The capital of Alabama and the third most populous in the state, Montgomery is a major seat and hub for both government bodies and the military. Montgomery, AL is also home to three major universities, Alabama State, Troy University, and Auburn University at Montgomery. Historically, as a center of major Civil Rights events, and home of active military and veterans, for many there can be a lot of unprocessed trauma. 

When it comes to finding a therapist, Montgomery, AL may have more options than many suburban and rural areas, but finding the right therapist isn’t always easy even in a densely populated city. There are a number of therapy approaches that utilize evidence-based practices to address emotional and behavioral challenges. Which of these approaches is most effective can depend on the mental health condition as well as the individual. For example, treating clinical depression may take a different set of skills than working with the post traumatic stress disorder experienced by a victim of domestic violence. There may be some overlap, but specialization can give you a true person-centric experience. 

Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can offer a wider variety of choices. BetterHelp gives you access to over 30,000 mental health care professionals, from cognitive behavioral therapists to experts in crisis intervention. Whatever your mental health concerns, simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you to a therapist that meets your personal needs. And because therapeutic alliance can be an essential factor in success, if you need to switch therapists you can do so at no additional cost. 

For many, online counseling sessions are a convenient treatment solution, as well. Sessions can easily fit into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options you can talk to your therapist from the comfort of your own home. 

If you are in the Montgomery area and are seeking help for any kind of mental health challenge, whether treatment of clinical depression, healing from sexual assault, or managing family conflict, therapy can help. By reaching out to the professionals at BetterHelp you can be one step closer to finding the mental health and well-being that you deserve. 

 

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James White

Offering therapy in AL
License: M.ED,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
15 years of experience

My name is James “Ryan” White. I am a licensed therapist in the state of Alabama. I have been a therapist for more than nine years. I have been licensed for almost 5 years. I specialize in dialectical behavioral therapy. Specifically, DBT informed therapy. What that means for my clients is real solutions to problems quickly using DBT skills. DBT skills allow you to better control and understand your emotions. These skills have worked wonders with my clients with depressive disorders, panic disorders, and PTSD. I specialize in personality disorders as well. Over the years I have worked with adults with mental disorders as well as substance abuse difficulties. I look forward to working with you and helping you to identify goals- so that you can look forward to life after whatever difficulties you’re having now . Remember whatever brings you here is just a chapter of your life it’s not the whole book. Let’s work together to rewrite your story so that you look forward to the days ahead.

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Alicia Richardson

Offering therapy in AL
License: MA,LPC,NCC
Parenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Greetings, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama. I hold a Master's degree in Marriage and Family. I have seventeen years of experience working with individuals presenting various life challenges such as abuse, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, parenting, personal growth, and relationship issues. I work with adolescents and adults. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I focus on YOUR goals and dreams, and I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet YOUR specific needs. It takes a lot of courage and motivation to reach out for additional support, and I intend to treat YOU with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe everyone can live a fulfilling life, and my holistic approach integrates the mind and body. I will encourage you to consider diet and exercise to feel healthy and whole. It takes courage to take the first steps towards a 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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Rachel Garrett

Offering therapy in AL
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

Hi there and welcome to the first step of taking charge of your mental health. Congratulations! My name is Rachel Garrett and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker for the state of Alabama. I graduated with my MSW from Troy University in 2016 and have worked with many different areas including Child Abuse and Neglect with DHR, juvenile delinquents, incarcerated adults, and inpatient Geri psych. I have worked with depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, and compassion fatigue. I tend to use mainly client centered therapy, CBT, and DBT and if you feel that I am the right fit for you, you and I will work together to navigate your life stressors and hopefully reach a blissful outcome. I promise to actively listen, treat you with kindness and respect, and fully empathize with you. I look forward to getting to know you and working with you!

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Crystal Norris

Offering therapy in AL
License: LICSW,PIP
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
6 years of experience

I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Alabama State University in 2011 and a Master's Degree from the University of Alabama in 2014. I earned my LMSW in 2015 and my LICSW in 2017. I have been practicing at the clinical level, providing counseling services, since 2017. Before earning my clinical license, I worked with children and families at the Alabama Department of Human Resources for three years. I have also worked as a counselor at a youth detention facility. Since earning my clinical license, I have worked as a Clinical Supervisor at a therapeutic foster care agency for three years providing counseling to children and adults. In working with children and families, my areas of focus include depression/anxiety, crisis intervention, ADHD, anger management, parenting, boosting self-esteem, communication, grief, behavioral issues, substance abuse, and domestic violence using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Behavior Therapy, Strengths Based Therapy, Play Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. I typically do no do live sessions on Saturdays, but I have several morning and evening slots available on every other day. Work with me and let's get started on your healing!

