Located at the junction of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, Paducah, Kentucky is halfway between Nashville, Tennessee and Saint Louis, Missouri. Paducah also has 20 blocks of its downtown area dedicated as a historic district. They are also an important place for mental health treatment with many dedicated therapists based there.
If you are into history or love to fish, you will love living in Paducah. But, if you are suffering from a mental health condition like depression, you may not feel like doing anything. Not even getting out of bed. Contact one of the Paducah professionals to find out how to treat your depression.
Thomas Haffner
I have been helping people achieve their therapeutic goals for over 18 years. Each person is unique, so a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy just won't do. That's why I use an integrative, therapeutic approach which is tailored to the individual and includes: Problem Solving; Structural Techniques; Inter-relational Techniques; Cognitive Techniques; Family-Of-Origin Issues and Individual Developmental Issues. I have experience working with a variety of issues and I especially enjoy helping people manage their relationships. You will find me to be friendly and non-judgmental, but firm in my commitment to help you strive towards your goals. Let's work together to get you on a better path so you can live your life more abundantly.
Tonya Wacker
Have you been struggling with finding peace of mind? Are you tired of hunting for happiness and feel like living life every day has become a struggle? Have stress and anxiety taken over your life? Do you feel like things or relationships in your past, are casting a shadow on your future? Have you forgotten or are struggling to find what is unique, special and wonderful about you? Counseling may be the answer to helping you discover who are, what you want to become and develop a plan to build a brighter future. In a society where we are judged by differences and weaknesses it is difficult to remember your strengths. I believe that every human being regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background deserves to have a life filled with respect, love, contentment, and companionship and use several treatment modalities to help clients find learn to identify, appreciate and celebrate the multicolor facets that make them special. I do this using several treatment modalities tailored to fit the needs of the client. I offer client centered and solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral and cognitive processing therapies, existential and art therapies. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I treat a wide range of mental health challenges including anxiety and stress, mood disorders, trauma, depression, sexuality, sexual identity, alternative lifestyles, coping with chronic illness, military family life, and life transitions. I have 30 years of working with couples, members of alternative lifestyles, service members, families and support system members. I want to collaborate with you to create a Therapeutic plan for positive outcomes. My approach is eclectic, eccentric, creative, nerdy and tailored to the needs of each individual. I want to help you develop ways to cope with life’s struggles and process old triggers holding you back so that they can rediscover happiness and a sense of wonder in your world.
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!
Sharon Clark
Hello! My name is Sharon Clark and I have 18 years as a therapist. Therapy is a second career for me, so I have the benefit of offering some helpful information about navigating the "real world," and hopefully, you'll learn my experience is not straight out of the textbooks! Over the past years, I have worked with a very diverse population that struggle with unique perspectives on therapy and how it works. I have worked with court ordered clients as well as those who seek therapy on their own. I have also worked as a substance abuse counselor if that is area you want to get help with. I can interact with you in whatever manner you choose, but video conferencing is my personal preference as it gives you the opportunity to get to know me and vice versa more easily. I can be flexible to help accommodate your work schedule, school, doctor's appointments etc.
Denise O Connor
Hello! I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 7 years of experience. I graduated from Lindsay Wilson College in Kentucky with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. My professional experience includes working at a Community Mental Health Center and the Veterans Health Administration. I believe that treatment should be guided by the client using a person centered approach to evidence based treatment. I am experienced in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders and insomnia. I can be eclectic in my approach but I am most inclined to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Solution Focused Therapy to treat depression or anxiety and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia to treat sleep issues. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy can help you learn to manage your emotions. I believe that therapy should be focused with goals that assist in measuring progress and have a limited number of sessions. I can do live sessions in the evening and all day on Saturday and Sunday. I will always respond to messages within 12 hours (likely sooner.) I look forward to working with you! I can’t wait to meet you!
Mark Monroe
I am licensed in Kentucky with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 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!
Joseph Miller
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York , Wisconsin and Florida and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I worked over twenty years as a Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and as a United States Air Force Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. I served in the United States Army for twenty three years primarily as a Medical Evacuation Pilot. My overseas assignments include Afghanistan, Korea, Okinawa and Turkey. My counseling approach is to establish a therapeutic alliance with my clients and assist them with moving in directions of more satisfying life experiences and relationships. I would like the opportunity to assist you with developing a plan to enhance your life experience.
Megan Harvey
I am licensed in Kentucky with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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.
Stephanie Medley
I am licensed in Indiana and Kentucky with 15 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, & career difficulties. 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!
Jenifer Evans
I am a Clinical Social Worker and have been in the field of social work for 14 years and I have been doing therapy for 11 years. I have worked with different populations/cultures and age groups. I have experience in working with trauma, Depression, Anxiety, and grief. I utilize aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavioral therapy. 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 and bravery. I am here to support you and empower you in that process.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Paducah
Finding the best therapist close by in Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah. 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 Paducah, 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 Paducah region and in the state of Kentucky. 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah, elsewhere in McCracken, or in the greater state of Kentucky. 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah may not take health insurance, some in the state of Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Paducah online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Paducah, Kentucky 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 KY, 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 42001 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 Paducah counselor?
Before seeing your Paducah 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. Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah, Kentucky 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.
Paducah 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 Paducah, Kentucky
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Paducah 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Paducah:
42001, 42002, 42003