Having strong mental health can feel like living in a safe, beautiful place, where every day is a new journey. However, if you feel depressed, anxious, or have no sense of direction, that place can feel anything but safe. A counselor based in Auburn can help you. 

Auburn’s nickname is “The Loveliest Village on the Plains.” It’s a great place to live, but when you're dealing with life’s problems, you may think otherwise. A counselor can make your mind the loveliest place possible, but you must follow their instructions if you want to succeed.

This is Arkaya "Kady" Williams-Abbott's avatar and link to their profile

Arkaya "Kady" Williams-Abbott

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC-S,NCC, BC-TMH
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoaching
30 years of experience

Hi! Do you struggle with relationships? Do you want your marriage to be better? Do you struggle with depression or anxiety and just want to be happy? Are you having trouble adjusting to a new situation? A move to new area, a new job, recently single or divorced? If you work with me, I can help you with the issues mentioned above. My name is Arkaya Williams-Abbott and I go by "Kady." I am a licensed therapist in the state of Alabama. In addition to the issues I mentioned above, I have over 29 years of experience working with adult men and women who struggle with substance use disorders (alcoholism and drug addictions) and serious mental illnesses. My counseling approach is client centered and I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Stages of Change as therapeutic interventions that will help you with the issues you struggle with. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Auburn University and a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. There is no doubt that asking for help is hard, however, I think counseling is one of the best gifts one can give to themselves! Together, let's bring clarity to the issues clouding your life. I am an ally.

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Dr. Clarence Merckerson

Offering therapy in AL
License: PhD,LPC,CRC
AddictionsFamily conflictsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am a counselor licensed in Louisiana with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. 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, person-centered, and rational-emotive counseling. We will work together to identify what your goals are for therapy, and your strengths and resources for achieving them. Together we can identify the impacts of stressors in your life, address the symptoms, and plan to avoid or cope with upcoming potentially stressful events. We will identify your needs and capabilities, affirm your resilience and strengths, and promote your self-expression and personal growth. I try to build relationships with my clients which foster collaboration, trust, and transparency. 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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Tyshelle Wilson

Offering therapy in AL
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Alabama. I desire to see you healthy, mentally and physically. Daily life stressors can quickly become overwhelming. I am passionate about assisting clients in identifying things that may be interfering with their happiness, and that could be causing them to experience anxiety, depression, fear, relationship problems and various other mental health concerns. I accept clients as they are and where they are. We are a team! Together, we will identify and focus on formulating a realistic solution-focused remedy to whatever may be contributing to your mental health concerns. Repetition and consistency are essential to change. If your up for the challenge, work with me.

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Carol Williams

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee. I have been a therapist for 20 years , working with individual , couples and family. My main focus at this time is working with individuals. My therapy approach is based on Client Centered Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also enjoy including Mindfulness activities to reduce stress and anxiety. During my years as a Counselor I have had the opportunity to learn and grow both on a professional level and personal level. I have grown as much from my interactions with clients as I have from educational experiences. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing life transitions which often can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. I enjoy helping individuals find their life path that leads to passion and purpose. I can relate, as I have experienced many life transitions, and although difficult, finding the right path feels wonderful! Too often we are interested in making changes, but just don't know how to begin. The desire for change is healthy, but can be overwhelming, sometimes leading to feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness. My job is to listen to your feelings, concerns and stressors. Not only will I listen, but I will actively collaborate with you to help you determine the changes that will lead to you feeling more fulfilled and happy. Whether you are having difficulties dealing with grief issues, feeling unfulfilled in your work or family life, or find that you just aren't coping well you are not alone. I would love to help you recover you passions and joy.

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Leslie Warren

Offering therapy in AL
License: Masters Social Work,LICSW,PIP
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteem
3 years of experience

