This is Dr. Magna Porterfield's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Magna Porterfield

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Riverside
Counselor License Type(s): Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a psychologist who is licensed in both the states of Alabama and Georgia and I have had the opportunity to work in the field of psychology for several years. I have worked in the both university settings (as a teacher and counselor) as well as in private practice. I have also had the opportunity to travel and share my knowledge through lectures and workshops. I have the most experience in helping people who struggle with unipolar (but NOT bipolar) depression and anxiety. I also have a considerable amount of experience in working with individuals who have problems with managing stress and managing their emotions. I do not work with issues such as eating disorders, addictions, relationship problems or sexuality concerns. My counseling style is warm, but also straightforward and honest. I consider myself to be a kind person. and I truly desire to help those who are hurting. In my work with people, I do not spend much time processing the past (i.e., childhood experiences, past trauma, etc.). I believe that true healing comes when individuals take active steps in the therapy process and focus on what they can do in their "present" situation to address their challenges. In my work with clients, I focus on helping them understand how their thoughts impact their emotions and their behavior - principles from the field of cognitive behavior therapy. I also look at the impact of lifestyle habits - diet, rest, exercise, etc. - on mental/emotional health. In addition, I sometimes utilize concepts and strategies from the area of positive psychology, which helps people identify and enhance their strengths (as opposed to merely focusing on people's weaknesses "abnormalities," so to speak). Do you need a helping hand? I would love to be that "hand" and help you make those changes. Working with me will take commitment and will require you to not be just a "passive participant," so to speak, in your healing and recovery. If you are willing to do your part, I am here for you and would love to work with you. All it takes is that first step and you can make that step today!

This is Donna Plummer's avatar and link to their profile

Donna Plummer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Riverside
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,CEAP,SAP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor with 30+ years of experience plus specialized training in addictions, employee assistance services, trauma and career/life coaching. My focus is working with adults on a variety of issues which include depression, anxiety, panic disorders, life changes, relationship issues, addiction, trauma, military family culture, and employment/job stressors. What I try to provide is a safe, calm space to talk about personal issues and feelings while being heard by another person. Life can be so fast paced and rushed at times that a counseling hour provides a brief time out from life offering an individual the opportunity to reflect on what is happening in their life and receive feedback/coaching on how to improve any areas causing pain or discomfort. To me, therapy is a unique partnership between two persons which can work well in helping people cope with life successfully. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and help you create the life you want to live.

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Melisa Ford

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Riverside
Counselor License Type(s): LPC- AL and GA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

I am a Professional Counselor licensed in Alabama and Georgia, with over 10 years of experience working as a mental health, substance abuse and behavioral counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, substance abuse, emotional disturbances, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is eclectic. I do not believe in a one size fits all treatment approach. I believe in treating all clients/potential clients with the dignity and respect that we all deserve. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused and person centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I commend you for even considering counseling services. This is a major step to making the changes you want to see in your life. I can't promise you it will be easy, but it will definitely be worth it. I look forward to working with you!

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Ceminthia Graham

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Riverside
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia with almost ten years of experience. I specialize in trauma and its impact on daily living. I have worked with an array of clients from early intervention for preschoolers to Combat Veterans. I have worked in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. I have worked with an array of concerns such as depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, PTSD, couples/relationship challenges and addiction. It is important to me to meet clients where they are and to treat them with dignity and respect. I utilize motivational interviewing, TF-CBT, CBT and Solution Focus therapy. I believe that treatment should be driven by the client and our success belongs to you. Your dedication will not go unnoticed as it takes hard work to overcome life's challenges. Kudos to you for seeking the support you desire in order to begin living the life of your dreams. Healing is possible and I look forward to working with you.

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Rebecca Shaughnessy

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Riverside
Counselor License Type(s): MA,MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am so glad you made it to my page today as you are deciding who to choose for your therapist. I would like to share with you a little about me and my approach. I have a passion for helping those in need find their inner strength and resilience. We all have it within us to find solutions to our problems; sometimes we just need some guidance. Are you at the point where saying "I just need to try harder" or "I used to be able to" is just not working? I offer an integrative, client-centered approach to counseling. Our work together will be collaborative in nature. Just one small step is all it takes to begin the process of change. If you are struggling, reach out to me and we will begin the process together. Building a strong therapeutic relationship may be the bridge between who you are now and who your are yet to become. I work with a variety of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, mood disorders, OCD, panic disorder, and women's issues. Whatever is going on, let's explore together!!!

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Rosalyn Dudley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Riverside
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed in Alabama, with more than nine years of experience. I help clients cope with addictions and mental health issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where they can share thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. I believe that people can grow and change in the right environment and with the right tools. If you are ready to progress towards growth and change, I am here to support and empower you on the journey to discovering the best version of yourself. I look forward to working with you!

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megan wetherbee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Riverside
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!

This is Kimberly Mashego's avatar and link to their profile

Kimberly Mashego

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Riverside
Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of professional experience. I have experience in helping clients with intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes, and executive and professional coaching. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Dr. Robinette Muse's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Robinette Muse

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Riverside
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
28 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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.

This is LeAnza Warren's avatar and link to their profile

LeAnza Warren

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL, Riverside
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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 Riverside

Finding the best therapist close by in Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside. 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside, elsewhere in St. Clair, 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Riverside, 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 35125 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 Riverside counselor?

Before seeing your Riverside 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. Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside, 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.

Riverside 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 Riverside, 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 Riverside 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 Riverside.

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

35125, 35135

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