The natural beauty of white sand beaches makes living in Gulf Shores a real treat. The purity of the water and the overall joy that comes with enjoying the area helps to make it a very special place. You want to be able to embrace all of the beauty around you and to enjoy it for what it is, but depression mars your perception. When you are dealing with severe depression issues, even the most gorgeous examples of nature can appear to be dull and uninteresting.

This type of depression does not have to take over your life. You can reach out to Gulf Shores-area counselors to get the assistance that you need. Professionals counselors understand how difficult depression problems can be and they can speak to you about everything that is going on. Having a kind ally guide you towards healing can help you to reclaim the joy in your life. Speak to them today to work toward eliminating depression from your life.

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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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Patrice Harris

Offering therapy in AL
License: M.Ed, LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Twenty years ago, my life was turned upside down when my husband walked out the door, leaving me to raise our two year old daughter and dreams I thought we had built together since our second year in college. I couldn't imagine how I could go on. I couldn't imagine how anyone who'd been though this sort of pain had gone on. But, to my surprise, I did go on, grow, developed new and stronger emotional muscles. And formed a new dream: I wanted everyone to believe they could get there (peace/happiness) from here (pain/anxiety/confusion). So, I went back to school and, with a lot of family help, got this degree that allowed me to begin helping others help themselves. For over 20 years now, I've worked with women growing through divorce, adults facing stage of life changes, people of all ages seeking to believe in - or even identify - their strengths, accept and work on their weaknesses. We start by learning to trust each other; we start by trusting the client's self empowerment (even if the client doesn't really believe - at first). Then we form a two-person team and reframe negative beliefs, pinpoint resources, figure out distorted thoughts that are holding the client back and need to be abandoned. We do in-session exercises, refer to research and books, and connect dots in belief sets until...we get there from here. And, almost all the time, we do. We will - you and I. Almost no problem is too big such that two people working hand in hand with a sound knowledge base, can't overcome it. In time, the problem that seems so big today will be a learning experience and a memory. We'll get you there. Let's start now.

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Brittany Stevens

Offering therapy in AL
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

Hello! My name is Brittany Stevens and I am from Alabama. I have lived in Alabama my entire life and attended the University of Alabama for my graduate program in social work. I currently have an LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) to practice social work. During my career in social work, I have been involved in helping people navigate a variety of issues. I have worked in child trauma, adult trauma, depression, anxiety, family/couples issues, parental issues, addiction, domestic violence, infertility, LGBTQ among many others. My treatment style may vary depending on the intake assessment that is completed with any one individual or family. I find cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma focused therapy beneficial in helping others overcome their struggles. I am also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I look forward to working with you and helping you live a better quality of life that you deserve!

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Jenny Bell

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issues
12 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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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. 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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Somiya (Sam) Murtadi

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I believe that my approach and personality create a safe environment for my clients to create lasting change. I have over 7 years experience in substance abuse, I have been practicing counseling since 2016, and I have worked with clients of all ages. I also specialize in trauma and working with teens. Other areas of experience include anxiety, self-esteem, grief, and LGBTQ+-related issues, to name a few. 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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Nicole George

Offering therapy in AL
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Porschia Fisher

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepression
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, relationship issues, & parenting issues. 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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Colleen Craig-Akinsanya

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Hi, I’m Colleen, a Clinical Social Worker in Alabama. I've been a Social Work over 15 years and focused the last 5 years on providing direct mental health services. I feel I was pulled into the mental health field after working through my own troubled childhood and learning to manage my own Anxiety from that trauma. I was blessed to find a caring and relatable therapist early on who stuck with me on my journey of mental freedom! I would like to be that therapist for you. I've worked in nursing homes, home health, hospice, and outpatient mental health clinics. I try to understand the relationship between social system, culture, community, and an individual’s mental health when working with them. My specialties include anxiety, grief/ bereavement, life transitions, and stress management. My counseling style is structured and flexible. I am a honest and straight forward therapist. I want the best for my clients, but they have to want the best for themselves before change can happen. I like to focus on identifying strengths and helping my clients maximize their strengths to overcome life obstacles. I use evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and solution focused therapy. You can visit my website at www.liftmysoults.com for more information.

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William Weathers

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

Hello, I'm Bill Weathers, a licensed professional counselor with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Auburn University at Montgomery. I have a unique background with three years of experience in counseling following 21 years of service as an Army officer. Whether you're a teen navigating the challenges of adolescence, an individual facing life's complexities, or anyone seeking support, I'm here to help you. I understand that life can throw curveballs at us, and we all need someone to lean on from time to time. I'm not just a counselor; I'm a person too. I have interests like enjoying college football, spending time fishing, and tending to a small hobby farm. I'm also a family person, married with four adult children, so I get the ups and downs that come with family dynamics. In our counseling sessions, I'm committed to creating a safe and open space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. We can communicate through chat, audio calls, or video sessions – whatever makes you most comfortable. My counseling approach incorporates various therapeutic modalities, including Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Therapies, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Together, we can work on setting realistic goals, finding solutions, and improving your overall well-being. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. When you're ready, we can begin this journey towards a brighter and more fulfilling future together.

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Catherine Rossi

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama and Vermont with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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How to find counseling in Gulf Shores

Finding the best therapist close by in Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores. 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 Gulf Shores, 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores, elsewhere in Baldwin, 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 Gulf Shores area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores, 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 36542 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores, 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.

Gulf Shores 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 Gulf Shores.

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

36542, 36547

Popular cities near Gulf Shores, AL

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