Have you been a victim of a traumatic episode such as abuse, attack, or a natural disaster like an earthquake, hurricane, tornado, or flood? If so, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and not even know it. Some signs include nightmares, flashbacks, panic attacks, avoiding public places, chest pains, and isolating yourself. The therapists in McAlester are trained in diagnosing and treating PTSD. 

Living in McAlester, you have many attractions like Chadick Park, Whispering Meadows Vineyard, and the Krebs Heritage Museum. If you have PTSD, you avoid places like these because of the crowds but if you get some treatment from one of the McAlester therapists, you can go and enjoy them again. 

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Miranda Metcalf

Offering therapy in OK
License: M.S,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

Hello! My name is Miranda Metcalf (she/her) and I am an LPC with over 4 years of being independently licensed, and have been in the mental health and substance abuse fields, in different capacities, for about 15 years. I have worked with clients experiencing difficulties related to trauma, depression, anxiety, ADD, substance abuse and family issues. I have worked with clients ranging in age from 3 yo to in their 60's and enjoy working clients from a wide variety of backgrounds and lifestyles. I do not believe in judging people for the way they choose to live their lives, or for being true to themselves. My counseling style has previously been described as caring and honest. I believe in treating everyone with mutual respect and am open and honest. I primarily utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as client centered and humanistic techniques. Each client and family is different and unique, and as such I will tailor my approach to your specific needs. I believe it takes courage and a strong desire to improve your life to seek out help. I commend you for taking this step to improving your life. While I cannot make changes for you, I am honored to help you do so, and look forward to walking your journey with you.

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Rebecca Willhite

Offering therapy in OK
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepressionADHD
3 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Oklahoma with over 10 years of experience working as a mental health specialist. In addition, I have worked in the medical field in both inpatient and outpatient settings for 18 years. I assist clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, trauma, medical conditions, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced substance abuse and domestic violence. My counseling style is welcoming, accepting, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, authenticity, and compassion. I believe working as team is essential in tackling obstacles to achieve overall well being . My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, psychodynamic and humanistic counseling. I will absolutely personalize our sessions and treatment plan to meet your specific needs. Taking the first step in asking for help takes courage. But you can do it! If you are seeking a positive change and more fulfilling life, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Christi Jones

Offering therapy in OK
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

You are an important and valuable person who is worthy of help and support! Life really can present some situations which are discouraging or seem hopeless. Thoughts and emotions can be complicated and overwhelming. No matter what challenges you are facing you do not have to walk alone. It is my privilege to accept you where you are and join you on your journey. You and I can create a safe place for you to be yourself and tell your story without fear of judgment. While we work at your pace, I can help you find and use your strengths to solve problems and offer some practical tools to overcome obstacles. I am here to guide you through what is holding you back so you can create the life you want and experience it to the fullest. As a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist with more than 20 years of experience. I enjoy working with people of all ages and I have experience in many areas including Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Abuse, PTSD, Family Conflict, Low Self-Esteem, Grief and Loss, Parenting, Ineffective Boundaries, Anger Management, and Stress Management. I believe you have the expert knowledge about your life and you get to decide the direction you want therapy to go as well as how deep you want to dive into your experiences and feelings. My integrative approach to therapy incorporates techniques which will work best with your particular challenges and comfort level. I can assist you in focused solutions, exploring the way thoughts and beliefs can contribute to negative feelings and behaviors or identifying themes in your life story and finding ways to “write” new chapters with positive outcomes. You do not have to have a devastating or serious life challenge to benefit from counseling. You may just need a little extra support when feeling stressed, isolated or lonely. Whatever the reason you were brave enough to reach out please know that we can collaborate and build a relationship based on trust and respect so that your needs can be met. Let’s take the next step together… I look forward to meeting you!

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Jessica Wells

Offering therapy in OK
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Oklahoma and Kansas with 5 years of professional work experience as a therapist. I have worked in the mental health field in some capacity for 15 years. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I have experience both in an inpatient and outpatient setting, working with clients under all variations of distress. I believe in treating everyone with respect, empathy, and compassion. I believe in working together as a team, and I value what you want to gain from this experience. 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.

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Krista Hearon

Offering therapy in OK
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGrief
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Oklahoma with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I use evidence-based techniques from a variety of modalities including EMDR, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Systems Therapy. I work with both adults and Teens. 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!

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Jessica Burrows

Offering therapy in OK
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Oklahoma with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Dr. Warren Roby

Offering therapy in OK
License: MS,PhD,LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am an educator who firmly believes that counseling is a learning experience. It involves processing information and making decisions based upon it. My goal is to get clients into a frame of mind that promotes positive change. I assist them in writing the next chapter of their life story. I draw on my training in linguistics and languages to help people find the right words to describe their issues, express their dreams, and formulate realistic plans. My international work and travel experiences have enriched my life and they equip me to deal with clients from diverse backgrounds and to prepare those who are embarking on an overseas posting. I have a passion for career issues: burnout, co-worker conflict, anxiety about downsizing, involuntary termination, etc. My 35 years in higher education (six universities) make me familiar with options for those who wish to retool for another line of work.

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Kimberly Adams

Offering therapy in OK
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

I am licensed in Kansas and Oklahoma with over 30 years of experience in working with all ages and many different issues. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, life changes, divorce, grief and loss, PTSD, Trauma, Autism, LGBTQ, disabilities, Learning disabilities, ADHD, motivation, self esteem and confidence, & depression and other areas. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. This will be a safe place for us to talk and not have to worry about anything else! Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process! I would be happy to meet you and begin helping you navigate any challenges you are facing !!

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Tiffany Afflalo Williams

Offering therapy in OK
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

It's good to see you here. Providing a safe space where you don't have to put on a mask are top priorities for me. Without judgment, I help you to show up as a better you everyday without feeling like you're drowning and needing help. I’m passionate about mental health care that helps you deal with things without having to go back. Whether you experienced stress, trauma, or fear, know that you can achieve your goals of trusting again. You can work on your relationship with yourself, so you show up better for the people who matter in your life. They can see you come out of it happy and healed again.

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Diana deVries

Offering therapy in OK
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Oklahoma and Wisconsin and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & depression, PTSD, domestic violence, and trauma. I provide Christian (Bible based) counseling upon request. 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!

How to find counseling in McAlester

Finding the best therapist close by in McAlester 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 McAlester. 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 McAlester, 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 McAlester 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 McAlester 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 McAlester, elsewhere in Pittsburg, or in the greater state of Oklahoma.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed McAlester 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 McAlester 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 McAlester may not take health insurance, some in the state of Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma 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 McAlester, Oklahoma 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 McAlester 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 McAlester 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 McAlester 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 McAlester 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 McAlester 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 OK, 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 74502 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 McAlester 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 McAlester 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 McAlester, Oklahoma 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.

McAlester 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 McAlester.

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

74501, 74502

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