Located at the junction of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, Paducah, Kentucky is halfway between Nashville, Tennessee and Saint Louis, Missouri. Paducah also has 20 blocks of its downtown area dedicated as a historic district. They are also an important place for mental health treatment with many dedicated therapists based there.

If you are into history or love to fish, you will love living in Paducah. But, if you are suffering from a mental health condition like depression, you may not feel like doing anything. Not even getting out of bed. Contact one of the Paducah professionals to find out how to treat your depression. 

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Keri Kitchen

Offering therapy in KY
License: M.Ed., LPCC, NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
17 years of experience

I earned a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling and Human Development from Lindsey Wilson School of Professional Counseling in 2008. My experience has been in a range of settings, but primarily in working with individuals and families to explore anxiety, depression, or other underlying concerns that create problems in day-to-day life. I have experience and training working with anxiety and depression, grief/bereavement, perinatal mental health, trauma, parenting, and more. Throughout my schooling and career, I have had many professional influences, through professors, supervisors, colleagues, and various theorists. Theoretically, I find myself often focusing on a cognitive-behavioral approach to therapy. Ultimately, I view the theories and techniques I use through a scriptural and spiritual framework, always striving to better understand God's remarkable creations. I believe that the counseling process revolves around improving relationships with others as well as the self. Life is a learning process. My basic approach is generally to help my subscribers develop and master healthy coping skills (building confidence in their ability to do so), and then work together to dig a bit further to identify and resolve underlying conflicts that lead to common symptoms (such as anger, anxiety, and depression). It's a process with different pieces, and when they all start fitting together, very good things can happen. Counseling is work - it requires effort on both the part of the therapist and the part of the subscriber... but the end result can be life changing! I'm excited to help guide you through the steps to finding peace and personal growth. Keri Kitchen, M.Ed., L.P.C.C., N.C.C.

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Angela Mathew

Offering therapy in KY
License: LMFT, MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCareer difficulties
27 years of experience

I am a family and marriage counselor licensed in Indiana with over 23 years of experience working as a psychotherapist (I am licensed in Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas, Utah, Nevada and Maine). I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. Together we will face obstacles, journey through the “stuck” places, and heal the issues causing suffering. I will be here with you every step of the way. With open-mindedness, and total acceptance of who uniquely you are, I will help you discover avenues to make your specific goal attainment a graceful process. We will begin where you are right now, addressing what feels most important to you. We will keep open communication about your feelings in regards to the progress we are making. So looking forward to getting to know more about you!

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Judea Castillo Winter

Offering therapy in KY
License: LISW,LCSW,MSSA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my profile! My primary approach to practice is based on Humanistic Psychology with an emphasis on Strength Based approaches. I started out as a psych major (BA) and later went into social work with a Master's in Social Work to gain a broad perspective. I am licensed in Montana, Kentucky and Ohio as a LCSW and LISW respectively. I have worked with complex cases and multiple populations (i.e., older adults and their families, Dual Diagnosis and SUD, LGBTQ, forensic, domestic violence, motivational and coaching, depression and anxiety, trauma, poverty and veterans). I enjoy working with people. Often, in therapy, it can be a little tough in the beginning, before you feel better. I have found that sometimes talking about these issues make them real, concrete, which can be very scary. My virtual office is a safe place. There is no judgement. I can work with different situations and work as a team or more of a guide to find the answers in you. In the Humanistic view, our stance is that we all hold the answers inside of us, we sometimes need assistance in bringing them out. I work from the perspective that you are the expert on you. My goal is to help you to feel better and to see a brighter future ahead. Thank you for your courage to pursue this avenue! Note: Just a reminder for clients, please make sure you are residing in Montana, Ohio or Kentucky to receive services. If you travel out of town, please make sure to schedule only when back in one of those states. I know it's tricky during the holidays and school breaks!

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Tonya Wacker

Offering therapy in KY
License: LPCC
LGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Have you been struggling with finding peace of mind? Are you tired of hunting for happiness and feel like living life every day has become a struggle? Have stress and anxiety taken over your life? Do you feel like things or relationships in your past, are casting a shadow on your future? Have you forgotten or are struggling to find what is unique, special and wonderful about you? Counseling may be the answer to helping you discover who are, what you want to become and develop a plan to build a brighter future. In a society where we are judged by differences and weaknesses it is difficult to remember your strengths. I believe that every human being regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background deserves to have a life filled with respect, love, contentment, and companionship and use several treatment modalities to help clients find learn to identify, appreciate and celebrate the multicolor facets that make them special. I do this using several treatment modalities tailored to fit the needs of the client. I offer client centered and solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral and cognitive processing therapies, existential and art therapies. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I treat a wide range of mental health challenges including anxiety and stress, mood disorders, trauma, depression, sexuality, sexual identity, alternative lifestyles, coping with chronic illness, military family life, and life transitions. I have 30 years of working with couples, members of alternative lifestyles, service members, families and support system members. I want to collaborate with you to create a Therapeutic plan for positive outcomes. My approach is eclectic, eccentric, creative, nerdy and tailored to the needs of each individual. I want to help you develop ways to cope with life’s struggles and process old triggers holding you back so that they can rediscover happiness and a sense of wonder in your world.

