The natural beauty of white sand beaches makes living in Gulf Shores a real treat. The purity of the water and the overall joy that comes with enjoying the area helps to make it a very special place. You want to be able to embrace all of the beauty around you and to enjoy it for what it is, but depression mars your perception. When you are dealing with severe depression issues, even the most gorgeous examples of nature can appear to be dull and uninteresting.

This type of depression does not have to take over your life. You can reach out to Gulf Shores-area counselors to get the assistance that you need. Professionals counselors understand how difficult depression problems can be and they can speak to you about everything that is going on. Having a kind ally guide you towards healing can help you to reclaim the joy in your life. Speak to them today to work toward eliminating depression from your life.

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Carol Costner

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Gulf Shores
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

Imagine waking up every morning feeling like you can take on the world. How great does that feel? Pretty great and an attainable goal, but the reality is that at times life takes twists and turns which can leave us with worries, frustrations and conflicts. These can pile up and prevent us from accessing our built-in ability to live a purposeful, joyful life. That's where I come in. I'm Carol Costner, a licensed professional counselor with over 14 years of experience working with people who have shared with me a broad range of problems. I always knew I wanted to work in the helping profession and pursued that out of high school by attending the University of Alabama in Birmingham, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in nursing. My work began in helping alleviate the physical suffering of those I was honored to serve in hospital settings. After a while, I returned to school and graduated with a Master's degree in Community Counseling from Jacksonville State University, earning my counseling license and my national certification as a counselor. I began working in a variety of settings with clients who suffered emotionally and relationally with both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health issues. My counseling style is client-centered, which simply means that you are the best expert on yourself. I will depend on you to share with me your own self assessment as a place to begin. I use a combination of solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral and narrative therapy techniques. I employ a whole-person integrated approach to wellness, using empathy while also being direct. This approach helps my clients avoid being too hard on themselves while also owning responsibility for change. Everyone will not fit into one method of therapy so I tailor my efforts toward what fits you best. I believe that we all have within us an internal compass--the ability to find our way. I would love the opportunity to assist you in accessing that compass and finding your way through whatever you are currently facing. I promise that I will give you my utmost best as we travel the journey to wellness and wholeness together. If you're looking for change and relief from distressing emotions, I would be delighted to join with you in a journey toward a more abundant life.

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Allison Crotwell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Gulf Shores
Counselor License Type(s): LICSW
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist in various inpatient and outpatient settings. I have worked with clients on multiple concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, parenting problems, career, and life transition challenges. In addition, I have extensive experience in working with clients who struggle with behaviors and symptoms related to obsessive-compulsive disorders, attention deficit, and hyperactivity disorders such as ADD and ADHD. My therapeutic approach varies but is always client-centered. Through a strengths-based and solutions-focused lens, I draw on multiple treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. For example, through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I assist clients in exploring relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to aid in discovering dysfunctional thought patterns leading to self-destructive behaviors and beliefs. Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I support clients through developing skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation to move clients towards a life involving the capacity for experiencing joy and freedom. It takes courage and effort to seek a more fulfilling and happier life, and 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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Matthew Heard

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Gulf Shores
Counselor License Type(s): Lpc, NCC ,MS, LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama and have been in private practice since 2013. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared in a relaxing setting 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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Shelina Green

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Gulf Shores
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama and Washington with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, depression, and overall life stressors. I have experience working with clients of all ages but specialize in clients ages 10 years old and up. Life happens, right? Why am I feeling this way? When life happens it can be difficult to adapt or to reach out to someone for help. Let me help you identify goals to help you become a better you!

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Miranda Jordan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Gulf Shores
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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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Dr. Tami Long

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Gulf Shores
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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Nycole Jordan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Gulf Shores
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 19 years of professional work experience in mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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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Michael Schwan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Gulf Shores
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with a background in community mental healthcare. I have over 7 years of experience providing clinical services to children, youth, and adults with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related issues, as well as to individuals with chronic mental illnesses and substance use disorders. My clinical approach is comprised primarily of CBT and TF-CBT, but I also incorporate various aspects of other clinical modalities into my therapy sessions and attempt to tailor one's treatment as specifically to their individual needs as possible. I enjoy working with individuals of diverse cultures and backgrounds. I strive to provide a relaxed and supportive environment where individuals feel safe to discuss their feelings and concerns without fear of judgement regardless of their race/ethnicity, cultural background, religious/spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, or gender identity. https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/

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Daveny Vinson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Gulf Shores
AddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is LaToyia Walker's avatar and link to their profile

LaToyia Walker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Gulf Shores
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Gulf Shores

Finding the best therapist close by in Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores. 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 Gulf Shores, 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores, elsewhere in Baldwin, 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Gulf Shores, 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 36547 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 Gulf Shores counselor?

Before seeing your Gulf Shores 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. Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores, 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.

Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores, 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores.

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

36542, 36547

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