If you have had trouble getting along with others or just don’t know how to communicate with others, you may have a condition called social anxiety disorder (SAD). The City of Selma, Alabama has some excellent mental health providers who are trained in diagnosing and treating anxiety disorders like SAD. 

Selma is a beautiful town that is bordered by the Alabama River where many of the residents like to hang out on the weekends. However, if you have SAD, hanging out with people or even going out in public can cause severe anxiety or even a panic attack. Talk to a Selma counselor right away to get some treatment. 

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James Wells

Offering therapy in AL
License: ABD, LPC-S,
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) licensed in the states of Alabama and Georgia. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC), certified sexual offender treatment specialist, certified sexual addiction therapist, and a certified trauma informed care therapist . I am also a Professor in Counselor Education and Supervision. I have over 20 years of counseling, industry and private practice experience. I combine my clinical counseling expertise with my business management expertise to offer clients a unique perspective of problem solving. In conjunction to private practice, I have worked in multinational, mental health hospital environments as a therapist, Assist Program Manager, Program Manager, and Clinical Director of Residential Services. I have worked extensively with individuals and groups at varied business levels, as well as with groups and organizations both domestically and internationally. My clinical experience includes hospital settings, substance abuse clinics, disaster response teams, at-risk adolescent group homes, family services agencies and private practice. Cliental range from large corporations to small- and family-owned businesses, to non-profit agencies, individuals, couples, and families. Specialties include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, anger management, stress management, premarital counseling, Couples and Family Counseling, Sexual dysfunction, Sexual Offending, Sexual Perpetration, Sexual Addiction, Counseling Supervision, and teaching at the highest levels of Counselor Education and Supervision Field.

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Hector Chavez

Offering therapy in AL
License: MS, LPCS, LMFTS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

Hello I am Hector Oz Chavez I am Duel Licensed in the state of Alabama and Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, National Board Certified Counselor, National Board Masters Addiction Counselor. I have over 20 years of clinical experience working in a variety of settings in the private sector and government sector both in inpatient and outpatient settings. I utilize a varied of therapeutic clinically proven techniques that are research based and have a track record of being successful. Personally I am warm and caring. I am non-judgmental person who has personally faced many of the life adversities that others have and will face. This in my opinion has allowed me to be very understanding to individual plights. I know it can be difficult at times to reach out for help and to share your life situations with a someone new. However, I am confident that you are willing to learn new healthy living skills. I would be happy to journey with you on this new stage of discovery and self-growth. I am here to assist you in gaining new healthy tools. I want to provide you an opportunity to receive support and experience growth during challenging times in life. Individual and family counseling counseling can help one deal with many personal topics in life such as anger, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marriage and relationship challenges, parenting problems, spiritual issues, military, career and school changes. I also provide Alien Abduction Therapy- I work with clients having problems in their lives due to a feeling that they have had experiences that are paranormal or unexplained. It can be a very lonely life when you have to keep a secret inside of you.. Alien abduction has been said to have affected over 20 million individuals. It is not rare; it's simply not spoken about in public. For those that feel they have experienced this event or just wonder why they have such strange dreams or fleeting memories of something that they cannot put into words. I am here to help. I acquired my Associates of Science in Pre Medical Studies from Dodge City Community College. I obtained a Bachelors of Science in Health and Human Performance and a Minor in Chemistry from Fort Hays Kansas State University . I went on to earn my Master's Degree from Texas A&M in Marriage and Family Counseling and Community Counseling. I received a fellowship from the National Institute of Health for Biomedical Research to study minority issues in Washington, DC. I completed my National Board Certification post-graduate certificate in counseling from the National Board for Certified Counselors in Greensboro, NC. I have also obtained a post- graduate National Board Certification in Addictions from the National Association for Addiction Professionals in Virginia. In the past I have been recruited by the military as a Clinical Research Counselor for the Army Combat Stress and Addiction Recovery Program in South Carolina. I have also served as a Clinical Counselor for the Navy Fleet and Family Support Center, Naval Station Ingleside, TX. I have over twenty years of experience working with individual with mental health concerns.

