Petal is known as the “Safest City in Mississippi.” Without good mental health, the world seems like a dangerous, sad, and lonely place. Fear and stress lead to anxiety. Sadness and loneliness can bring long-term depression. Your emotions take over, and you feel powerless to change your life.

Over time, emotional problems wear away at your strength. When every day is filled with sadness, stress, and anxiety, you want to retreat into isolation. Your troubles seem too personal and too burdensome to share, but going it alone is excruciating. Talk to a counselor in the Petal area for private, confidential counseling.

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Tia Jackson

Offering therapy in MS
License: LCSW,MBA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

Greetings, my name is Tia Kyles Jackson and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience working with children, youth and adults to help them deal with difficult, life changing events and mental health issues. I am dedicated to providing professional services that will improve the mental and emotional health and well being of individuals, by providing a boost in self-esteem, additional coping skills, or just another perspective on life. I promise to listen to you and use your life experiences to promote growth and development. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Southern University, my Master's of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the University of Tennessee, and my Master's of Business Administration with a concentration in health care management from the University of Phoenix. I am currently licensed in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. Over the last 25 years I have provided individual, group and family therapy in various settings. In my practice I not only listen with my ears, but I believe empathic listening comes from the heart.

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Dr. Tonya Drake

Offering therapy in MS
License: LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsCompassion fatigue
18 years of experience

Hello, My name is Dr. Tonya Drake. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi with over 15 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, self-esteem, and parenting problems. I also helped many people who have experienced physical and emotional trauma. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines humanistic, solution-focused, and person-centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Ann Macvaugh

Offering therapy in MS
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
48 years of experience

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist based in Mississippi. I have over 40 years of experience working with people from various backgrounds who are struggling with a wide variety of issues. I received my Bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary in Virginia and my Master's degree from the University of Tennessee School of Social Work. I am passionate about assisting people to achieve their goals by providing a safe, confidential and positive clinical experience. I am easy to talk to, compassionate and non-judgmental. My approach is solution focused, client centered, and strengths based. I also utilize evidence based Cognitive Behavior Therapy. It is often necessary to combine various psychological techniques and approaches to meet the needs of each individual's mental and emotional challenges. I am excited to meet you and I hope you will give me an opportunity to work with you!

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Laura Gillom

Offering therapy in MS
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

Hello, my name is Laura Gillom. I am an LCSW in Mississippi with over 10 years of psychotherapy experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including stress, depression, anxiety, family conflict, and transitions of life. I have also helped many people who have experienced all types of trauma and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stereotyping and stigmatizing labels. I use an eclectic approach to therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Amye Graham Sims

Offering therapy in MS
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesDepression
18 years of experience

I am an LCSW licensed in Mississippi with over 17 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, addiction, military/veterans, relationship issues, and aging populations. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical and emotional abuse and/or trauma. My therapy style is down to earth, warm, and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach includes several evidence based practices and will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Angela Kent

Offering therapy in MS
License: LPC, M. Ed., LSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
6 years of experience

Growing up in small rural area of the Mississippi Delta is easy for most people, but for people with anxiety and depression, as an adolescent, life can become difficult. I came from a good Christian home where morals and values were taught from the beginning. Anxiety and depression were issues that were not talked about in the home. It was not until I was in my late twenties that I learned that it was okay to talk about uncomfortable feelings and emotions and it was certainly nothing to be ashamed of. As I began to seek counseling, I was able to learn to become self-aware of my own feelings and to learn from my counselor’s guidance, that I could make positive changes in my own life. Counselors were able to provide valuable assistance to my emotional needs and help assist me in learning to express myself in a healthy way and to learn coping skills to function to the best of my ability in everyday life situations. This is how my journey began as a counselor when my passion for helping others began. My inclination towards the profession develop when I developed a personal aspiration to advocate and to help others through my own personal experiences. I wanted to be a part of my future clients’ journeys to become the most fulfilling versions of themselves. My background includes working with individuals with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction issues, bipolar disorders, general mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorders and attention deficit disorders.

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Valerie Aikens

Offering therapy in MS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 10 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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.

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Julie Wright

Offering therapy in MS
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi with over 20 years of professional social work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, relationship issues, grief and loss, coping with chronic medical conditions, 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.

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David Hopkins

Offering therapy in MS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

I have been working in the mental field since 2006, and as a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2016. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger, and coping with grief and loss. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Christopher Thrift's avatar and link to their profile

Christopher Thrift

Offering therapy in MS
AddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, anger management, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Petal

Finding the best therapist close by in Petal 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 Petal. 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 Petal, 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal, elsewhere in Forrest, or in the greater state of Mississippi.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal may not take health insurance, some 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 BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Mississippi 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 Petal, 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. 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 MS, 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 39465 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 Petal 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 Petal 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 Petal, 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.

Petal has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Petal.

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

39465

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