Reaching an opportunity can be a challenge. Sometimes, opportunity comes at you before you're prepared. Other times, you are too depressed or anxious to face life’s problems. In a situation like that, a counselor based in Decatur can help you. 

Decatur’s motto is “The City of Opportunity.” If you live here, you can reach your opportunities, but you need to realize that sometimes it’s okay to admit if you can’t do it yourself. A counselor based in Decatur works by telling you what you can do to reach your goals and cope with your doubts. 

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Jordan Jackson

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC,NCC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

My name is Jordan Leigh Jackson and I have four years of experience in counseling; I graduated in 2016 from the University of Montevallo and they require a rigorous internship period before allowing soon-to-be graduates to take the National Counselor Examination, which allows each student to start their associate period of counseling. After completing my associate hours, I received my license in the state of Alabama. Most of my experience is with low to median income families and their children, since my agency worked closely with the Department of Human Resources. Each member of these families were from various backgrounds with an array of different issues to overcome. Some of the topics covered include: Generalized Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, Eating Disorders, Panic attacks (regularly occurring), Childhood Trauma, etc. I feel very fortunate to have worked with these families and help them find solutions for long-term happiness because they helped me become the therapist I am today. I tend to approach each new client from a Humanistic Approach and feel this is appropriate as we establish a sound therapeutic alliance. This approach is often successful in seeing the bigger picture life has to offer and helps prioritize where we begin the work. As sessions continue, certain cognitive-behavioral techniques may be suggested, because most people who seek counseling are stuck in a negative way of thinking and it's our job to find the way out of that habit. Working as a team has always been important to me in counseling, and I truly believe that's the only way any true progress can be made.

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Cynthia Allison

Offering therapy in AL
License: MS, LPC.,ICADC
AddictionsRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama with 7 years of experience in providing mental health and behavioral counseling in various setting various aspects of counseling. I have worked with individuals ages seven to adult with a variety of mental health/behavioral presenting issues such as depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence and addiction, suicide assessment and prevention and many more. I approach the therapeutic relationship with a friendly manner and a warm atmosphere. Many individuals are afraid to seek therapeutic help because of fear. So, I seek to build a therapeutic relationship with friendly trust. I have experience in providing individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling, mental health therapy, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention in the community, in homes and the prison setting. My therapy style is warm and friendly. I think that many individuals forgo meaningful help from therapy because of misconceptions and fear of sharing intimate details with a stranger. I believe that everyone is unique and has the power of choice to make decisions to effect change in their lives. As such, I operate from the theoretical vantage points of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Reality Therapy Brief Solutions Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. These frameworks are not written in stone when in a therapeutic relationship with me. I am flexible and open to exploring with the client what has worked in the past for him or her. Therapy sessions with me will be interactive. You can expect that I will listen to you. You can also expect that I will want to hear from you as an expert in yourself. We will work as a team to set your goals and objectives and plan to develop skills to effect change in your life. I know it is not easy to seek therapy and that's why I create a friendly atmosphere in my sessions to address your specific issue (s). So, come on, let's talk about it and find the solution together. It does not matter if it's family issues, mental health issues, identity issues, or addiction issues. Together we can make it better and affect meaningful change in your life. Specialties Suicide Prevention Depression Anxiety Grief and Loss Bipolar Schizophrenia Addictions and Drug abuse Also experienced in: Crisis resolution, suicide assessment, and treatment, substance abuse prevention, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Self-image.

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Laurie Gaddy

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

I am a licensed counselor in both Texas and Alabama with over 11 years of professional work experience. Though I have experience working with a wide range of clients in a variety of professional settings, my specialties primarily include stress-related disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, family conflict, domestic violence, abuse and trauma. My counseling approach is primarily Cognitive Behavioral (CBT); however, I also utilize an eclectic approach at times, including aspects of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, as well as Motivational Interviewing techniques. I tailor my approach and treatment plan to meet the specific needs and challenges of each individual client, and I look forward to finding which treatment modality works best for you. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help- to take those first steps toward change- or to break unhealthy habits and relationships. I believe we all possess attributes and strengths within that can ultimately assist us in healing from hard experiences and overcoming the challenges we face. I strive, as your therapist, to create an environment in which you feel safe to share your experiences, free of any bias or judgment, and I truly look forward to walking alongside of you as you take those hard, first steps. I am here to listen, support & empower you throughout your own personal journey toward health, healing, and change. I do my best to get your first appointment scheduled within one week. My schedule is somewhat flexible, so if the hours listed on my calendar do not work for you, just ask! I look forward to working with you!

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Jeffrey Barrett

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

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!