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Vanessa Martz

Offering therapy in AL
License: MS, LPC-S
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

I'm an older female counselor. I have a motherly way about me, according to my clients. I have had a very diversified career in science, the military, and in higher education. I'm a veteran, the widowed spouse of a veteran, the mother of a disabled veteran, and the daughter of a WWII veteran who suffered with PTSD. I am a mother, both by birth and adoption, to five children. I have fostered 26 children over 33 yrs. I am a Christian and I am a licensed pastor and provide pastoral services. I have experienced violence and loss and have a deep empathy for those who have experienced these things. I have done a lot of grief work myself and with my clients. I have remarried and have dealt with blended family issues. My life experience has increased both my empathy and my understanding, and has allowed for my spiritual growth. I will challenge your spirituality at some point in our process. If you are not wanting to look at your spiritual beliefs, another therapist would be a better match for you. Humans are often helpless, but never hopeless. I have found that a combination of varied therapeutic methods works for me and my clients. I use a good deal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy combined with Grief Resolution Therapy, but I do not limit myself to certain methods and I expand to meet my client's needs. The majority of my clients feel they have received help, or have acheived some growth in therapy. My therapeutic goal is not to force a change on my client, but to enable my client to feel at peace with the choices they make each moment they live on this earth. In addition I hope to help my clients embrace the joy of living. Van Martz, LPC

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Angel Badea

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

I am licensed in Alabama with 7 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 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!

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Hannah Strength

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I have been working in field for 3 years and am licensed in Alabama. I want you to know that you are not alone in this. I want to provide a safe place for you to lift some of this emotional weight off your shoulders. You have the power, and you have the strength. I am here to guide you to your own discovery. I offer therapy to adults & teens. I have a team-mindset which assists the counseling collaboration process. Life can be overwhelming without the right tools, and I want to help you discover those.I enjoy hearing each individuals personal experience. You have something to say, and I want to hear your story. I am excited for your journey, and the path you choose to take from here. If I am lucky enough to hear your experience, I hope to work as a team to provide quality counseling to assist in whatever future you choose.

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Teal Dick

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteem
27 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 27 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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Alisha Dreiling

Offering therapy in AL
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues. I practice from a person centered approach that incorporates a trauma informed biopsychosocial model of care. My main goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space for my clients to show up as their authentic selves where they can explore the depths of their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement, shame, or expectations. As psychologist Carl Rogers said, "When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good. . . . When I have been listened to and when I have been heard, I am able to re-perceive my world in a new way and to go on. It is astonishing how elements which seem insoluble become soluble when someone listens. How confusions which seem irremediable turn into relatively clear flowing streams when one is heard. "

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Dr. Patricia Lyle

Offering therapy in AL
License: PhD,SMSgt (ret) USAF
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
18 years of experience

Thanks so much for viewing my information. I am Dr. Patricia Lyle, a licensed psychologist, graduated from Auburn University and licensed in Alabama. I have spent the past 18 years working for the Veterans Health Administration and before that I retired from the US Air Force after 20 years’ service to my country. For that reason, I am deeply devoted to helping veterans, first responders, and others with traumatic experiences. I have focused my training on trauma recovery and helping individuals reach their personalized goals for success. I have expertise in treating PTSD, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, and other serious behavioral health conditions. I have a background in treating substance disorders, personality disorders, and developmental disorders as well. I am fully trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (for PTSD), Motivational Enhancement, and psychodynamic approaches to enhance your well-being. I want to make sure that your needs are clearly understood, so I may begin our time together using a question and reflection approach to make sure I understand your current situation. I use an interpersonal style that is warm, yet challenging. I strive to meet you right where you are and evaluate your readiness for change. Sometimes this can take a couple sessions to accomplish. I tend to explore your background information so I can get a feel for how you’re built. I want this relationship to be collaborative from the start. You know yourself much better than I do, and you have already developed tools to get through some hard times. Make sure I know your strengths as we get to know each other. If you want to start by going directly to your goals for change, feel free to jump right to the action stage. We’re partners on your journey. 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 and empower your growth.

How to find counseling in Montgomery

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery, 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 36131 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery, 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.

Montgomery 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 Montgomery.

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

36064, 36101, 36102, 36103, 36104, 36105, 36106, 36107, 36108, 36109, 36110, 36111, 36112, 36113, 36114, 36115, 36116, 36117, 36118, 36119, 36120, 36121, 36123, 36124, 36125, 36130, 36131, 36132, 36135, 36140, 36141, 36142, 36177, 36191

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