Hazel Jacobs
Hazel Jacobs, LCSW, LISW-CP graduated from Norfolk State University where she obtained both her BSW and MSW. Mrs. Jacobs proudly worked with the United States government to provide clinical services to our country’s service members, veterans, and their families. Mrs. Jacobs employs a wealth of experience from her years of servicing a multitude of populations, including but not limited to; individuals, families, children, and groups. Mrs. Jacobs has supported our military service members and their families all across the world. She has enthusiastically provided services in Japan and Italy, ensuring that our troops and their loved ones would have the experienced support no matter where they are on the globe. Mrs. Jacobs has an integrative approach to practice and is a firm believer of meeting people where they are in life. As everyone has traveled different roads and no two stories are the same, she pulls from a multitude of evidence based practices and utilizes a holistic approach to treatment. She believes that building a rapport is a crucial element toward restoration and empowerment; and that everyone possesses the requisite tools to enrich their lives and restore their bonds.
Kimberly Searcy
Greetings, My name is Kimberly Searcy. I am a licensed clinical social worker, licensed in North Carolina and South Carolina, with over 10 years of experience working as a therapeutic coach and empowered living facilitator. I have worked with clients with various challenges, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, divorce, and life changes. I also work with adult survivors of toxic parents to help them break the cycle of toxicity in their lives. My mission is to equip the individuals I serve with the tools necessary to connect heart and soul, to achieve inner healing, self-actualization, and purpose. I can help you define where you are, understand how you got here, and create a plan to move you forward. If you're ready to step into your courage, face and conquer some difficult places in your life, let's do it together. I look forward to working with you!
Linda Masullo
I am licensed in South Carolina and have experience in helping clients (individual and couples) with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Maria Gaum
I am a licensed professional counselor, currently licensed in West Virginia and South Carolina, with 9 plus years of clinical work experience in both intensive outpatient group therapy and individual therapy with adults with serious mental health diagnoses to develop and improve coping skills to manage life- and mental health related stressors. I work with clients to improve skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, history of adverse childhood experiences and attachment rupture. I am well versed in trauma therapy and in accompanying clients to come to terms with past trauma. I also work with clients to develop skills to cope with life changes such as loss of role, changes in health, and adjusting to developmental stages in adult life. I have experienced and seen the benefits of a warm therapeutic relationship in creating change in clients, and the importance of engaging clients to recognize their existing strengths and skills that can be applied to manage stressors, overcome challenges, and to improve quality of life. I use a variety of theoretical treatment approaches as it fits the client - no one theory fits all. I will work with you to develop a therapeutic language that resonates with you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and you have taken that first step! I am looking forward to work with you!
Robert Burdine
I am a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina, with over 11 years of experience in the mental health field. I'm passionate about helping others live full of vitality, fulfillment, and meaning, as well as creating and developing innovative ways to assist people in their journeys. My expertise includes assisting clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, motivation, and self-concept. Utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as my primary therapeutic approach, I help clients develop psychological flexibility and align their lives with what matters most to them. I firmly believe that you are the expert of your story and possess many strengths that will help you overcome life's challenges. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy requires courage, and I commend you for embarking on this journey!
Resa Sandora
I am licensed in Indiana and South Carolina with 30 years of professional work experience. My life has gone thru lots of changes and adjustments, just like you, where we need to adjust our sails to survive the storms of life. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, abilities, or other form of diversity. 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 taking that journey.
Dr. Debbie Hood
I am a license professional counselor licensed in Virginia with over 10 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, substance abuse and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, and solution focused counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
Leah Pavela-Mullins
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!
Brittany Bridges
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) for the state of North Carolina . My prior experience entails working in a clinical outpatient setting and on a North Carolina college campus where I've treated a variety of mental health conditions. I lead with openness and empathy as I strive to provide a safe and respectful environment in which clients from various backgrounds and cultures can explore a myriad of issues. I enjoy working with a broad range of clients and concerns. My professional interests include working with young adults, women's issues, diversity and multicultural experiences. I utilize an array of therapeutic modalities and techniques based on the needs of the clients including but not limited to, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Solution Focused Therapy.
Norman Patterson
I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Georgia with six years of clinical experience providing services to diverse populations. I have experience helping clients cope with addictions, intimacy-related issues, anger management, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. My wide range of education and experience has allowed me to take a direct, empathic approach toward improving my clients' needs and outlook on life. I therapeutically approach my clients to assist them in being all they can be. Our session will be held in a non-judgmental atmosphere, led by the client as the main driver of the discussion. I have the ability to apply "evidence-based" treatment approaches, meaning they have been backed by extensive research and science to be effective in treating specific disorders. I am passionate about my client's success and well-being. I began my career working in substance abuse and homelessness. I obtained my master's degree in social work from the University of Georgia. Life can be intimidating. It is helpful to have someone to process daily stressors and feelings associated with those life experiences we all go through. I am here to partner with you along life's road of experiences to help you maximize your success in life. I'm excited about our partnership and look forward to working with you.
How to find counseling in Ridgeville
Finding the best therapist close by in Ridgeville 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 Ridgeville. 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 Ridgeville, 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 Ridgeville 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 Ridgeville 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 Ridgeville, elsewhere in Dorchester, or in the greater state of South Carolina.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Ridgeville area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ridgeville 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 Ridgeville 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 Ridgeville may not take health insurance, some in the state of South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 Ridgeville, South Carolina 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 Ridgeville 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 Ridgeville 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 Ridgeville 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:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- 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 Ridgeville 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 Ridgeville 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 SC, 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 29472 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 Ridgeville 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 Ridgeville 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 Ridgeville, South Carolina 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.
Ridgeville 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:
- 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 Ridgeville:
29472