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Venita Gowdy

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Cottonwood
Counselor License Type(s): LPC-S,RPT-S,NCC
Family conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementCoping with life changesADHD
13 years of experience

I am a child and adolescent counselor licensed in Alabama with 13 years of experience working as a mental health therapist. I am also a registered play therapist and a national certified counselor. I have worked with clients from different populations and socioeconomic groups with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, academic challenges, ODD, and ADHD. I also helped individuals who have experienced various traumas. My counseling style is inviting, but directive, and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach includes cognitive-behavioral, person centered, solution focused counseling. I do incorporate play therapy and various assignments as interventions. I will tailor our interaction and treatment plan based on your unique and specific needs. I would like to thank you for taking the time and courage in seeking a more fulfilling and happier life and taking the first steps towards a change. My goal is to provide you support and empowerment as you take your journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Tarama Fleming

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Cottonwood
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

Thank you for taking the time to consider me as your counselor. Life can be hard and it can be even harder to work through life's difficulties alone. You don't have to! I believe everyone can benefit from therapy. I am here to provide a safe environment where you can talk candidly about your concerns. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with over 24 years of experience of working in mental health with a broad spectrum of clients including persons coping with clinical issues or those who just simply need help with life transitions or difficulties. As a Christian my faith in Christ is the most vital aspect of who I am. As my client you can be assured that my counsel is governed by biblical principles and informed by the latest research to help you explore and work toward effective thoughts and behaviors for a healthier and satisfying life experience. I will always value your beliefs and will work hard to help you every step of the way. I am committed to collaborate together to help you live a bold, authentic, purposeful life in the best version of you. My professional & personal experiences led me to discover my passion to want to see everyone live their most successful, authentic, peaceful, joyful and meaningful life. I believe in you & I want to help you believe in yourself. It's time to take care of you. You are not alone. Let's talk today.

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Raven Brown-McKinney

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Cottonwood
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,CLC
Self esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
4 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Life Coach with 15 years experience partnering with individuals, families, adolescents, and women to help them reach their goals and live more fulfilling and healthy lives. Dealing with stress, depression, work, family or personal issues? Balancing work, family, friends, and life can be overwhelming. Partnering with a therapist to overcome life's challenges can be essential to living a healthy and fulfilling life. I am an experienced Social Worker with crisis intervention, assessment, domestic violence, health education, and coaching experience. I have been successful working with adults to reach their highest potential for more than 15 years. My counseling style is open, warm, and collaborative. My approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapies. I will collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that helps you reach your individual goals. A real therapist for real people! Make the first step to enjoying your new life!

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megan wetherbee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Cottonwood
GriefDepression
20 years of experience

Hello there! I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Alabama with 20 years of professional experience. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe that therapy can provide a safe, objective space to share your innermost feelings. I believe in the power of giving your unexplainable emotions a name & I can help you do that. I specialize in working with those who have experienced a loss of a loved one or a recent medical diagnosis. As a cancer survivor, I have lived experience with the grief process involved with receiving an unexpected diagnosis. My other areas of focus include depression, anxiety and narcissistic abuse. 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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Dr. Tami Long

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Cottonwood
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with years of experience in the profession and I specialize in supporting adults and older teens. With an extensive background in employee assistance, I offer mental health counseling for depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship concerns, trauma, and more. I am dedicated to enhancing client well-being by providing quality mental health support for the whole person. I believe in a strengths based approach where counseling focuses on identifying and nurturing your inherent capabilities, talents, and resources within to achieve personal growth, and thrive. We will work together to foster personal resilience, self-efficacy, and a positive mindset. I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Processing (EMDR), Gottman Couples Counseling (Level 3), and I am a Board Certified Coach (BCC). Let me support you in your journey towards improved mental health and emotional well-being.

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Dr. Stephen Bell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Cottonwood
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionADHD
23 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist licensed in Alabama, practicing for 20 years. I have been in academic and research circles with numerous publications. I have worked in both hospital and private settings. As I am later in my career, I have concluded that the best part of being a psychologist is the people. I have extensive experience in depressive disorders, anxiety including OCD, general stress, identity issues, and general self-development. I have also worked with grief over loss, including divorce. I am an advocate for therapy and believe it is a brave, strong step. I admire you for exploring online therapy, which was in many cases a life saver during COVID and still a very helpful and legitimate approach in these busy times. I hope we can begin getting to know each other and working together soon.

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Stephen Schottgen Jr

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Cottonwood
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

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!

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Delores Pritchett

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Cottonwood
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama and Georgia with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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. 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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Zoe Long Holloway

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Cottonwood
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
5 years of experience

Zoe Long Holloway is a Licensed Counselor in the state of Alabama and received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Auburn University. While at Auburn, Zoe became passionate about psychology and, having seen the impact social media can have on mental health in her time as a research assistant, began focusing on how she can be a part of the solution for people living with mental health concerns. Zoe has experience working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, stage of life problems, addiction, and various other challenges and conditions! Her approach to these concerns involve an eclectic mix of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused practices to meet her clients where they are and work towards their goals. Zoe works with her clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. She works consistently to stay on top of new trends and research within the counseling field to ensure she is providing the best services to her clients. In her free time, she enjoys being creative (art, music, etc), spending time outdoors, watching new tv series and movies, as well as playing a video game or two! Overall, Zoe is passionate about helping others achieve their goals and live the life they wish to!

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Shawn Swafford

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Cottonwood
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Cottonwood

Finding the best therapist close by in Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood. 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 Cottonwood, 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood, elsewhere in Houston, 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Cottonwood, 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 36320 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 Cottonwood counselor?

Before seeing your Cottonwood 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. Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood, 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.

Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood, 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 Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Cottonwood:

36320

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