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Barbara Leigh

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Bayou La Batre
Counselor License Type(s): M.S.Ed., LPC-S, NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changes
36 years of experience

With over 30 years of experience as a therapist, I offer a seasoned combination of wisdom, current relevance and flexible interventions. I have seen trends come and go in the fields of psychology and counseling, so I like to identify your particular needs and tailor treatment modalities to your unique circumstances and expectations. I enjoy helping people discover their true needs/desires and pursuing their dreams, potential and meeting their life goals. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression. trauma and neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, etc.). I enjoy working with individuals of all age and work mostly with longer-term clients who are interested in lasting, life growth work. I own an autism consulting business and am a Certified Autism Specialist, a Board Certified Telemental Health Provider, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Clinical Supervisor (for AL). I have worked in multiple settings - inpatient, outpatient, day treatment, residential, in-home, private practice and, of course, virtual. My pioneering work with online counseling in the 90s (pre-Google!) was featured on Oprah's network and in Glamour Magazine, so I come to you with the highest of standards in the field. I typically use cognitive-behavioral therapy, skills-building from dialectical-behavioral therapy and neuroeducation (teaching about how your mind-body chemicals spur your feelings which lead to thoughts, behaviors and habits). I believe that people change when they're ready - my goal is to help you get ready to change and then to support you through change. You know you can't directly change others, but you CAN change yourself - and by doing so, you help change the world for the better, one step at a time. And it all starts with you! Let's create a treatment plan that is both realistic and challenging for you - one that involves a precise balance of safety and risk, comfort and courage. My clients say I'm easy and fun to work with because of the combination of my personality, professional and personal experience...and thus I use a balanced combination of compassion, reality and humor. Change is hard enough - why not make it fun, meaningful and enjoy the journey? I look forward to working with you! Ready? Set....Grow!!

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Mary Dooley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Bayou La Batre
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
10 years of experience

I am a counselor licensed in Alabama with about 10 years of experience working as a therapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I have also worked closely with victims and families of victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach is eclectic and I will always be honest and upfront with you. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a 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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Donda Goodson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Bayou La Batre
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
32 years of experience

My name is Donda Goodson and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama. I obtained my undergraduate degree from Auburn University in Vocational Rehabilitation and my Master's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Rehabilitation Counseling. I received my counseling license in 1992 from the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling. The majority of my clinical experience is from mental health agencies and private practice. I have worked with clients ages 4 to 74 with various issues to include anger management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, individuals struggling to maintain sobriety, those with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders and parents doing their best to parent but find themselves struggling and feeling frustrated. Through the utilization of client-centered and cognitive behavioral therapy, I work to help you work through obstacles and reach your personal goals.

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Astra Barkley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Bayou La Batre
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
10 years of experience

Astra Barkley has 20 years of experience with children, adults, and families in nonprofit sector, school setting, state agencies, and private practice. Her career spans from foster and adoptive case work, working with children with special needs, and marginalized populations in community setting to obtain needed services. She has provided mental health counseling in private sector for more than 8 years, providing counseling for depression, attention deficit disorders, anxiety, adjustment disorders, stress related issues, and more. In addition, Astra is employed at Troy University where she is an adjunct instructor and teaches bachelor level psychology classes. She is also a graduate teaching assistant at Auburn University where she is currently enrolled in counselor education and supervision doctoral program. She is a foster and adoptive parent, in addition to an advocate for foster and adoptive parents and foster children. She is trained in Trauma Informed Partnering of Safety and Permanence-Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting and provides this training to interested foster and adoptive parents. She utilizes an integrative approach to counseling, this allows her to individualize each clients treatment plan.

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Dr. Jennifer Todd

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Bayou La Batre
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesADHD
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes, executive and professional coaching, & compassion fatigue. 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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Kelli Rue

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Bayou La Batre
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Keith Jones

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Bayou La Batre
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida, South Carolina and Alabama with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Brittney Fortson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Bayou La Batre
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. 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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Benjamin Lighter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Bayou La Batre
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
3 years of experience

Hi, my name is Ben! I am licensed in Alabama with 3 years of experience as a counselor. Things I like to work with clients on include stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes, but I'm here to help with whatever you need help with! I have plenty of time open to work with you, and love to respond fast. Let's get in touch soon!

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Greta Chambless

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Bayou La Batre
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
17 years of experience

Life is incredibly tough right now. Do you find that you are facing more challenges each and every day? Counseling can help you gain insight, strength, and a new perspective in order to face these challenges head on. So many individuals question themselves and their life path. Are you unsure how to navigate life? Do you experience depression and anxiety? Are you a highly sensitive person, an empath, or both? With counseling, it is possible to see and experience a positive shift, an upward momentum, and changes in a direction that feels better – all in an effort to get you back to yourself. As a licensed professional counselor with 17 years’ experience, my goal is to offer non-judgmental support and provide a safe space in which to discuss difficult topics. I enjoy working with individuals with a variety of issues and challenges. I have experience and knowledge in working with depression, anxiety, post-partum depression, ADHD, grief, low self-esteem, life balance, and intrapersonal relationships. As a team, we will work together using a holistic approach to explore your concerns, help you reach your goals, and put the vision you have for your life and purpose in place. You are not alone on your journey to self-discovery and wholeness.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Bayou La Batre

Finding the best therapist close by in Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre. 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 Bayou La Batre, 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre, elsewhere in Mobile, 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Bayou La Batre, 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 36544 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 Bayou La Batre counselor?

Before seeing your Bayou La Batre 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. Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre, 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.

Bayou La Batre 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 Bayou La Batre, Alabama

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Bayou La Batre 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Bayou La Batre.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Bayou La Batre:

36509, 36544

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