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Stacy Braiuca

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Birmingham
Counselor License Type(s): MSW, MPH,LCSW,LSCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
25 years of experience

My name is Stacy Braiuca. As a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) for over 20 years, public health educator of 10+ years, and technology-focused early adopter of 40+ years. I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and my Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Combined they help me help people bridging the gaps between holistic health and wellness and mental health concerns. As a therapist, I have had the honor to help many different people: starting with children, teens, and their families, to working with elders in nursing homes, and those facing crises in the emergency room. Clients I have worked with struggled with anxiety, depression, life changes and stress, marital issues, trauma, and parenting issues. I love bringing knowledge of current cutting edge technology tools and wellness perspectives together as a powerhouse toolbox which can help you on your journey to your better self. Through this process you can learn how to: identify and analyze issues in your own life, to step back and interrupt negative patterns in your life, use new tools and skills to find relief from the burdens that you are constantly carrying around, and get unstuck individually or in your relationships. My main goal as a therapist is to start where you are in your journey, help you define and those goals and dreams for your life, and finally be your navigator in putting tools, skills, and resources in place for you to deal with past concerns. Therapy is still so stigmatized, so it is a truly wonderful thing that you have reached out to take care of your overall health! I would love to walk beside you as you embark on that journey. I look forward to working with you! Stacy

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Dr. Paula Alvarez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Birmingham
Counselor License Type(s): EdD,LCSW,MBA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
30 years of experience

Greetings! I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of California, Illinois, and Missouri, and I have a doctorate in Organizational Psychology. I have worked in locked and outpatient mental health facilities for the last 30 years. I facilitated group treatment of domestic violence perpetrators in Spanish and English for eight years. I specialize in treating trauma-related symptoms, anxiety and depression, anger management, geriatric well-being, mental health recovery, cultural diversity issues, and self-esteem issues. My doctorate degree (EdD) In Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Psychology was conferred on May 27, 2021. I use a client-centered approach (Carl Rogers), and I know that the client is the expert. I tailor my therapy sessions to what the client wants. I used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with those who like CBT interventions. I offer homework assignments and bibliotherapy for those clients who want those interventions. I also use Brief-Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing techniques. I invite you to contact me to see if I am a good fit to help and empower you on your journey to better living.

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Stacy Bernard

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Birmingham
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
36 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in the field for over 35 years. I work primarily with adults who present with depression, anxiety, job stress, parenting stress, struggling with grief and loss. I also have experience in working with people who are dealing with the many transitions of life: marriage, divorce, retirement, aging parents and nearing end of life. My counseling style is warm, friendly, with a bit of humor. I am client centered/focused. We will begin with where you are. Seeking help can be a difficult decision to make. You have made that first difficult step in exploring and seeking help. My training/approach is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psycho-dynamic. I tend to focus on teaching you skills to help you manage your symptoms, thinking process, and communication style. Your treatment plan will be individualized to meet your needs. Change is difficult. Nobody likes change. But, if you are ready and willing to do the work, I am willing to be your guide and help you during this process. I look forward to working with you.

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Donna Gensler

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Birmingham
Counselor License Type(s): LSCSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I have spent the last 25 years of my profession working in the child welfare system. The experience I have gained has been invaluable. I have had the privilege of working with clients in many different areas, and have learned a great deal about other cultures, socioeconomic status, and the challenges disenfranchised people have faced. I have also worked with countless families who are at an impasse on how to parent effectively in today’s world and be a healthy and communicative family system. This experience has allowed me to learn how to be creative in providing evidence based interventions for depression, anxiety, ADHD, other emotions that come from life stressors and past trauma. My goal is to help you achieve your goals and be as emotionally and mentally healthy as you can be….to be the best version of yourself! Together we will develop a goal of what the version looks like to you. I will be there to support you along your journey and provide honest and supportive feedback.

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Patricia Brooks

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Birmingham
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
11 years of experience

Patricia Brooks is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and her Master of Science in Youth and Family Services from Bellevue University. Patricia has been practicing as a Professional Counselor for over 9 years. Additionally, she has worked in mental and behavioral health services for over 20 years, providing various supports that strengthen both the individual and the family. Creating a space where people feel safe and respected is a primary goal of Patricia’s and she takes a non-judgmental, open and trustworthy approach when developing the therapy relationship. Patricia’s philosophy is that when people have hope and can learn to challenge and replace irrational thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes, people are free to experience change. Patricia provides individual, family and group therapy and her approach to therapy is eclectic; using a blend of Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Reality Based, DBT and psychoeducation to provide mental health and substance abuse treatment to individuals age thirteen and up. Patricia holds evening and weekend hours, serves commercial insurances and employee assistance programs.

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Stephanie Heimann

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Birmingham
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello and congratulations on taking the beginning steps of seeking support in your own life journey. Thank you for taking the time to check out my counseling profile! Let me tell you a little about myself so you can decide if we would be a good fit in what I believe is a partnership in obtaining your optimal emotional health and growth. I have worked as a licensed counselor for 15 years. I have worked in various settings, such as clinic, residential, hospital, and school. My time in counseling has been spent working with families, youth, and adults. When considering my counseling style, I strive to offer a warm, welcoming, non judgmental, honest, and empowering environment. I believe that everyone’s story is unique to them and your own held perspective is powerful in understanding how you interpret life events and experiences. I want to hear your story from your view point and then together create goals that you identify as a priority. I also want you to be aware that sometimes counseling can be uncomfortable. I strongly believe that we sometimes have to challenge our thinking and become comfortable with being uncomfortable in order to grow and emerge stronger. I use a person centered approach, which means you direct the goals and identify what you want to work on. I also use solution focused therapy (let’s look at what has ever worked or gone well for you) and cognitive behavior therapy because I believe that our thoughts strongly influence our behavior and held beliefs. I also include dialectical behavior therapy if you need support in accepting your thoughts and emotions and regulating emotions. I believe strongly in incorporating music, animals, humor, and connecting to the outdoors as potentially healing to the soul. Thank you for taking the time to visit my page and please let me know if you would like to connect further!

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Sheila George

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Birmingham
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, serious mental illness, PTSD with both veterans and civilians and coping with addictions. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. An empathetic and supportive environment is priority. Active listening and communication are important qualities that I demonstrate. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Tiffany Curtis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Birmingham
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Shanna Brende

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Birmingham
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Missouri with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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. 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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Derrick Hurst

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MO, Birmingham
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas with 10+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Birmingham

Finding the best therapist close by in Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham. 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 Birmingham, 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 Birmingham region and in the state of Missouri. 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, elsewhere in Clay, or in the greater state of Missouri. 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham may not take health insurance, some in the state of Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Birmingham online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Birmingham, Missouri 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 MO, 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 64161 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 Birmingham counselor?

Before seeing your Birmingham 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. Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, Missouri 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.

Birmingham 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 Birmingham, Missouri

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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham.

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

64161

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