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Betty Cousins

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

I am a clinical social worker with experience working with clients who have a broad range of issues such as depression, anxiety, and self-confidence issues. I have a passion to help others overcome issues that hinder the life they desire. I emphasize partnership with clients to assist with resolving challenges and achieving goals. During the therapeutic process, I assist clients in discovering their strengths. I completed my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work at the University of Southern Mississippi. I have over 10 years of experience across a variety of settings with clients from all backgrounds.

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Antonia Hill

Offering therapy in AL
License: MA,LPC,Antonia C. Hill
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 7 years of experience providing counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. My passion for serving others is driven by my love for God and the belief that the combination of faith and works can lead to greater quality of life. My experience providing therapeutic services has helped individuals to address and overcome issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, severe mental illness, and everyday life stressors. I have extensive training in the treatment modality of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and this, along with Person-Centered Therapy informs my practice. As a mental health professional, I choose to view the individual as the expert of their life and experiences in order to develop an individualized path toward optimal and holistic wellness. I am invested in the mental wellness of others, and I desire to uplift my community and beyond by breaking the stigma of seeking mental health services by providing quality and authentic care, access, education, and visibility. On a personal note, I love music, am active in my local church, and I love coffee!

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Dr. Jennifer Todd

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesADHD
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes, executive and professional coaching, & compassion fatigue. 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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Tiffany Thompson

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 5 years of professional work experience. I am also certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relapse prevention, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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Dr. Michele Kelly

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hello! I have been a practicing social worker for over 30 years. I am licensed in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. I have many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families dealing with a range of issues in a variety of settings. Currently, I work primarily with teens and adults in their attempts to navigate challenging transitions. Life is full of transitions. These may include adjusting to college, beginning your first job, changing or losing a job, moving, getting married, welcoming and parenting a new baby, separating or divorcing, retiring, the passing of a loved one, or adjusting to life as an immigrant or ex-pat. Navigating these transitions -- even when they are joyful -- can be stressful and sometimes lead to anxiety and depression. I consider myself to be an eclectic therapist as I utilize several different approaches such as solution-focused brief therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy. Initially, I’ll conduct an assessment and based on the outcome will select approaches that are best for you. Research has shown that tailoring therapy to clients can enhance their treatment outcomes. By working together, I can assist you in developing or strengthening effective coping skills or problem-solving strategies that will better help you in the future. I have flexible hours to accommodate your work schedule. I appreciate your effort in reaching out and encourage you to contact me with any questions you might have. I look forward to us possibly working together.

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Melissa Mays

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Have you been struggling lately? Do you feel anxious or depressed? Let me help you. Life can throw us curve balls and we don't always know how to get back on track. Oftentimes, we just need a helping hand. A non-judgmental 3rd party to help. I love helping others. That is the reason I became a licensed therapist in the state of Alabama. I have over 13 years of experience. I am passionate about helping and empowering others in their time of need. I am also a military spouse of over 25 years and I know first hand, that life can and will be unpredictable. If you need help overcoming feelings of anxiety or depression, need a coach, or just someone to vent too, I am here. My approach is solution-focused. I use CBT and mindfulness. I provide counseling from a client focused perspective where sessions are client driven. Therapy doesn't have to be formal or scary. I strive to provide a laid-back atmosphere. 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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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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Belinda Kock

Offering therapy in AL
GriefSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the state of Alabama. I am a graduate of The University of Montevallo, with my M.Ed. in Counseling with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health. I received my Certification of Thanatology from the Association for Death Education and Counseling in 2016 and in December of 2021, I completed my Grief Counseling Studies through the Center for Loss & Life Transition with Dr. Alan Wolfelt in Fort Collins, Co. I specialize in helping those struggling with the death of a loved one move through their grief and loss journey by offering a safe non-judgmental space of compassion and listening. I also provide support for people struggling with motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I have a passion to companion my mental health counseling peers that are experiencing symptoms of compassion fatigue or are seeking a safe non-judgmental space to do their own self-work.

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How to find counseling in Selma

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Selma 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 Selma 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 Selma 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 Selma, 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 Selma 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 Selma 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 Selma 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 Selma 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 Selma 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 36702 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 Selma 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 Selma 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 Selma, 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.

Selma 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 Selma.

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

36701, 36702, 36703

Popular cities near Selma, AL

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