
Lauren Oates
Hello, my name is Lauren. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and a Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) in Kentucky. I also am nationally board certified in Art Therapy (ATR-BC). I have spent the past few years working for a non-profit community mental health organization providing therapy for people and families in need. My approach to therapy is very person-centered and adaptable. I am a professional therapist, but you are the expert when it comes to your own life, and it is important that therapy be tailored based on each client's goals and needs in order to be as effective as possible. I am interested in helping people in a way that utilizes their unique strengths rather than focusing only on a diagnosis. The goal is to achieve a positive, healthy state, which does include overcoming difficulties, but is more than that. I am also able to provide art therapy for those who are interested. Art therapy can be useful in cases where it is difficult to express something, or for figuring out how one feels about something. Additionally, the act of making art can be enjoyable and therapeutic in itself. I believe that mental health is just one more part of overall health, and that seeking mental health care should be regarded as similar to receiving any other kind of health care. Every person experiences times when extra help would be valuable, but not everyone seeks out that help. If you are considering therapy, even if you are hesitant, I encourage you to get in touch so that I can help you move in the direction of overall wellness.

Valarie Collins
You are not alone and you have taken a huge step by reaching out for help! Hello and welcome! Thank you for your interest in working with me as your therapist. My name is Valarie C. Collins. You are welcome to call me Valarie or Val for short. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of Kentucky. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Psychology before obtaining my Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and have approximately 15 years of experience in the counseling field. I have experience working with people of all ages with a wide variety of concerns (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, stress, anger management, relationship issues, trauma including various types of abuse, and adjustment to change, as well as others). I have worked in various settings such as outpatient mental health clinics, private practice outpatient offices, rehabilitation facilities, detox units, intensive outpatient programs, and psychiatric hospital units. I have experience working with individuals, groups, and couples. I feel that my therapy approach differs depending on the concerns that are being addressed. We will work together to find the approach, strategies, and goals that are the best fit for you. I use motivational interviewing techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy the most, but typically there will be a combination of various types of therapy utilized in our counseling relationship. As a therapist, I will be doing many things to assist you in finding solutions, processing thoughts and feelings, and gaining relief from your symptoms. As we go through this process, I will ask questions, make suggestions, and provide some education and educational materials related to your specific issues. We will also identify goals that you would like to accomplish and will discuss progress on those goals. I offer various types of therapy services through BetterHelp (messaging, live chat, phone sessions, and video sessions). I have a set schedule of appointment days and times to choose from for live services (chat, phone, video). However, after we start meeting, we can discuss additional days/times that I may not have posted openings for. So, if there are certain days/times that are best for you, I am certainly open to discussing this. For messaging, I will be checking my messages several times a day. I will be responding ASAP, but this will primarily be on weekdays, with some responses on weekends. You are a priority to me and I want you to feel that way. I want our work together to be collaborative so that you feel empowered, supported, and confident in the accomplishments that I know you can achieve!

Dr. Brandon Olive
Hello! I am Dr. Brandon Olive, a licensed clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I have learned from personal and professional experience that compassion and caring are crucial to overcoming life's struggles. It's important to acknowledge that an individual's cultural background and personal beliefs are key to individual development and change. I will work with you together, in a collaborative way, to empower you as an expert of your own life. I believe in what science and research can offer in terms of helping us reach our full potential, to use strategies for better planning, thinking, reacting, and behaving. As a clinician with 21 years of experience working in many different settings, one of my strengths has been my exposure to a wide range of clients from many walks of life, all experiencing a broad spectrum of problems and concerns. Your personal characteristics, wants, desires, and needs will help me draw from these experiences to assist you with minor concerns or more severe problems such as major depression, anxiety, panic, serious life adjustment, or prolonged grief. I have some fairly unique experience working for lengthy periods of time with patients suffering from severe symptoms who have required hospitalization and management with medications, including individuals with traumatic brain injuries and psychotic symptoms. As a provider with this background, in addition to counseling, I may be able to provide recommendations for other forms of assistance which are helpful for alleviating difficult-to-treat symptoms and guiding you toward your higher potential. I would encourage you to feel comfortable reaching out to me for an initial chat about your unique concerns and needs. This will enable you to decide in an informed way if we are a good match. No therapist is "effective" if they are not a good "fit". I believe in honesty and transparency when selecting a person with whom you will likely be sharing very personal and sometimes painful experiences. This is a person-to-person endeavor, and you should be comfortable with your selection and what you can expect from this journey. Using online services is an increasingly convenient way for me to reach out to others in my community who are very difficult to engage in my part-time private work, and impossible to reach through my full-time agency work. We can accomplish a lot through this platform. Hopefully I can be of assistance! I look forward to meeting you and mutually determining the best approach for your success. Brandon

