In life, you can be small, but have a lot of room to grow. This can apply to anyone. However, achieving growth is a challenge when you're dealing with anxiety or depression. If you want to grow, there is hope, and that hope comes in the form of a counselor based in Alabaster. 

Alabaster is a great little community to be in, and it’s a part of a growing town. If you want to make Alabaster greater, you need to work on yourself. A counselor can help you. Talk to a counselor today and learn more. 

This is Dr. Elizabeth Wood's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Elizabeth Wood

Offering therapy in AL
License: PhD,LPC-S,NCC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

My name is Elizabeth Wood and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor. I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a master’s degree from the University of South Alabama. My doctoral degree is from Capella University and is in Human Behavior. I provide counseling for adults, couples, adolescents, substance abuse, mental health, and LGBTQ clients. I utilize person-centered, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal psychodynamic, reality based, and psycho educational techniques to assist patients in meeting their goals. I am a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, Chi Sigma Iota, and Phi Kappa Phi. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to reach out for help towards your goal of 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! Elizabeth

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Rachel James

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC,AADC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

Do you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed or boggled down with everyday stressors and struggles? We have all been there before. I believe that everyone needs a supportive, objective person to talk to when they are struggling and deciding which move to make next. I can be that supportive person for you. I have experience in substance abuse, child/adolescent counseling, anxiety/depression, coping skills, etc... My main goal as a counselor is to make a difference in the lives of others, and hopefully provide you with helpful tools for whatever journey you may be on in your life. I have been in the counseling field since 2005. My roles in life are probably not much different from your own; I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, coach, and friend. Please allow me to utilize my professional and personal experience to help you with your current struggles.

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Gretchen Shay

Offering therapy in AL
License: LICSW,LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsEating disordersDepression
14 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Illinois and Alabama with over 13 years of experience working as a social worker/therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, addiction, co-dependency, interventions and family dynamic issues. I also have experience working with individuals going through various medical diagnosis as well their caregivers from diagnosis to end of life and grief and loss therapy. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults. My therapy 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, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards 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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This is Dr. Katarzyna (Kat) Peoples's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Katarzyna (Kat) Peoples

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
23 years of experience

I help people break harmful behaviors by tracing past patterns. Every wonder why you feel the way you feel? Why you do what you do? Do you attract the "wrong" partners? Why can't you sleep? Why do you have an irrational fear? Why do you cry all the time? Why do people treat you poorly? All of these questions and more can be answered by tracing your patterns and thereyby recreating your life to one that is balanced. Everything you do makes sense, but you may not know how. I help you get there, and then you can heal. No medication needed. I offer people solutions through clarity. I have successfully helped people break through mental illness, addictions, relationship problems, abuse, hallucinations, and every other kind of "disorder" by working through patterns. You are not born sick. Mental illness is not a physical disorder, and you can live without it without dependence on medication. With 23 years of experience, I offer a high level of expertise to assist you in healing your life rather than just managing your problems. "Mental illness" is not something you need to live with.

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Michael Brown

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is Ruth Racz's avatar and link to their profile

Ruth Racz

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama who has spent 12 years working with individuals with a variety of mental illness diagnoses including psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family issues, and co-occurring conditions. I received my Master's Degree from Troy University in 2011 and have been working at the same company full-time since then. I have been married for 27 years, and we have 3 boys (24, 21, and 9). I like for our interactions to be conversational and will use reality therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, and mindfulness. In this space, you are free to be who you are and talk about what is important to you. There will be no judgment, and I urge you to be real and talk about whatever you want. You are taking the first steps to a better life, and I am glad to be here for it.

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Meghan Carroll

Offering therapy in AL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
6 years of experience

I am a Clinical Social Worker, licensed in California, Texas, and Alabama and I have been practicing Social Work for seven years. I currently live in Alabama so I am in Central Time for scheduling purposes. I have worked in various settings, including residential psychiatric treatment facilities, in-home therapy, as well as providing therapy in an office setting and through telehealth services. I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, families, and the older adult population. I have a large amount of experience working with anxiety, depression (including intense training on post-partum mood disorders), trauma, family conflicts, grief/loss, and parenting issues. My approach to therapy is to first and foremost build a strong and positive therapeutic relationship with my clients. As a therapist, I focus on each person's specific individual needs, meeting the client where they are at in the present moment, and adjusting my style to meet their needs. I am a solution focused, strengths based therapist but I also utilize components of cognitive therapy and trauma-informed therapy as needed. My ultimate purpose as a therapist is to provide positive support and a safe space for someone to open up and process any thoughts, feelings, and emotions that they find would be helpful for them. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Dina Marble's avatar and link to their profile

Dina Marble

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, Anxiety
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. 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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This is Sellers Terrell's avatar and link to their profile

Sellers Terrell

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
6 years of experience

I am very passionate about mental healthcare and counseling! I have a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My undergraduate degree is a Bachelors in Social Work. I have also spent a lot of time between degrees and off record studying a variety of behavioral therapies with a professional mentor and researching a lot of other alternative, holistic, and integrative modalities for implementing healing, recovery, and rebuilding the Self. I believe therapy is a sacred place where you can show up as your authentic self and be safe from judgment and doubt. I am here to guide you through that process and provide you with accountability and support for healthy and positive change. I have 6 years of experience as a mental health counselor with my primary focus being clinical mental health in the outpatient setting. My clinical skills and interests include: comprehensive health & wellness, addiction & recovery, somatic healing/experiencing, the LGBTQIA+ community, and trauma work. I have an eclectic approach when it comes to counseling because every person deserves individualized care. You and I will work in collaboration to formulate and implement the best treatment plan for you and your needs. Amongst my approaches in the therapy setting - I most often use Dialectical Behavior Therapy [informed] and DBT skills for problems such as emotion dysregulation, interpersonal communication deficits, and distress tolerance; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with an emphasis on trauma processing and addressing the thoughts-feelings-behaviors cycle; solution-focused and strengths based counseling for problems requiring more immediate resolve; and motivational interviewing techniques. I have a sincere passion for working with individuals and families impacted by addiction, mood disorders, adjustments to major life changes or events, relationship issues, family of origin trauma, various other complex traumas, and lean heavily on mindfulness-based treatment modalities to empower my clients to heal from the stress and anxiety that gets trapped in the body. My ability to navigate hardships and adversity in my own life has well equipped me to guide others through struggles and find healing and compassion for themselves. I want to help you be the best you can be and find self-empowerment in your therapy journey - I will allow you to set the pace for your processing and provide you with the necessary tools/skills, resources, and outlets to find relief from emotional discomfort and life stressors. I am proud of you for seeking help and want you to know that you're very brave.

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This is Andrew Thomas's avatar and link to their profile

Andrew Thomas

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Alabaster

Finding the best therapist close by in Alabaster 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Alabaster. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Alabaster, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Alabaster or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers 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 Alabaster area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Alabaster, elsewhere in Shelby, or in the greater state of Alabama.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Alabaster area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Alabaster therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Alabaster due to a higher cost of living. 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 Alabaster may not take health insurance, some in the state of Alabama may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Alabama you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Alabaster, Alabama 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Alabaster 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 lead by a therapist in Alabaster helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Alabaster 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 Alabaster therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist 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 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 Alabaster 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 lot of people in AL, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 35144 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Alabaster counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Alabaster 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 through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 Alabaster, Alabama 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.

Alabaster has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?

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

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 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 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 Alabaster.

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

35007, 35114, 35137, 35144

Popular cities near Alabaster, AL

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