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Philip Bloomer

Offering therapy in KY
License: LCSW,LICSW,LISW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. I offer therapy for people of all ages and all mental health and substance use difficulties, in whatever combination they occur. I have also helped couples and families work out their problems. As a social worker I look at every area of life, believing that where we live, our physical wellness, our relationships, the way we think, our past, the emotions we experience, what gives our lives meaning and purpose and often so many other factors all play a part in making our lives what they are, so the treatment I offer looks at all of these. Everything we talk about is strictly confidential, allowing us to talk about anything and everything. I never judge and you can expect me to be honest and truthful with you. I absolutely believe in the potential for everyone to experience a positive change in their life. I use a number of different therapeutic styles many of which include helping people manage their problems, figure out what is really important to them, work out what they want from life and what they can do to move them towards their hopes and dreams. I am an American citizen but was born and spent the first 30 years of my life in England and I still retain much of my accent. My first career was working for the British government. I returned to school and obtained my Master’s degree in Social Work at the age of 40. As well as academic and theoretical knowledge, I draw on a broad range of life experiences including having had my own personal struggles with both mental health problems and substance use. At present I offer standard office hour appointments, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm, although I have accommodated individual scheduling requirements in the past. Our initial visit includes a lot of information gathering to help me better understand what I can do to help you. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your life story and helping you write the next chapter.

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Jade Mitchell

Offering therapy in KY
License: LCSW
AddictionsRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
8 years of experience

It may not feel like it yet, but even through taking these steps, you are making progress! Steady progress is what I work with individuals to achieve through several treatment methods. The approaches that we use may be different for each person, but my hope for each client is that they reach three things: a sense of understanding, a route to self-acceptance/inner peace, and productivity toward reaching their deepest desires. I am a licensed mental health therapist in Kentucky and Indiana. I was born and raised in a city-setting (Louisville, KY), but spent time learning and working in a rural community as a graduate of Western Kentucky University. My counseling style is nurturing but practical. My hope is that with the end of each session, you will feel understood and motivated, and will have a plan of action to work toward your goals. Some of my favorite treatment modalities include solution-focused, narrative, CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing. I have an open door to all races, religions, ideologies, and sexual-orientations. My specialties include substance abuse treatment, anxiety, stress, anger management, relationship issues, race/discrimination-related issues, life changes, and parenting issues. When I am not working in the role of therapist, I covet time spent with my husband and four kiddos. If you are ready to move forward toward better understanding yourself, your issues, and your solutions, lets get started! Don't wait another day to start working toward the way of life that you deserve.

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Anita Evans

Offering therapy in KY
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky and Indiana with over thirty years of professional work experience. I help clients learn to manage and cope over depression and anxiety, couples-relationship issues, family concerns, trauma, grief and loss, as well as outpatient addiction therapy, and Veterans challenges. Clients can feel open and safe to speak of their thoughts and feelings. It takes courage to step into therapy. Welcome to your healing journey.

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Cheryl Miller Tivitt

Offering therapy in KY
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
28 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Kentucky with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in outpatient office, community settings and online platforms. I value the opportunity to help clients of all ages with anxiety and depression , ranging from life stressors to trauma as well as other needs such as motivation, self esteem and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment to meet your unique and specific goals. I find the convenience and comfort of your own home to be so valuable in making therapy services safe and accessible for everyone. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am happy to help you get started or return to therapy now if you have had in the past. I look forward to working with you.

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Thelma Hunter

Offering therapy in KY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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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John McQueen

Offering therapy in KY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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 counseling in Paducah

Finding the best therapist close by in Paducah 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 Paducah. 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 Paducah, 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah, elsewhere in McCracken, or in the greater state of Kentucky.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Paducah area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah may not take health insurance, some in the state of Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Paducah, Kentucky 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 KY, 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 42002 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 Paducah 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 Paducah 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 Paducah, Kentucky 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.

Paducah 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 Paducah.

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

42001, 42002, 42003

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