When you’re already feeling overwhelmed by a mental illness such as an eating disorder or OCD, looking for a therapist can feel like yet another weight on your shoulders—and you may worry that you’re unable to carry it. That cycle of overwhelm leading to inaction leading to more overwhelm and more inaction, it’s a tough one to break without the right support.

You don’t have to do it alone. Our platform compiles available therapists in Florence, AL, who have chosen to host their services through us. No matter where you are in your journey to the best version of you—seeking coping strategies for a new diagnosis, engaging in self-discovery after multiple remissions and relapses—these practitioners can help.

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Sharmen Rutherford

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC, ICAADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepression
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Life isn't always easy. At times, things just don't seem right or the way that we would like for them to be. Life can be frustrating, overwhelming, complicated and down-right messy. It is during these difficult seasons that I would like to come alongside you and offer strength, hope and encouragement and to equip you with the tools you need to make a better future for yourself. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Alabama, an Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and am currently pursuing an Eating Disorders Specialist certification. I have 15 years of experience helping clients with addictions, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, self-harm, school pressures and grief. I am a member of the Alabama Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association, International Consortium of Alcohol & Drug Counselors, International Association of Trauma Professionals, and the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals. I look forward to getting to know you and building a therapeutic relationship that will help lead you to your best life!

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Dr. Paula Downie

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL
Counselor License Type(s): DSW,MSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi, I am Dr. Paula Downie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated from Florida State University with a Masters in Social Work in 2003 and I graduated from Walden University in 2020 with my Doctorate in Social Work. My experience in providing therapy includes provision of group, individual, and family therapy. My main mode of therapy is Cognitive Behavioral, but I am trained in additional therapies such as Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I may also utilize an eclectic approach when called for to the benefit of the client. My goal as a social worker and a therapist is to bring options, enlightenment, and empowerment to the people I touch and thereby helping to achieve an improved quality of life.

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Gretchen Shay

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL
Counselor License Type(s): LICSW,LCSW,CADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsEating disordersDepression
14 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed clinical social worker licensed in Illinois and Alabama with over 13 years of experience working as a social worker/therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, addiction, co-dependency, interventions and family dynamic issues. I also have experience working with individuals going through various medical diagnosis as well their caregivers from diagnosis to end of life and grief and loss therapy. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Gabrielle Thomas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

My name is Gabrielle and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work . I use a person-centered and whole-health approach when working with children, young adults, individuals and families. I have over 6 years of experience as an agent of support and guidance. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I am very down to earth and I strongly practice treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. I foster a safe space for you to simply be yourself. My areas of expertise are: Loss and Trauma, Child and Family, Developmental Disabilities, Justice and Corrections, Mental Health, Crisis Intervention, and Substance Abuse.

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Dr. Chad Ebesutani

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Alabama with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. 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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Sarai "Christi" Webb-Vanderpoorten

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LMFT,MAC
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
30 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Master Addiction Counselor, Mental health and integrative medical nutritionist, personal trainer and fitness instructor. I graduated from University of Southern Mississippi with my Bachelor and Masters degree. I believe in looking at a person from a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual perspective. I believe change is the key to solving problems and developing overall well being. I am very loving and understanding, but also very direct and honest. I believe a therapist is here to help a person that is struggling to identify what they need or want in life and explore ways to find that place. I feel finding a purpose for yourself will increase will and confidence. I believe you must take care of yourself physically in order to grow in other areas and must have a spiritual foundation in order to deal with past experiences and enjoy future ones. I have worked as a therapist since 1993, so 30 years of dealing with individuals and families that are struggling with depression, anxiety, past trauma, and addictions. I have worked in treatment centers and mental hospitals with inpatient and private practice for outpatient. I am licensed in Mississippi and Alabama. I am married with 5 children and believe that my own past experiences are a part of my training and ability to help others. Being a Christian, I feel God helps us through events and trials in our lives so that we can help others.

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Shannon Wise

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSleeping disordersAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Alabama with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, sleeping disorders, & anger management. 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. My diverse experience in mental health includes working as a Therapist Acute for about 5 years with voluntary and involuntary clients hospitalized during a crisis needing stabilization to reintegrate into their daily life routines. I later worked as a Mental Health Professional for about 4 years in a correctional facility providing treatment team support for stress management, assessing client needs for referrals for medication, and interventions for safety precautions or assignments to special observation housing for those with chronic symptoms. I have recently worked over a year in private practice in the community serving adult and teen individuals, as well as couples. Triggers may vary between situational adjustment stressors, serious mental illness, personality, or substance abuse. I provide integrative guidance with CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to assist clients with emotional regulation and conflict resolution I further utilize DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) to teach improved coping skills for relaxation, grounding and distress tolerance to avoid overreaction from poor impulse control when triggered, and utilize Reality Therapy for goal setting in order to provide healthy interventions for improved quality of life and personal growth. Setting goals together and reviewing and monitoring incremental progress renews hope and restores dreams of living life with passion and purpose Every individual has unique circumstances with universal needs of receiving validation and educating themselves to grow and become more self-aware to increase their empowerment to transform.

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Te'Asia Mason

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changesADHD
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Making the decision to begin therapy can be intimidating, but I am here to offer help and support in any way that I can. I believe therapy involves a collaborative effort between the client and therapist to explore the best possible solution. I also believe in "meeting you halfway" to build a strong therapeutic relationship to ensure a positive outcome. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, adjustment, family conflict, self-esteem, and self-exploration. I also utilize my experience in Applied Behavior Analysis to offer a unique counseling approach for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. I utilize CBT and other creative counseling techniques to aid you in reaching your goals. I pride myself on being authentic, determined, and transparent with my clients. I consider it an honor to watch you grow, learn and explore new parts of yourself. It is my belief that living a better life is a process and not a destination. Keep pressing forward! Please don't hesitate to contact me to begin your healing process. Please note: I am only able to provide services to Alabama residents at this time.

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Michael McGraw

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Alabama and Virginia. I help clients with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship and family issues, recovery from trauma, and self-care. I will collaborate with you to identify your internal strengths and help you connect with the resources you need to move forward on your unique path.

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Whitney Jefferson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Alabama with 3 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. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Florence

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

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Florence. 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 Florence, 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 in the Florence region and in the state of Alabama. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Florence or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Florence area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Florence 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 Florence, elsewhere in Lauderdale, or in the greater state of Alabama.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Florence 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 Florence 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 Florence 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

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

Therapists in Florence, 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 Florence psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Florence 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 Florence helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Florence 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 - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • 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 Florence 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 in Florence?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Florence 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.

Florence therapists 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 Florence 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 Florence 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in AL, therapists 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 35631 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your Florence 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Florence.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Florence 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 with a Florence counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Florence, 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.

Florence 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Florence, Alabama

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 to customer service 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 Florence.

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

35630, 35631, 35632, 35633

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