Therapists have helped many people achieve meaningful change and improvement in their lives. They are well-qualified to assist with many concerns, such as managing mental health conditions, overcoming traumatic experiences, or addressing problems with a client’s self-image. They might also help introduce positivity, teach problem-solving skills, or help clients strive for wellness in all areas. 

Most therapists have at least a master’s degree and several thousands of hours of supervised practice before seeing clients independently. Many also have board certifications, such as those with the National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC) credential. It is also common for therapists to specialize their work to a specific group, condition, or treatment. For example, many therapists have advanced training in anxiety disorders or mood disorders and mainly see clients with those conditions. Others might specialize in specific trauma-informed approaches that are effective for those with post-traumatic stress disorder. Others might not specialize in a particular condition or treatment but might choose to work with youth, couples, families, or other populations. 

The mental health field is full of specialties and subspecialties, and it is typically worthwhile to investigate a therapist’s specialization before choosing to work with them. If you consider your needs before selecting a practitioner, you can typically have faith that your goals will be a priority that the therapist can adequately address. 

If you’re ready to make an appointment with a therapist, Meridian, MS, has plenty of professionals to choose from. In addition to considering the therapist’s training and experience, you may also want to consider whether the therapist takes insurance or offers sliding-scale options. Many insurance plans provide coverage for mental healthcare, but it is typically worthwhile to ensure that deductibles, co-pays, and other financial factors don’t sneak up on you. 

You may also want to consider online therapy, especially if your insurance doesn’t cover therapy. Online therapy takes place remotely, allowing you to attend sessions from home, and is often substantially cheaper than in-person options. The practitioners listed below are likely worth a look. They offer services to Meridian and the surrounding area, and you can open their profile to investigate their training and experience. You can also read reviews from real clients to help you decide whether a particular therapist is a good fit for you.

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Jennifer Haney

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Meridian
Counselor License Type(s): Mississippi and Alabama Licensed Professional Counselor,NCC,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed and experienced in providing counseling on the various challenges life throws our way. Everyone goes through times of stress, tragedy, turmoil and angst. Seeking professional advice during these times can help to ease these difficult feelings. As a therapist, I have helped individuals and couples overcome tough times in life such grief, loss, marital strain and divorce as well as other career and lifestyle transitions. My professional counseling style mirrors my personality in that I am kind, compassionate and have a heart for helping others in need. Please know I am here to help you overcome whatever difficulties or transitions you are experiencing. Collaboratively, we can help you set some personal goals, challenge your inner strengths and help you overcome these challenging times of your life.

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Preston Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Meridian
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
16 years of experience

Greetings and welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of licensed experience and 18 years of experience in the mental health profession. My educational background focused on majoring in Psychology as undergraduate and Community Counseling as a graduate student. My experience background ranges from in-patient and outpatient treatment, acute care facilities, working in the K-12 grade school setting, and adult counseling in different mental health programs. I have a history of providing group and individual therapy for children and adults that address issues of concern such as self-esteem, stress, loss, depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, family conflicts and concerns, trauma, grief, so on and so forth. I have a strong passion for mental health and mental health awareness. I truly believe that we all need to take care of our mental well-being just as well as we need to take care of our physical. My approach to therapy is a genuine one. Empathy, understanding, concern, helping others, aren't just words to me, I try to live those words every day of my life, because I truly believe in them. I like to believe that tactful honesty, positivity, and at times humor, are very important as navigational tools in the art of therapy. And with those tools, I try to help guide my clients in a direction that will help them achieve their personal goals of self-healing and growth. Making the decision to invest in a better you through the assistance of therapy is a very significant and courageous one. And I look forward to being someone that can help you on this personal journey of self-love, improvement, and growth!

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Alicia Mainka

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Meridian
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Hello! I am so excited that you are here because it shows your willingness to create change in your life or to overcome whatever life challenges you are currently facing. I recognize the vulnerability of reaching out to ask for help with making those changes and facing those challenges. As a counselor, I hope to equip you with strategies, knowledge and insight that will empower you to achieve whatever goals you choose for yourself. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi, which I have called home since 2010. Originally from Louisiana, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in that state, as well. I have been providing counseling for over 15 years to individuals, groups and couples in a variety of settings which gives me a broad scope of experience. I enjoy working with age groups from those in young adulthood to those young at heart. I use an integrative counseling approach when working with clients, meaning I may pull from a variety of techniques to suit the needs of my client. The main techniques I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Mindfulness. I hope to have the opportunity to help you learn and grow through the counseling process which requires commitment on your part to do the work to accomplish your goals and commitment on my part to provide an environment of trust, safety and compassion.

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Kayla Felker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Meridian
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 5 years of therapy experience. I received my BSW from the University of North Alabama and began working in community mental health. I served as case manager, on-site supervised apartments manager, and group psychosocial rehabilitation supervisor. I then obtained my Masters from Western New Mexico. I have experience in Individual therapy, group/family counseling, therapy with children/youth, addiction, trauma, serious mental Illnesses, terminal illness, child welfare, and christian counseling . While you may be struggling with a mental health symptom or diagnosis, it does not have to dictate your life. 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.

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Stephanie Cooley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Meridian
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed counselor with 19 years of professional work experience in the field of mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma issues, relationship issues, interpersonal conflict, & family conflicts. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as my approaches to counseling. I have worked with all age populations ranging from age 5 to 70 years old. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and your treatment 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I truly look forward to working with you.

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Susan Beard

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Meridian
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 14+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbt+-related issues, trauma and abuse, intellectual disabilities, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and couples’ issues. I am trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). Accelerated Resolutions Therapy (ART), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), the Gottman Method, and Dialectical and Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I am a Certified Sex Addictions Therapist, Certified Multiple Addictions Specialist, Rainbow Advocate Clinical Specialist, and an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. I collaborate 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 and empower you in that journey.

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Dr. Alisha (LeeLee) Marlow

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Meridian
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoachingADHD
28 years of experience

I am a licensed psychologist in Mississippi with 27 years of professional work experience. I have worked with a variety of clients Some have stress and anxiety, parenting issues, and/or depression. I have also supervised many therapists. I believe that it is important to meet you where you are and help you go in a direction that you feel comfortable and do not feel judged in any way. I am happy to be the person who helps you.

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Kim Cooper

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Meridian
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with more than 20 years of professional experience. I work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. I am experienced in counseling family and loved one's of addicts. I also have experience working with coping with grief and loss. 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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Tonya Jones

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Meridian
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, adoption, chronic illness, depression, & coping with life changes. 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 here for you when you are ready to get started!

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Dr. Yolanda McDade

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Meridian
Counselor License Type(s): PhD,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My philosophy of therapy is to support and encourage the concept that clients have tremendous potential to change and grow. The goal of therapy is to aid clients in identifying and unleashing their potential and subsequently their potential to change. My theoretical orientation is a Cognitive Behavioral/Solution Focused approached with emphasis on changing both thought patterns and behaviors. A cognitive behavior therapy approach is utilized to carefully measure what the person is doing and then seeks to increase changes for positive experience. Solution Focused explores ones current resources and skills that can help them create change to reach their personal goals. 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!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Meridian

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

Therapists in Meridian, Mississippi 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 Meridian 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 Meridian 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 Meridian 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 Meridian?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Meridian 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 Meridian 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 Meridian 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 MS, 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 39304 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 Meridian counselor?

Before seeing your Meridian 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. Meridian 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 Meridian 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 Meridian 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 Meridian, Mississippi 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.

Meridian 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 Meridian, Mississippi

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 Meridian 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 Meridian.

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

39301, 39302, 39303, 39304, 39305, 39307

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