Welcome to my web page at BetterHelp. Did you know that over 42% of the United States population has sought some type of mental help services in their lifetime? Another 36% of the United States population have thought about seeking out mental health services to address all ranges of mental health issues. It takes initiative, courage and self-awareness to reach out for help. The hardest part of reaching out for help is finding a therapist that is compassionate, warm, understanding, non-judgmental, and a good listener that fits a client's mental health needs while accommodating home, school, and work balance within the scope of everyday life. Furthermore, it is even more difficult to navigate the process of what to expect in therapy to achieve positive outcomes in mental health wellness. I firmly believe in the philosophy that "if you do not 'jive' with a therapist, do not quit counseling, just find a therapist you do." In my professional experience I have often heard clients state, "My therapist does not listen to me. They just tell me things I already know." This is not the experience that I want to give any of my clients. I believe in the philosophy "treat others like you would want to be treated and walk a mile in their shoes." I believe that everyone is an expert of their own life and that the therapist should empower a client to concentrate on things that they can control within their environment through positivity, thus, avoiding the traps of "should haves, could haves, would haves, must haves" that can cause a person to become paralyze within their own psyche. The counselor/client relationship should be a collaborative one that does not leave the client feeling deflated but empowered with new tools to try to improve overall mental health functioning. I have had many clients come with high expectations that the therapist "will fix them, or give them advice". This is one thing that no therapist can do as this would be taking individual power away from the client further exasperating the symptoms of the mental health diagnosis for which one is seeking help. The therapeutic relationship is one that each party equally contributes to setting client centered goals that are measurable and attainable while bringing about personal awareness of how behaviors affect actions and how actions affect mental health outcomes. In short, all behaviors have positive or negative consequences. My approach to counseling is to help educate clients on behaviors, choices, and consequences through solution-focused, cognitive behavior, aspects of psychodynamic and Gestalt, but mostly client centered therapies. I ascribe to the concept, "Stop, Think, Act" when working with a client. I am Leslie Warren, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Person In Practice endorsement by the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners. I have over 15 years in social services experience in an agency setting prior to receiving my Masters in Social Work in 2014 and a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2018 from the University of Alabama. I have about 6 years postmasters clinical experience working for both private and public agencies/companies with preschool and school age children, young adults, caregivers, disabled populations, and older adults. I am well versed in helping clients assess community and educational resources. I am experienced in providing case management, individual, and group therapy, I am experiences in treating clients with general anxiety and situational depression. I am most knowledgeable in educating clients on grief and anxiety issues related to death, disability, and infertility. As a person who has suffered from infertility, I am passionate in beginning a new phase of my professional career by helping infertile couples navigate the stresses, anxiety, grief, and unknown expectations of the path to parenthood while giving individuals and couples emotional and educational support to deal with the loses each time a treatment fails. This "emotional roller coaster" causes a vicious cycle of disappointment, worry, depression, family and couple conflicts, and financial strain upon the individual's or couple's relationship. Many times the medical community lacks experience and education to address the needs of couples through the treatment process and fails to educate the client (patient) on all alternatives for treatment that may be available to them such as regular adoption and embryo donation/adoption through IVF. My plight with infertility is the main reason I decided to get a Masters of Social Work so I could help individuals and couples be a advocate for themselves through education, emotional support and understanding that is lacking in training among both the medical and mental health professional fields. Since choosing the right therapist affects the direct outcomes of the client's progress toward mental help awareness and emotional well being, I prefer to have the first sessions to be through video chat as this will promote the atmosphere of a collaborative, trusting, warm, and open therapeutic relationship. I can also accommodate phone and chat forums. If you choose to enter into a therapeutic relationship with me, and you do not see an appointment time that works for you, or is not available on the calendar, reach out and I may be able to accommodate on a case by case basis as long as I have at least a two to three days notice. I generally check messages here a few times per day Tue-Sat and I will respond as quickly as I can. I do appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times, as I may be tending to other clients or professional/personal responsibilities." I wish you the best in this journey and I commend you for taking the initiative, courage and self-awareness to reach out for help. Leslie Warren, LICSW, PIP

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Dr. Ashley Hampton

Offering therapy in AL
License: PhD
Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Psychologist with specialties in working with female entrepreneurs and clients on vocational, relationship, and work-life issues. A graduate of the University of Memphis in 2011, I previously worked in correctional, school, and university settings, as well as in a secure state hospital. I have experience working with a wide variety of clients from ages 3 to 87 with all types of presenting problems and mental health diagnoses. I do not work with Borderline Personality Disorder, OCD, or any sexual disorders. I am licensed in the state of Alabama with a credential to work through telehealth in certain states: AZ, AR, CO, DE, DC, GA, IL, KS, KY, ME, MD, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI. If you are not in one of these states, I cannot work with you at this time.

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Dr. Patricia Lyle

Offering therapy in AL
License: PhD,SMSgt (ret) USAF
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
18 years of experience

Thanks so much for viewing my information. I am Dr. Patricia Lyle, a licensed psychologist, graduated from Auburn University and licensed in Alabama. I have spent the past 18 years working for the Veterans Health Administration and before that I retired from the US Air Force after 20 years’ service to my country. For that reason, I am deeply devoted to helping veterans, first responders, and others with traumatic experiences. I have focused my training on trauma recovery and helping individuals reach their personalized goals for success. I have expertise in treating PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, and other serious behavioral health conditions. I have a background in treating substance disorders, personality disorders, and developmental disorders as well. I am fully trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (for PTSD), Motivational Enhancement, and psychodynamic approaches to enhance your well-being. I want to make sure that your needs are clearly understood, so I may begin our time together using a question and reflection approach to make sure I understand your current situation. I use an interpersonal style that is warm, yet challenging. I strive to meet you right where you are and evaluate your readiness for change. Sometimes this can take a couple sessions to accomplish. I tend to explore your background information so I can get a feel for how you’re built. I want this relationship to be collaborative from the start. You know yourself much better than I do, and you have already developed tools to get through some hard times. Make sure I know your strengths as we get to know each other. If you want to start by going directly to your goals for change, feel free to jump right to the action stage. We’re partners on your journey. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower your growth.

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Merissa Pryor

Offering therapy in AL
License: MSW,LCSW,LLC
Family conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

Sometimes in the journey of life we could all benefit from someone to journey with us during the difficult times. My name is Merissa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over eight years experience in individual counseling as well as advocacy, and mental and emotional health. I specialize in empowering individuals that may be struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, or relationship issues. My main therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as I believe there is so much power in learning how thoughts influence behavior and emotion and then changing those negative patterns. I also incorporate holistic counseling and solution based therapy among other treatment approaches and tailor my approach to your needs. I am empathetic, non-judgmental, and very passionate about the work I do. I enjoy being able to help others heal, grow and achieve their goals. I am excited about beginning this journey with you!

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Savanna Cannon

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 5 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, & coping with life changes. 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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Chelsea Taylor

Offering therapy in AL
Family conflictsGriefParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, anger management, child development, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and trauma. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Auburn

Finding the best therapist close by in Auburn 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 Auburn. 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 Auburn, 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 Auburn 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 Auburn 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 Auburn, elsewhere in Lee, 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 Auburn area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Auburn 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 Auburn 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 Auburn 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 Auburn, 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 Auburn 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 Auburn 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 Auburn 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 Auburn 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 Auburn 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 36831 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 Auburn 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 Auburn 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 Auburn, 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.

Auburn 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Auburn.

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

36830, 36831, 36832, 36849

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