Dr. Barbara Brady
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, hold a post-masters certification in Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling, completed Basic Family Mediation certification training, and am a lifelong learner. I continue to take courses, attend workshops and other training to ensure my skills are up-to-date and I am always well-prepared to support my clients. With over 25 years of counseling experience, my areas of expertise include working with adolescents, families, young adults and couples in a counseling relationship in the areas of career planning, improving relationships, reducing stress and anxiety, dealing with grief and loss, gender identity issues, child custody issues, parenting issues, conflict resolution, anger management, domestic violence, and more. My passion is helping people achieve their dreams and live happy, fulfilling lives. Counseling is providing support to individuals who reach out, helping them set goals; recognize and address barriers; examine how they are getting in their own way and how they are letting others impede their success and happiness. I enjoy helping my clients set goals and take action steps to move in the direction they want to go. My counseling style is supportive and non-judgmental, helping the client move from being problem focused to being solution focused. My goal is to help clients find a therapeutic process that works best for them, depending on the issue they are dealing with and their unique personalities and needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. Congratulations for reaching out for help. This is a first big step in getting the support you need to gain power over your struggles and to begin living the life you have always dreamed of living. I look forward to working with you in this new journey.
Ken Powers
Ken Powers is a strength-based clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience using CBT, TF-CBT, and Person-Centered Therapy. Ken works with children, teenagers, adults, and parents, helping individuals discover how their strengths may be utilized to overcome challenges. After each session, he hopes you will gain insight and make new discoveries about yourself.
Heather Pack
I am a mental health counselor in WV and NC. I love working in the helping field. I have 15 years experience with School Counseling, Mental Health Counseling and Substance Abuse Counseling. I have done everything from running treatment centers for addiction, to providing case management support for people with Schizophrenia. I have worked with 100's of clients, and each story is inspiring and incredible. The resiliency I see in the people I work with just proves how powerful the human spirit can be. Some other personal things about me, I am also a dance instructor. I love to tap and learn new forms of music. My friends call me a searcher, because I am always wondering about science and space or how the universe ebbs and flows. I enjoy reading nonfiction books mostly, typically about how a person has experience trauma and came out the other side to help others. I am currently working as a School Counselor in WV, but I missed the clinical aspect of my career. So, I am using this online platform to provide counseling to those who may not have access to transportation or just prefer the online experience. I am comfortable working with you if you have experienced trauma, have depression, anxiety, bipolar dx, ADHD, adjusting to a new situation, relationship issues, LGBTQA, addiction, etc. All clients are welcome. I'm very excited to start working with you.
Percival Fisher, Jr.
Greetings, Everyone! I'm Percival Fisher, Jr., but you can simply call me "Percy." With 13 years of experience, I've been dedicated to providing both individual and group psychotherapy. My goal is to assist you in achieving your therapy objectives by creating a safe, warm, and interactive space to explore your presenting issues. I bring expertise in addressing a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, "coming out"/LGBTQIA-related issues, and family conflicts. To tailor the therapeutic experience to your unique needs, I employ a diverse set of treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Crisis Intervention, and Relational Therapeutic techniques. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, California, Oregon, Arizona, Washington (LICSW), and West Virginia (LICSW), I am also a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work. Additionally, I hold certifications as a Certified Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP-II) from the International Association of Trauma Professionals and a Certified Case Manager (CCM) from the Commission for Case Management Certification. Beyond psychotherapy, my background spans behavioral health research, HIV/AIDS education and counseling, teaching, medical social work, and leadership. During my leisure time, I indulge in watching Marvel series on Netflix, psychological thrillers, reading, traveling, engaging in conversations about current events related to mental health, and staying active through workouts. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with you and support your journey. Take care! Percival Fisher, Jr., MSW, LCSW-C. LICSW, LCSW, BCD, CCTP-II, CCM
Nathaniel Hensley
Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you’ve decided to start your journey with BetterHelp and invest in yourself. My name is Nate and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in WV and a National Certified Counselor. