This is Dr. Magna Porterfield's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Magna Porterfield

Offering therapy in AL
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am a psychologist who is licensed in both the states of Alabama and Georgia and I have had the opportunity to work in the field of psychology for several years. I have worked in the both university settings (as a teacher and counselor) as well as in private practice. I have also had the opportunity to travel and share my knowledge through lectures and workshops. I have the most experience in helping people who struggle with unipolar (but NOT bipolar) depression and anxiety. I also have a considerable amount of experience in working with individuals who have problems with managing stress and managing their emotions. I do not work with issues such as eating disorders, addictions, relationship problems or sexuality concerns. My counseling style is warm, but also straightforward and honest. I consider myself to be a kind person. and I truly desire to help those who are hurting. In my work with people, I do not spend much time processing the past (i.e., childhood experiences, past trauma, etc.). I believe that true healing comes when individuals take active steps in the therapy process and focus on what they can do in their "present" situation to address their challenges. In my work with clients, I focus on helping them understand how their thoughts impact their emotions and their behavior - principles from the field of cognitive behavior therapy. I also look at the impact of lifestyle habits - diet, rest, exercise, etc. - on mental/emotional health. In addition, I sometimes utilize concepts and strategies from the area of positive psychology, which helps people identify and enhance their strengths (as opposed to merely focusing on people's weaknesses "abnormalities," so to speak). Do you need a helping hand? I would love to be that "hand" and help you make those changes. Working with me will take commitment and will require you to not be just a "passive participant," so to speak, in your healing and recovery. If you are willing to do your part, I am here for you and would love to work with you. All it takes is that first step and you can make that step today!

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This is Cynthia Eades's avatar and link to their profile

Cynthia Eades

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
17 years of experience

I have worked with people suffering from a wide range of issues including mood disorders, trauma, addictions, and life transitions for 17 years. Most recently I have been working toward board certification in Christian Sex Therapy, and am currently only able to accept new clients who are struggling in this area of their lives. I have a passion to work with people who are wrestling with deep hurts and brokenness, and need hope in their lives. My philosophy of counseling is that in order to help others, I must first be emotionally and spiritually healthy, which means that I get regular check-ups from my counselor also. After graduating from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, MO, I relocated to Alabama where I began several years of work at a non-profit inpatient substance abuse clinic, and then, transitioned to private practice. My experience enables me to center in on the core of my clients' struggles without overlooking their pace. What this means for you is that I am fully focused on who you are first. My approach treats both the heart and mind, while communicating deep honor and respect to my clients. I will utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as psycho-education, Narrative, and Gestalt techniques to help you find the roots of your problems and learn new ways to cope. I believe that there is tremendous strength when a person is able to tell their story in a way that is both honest and life-giving, and I am committed to guiding people toward these truths and the freedoms that follow. Our counseling relationship will be two people working in one direction: your goals.

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Lisa Shea Miller

Offering therapy in AL
License: MA,LPC-S,Registered Play Therapist
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionADHD
14 years of experience

I am a professional counselor licensed in Alabama with over 14 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with clients of all ages with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, trauma, and ADHD. My therapy style is interactive and client-centered. I believe in treating every client with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. The counseling relationship is the building block of the therapeutic sessions. Every client will feel heard, understood and I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It is hard to take that first step towards change and a happier you. When you are ready to take that step, I will encourage, support and empower you on that journey.

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Stephanie Brewer

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepression
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, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Christina (Christy) Millard

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 8 years of professional work experience. My early work involved working in a family farm business. While I enjoyed it (and still do), I found myself wanting to go back to school and study counseling. So that's what I did--earning my master's degree in Counseling from the University of Montevallo. This was an excellent fit because for most of my life, I have been passionate about better understanding myself and others, and how this understanding can lead to a healthier, more fulfilled life. To this end, I have studied personality theory, career strategy, metal health interventions, and relationship skills. As a counselor, I have experience in helping clients effectively deal with stress, anxiety and depression, and improve their motivation, self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, I am passionate about helping clients discover their best career or make the most of the career they are in. I believe you are a unique individual, born with distinct strengths and challenges. As you grow, you encounter different people, situations and experiences. In response to these, you acquire beliefs and skills. Some of these skills and beliefs are helpful to you, while others are not. My desire is, first, to assist you in identifying what you want out of counseling. And next, to help you to pursue those life goals by effectively utilizing skills and beliefs that are helpful, while helping you change the beliefs and skills that are holding you back. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life is both exciting and scary. I am here to support you throughout this process.

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Cathy Clifton

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Life Coach in Alabama with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse. 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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Isaac Moore

Offering therapy in AL
Self esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

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!

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This is Nycole Jordan's avatar and link to their profile

Nycole Jordan

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 19 years of professional work experience in mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & 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. 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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This is Dr. Robinette Muse's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Robinette Muse

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
28 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Summer Morton's avatar and link to their profile

Summer Morton

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 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, trauma and abuse, 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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How to find counseling in Excel

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Excel 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 Excel 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 Excel 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 Excel, 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 Excel 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 Excel 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 Excel 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 Excel 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 Excel 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 36460 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 Excel 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 Excel 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 Excel, 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.

Excel 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 Excel.

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

36439, 36460

Popular cities near Excel, AL

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