VaKendall Long
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 19 years of experience in the social work field. I have over 12 years of experience providing counseling and mental health services. I have extensive knowledge working with individuals who have experienced some type of trauma or mental health crisis; specifically, individuals who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and anger issues. I enjoy working with a diverse clientele; I enjoy helping people in general navigate through life challenges. My theoretical orientation in therapy is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy. My counseling style is very laid back; I launch from a strength perspective; always exploring the strengths of the individual. I believe in work life balance. Some of my self-care activities include tennis, exercise, travel, prayer, music, and spending time with family & friends.
Marissa Kent
Hi! My name is Marissa Kent and I am a licensed professional counselor in the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. I have over a decade's worth of experience in the mental health field, the last eight of those years working with various populations as a counselor/therapist. I have worked with individuals dealing with a range of concerns and have the most experience with depression, anxiety and stress, anger management, and relationship issues. I got into the field of counseling because I love helping people. There are few things better than seeing someone reach a goal or fulfill their potential. I believe in treating people with respect and getting to know their story. It helps me gain a deeper understanding for who they are, the family and cultural values, beliefs, and traditions they hold dear, and the goals they would like to achieve in counseling. My approach in counseling is an eclectic mix that primarily combines cognitive behavioral and person-centered techniques, but the specifics of how I work with each individual is as unique as the individual. I realize that it can be challenging to tackle some of life's concerns head-on, so my goal is to empower you by highlighting the strengths you already possess and give you additional tools needed to accomplish your goals. Congratulations on taking the first step! I look forward to working with you.
Emily Jackson
Hi, I'm glad you're here! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi with 6.5 years of experience providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling. I have worked with individuals ages six through adult with a variety of behavioral/mental health presenting issues such as: anxiety, depression, concentration/ADHD, anger, phase-of-life problems, relationship and family issues, sexuality concerns, and many more. My goal is to always provide a safe, respect-filled environment to build therapeutic relationships. My experience is varied, as I have provided individual, group and family therapy throughout my career as a therapist. I feel strongly that our belief systems impact how a person thinks about, experiences, and reacts to activating events within their life. In turn, how those activating events were experienced impacts the individual's responses to their world moving forward. I believe that all individuals are heavily influenced by our closest relationships, communities, environment, systems (family, work, school, church, etc) and personal experiences. I strive to treat the therapeutic relationship, and you, with compassion, respect, and warmth. My therapy style and approach is influenced by Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy primarily as well as Person-Centered Therapy. It is extremely important to me to be able to collaborate with you to tailor my treatment and approach to what works best for you. No one knows you better than you do, so setting and realizing your goals is a team-effort. Making the step to begin therapy can cause a jumble of emotions that may range from fear and anxiety to excitement and hopefulness. Whatever feelings you may be experiencing, please know that they are normal. I know taking this step takes courage, and I am here to empower and support you on your journey.
Lindsay Haugen
Hello! I am a master's level counselor with licenses in multiple states. I completed my Master of Science in Psychology with a Clinical Emphasis in 2002, and I received additional graduate level training in 2015 to obtain licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa. I am currently licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi and Georgia, and I have been previously licensed as a Licensed Psychological Examiner in Arkansas and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa. My approach to therapy tends to be eclectic and individualized based on the needs of the client. I prefer for counseling to be interactive, with us working as partners to reach your goals. I have over 20 years of experience in counseling, including working with children, families, individuals with co-occurring behavioral health and medical conditions, individuals with developmental disabilities, military and Veterans, and the geriatric population. I look forward to working with you to determine what your goals are and where you would like to be!
Taylor Smith
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Mississippi as well as a Board Certified Counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors and a Board Certified TeleMental Health Professional. I have 7 years of post-graduate experience in counseling. I have worked in community mental health since completing my Masters of Education in Counselor Education in 2016, helping individuals with disorders such as depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, social phobia, and bipolar disorder. I also have experience doing college counseling as an intern, where I worked with primarily young adults who were struggling to maintain academic success while coping with life issues. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy which I have used to help several people be able to cope with their traumatic experiences. My counseling approach is geared towards promoting positive self-image, self-acceptance and love, and helping others enhance their worldview. I practice Solution-Focused therapy and Choice Theory along with a Client-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral stance. My goal as a counselor is to assist my clients in living lives that they enjoy and overcoming any obstacles that stand in their way. It is my belief that each person holds the key to their success. Life can be challenging, and we all go through hard times that can cause us to experience setbacks. To be able to ask for help to overcome these challenges and be vulnerable requires humility and strength. I have been honored to serve the clients I have had and help them along in their journey towards emotional freedom and success, and I look forward to continuing to do this with you as well.
