This is Valarie Collins's avatar and link to their profile

Valarie Collins

Offering therapy in KY
License: MA,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
17 years of experience

You are not alone and you have taken a huge step by reaching out for help! Hello and welcome! Thank you for your interest in working with me as your therapist. My name is Valarie C. Collins. You are welcome to call me Valarie or Val for short. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of Kentucky. I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Psychology before obtaining my Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and have approximately 15 years of experience in the counseling field. I have experience working with people of all ages with a wide variety of concerns (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, stress, anger management, relationship issues, trauma including various types of abuse, and adjustment to change, as well as others). I have worked in various settings such as outpatient mental health clinics, private practice outpatient offices, rehabilitation facilities, detox units, intensive outpatient programs, and psychiatric hospital units. I have experience working with individuals, groups, and couples. I feel that my therapy approach differs depending on the concerns that are being addressed. We will work together to find the approach, strategies, and goals that are the best fit for you. I use motivational interviewing techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy the most, but typically there will be a combination of various types of therapy utilized in our counseling relationship. As a therapist, I will be doing many things to assist you in finding solutions, processing thoughts and feelings, and gaining relief from your symptoms. As we go through this process, I will ask questions, make suggestions, and provide some education and educational materials related to your specific issues. We will also identify goals that you would like to accomplish and will discuss progress on those goals. I offer various types of therapy services through BetterHelp (messaging, live chat, phone sessions, and video sessions). I have a set schedule of appointment days and times to choose from for live services (chat, phone, video). However, after we start meeting, we can discuss additional days/times that I may not have posted openings for. So, if there are certain days/times that are best for you, I am certainly open to discussing this. For messaging, I will be checking my messages several times a day. I will be responding ASAP, but this will primarily be on weekdays, with some responses on weekends. You are a priority to me and I want you to feel that way. I want our work together to be collaborative so that you feel empowered, supported, and confident in the accomplishments that I know you can achieve!

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William Stevens

Offering therapy in KY
License: M.Ed., LPCC.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issues
14 years of experience

I offer professional counseling services for individuals, couples, and families to help them move beyond problems and find solutions for lasting change. I have over 14 years of hands on experience in the mental health field working with clients of all ages facing a vast array of life problems relating to: Substance abuse, Mental health, Couples and Families, Behavioral and Developmental, Career and Academic issues. I have spent a great deal of my career working specifically with children, teens and their families addressing various issues from school behavior problems, to grief, trauma and sexual abuse. I have also worked closely with special needs children, their schools and other professionals to meet their unique needs.

This is Laura Martin's avatar and link to their profile

Laura Martin

Offering therapy in KY
License: MA,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am a professional counselor licensed in Kentucky with 7 years of clinical experience. I obtained a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University in 2014. I worked in numerous school settings providing therapy to children for the next year and a half. In 2016, I began working for a local hospital and provided ABA therapy to children diagnosed with ASD. Upon receiving my Master of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling from University of the Cumberlands, I began working with adults as an outpatient therapist for a local community mental health agency. I continued my work there until I opened my practice in 2021. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, trauma/abuse, and adjustment concerns. I also have experience in treating autism spectrum disorder. Ideally, I work best with individuals--both men and women--struggling with self-esteem, self-care, life stress, depression, and/or anxiety. I currently work with individuals aged 11-65. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is eclectic and combines cognitive-behavioral and existential techniques. I also incorporate nutrition into my practice. I am a certified integrative mental health practitioner. I believe treating the individual as a whole-- physical and mental-- yields the best results. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Sometimes in life we need an unbiased, third-party person to weigh in on our experiences. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you to be the best you can be. I look forward to working with you!

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Christopher Willis

Offering therapy in KY
License: M.Ed,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSleeping disordersAnger management
14 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Kentucky with over 13 years of experience working as a psychotherapist/counselor in Owensboro, Henderson, Morganfield, Glasgow, and Columbia Kentucky. I have provided treatment for adults, teens, and children with a wide range of symptoms including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, stress, and substance abuse/addiction. I have also helped many people who have experienced legal problems, physical trauma and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and client centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I don't believe in stigmatizing labels; the only labels that concern me are confident, mature, happy, and proud. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior therapy, emotional maturity, reality therapy, and motivational interviewing. I will tailor our therapeutic treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs...you are the foremost expert on your life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and motivation to take the first steps towards being your own change agent. If you believe you are ready to begin searching for increased motivation, confidence, and overall happiness I am here to support, guide, and empower you every step of the way. I look forward to working with and for you!

This is Trudy Buckman's avatar and link to their profile

Trudy Buckman

Offering therapy in KY
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
14 years of experience

Welcome to Betterhelp and congratulations on reaching out to explore solutions to challenges you may be experiencing! My name is Trudy Buckman and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Kentucky and a US Air Force Veteran (1980-1984). I have been licensed since 2007 and worked primarily with veterans - specifically those who served in combat zones or experienced sexual assault in the military (MST), and their families. I retired amidst the pandemic but wish to continue serving those with challenges that impact daily lives toward learning new ways to cope or resolve those issues. My experience as an undergraduate included 14 years with hospice providing compassionate care to the dying and the bereaved both young and those with more maturity and nearly 2 years within a private psychiatrist's office which saw many living with concerns of ADHD, anxiety, depression and influences of personality that impact daily lives. While trained in methods of Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-focused techniques and receiving certification for Cognitive Processing Therapy, I also incorporate Art and Play Therapy when appropriate. My clinical approach is literally whatever works for any individual. This client centered and non-judgmental approach typically allows for good rapport which increases a positive therapeutic relationship and growth! As a Christian, I am comfortable with including religion into the counseling process, although equally respectful of other religious beliefs or none. I further believe humor has a place in counseling and I look forward to hearing what makes you smile. Connect with me and let's see how we might work together to improve or resolve what concerns you experience!

This is Marquetta Johnson's avatar and link to their profile

Marquetta Johnson

Offering therapy in KY
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Sheri Bettenhausen's avatar and link to their profile

Sheri Bettenhausen

Offering therapy in KY
Trauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & depression. 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.

This is Chelsea  Arnold's avatar and link to their profile

Chelsea Arnold

Offering therapy in KY
Self esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

Hi there! I am licensed in Kentucky with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with a wide variety of concerns including motivation, self esteem, and confidence & 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.

This is Anna  Humes's avatar and link to their profile

Anna Humes

Offering therapy in KY
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am a trauma informed therapist and love to integrate CBT, and DBT skills to help empower you to overcome the personal obstacles brought you here to therapy. I’m also someone who understands the impact of trauma on the brain, body, and soul. Whether it's "big-T Trauma" or "little-t trauma;" your feelings are valid. I am licensed in Kentucky with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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! Together we will decide on the best way we can work to get you to where you want to be. I will meet you where you are; I will listen and walk with you on your healing journey.

This is Patsy Tivitt-Moore's avatar and link to their profile

Patsy Tivitt-Moore

Offering therapy in KY
Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, & depression. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Salem

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem, 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 Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem 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 42078 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 Salem 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 Salem 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 Salem, 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.

Salem 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 Salem.

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

42078

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