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have experience working with adolescents and adults in both group and individual settings. My main experience has been working with a high-risk population in a higher education setting for the past 8 years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, OCD, financial stress, self-worth, stress management, and overall life transitions. I currently work on Betterhelp in addition to my current therapy job, so feel free to message me about any availability if you aren't able to find something that fits your schedule. My counseling style is an inviting, individualistic style because no two people are alike. I like to focus on the overall person so that I can best help you out with whatever you are experiencing. My therapeutic approach is a blend between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. Overall, my goals are to make sure you are comfortable throughout your counseling experience, challenge any negative or irrational thoughts you may have, and help be a supportive resource for you. I will gladly listen to whatever is on your mind and help determine together what goals to set and the steps needed to get there. Some of those steps may be outside of your comfort zone but the work that you put in will be beneficial for getting you to the place you wish to be at. I also want you to be satisfied with the counseling experience so I'm more than happy to help you get in contact with additional resources or a different counselor if you find that you'd prefer a different therapeutic approach. Your time and energy is very valuable! I like to think that we are like scales, sometimes we are delicately balanced while other times we might feel like we’re ‘off-kilter’. The one thing we know for certain is that life goes on whether we feel balanced or not. The main thing is to continue moving forward, even when things don’t seem to go quite our way. I’m here to help remind you that you are capable of getting where you want to be, whether it takes a little bit of work or a lot of work. The process will be worth the payout. Let’s start your journey today!
Philip Bloomer
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. I offer therapy for people of all ages and all mental health and substance use difficulties, in whatever combination they occur. I have also helped couples and families work out their problems. As a social worker I look at every area of life, believing that where we live, our physical wellness, our relationships, the way we think, our past, the emotions we experience, what gives our lives meaning and purpose and often so many other factors all play a part in making our lives what they are, so the treatment I offer looks at all of these. Everything we talk about is strictly confidential, allowing us to talk about anything and everything. I never judge and you can expect me to be honest and truthful with you. I absolutely believe in the potential for everyone to experience a positive change in their life. I use a number of different therapeutic styles many of which include helping people manage their problems, figure out what is really important to them, work out what they want from life and what they can do to move them towards their hopes and dreams. I am an American citizen but was born and spent the first 30 years of my life in England and I still retain much of my accent. My first career was working for the British government. I returned to school and obtained my Master’s degree in Social Work at the age of 40. As well as academic and theoretical knowledge, I draw on a broad range of life experiences including having had my own personal struggles with both mental health problems and substance use. At present I offer standard office hour appointments, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm, although I have accommodated individual scheduling requirements in the past. Our initial visit includes a lot of information gathering to help me better understand what I can do to help you. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your life story and helping you write the next chapter.
Dr. Aaron Vann
I am licensed in West Virginia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I also work to help you build the motivation you will need to make changes that help you reach your goals. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to honor that courage and support you in that process.
Brittany Henderson
I am licensed in West Virginia with 13 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 believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Sara Lewis-Stankus
I am a licensed professional counselor with 26 years of professional work experience helping clients become the best version of themselves without judgement! I am honored to assist clients on their personal transformation journeys. Together, we work to break through the barriers of fears, doubts, and frustrating patterns that have been holding them back, empowering them to create the life they truly desire. Personal transformation is a profound process that involves self-reflection, growth, and the courage to make positive changes. As a counselor, I provide a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their limiting beliefs, identify patterns that no longer serve them, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles. Areas may include; overcoming anxiety, fears, forgiveness, letting go of or repairing relationships, conflict resolutions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 to change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Ashley Stevens
I am licensed in West Virginia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Athens
Finding the best therapist close by in Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens. 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 Athens, 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 Athens region and in the state of West Virginia. 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens, elsewhere in Mercer, or in the greater state of West Virginia. 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens may not take health insurance, some in the state of West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 Athens online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Athens, West Virginia 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 WV, 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 24712 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 Athens counselor?
Before seeing your Athens 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. Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens, West Virginia 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.
Athens 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 Athens, West Virginia
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 Athens therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Athens:
24712, 24740