Carol Costner
Imagine waking up every morning feeling like you can take on the world. How great does that feel? Pretty great and an attainable goal, but the reality is that at times life takes twists and turns which can leave us with worries, frustrations and conflicts. These can pile up and prevent us from accessing our built-in ability to live a purposeful, joyful life. That's where I come in. I'm Carol Costner, a licensed professional counselor with over 14 years of experience working with people who have shared with me a broad range of problems. I always knew I wanted to work in the helping profession and pursued that out of high school by attending the University of Alabama in Birmingham, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in nursing. My work began in helping alleviate the physical suffering of those I was honored to serve in hospital settings. After a while, I returned to school and graduated with a Master's degree in Community Counseling from Jacksonville State University, earning my counseling license and my national certification as a counselor. I began working in a variety of settings with clients who suffered emotionally and relationally with both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health issues. My counseling style is client-centered, which simply means that you are the best expert on yourself. I will depend on you to share with me your own self assessment as a place to begin. I use a combination of solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral and narrative therapy techniques. I employ a whole-person integrated approach to wellness, using empathy while also being direct. This approach helps my clients avoid being too hard on themselves while also owning responsibility for change. Everyone will not fit into one method of therapy so I tailor my efforts toward what fits you best. I believe that we all have within us an internal compass--the ability to find our way. I would love the opportunity to assist you in accessing that compass and finding your way through whatever you are currently facing. I promise that I will give you my utmost best as we travel the journey to wellness and wholeness together. If you're looking for change and relief from distressing emotions, I would be delighted to join with you in a journey toward a more abundant life.
Stephen Murphy
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Alabama, Virginia, Georgia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland. My experience includes clinical social work, risk management, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, case management, crisis intervention, advocacy, brokerage, education, and facilitation working with diverse groups of children, adolescents, and adults in medical social work, child welfare, mental health/chemical dependency, corrections, HIV/AIDS, and Veteran Affairs. While working with these clients, I have acquired necessary clinical skills relevant to culturally diverse practice and effective outcomes. I am a well-organized, highly motivated, and an energetic team player dedicated to meeting my clients where they are through both micro and macro level social work interventions. Working in Mental Health for over 12 years, I've learned that people are literally trying to put the pieces of their life together just to make it through the day. Being sensitive to this, I've developed my practice model around the following quote, "We're only as strong as our weakest link; therefore do your best to strengthen someone today!" My goal every day is to strengthen someone (self-included) in some area. Let's Live in Purpose so we can Win on Purpose!
Gina Helms
I am a licensed professional counselor in Alabama. I have worked with clients with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, OCD, panic disorder, social phobia, body image issues, addictions and co-occurring mental health disorders, PTSD, and victims of abuse and exploitation. My counseling style is based on unconditional positive regard. I believe every client deserves a compassionate, non-judgmental environment to share their difficulties. I employ a number of techniques and modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, somatic and mindfulness techniques, and trauma-focussed therapy. All treatment is tailored to meet the individual need of each client. My goal is to help each client achieve a healthier, happier, and more rewarding life. It would be my privilege to work with you!
Oswaldo Chavez
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.
Eric Richardson
Hello! I am a Marriage & Family Therapist licensed in the State of Alabama. I have worked in the social service field for more than 20 years and have worked through a wide range of wide range of concerns. I work with individuals, couples, and families- my specialty is relationships. Intra-personal relationships, personal relationships, or social relationships they are all important. So whether you are on an introspective journey, or an individual navigating life with friends; perhaps you are partners doing life together, having intimate, satisfying and responsive relationships is crucial. I have experience in working with issues of infidelity, parenting, communications, anxiety, transitions spirituality, premarital, and more. For more than 20 years, I have been in the helping business. My therapy style is professional yet warm and interactive. I offer a holistic counseling experience; that combines attachment theory, structural family therapy and emotionally focus therapy principles, helping clients to develop mere useful interactional patterns of behavior in their relationships, overcome their challenges to achieve their personal goals and improve their competence, capacity, and productivity. I look forward to working with you!
Krystal Kemp
I am licensed in Kansas with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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.
Dr. Michele Kelly
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.
Dina Marble
I am licensed in Alabama with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Terrance Battles
I am licensed in Alabama with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Nicole Potter
I am licensed in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana and Virginia with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Waterloo
Finding the best therapist close by in Waterloo can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services in Waterloo that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Waterloo. 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 Waterloo, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Waterloo region and in the state of Alabama. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Waterloo or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Waterloo area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find Waterloo 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 Waterloo, elsewhere in Lauderdale, or in the greater state of Alabama.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Waterloo area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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 Waterloo may not take health insurance, some in the state of Alabama may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Alabama you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.
How is a licensed therapist on this Waterloo online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Waterloo, 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 Waterloo psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Waterloo 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 Waterloo helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified Waterloo therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Waterloo therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Waterloo?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Waterloo 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.
Waterloo therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Waterloo 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 Waterloo therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in AL, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 35677 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Waterloo counselor?
Before seeing your Waterloo therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Waterloo.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice from a therapist. A Waterloo licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy with a Waterloo counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Waterloo, 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.
Waterloo has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.
Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Waterloo, Alabama
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 to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Waterloo:
35677