James Slaton
Greetings! I am James K. Slaton and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 2015. I graduated from Western Kentucky University and my previous experience in mental health includes working at a State Mental Hospital, Community Mental Health Crisis Unit, and Child Protective Services as an ongoing worker and investigator. I started providing mental health counseling/therapy in 2012 working with children and their families. My experience includes implementing management strategies for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship issues, and effects of trauma to name a few. My overall approach is based in Reality Therapy. I am trained in several modalities and utilize them interchangeably to create an environment where my patients are/or become an expert on themselves and can teach me how to help them. I bring my own expertise to the session shaped and formed through life experiences, the search and acquisition of knowledge, and taking an empathetic approach to all situations. Passing judgment, discriminating, following social norms, or utilizing sympathy as a tool is not a part of treatment I deliver. My approach is straightforward and solution focused. If you feel that no one ‘gets’ you or that no one has been there, you may be correct but I believe that can change so give me a try! I make no promises, but I also tell no lies; if you possess the stamina we will win the race! If stamina is lacking, we will condition and win the race anyway!

Lisa Montgomery
I am licensed in Kentucky with 25+ years of work experience with adults, adolescents, and families. I have worked in psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, with foster care children and families, in outpatient therapy private practices, domestic abuse shelters, and numerous other settings. I am experienced in work with clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, LGBT-related issues, trauma and abuse, anger management, and other areas of need. 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.

Virginia Wade
I am licensed in Kentucky with nearly 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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!

Charlene Scott
I am licensed in Kentucky with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.

Laura Herp
I am licensed in Kentucky with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & trauma and abuse. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Nikki Layne
Hey y’all, I’m Nikki Layne, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Kentucky, with over 9 years of experience in individual and group counseling. Through my work in community mental health, Inpatient Rehabilitation, and school settings, I specialize in helping clients navigate challenges related to stress and anxiety, LGBTQI+ issues, motivation, self-esteem, addiction, and depression, among other mental health concerns. My journey into counseling stems from my own experiences with self-identity, anxiety, and depression in a resource-limited rural community. I am passionate about fostering an open and safe environment where clients can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. I commend you for taking the courageous step to seek therapy. As an eclectic counselor, I draw from various therapeutic approaches, including person-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). This allows us to tailor our sessions to your unique needs and goals. I am inspired by witnessing clients face and overcome challenges, and I am dedicated to supporting you in achieving your full potential. My practice hours for BetterHelp are Sunday through Wednesday 1 pm to 8 pm (EST). However, my schedule may vary weekly, so feel free to send me a message; I strive to respond to messages at least once each morning and once each evening, sometimes more! You can also book a live session with me ahead of time. Please remember that BetterHelp is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. If you are in crisis, please contact emergency services, call 911, go to your local emergency department or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988 for immediate support. I look forward to working with you and providing support as we navigate challenges together!

Mary Burnett
I am licensed in Kentucky and Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I believe that therapy is a partnership and will work with you to identify your obstacles and what stands between you and living the life you want. 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in Kentucky
What types of therapists are available to clients in North Middletown?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in North Middletown that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in North Middletown available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. North Middletown therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, North Middletown therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the North Middletown region and in the state of Kentucky.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in North Middletown can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in North Middletown may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in North Middletown offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.