Petal is known as the “Safest City in Mississippi.” Without good mental health, the world seems like a dangerous, sad, and lonely place. Fear and stress lead to anxiety. Sadness and loneliness can bring long-term depression. Your emotions take over, and you feel powerless to change your life.

Over time, emotional problems wear away at your strength. When every day is filled with sadness, stress, and anxiety, you want to retreat into isolation. Your troubles seem too personal and too burdensome to share, but going it alone is excruciating. Talk to a counselor in the Petal area for private, confidential counseling.

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Francis Clark

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Petal
Counselor License Type(s): M.S., LPC-S
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

My name is Francis and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I obtained my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from William Carey University (2003). I have experience serving individuals with depression, anxiety, PTSD, behavior disorders, dual diagnosis, and interpersonal relationships issues. I am very proud to say, that I have successfully worked with a wide spectrum of clients. My counseling style is warm and accepting. I really pride myself in meeting each client where they are. My preferred approach is cognitive behavior therapy because its active and involves changing thoughts. I specialize in helping people with their desire to close the gaps between where they are right now and where they want to be in the future. I am also a firm believer that the best kind of therapy is the kind that ultimately establishes good communication skills, trust and primarily focuses on change. I believe we can work together to produce a change in your thoughts, moods, and behaviors. We can work hand and hand to produce change in your future that will help you move forward instead of spinning in place. Let me help you design a recovery plan that assists you in building a better life. I look forward to working with you!

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Sarai "Christi" Webb-Vanderpoorten

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Petal
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LMFT,MAC
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Master Addiction Counselor, Mental health and integrative medical nutritionist, personal trainer and fitness instructor. I graduated from University of Southern Mississippi with my Bachelor and Masters degree. I believe in looking at a person from a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual perspective. I believe change is the key to solving problems and developing overall well being. I am very loving and understanding, but also very direct and honest. I believe a therapist is here to help a person that is struggling to identify what they need or want in life and explore ways to find that place. I feel finding a purpose for yourself will increase will and confidence. I believe you must take care of yourself physically in order to grow in other areas and must have a spiritual foundation in order to deal with past experiences and enjoy future ones. I have worked as a therapist since 1993, so 30 years of dealing with individuals and families that are struggling with depression, anxiety, past trauma, and addictions. I have worked in treatment centers and mental hospitals with inpatient and private practice for outpatient. I am licensed in Mississippi and Alabama. I am married with 5 children and believe that my own past experiences are a part of my training and ability to help others. Being a Christian, I feel God helps us through events and trials in our lives so that we can help others.

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Taylor Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Petal
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed.,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Mississippi as well as a Board Certified Counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors and a Board Certified TeleMental Health Professional. I have 7 years of post-graduate experience in counseling. I have worked in community mental health since completing my Masters of Education in Counselor Education in 2016, helping individuals with disorders such as depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, social phobia, and bipolar disorder. I also have experience doing college counseling as an intern, where I worked with primarily young adults who were struggling to maintain academic success while coping with life issues. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy which I have used to help several people be able to cope with their traumatic experiences. My counseling approach is geared towards promoting positive self-image, self-acceptance and love, and helping others enhance their worldview. I practice Solution-Focused therapy and Choice Theory along with a Client-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral stance. My goal as a counselor is to assist my clients in living lives that they enjoy and overcoming any obstacles that stand in their way. It is my belief that each person holds the key to their success. Life can be challenging, and we all go through hard times that can cause us to experience setbacks. To be able to ask for help to overcome these challenges and be vulnerable requires humility and strength. I have been honored to serve the clients I have had and help them along in their journey towards emotional freedom and success, and I look forward to continuing to do this with you as well.

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Brenda Drake

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Petal
Counselor License Type(s): EdS., LPC-S, BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
17 years of experience

I am Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Mississippi with 17 years of experience working as a clinical therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, anger issues, DMDD, Conduct Disorder, LGBTQI and ADHD. I also have helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or physical or emotional abuse. I have experience in teaching at the college level and helping those with family and marital issues. I taught Couple Counseling which explored the dynamics of marital and couple relationships from a clinical research perspective and I also taught Marriage and Family Therapy classes with a focus on a systems perspective, including history, core concepts, and seminal figures. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and solution-focused counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Demetrius Clay

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Petal
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,EdS,MS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementADHD
10 years of experience

My name is Demetrius Clay. I am currently 33 years old of age, and I am an African American male. I currently live in Mississippi and recently received my LPC in September 2021. I received my Masters in Psychology & Counseling in 2016 and my Educational Specialist degree in Clinical Counseling in 2019. My background is clinical mental health. I been working around clinical mental health since 2014 after receiving my Bachelors degree in Psychology. I currently work as behavioral counselor at a public middle school that serves grades 6th - 8th. I worked mostly in inpatient facilities. I worked 11 months for an outpatient facility working with children & youth & adolescents. I have worked with young adults that have depression and anxiety. I also worked with young adults that had substance usage issues. From working in the inpatient facilities, I worked with schizophrenia and bipolar clients, depressed clients, substance abuse clients, and other clients with mental disorders. My focus area is currently substances addiction, parenting issues, depression and anxiety, and LGBTQ issues. My style of therapy is warm and opening. I am non-judgmental and honesty. My first step is to build a positive therapeutic relationship with each client. I am a calm and relaxed therapist. My goal is to touch each client and to help each client solve his or her own issue and return back to normal functioning. From working at different inpatient facilities, I was able to gain experience from working with different populations and different clients with different diagnoses. I created treatment plans for each client and completed initial intake on each client. I also have group experience with group therapy. For parent that are having issues with their children, I do have experience in parenting issues by working with parents at this particular outpatient facility and through the school district. I am willing to meet clients halfway when it comes to receiving therapy. My schedule is flexible, and I will be flexible in order to meet others' schedule. We can have counseling sessions through "zoom" or video call, by phone, or through messaging. I am open to all communications.

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Laura Lee Adams

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Petal
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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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Corey Miletello

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Petal
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 9 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, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Iesha Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Petal
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 5.5 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Please note that I’m available for video and phone sessions only.

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Carla Rawls

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Petal
Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. 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. 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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Natasha Griffin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Petal
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Petal

Finding the best therapist close by in Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal. 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 Petal, 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal, elsewhere in Forrest, 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Petal, 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 39465 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 Petal counselor?

Before seeing your Petal 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. Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal, 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.

Petal 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 Petal, Mississippi

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 Petal 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 Petal.

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

39465

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