This is Joshua McElroy's avatar and link to their profile

Joshua McElroy

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Shaw
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
10 years of experience

***Currently unable to accept new clients as my caseload is full*** “I like flaws and feel more comfortable around people who have them. I myself am made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions.” Hi there! I am Joshua, a nationally certified licensed professional counselor who adores meeting new people! I truly love my job, and hope that this reflects in our sessions. As a neurodivergent and queer human, I find my work to be special and unique, and I seek to provide informed services to fellow neurospicy humans :) Formerly from the Southern US (Mississippi), I now reside in Denver, Colorado. I have approximately 10 years of involvement with the counseling profession. I acquired my degrees from Mississippi State University in Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have multiple national certifications. I have experience working in various settings, including acute/inpatient, university-based, outpatient addiction, and most recently as a children's therapist. I am a specialist in LGBTQ+ issues, and incorporate a lense of Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD) and Trauma-informed approaches to my practice. Domestically, I'm licensed to practice in the states of Mississippi and Colorado. I would describe myself as a very accepting and warm therapist, operating from a drive of empathy, multicultural competency, and compassion. I also view myself as alternative and non-traditional in most of my approaches. I tend to sway more towards a psychodynamic approach to therapy but also incorporate cognitive-behavioral, reality, existential, feminist, relational, culture-centered, and narrative styles. I’ve also taught and lectured in various psychology courses, with my favorite being Human Sexual Behavior. I like to incorporate my academic knowledge into my therapy practices, as I find psycho-education to be a magnificent tool in sustaining mental wellness. My primary goal is to be adaptable, accepting, and embracing. I love the experience of interpersonal connection that is provided by my career, and the ability to help empower others. I also love humor, and utilize it often! Therapy can often be portrayed as serious and 'stuffy' so I try to bring some joy into the room. I love the bonus of meeting international clients, as it provides the opportunity to learn more about each other's cultures! I feel honored to have the opportunity to provide my services to whoever is in need, and am eager to explore the journey of life with you!

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Quinton Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Shaw
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed, NCC, CCMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I feel every individual is a unique and a complex being. Therefore, the approach I take with your concerns is based on the information you provide and my assessment of your emotional, mental, physical, social, spiritual, economic and career characteristics. I will need your collaboration as we identify issues that will be worked on in sessions or what issues may need other resources. It is important that we be open and honest with each other for appropriate counseling goals to be established. I work from a person-centered perspective, with focus given to congruence, unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and being non-judgmental. However, this is coupled with concepts, interventions and techniques taken from other theoretical orientation. Therefore, I may utilize concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma models. I believe in the power of the healing relationship between therapist and you, where we strive to be self-aware, honest and real. I work in a comfortable atmosphere and am non-judgmental in my approach. I believe a trusting, working relationship between counselor and client is important. I am comfortable working with individuals from diverse cultures and lifestyles; and I feel that being accepting, objective, respectful, and genuine are characteristics essential in working with clients. Overall, counseling is a process in which the individual gains knowledge and tools that will facilitate continued growth and development after therapy has ended.

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Ricardo Bolton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Shaw
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Ricardo Bolton I have a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Belhaven University and a Masters of Social Work from University of Southern Mississippi. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in working with individuals that struggle with trauma, daily stressors, issues with self-esteem, life changes, barriers to connecting, and relationship concerns. My experience also involves facilitating groups for domestic violence and/or substance abuse, as appropriate. Over the past two years, my experience has involved working with Veterans on military specific issues. My purpose will be to support you as your therapist and be a sounding board that will help you navigate through the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing. The time spent during sessions will be used to guide you through the journey of healing, re-establishing your self-identity and/or peace in the decisions you make daily. We all must be able to see the true person outside the views/perspectives of others and the experiences we have been through in our lives that can cripple us from being happy. Focus Areas: PTSD Depression Military specific issues Stress-Management Additional experience with the following issues: Anxiety, Anger Management, Stressors, Attachment, Family Conflict, Peer Relationships, Parenting, Coping skills, Adjustment Difficulties Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years:2

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Sarah Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Shaw
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Mississippi with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in working with diverse clients to help them manage stress and anxiety, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where their thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My therapy approach is laid back and welcoming. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. My utilize an eclectic approach that pulls from different modalities such as: Psychotherapy, Client Centered Approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problem-Solving, and Strength Based Approach. I will tailor our sessions 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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Luke Garner

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Shaw
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 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, lgbt-related issues, 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. 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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Ambriel Kinney

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Shaw
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsDepressionCoping 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 addictions, family conflicts, & 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!

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Dr. Hilary DeShong

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Shaw
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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William Grall

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Shaw
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

Perhaps the reason you are reading this right now is because you feel like your life is out of control, unmanageable, or just plain "stuck?" Maybe you feel like you are in a nightmare every day and you just cannot seem to wake up? Your marriage, your relationships, your work, your finances, your home, your children, your everything feels like it is all crumbling to pieces and possibly you are even losing yourself in the process! No matter how hard you try, you feel hopeless and helpless, and like you cannot get a grip on it all. Please know that you are not alone in this struggle. A crisis is anything that comes up in your life that you do not have a support network great enough to overcome. Seeking help outside of yourself is the first step toward gaining a different perspective that will give you what you need to regain your footing and get your life back on the right path. This path of "bold, relentless, love" is a journey of discerning and discovering what is best for both you and others and then doing that thing with ZERO expectations. I would be honored if you would choose me to be a part of your support network to overcome your crisis through learning how to love both you and others well. I am licensed in Alabama and Mississippi with 10 years of professional work experience. I have empowering, evidence-based principles that I have used for years to help clients with stress and anxiety, marital problems, addictions, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder. 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 love yourself and others boldly and to take the first steps towards discovering what it means to go "all-in" on life. Please reach out asap so that I can support & empower you in that journey so that your crises will fade away as you learn to navigate the river of life.

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Amahd Nash

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Shaw
GriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, anger management, 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. 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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Ariel Kinsey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MS, Shaw
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. My education and ongoing training is providing me with the tools and resources needed to service the unique needs of my clients. My priority is to provide a supportive and safe environment as you strive to achieve your therapeutic goals.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Shaw

Finding the best therapist close by in Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw. 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 Shaw, 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 Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw, elsewhere in Bolivar, 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 Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Shaw, 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 Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw 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 38773 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 Shaw counselor?

Before seeing your Shaw 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. Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw 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 Shaw, 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.

Shaw 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 Shaw, 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 Shaw 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 Shaw.

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

38773

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