Alyece Loyd
Hello! I am Alyece Loyd and thank you for visiting my profile. I received my Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2009 from Jackson State University and furthered my education at the University of Alabama to obtain a Master of Social Work degree in 2011. In 2019, I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have almost 7 years in community mental health counseling and have worked with children, adolescents, and families. My counseling style is client-focused, mindful, and empathetic with a direct approach. I believe in the dignity and self-worth of every individual and aim to provide encouragement, strength, clarity, direction, and purpose. I am already proud of you for taking this step in opening yourself to counseling. We all need someone in our lives to talk to without judgment or fear, and I aim to create a therapeutic relationship that is welcoming, trusting, and inspiring. You are not alone, and I look forward to assisting and equipping you on your journey of growth, healing, and empowerment.
Paula Rainey
I am licensed in Mississippi with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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.
Heather Simmons
I am a mental health counselor licensed in Louisiana with over 5 years of experience working as a LPC. I worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, behavior issues and ADHD. I would have to describe my counseling style as being warm and passionate. I love to provide great counseling skills which includes being patience, a good listener, being knowledgeable, and having/showing empathy . I believe in treating anyone with respect, providing unconditional positive regards and demonstrating high fidelity services. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, interpersonal, group and cognitive therapy, I feel as a counselor my duty is to ensure and use counseling methods to help people manage and overcome mental and emotional issues.
William Grall
Perhaps the reason you are reading this right now is because you feel like your life is out of control, unmanageable, or just plain "stuck?" Maybe you feel like you are in a nightmare every day and you just cannot seem to wake up? Your marriage, your relationships, your work, your finances, your home, your children, your everything feels like it is all crumbling to pieces and possibly you are even losing yourself in the process! No matter how hard you try, you feel hopeless and helpless, and like you cannot get a grip on it all. Please know that you are not alone in this struggle. A crisis is anything that comes up in your life that you do not have a support network great enough to overcome. Seeking help outside of yourself is the first step toward gaining a different perspective that will give you what you need to regain your footing and get your life back on the right path. This path of "bold, relentless, love" is a journey of discerning and discovering what is best for both you and others and then doing that thing with ZERO expectations. I would be honored if you would choose me to be a part of your support network to overcome your crisis through learning how to love both you and others well. I am licensed in Alabama and Mississippi with 10 years of professional work experience. I have empowering, evidence-based principles that I have used for years to help clients with stress and anxiety, marital problems, addictions, trauma and abuse, and bipolar disorder. 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 love yourself and others boldly and to take the first steps towards discovering what it means to go "all-in" on life. Please reach out asap so that I can support & empower you in that journey so that your crises will fade away as you learn to navigate the river of life.
Brenda Thayer
Hi, my name is Brenda Thayer and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been in the mental health field for 27 years, LPC for seven years and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor for 9 years. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Alaska. I believe in meeting the person where they are at, helping them reach their potential. I believe in treating the whole person for overall wellness and striving for reaching one’s goals and values in life. I use an eclectic approach; cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy fused with motivational interviewing. I have experience using rational emotive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy and solution focused therapy. What you can expect from sessions include; questions so that I can get to know you better and to see how I can best help you, nonjudgmental and compassionate support, and energy to help you see your potential.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Iuka
Finding the best therapist close by in Iuka 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 with therapists in Iuka 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 Iuka. 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 with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Iuka, 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 for therapists. 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 therapists able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Iuka region and in the state of Mississippi. 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 Iuka 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 Iuka therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Iuka area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find Iuka 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 Iuka, elsewhere in Tishomingo, or in the greater state of Mississippi. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
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 Iuka 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 Iuka therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Iuka due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Iuka may not take health insurance, some therapists in the state of Mississippi 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 Mississippi you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists 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 Iuka online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Iuka, Mississippi 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 Iuka 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 and therapists 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 Iuka 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 while working with BetterHelp therapists. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Iuka 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. Get matched with one of BetterHelp's therapists today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified Iuka 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.
Our therapists 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 Iuka therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Iuka?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Iuka 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions in Iuka therapy sessions.
Iuka 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 Iuka 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 Iuka 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 MS, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 38852 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. 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 Iuka counselor?
Before seeing your Iuka 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. Iuka therapists here 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 Iuka.
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 Iuka 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 Iuka 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 Iuka, Mississippi 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.
Iuka 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 Iuka, Mississippi
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 Iuka 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 Iuka:
38852