauma. My therapy style is direct and interactive. I believe in building rapport in order to establish the therapeutic alliance within the first few weeks of therapy. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, and genuineness. I prefer a variety of approaches to treatment such as cognitive-behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, and person-centered treatment just to mention a few. However, the approach selected will meet the individual exactly where they are. Treatment plans' goals and objectives are formulated based on the individual’s strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences. It takes strength and courage to invest in a more fulfilling and happier life. Thinking for a change will assist in gaining a new perspective and outlook. So if you are ready to take that step, then I ask, "How can I help?"
Kiara Patrick
Deciding to start therapy and finding the perfect therapist for you can be very difficult. I believe that everyone has the capacity to heal and grow, and my role as a therapist is to provide a safe and nurturing space for that transformation to unfold. My goal is to empower you to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, one that aligns with your values and aspirations. I have experience with a wide range of concerns and specialize in depression, stress/anxiety, perinatal wellness, women's issues, relationship issues, caregiver fatigue, and life changes. I utilize several different techniques and modalities to give my clients the best client-centered therapy specific to their needs and concerns. I believe in creating an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgement. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to working with you!
Stephen Schottgen Jr
I am licensed in Alabama and Mississippi with many years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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!
Taara Oates
I am licensed in Alabama with 3 years of professional counseling experience and 14 years in the field of Social Work. I received my bachelor's degree in social work in 2010 from the University of South Alabama. In 2012, I received a Master of Social Work Degree from the university of Alabama. I began my career in domestic violence. I have experience working with teens with substance use disorders and mental health. I also have experience in child welfare, public health, and care coordination for children with complex health care needs. I am passionate about helping individuals with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I work with my individuals 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!
Marquita Wooley
Hi, my name is Marquita Wooley. I received my Bachelors Degree in Sociology with a double minor in Religion and Abnormal Psychology and received my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology. I am licensed in Alabama as a License Professional Counselor and in the great state of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor as well as a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I have over 15 plus years of professional work experience with an extensive clinical background in multicultural counseling working with families, children, adolescents, adults, young adults, and college students from diverse backgrounds. I enjoy working with active duty military, dependents, veterans and the civilian community. I have experience in community mental health treatment centers and hospitals with level of care that includes acute, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient care and private practice. I am someone who sparks change in people’s lives and relationships. My goal is to help facilitate change at your pace by creating a supportive safe and non-judgmental space to explore your issues and thoughts. I lean mostly toward a person-centered approach, utilizing an eclectic of techniques, such as, cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, conflict resolution and humanistic to name a few, all tailored to fit each individual needs. Some of my areas of focus is, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, anger management, relationship issues, parenting, self-esteem, stress and sleep to name a few. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and goals 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Athens
Finding the best therapist close by in Athens can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Athens that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Athens. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Athens, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Athens region and in the state of Alabama. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Athens or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Athens therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Athens area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Athens, elsewhere in Limestone, or in the greater state of Alabama. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Athens area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Athens therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Athens due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Athens may not take health insurance, some in the state of Alabama may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Alabama you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Athens online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Athens, Alabama working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Athens psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Athens above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Athens provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Athens?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Athens therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Athens therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Athens therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in AL, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 35613 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Athens counselor?
Before seeing your Athens therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Athens therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Athens licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Athens counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Athens, Alabama can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Athens has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Athens, Alabama
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Athens therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Athens:
35611, 35612, 35613