Birmingham, AL, is nicknamed Magic City, which came about in the early 20th century after the city expanded rapidly. Birmingham experienced exceptional population and land growth, absorbing several nearby towns. If you need help finding the things you need to make something big happen in your life, talk to a therapist in Birmingham, AL, for support.
You can find compassionate counselors in a few places. If you’re trying to find the right therapist, you can use a practice conveniently located in the Birmingham area, or you can address your mental health concerns in an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. You can get good therapy either way, but online treatment may be a more flexible option for busy professionals, college students, or parents.
Therapy can help you learn to manage the symptoms of a range of mental health disorders, and it can be beneficial if you struggle to deal with life's challenges or difficult emotions and feelings. With so much going on in the world, a Birmingham-based therapist can help you learn to cut through the noise and focus on how to lead a more fulfilling life.
Tammera Carbo
My name is Tammera Carbo, and I am a licensed professional counselor in Alabama, a licensed mental health counselor in Florida and a licensed clinical mental health counselor in North Carolina. I have more than 30 years of experience providing counseling services and have worked in inpatient, residential, outpatient and school settings. I have worked with clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues and self-esteem issues. I have also helped clients with anger management and ADHD concerns. I provide professional, research-based counseling primarily utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy and Time Limited Psychodynamic Therapy. and Talk Therapy. This simply means that we will look at how behavior, feelings and thought work together to impact mood and action. I can also integrate Biblical counseling into the therapeutic process if that is something you desire. We will strive to create a safe, positive environment for you to explore the presenting problem offering intervention that will allow for positive growth. Thank you for reaching out to us and I look forward to working with you!
Raven Brown-McKinney
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Life Coach with 15 years experience partnering with individuals, families, adolescents, and women to help them reach their goals and live more fulfilling and healthy lives. Dealing with stress, depression, work, family or personal issues? Balancing work, family, friends, and life can be overwhelming. Partnering with a therapist to overcome life's challenges can be essential to living a healthy and fulfilling life. I am an experienced Social Worker with crisis intervention, assessment, domestic violence, health education, and coaching experience. I have been successful working with adults to reach their highest potential for more than 15 years. My counseling style is open, warm, and collaborative. My approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapies. I will collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that helps you reach your individual goals. A real therapist for real people! Make the first step to enjoying your new life!
Stephanie Dates
Hi, My name is Stephanie Dates. I am a licensed social worker with eighteen years of experience working in a clinical setting. My patients come from very diverse and eclectic backgrounds. This has allowed me the privilege to provide counsel specifically focused on changing the negative thoughts that can contribute emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. I enjoy helping others identify areas of change and develop options that may enhance their quality of life. Allow me the privilege to work with you to develop positive changes and approaches to the stressors of life. I am looking forward to interacting with you!
Ashley Motes
I am licensed in Alabama with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & career difficulties. 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!
Jeffrey Barrett
I am credentialed in the state of Alabama with 20 years of professional work experience as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I firmly believe that people have the capacity to substantially improve their situations through developing insight and finding practical solutions to create the change for which they aspire. My experience includes helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and coping with grief and loss. I also have worked with people who are experiencing life changes including cancer and other serious medical conditions. I am a musician and have unique insight into using our creative capacity in the arts to make a better life for ourselves and those around us. 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!
Isaac Moore
I am licensed therapist with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, confidence, career difficulties, depression, & coping with life changes. 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! Let me help you get to the other side of through!
Lekesha Wyse
I am licensed in Alabama with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started. I look forward to working with you!
Terrance Battles
I am licensed in Alabama with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!
Angela Ellison
I am Angela Ellison, a licensed professional counselor in the state of Alabama. I recognize that the decision to reach out for help is often the most difficult step in the healing process and I would appreciate the opportunity to provide you with that assistance. You will find my approach to be client driven, solution focused, and goal oriented. I view my role as that of a collaborator who will come alongside you to help you reach the goals that you have set for yourself. I will work to create a safe environment that allows you to share your thoughts and feelings without judgment. I offer 30 and 45 minute sessions via live chat, phone, or video. I also encourage messaging in between sessions to provide continuity of care. It is my desire to see you achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
Lori Bateman
I am licensed in Alabama with more than 17 years of professional experience working with individuals and families in crisis. I have experience in helping individuals with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self -esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, and compassion. I will work with you to develop a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific goals. It takes courage to ask for help and I am here to support you through the process.
How to find counseling in Birmingham
Finding the best therapist close by in Birmingham 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 Birmingham. 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 Birmingham, 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, elsewhere in Jefferson, 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 Birmingham area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 35212 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, 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.
Birmingham 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:
- 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 Birmingham:
35061, 35068, 35142, 35201, 35202, 35203, 35204, 35205, 35206, 35207, 35208, 35209, 35210, 35211, 35212, 35213, 35214, 35215, 35217, 35218, 35219, 35220, 35221, 35222, 35224, 35228, 35231, 35232, 35233, 35234, 35235, 35236, 35237, 35238, 35242, 35243, 35246, 35249, 35253, 35254, 35255, 35259, 35260, 35261, 35266, 35270, 35282, 35283, 35285, 35287, 35288, 35290, 35291, 35292, 35293, 35294, 35295, 35296, 35297, 35298