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Brandy Cobbs

Offering therapy in AL
Parenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
27 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama and have been since 1996 as an LGSW and since 1999 as an LCSW (24 years of professional work experience as an LCSW). I recently retired from 25 years with the State of Alabama doing work with foster children, parents at risk of losing their children, and with child abuse and neglect intake and crisis work. Since retiring just over a year ago, I added ADHD Coach training as well. I have experience in helping clients with coping with life changes, ADHD coaching, & compassion fatigue and have some personal experience in Alanon and with being a family member of someone exhibiting Narcissistic behaviors. I also was diagnosed with ADHD at age 26 and have experienced roughly half my life on both sides of the diagnosis. I understand the experience of looking back and seeing how things could have been different if diagnosed sooner, while also learning (yes, still learning) acceptance and techniques to achieve things I didn't believe possible as a younger person. I have two young adult sons and did go through infertility issues, and prematurity/NICU stay with the youngest, giving me some insight in both infertility, multiple miscarriages, and parenting. I also am an avid art/crafter, a musician, and poet and love learning new languages (to keep the brain healthier). I strongly believe that any creative, intellectual (hobby) and/or recreational outlet is very important to our mental health. I believe that rekindling some such outlet or interest can build self-esteem which spills into other areas of our lives as well. I am open to clients who seek a therapist who is aware of spirituality and mindfulness practices as important facets of life for some individuals. However, as an Episcopalian, I am not comfortable with engaging in the practice of "Christian-based" counseling in any restricting or conservative manner. I am open to discussion of how a client's religion helps them or has caused trauma as either of these viewpoints can impact a person's mental health. I am not an athiest or agnostic, but rather a mildly involved and often questioning Episcopalian who enjoys learning about other religions and cultures for the sake of broadening my own mind. I am also open and affirming of all humans, however they are made, however they present themselves, and to whom they are attracted. I do not have specialized LGBTQIA+ therapeutic experience, but I welcome anyone who needs ADHD related counseling or any other areas with which I do have experience, regardless of how they identify. I have recent experience in the past year working as a professional ADHD Coach with both college students with ADHD and women over 50 who also have ADHD, some in the workforce and some recently retired. I have also worked with parents of children with ADHD. While outside of Better Help, I do ADHD related Coaching, being an online therapist at Better Help is more in line with therapy instead of coaching. However, I still may incorporate some techniques used in both Coaching and Therapy, if that is relevant and agreed upon by myself and the client. There are other reasons for executive functioning difficulties such as stroke, traumatic brain injuries, aging, and "brain fog" from Fibromyalgia and other auto-immune disorders. All are welcome and I will do my best to assist with smoothing out your days and helping someone improve or create work-arounds for those executive functions that most impact them. The primary goal or purpose for each individual client entering therapy varies, but for some, it is to identify areas they wish to improve and then start making some small changes. This involves creating steps toward achieving their goals. For others, the purpose of therapy is to have someone to brainstorm with, vent to, and gain insight into some issues that have kept them from opportunities or just have kept them in a stress filled environment. I believe in a client-centered approach which means that I come to the table with resources but without a pre-arranged agenda. You come to the table with experiences, beliefs, and interests, and some problems you want to address. We work together to find solutions for what can be changed, and sometimes acceptance in what cannot be changed (and yes, to fine-tune the wisdom to know the difference). I look forward to seeing clients embrace new ways of seeing themselves and their world. Ultimately, I seek 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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Bette Moore

Offering therapy in AL
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoaching
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Maya Bailey

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

Greetings Humans! I am a black, queer, Catholic therapist with a passion for researching sustainable self-care strategies to prevent and treat burnout. My goal in life is to be the person I needed when I was growing up, creating a community that halts the endless battle with self-doubt, self-judgment, and self-criticism and embraces self-trust, self-respect, and self-love. Join me to learn how to sprinkle glitter on circumstances so that the high points stick out!

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Teri Uhler

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionADHD
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama, Arizona and Florida with 30years of professional work experience. I have experience with children, teens, young adults, adults and older adults. I am currently working with clients on Navajo Reservation dealing with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment disorders, bipolar and other mental health issues. I use mindfulness, CBT and other modalities to help my clients to cope with life's stressors and past traumas. I have experience in helping adults with stress and anxiety, ADHD, school/work issues, coping with grief and loss, motivation, relationship problems, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Sharon "Sherry" Norwood

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
31 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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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Shari Nehemiah

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping 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, parenting issues, 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.

How to find counseling in Decatur

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur, 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 35699 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur, 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.

Decatur 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 Decatur.

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

35601, 35602, 35603, 35609, 35699

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