Muscle Shoals is a city in Alabama that is located along the Tennessee River. This area is known as “The Shoals” and is home to the Tennessee Valley Authority and “Muscle Shoals Music.” The town itself is a bustling center that is a family-friendly place to live, play and work. Though Muscle Shoals is known for its community and family-based atmosphere, there are still those in need of mental health support.

Muscle Shoals-area mental health professionals are able to help you maintain your mental and emotional health. Don’t be afraid to reach out if you are dealing with anything that might be taking a toll on your health.

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Jill Sexton

Offering therapy in AL
License: M.Ed,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
18 years of experience

I am an Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience . I specialize in treating adoption related issues, trauma, grief and loss, parenting issues. I am certified in TF-CBT, trained in EMDR and is and adoption competent professional. I serve children, adolescents, adults and families. I graduated with undergraduate degree in Psychology from Auburn University and with her masters degree in community counseling from Auburn University Montgomery. Dr. Brené Brown says "When we deny the story, it defines us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending.", I believe this to be true and work with clients to create new endings through understanding our own stories, identifying triggers to block our growth, and identifying steps towards achieving desired outcomes. I provide a relatable, empathic, and calming approach. Because each person holds unique qualities and circumstances, I work to holistically understand clients and tailor the counseling experience around clients' specific needs and desires.

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Dr. Mariel Moore

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSleeping disordersDepression
8 years of experience

ABOUT ME Hello, I am Mariel Moore. I'm a licensed LPC, License Practical Counselor in the state of Alabama. I am so happy that you are reading about me. I have been in the counseling field for over ten years. I have worked with independent agencies doing substance abuse counseling. The substance abuse counseling was inpatient and outpatient. I am presently in private practice. I work with children, teenagers, and family units. I graduated from Amridge University with a PhD. in Family Therapy in 2016. My primary therapy orientation is personal-centered as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I believe in a personal center approach and utilizing positive regard for all clients. I like to use a cooperative approach with the clients. I love for the client to set goals and objectives for future progress. I desire all the therapy sessions to be authentic and balanced. I incorporate great listening skills and empathy. I work with my client to maintain progress from session to session. I understand each client is different and has their own personality. I utilize individual treatment plans for each client. I gather new materials from research to make every session new for each client. I worked with children, teenagers, and adults suffering from depression, anxiety, ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Grief, and other childhood disorders. I also work with local physicians’ offices with some patients managing terminal illnesses. I utilize the integrated approach with medicine and counseling to help the client and their families adjust to their present reality. I have also worked with clients involving some career path, self-esteem building, coping skills, team-building skills, and transitions in everyday issues that have some stuck. My passion and goals are to help clients find their authentic self and to improve their relationship with self and others to find peace and a deeper appreciation of self. With children and under adults I work with the family system as I believe that if one family member is impacted, all the members are impacted in certain ways. Specialties Depression Trauma Grief Self-esteem Family Also experienced in LGBTQ relationships Clinical Approaches: Attachment Disorder Cognitive Behavior Therapy Motivational Interviewing Trauma-Informed Care Solution Focus Therapy Pastoral Counseling

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Kathryn Everette

Offering therapy in AL
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am a LPC therapist licensed in Alabama and Delaware and have over 6 years of working with individuals and families, helping navigate the hardships that life throws at us. I have worked with clients with various life problems such as work stress, family conflict, anxiety, depression, trauma symptoms, and parenting problems. While I have the most experience working with teenagers, in recent years I have branched out to work with adults and younger children. I have helped clients identify, process, and move past what is blocking them from living the life they want. I come from a therapeutic style of compassion, understanding, educating, and not judging. I believe that we all need to have a kind, unbiased, and honest person with whom we can trust to help where we need it sometimes. I primarily use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) skills, solution focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, Emotion Freedom Techniques (EFT), and client based modalities. You will be the captain of the ship, I just give advice on how to get where you want to be. So, you choose the treatment goals, and we will work together to create the right kind of treatment plan that will work best for you. I am proud of doing this for yourself and taking the brave step to seek assistance on your journey. I hope to give you the guidance, techniques, and coping skills in order for you to achieve your goals. I look forward to working with you!

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Gabrielle Thomas

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
7 years of experience

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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Ruth Racz

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression
12 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama who has spent 12 years working with individuals with a variety of mental illness diagnoses including psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and family issues, and co-occurring conditions. I received my Master's Degree from Troy University in 2011 and have been working at the same company full-time since then. I have been married for 27 years, and we have 3 boys (24, 21, and 9). I like for our interactions to be conversational and will use reality therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, and mindfulness. In this space, you are free to be who you are and talk about what is important to you. There will be no judgment, and I urge you to be real and talk about whatever you want. You are taking the first steps to a better life, and I am glad to be here for it.

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Melissa Sutton

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

It can be difficult opening up to people and asking for help. I want to applaud you for taking this first big step towards accomplishing the goals that you have for your mental health. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I have worked in this field for 6 years. I received my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of North Alabama. My approach to treatment is like we are taking a road trip. You are driving and decide where we're headed, how we get there, and where we stop along the way. I sit beside you and hold the road map and make suggestions. If the car breaks down, I don't fix it for you, but help you to figure out the tools you need to address the issue yourself. While I might not have all the answers I am willing to go on this journey with you to help you become the version of yourself that you want to be.

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Joseph Follette, Jr

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related 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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Merissa Pryor

Offering therapy in AL
License: MSW,LCSW,LLC
Family conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

Sometimes in the journey of life we could all benefit from someone to journey with us during the difficult times. My name is Merissa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over eight years experience in individual counseling as well as advocacy, and mental and emotional health. I specialize in empowering individuals that may be struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, or relationship issues. My main therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as I believe there is so much power in learning how thoughts influence behavior and emotion and then changing those negative patterns. I also incorporate holistic counseling and solution based therapy among other treatment approaches and tailor my approach to your needs. I am empathetic, non-judgmental, and very passionate about the work I do. I enjoy being able to help others heal, grow and achieve their goals. I am excited about beginning this journey with you!

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Tony Gunn

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with five years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, intimacy related issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Tristan Rice

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, 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. 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 counseling in Muscle Shoals

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals, 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 Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals 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 35662 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 Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals, 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.

Muscle Shoals 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 Muscle Shoals.

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

35661, 35662

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