Hello! Welcome to BetterHelp! I'm so proud of you for deciding to take care of yourself and joining me at BetterHelp! I look forward to getting to know you. I understand that you’re nervous --that’s common and to be expected! Taking the first step is always the hardest in anything we pursue in life- I am here to give you the support, encouragement and empowerment to take control of your life! You can rest assured that you have found a safe and supportive environment here at Better Help. We will start out by getting to know each other more and how I can help. I'm always open to your feedback about how it's going and what you need. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of South Carolina, West Virginia and Maine with over 17 years of behavioral health experience working with individuals and families in multiple settings including community mental health, emergency room, private practice and telehealth. Throughout my career, I have worked with symptoms including but not limited to depression, anxiety, stress management, anger management and relationship issues among others. In working with patients, I refer to Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and Solution-Focused Therapy. I check messages 2-3 times per day, Monday-Thursday up until 4:00. I am unable to see patients from 12:00-1:00 during the week and do not see patients after 5:00 pm due to outside obligations. Saturdays and Sundays are my days off, as well as holidays. I am based out of South Carolina and therefore am on EST. To avoid double bookings with appointments, it’s best for me to schedule appointments. I am available for appointments Monday-Thursday from 9:00 am-5:00 pm. Please let me know what your needs are with availability, and I will do my best to accommodate your needs. With this said, I would like to establish a few general guidelines: counseling can be empowering but it also requires a commitment to change- please be patient as symptoms and issues are processed and explored and understand that it takes time to gain strength. Most presenting symptoms are deep rooted and require more than a few short correspondences to fully resolve. Also, please be mindful that this is a paid subscription so it is to your advantage to actively participate in treatment and keep the lines of communication open. Please take note that after two no shows or same day appointment cancellations, I will recommend that you switch to another provider. My time is just as valuable as yours and appointment no shows and cancellations result in financial loss. I also ask that you please understand that not all cases are appropriate for online counseling and some are better suited for an office setting. I do not accept any cases with substance abuse or addiction of any kind as a chief complaint. Please remember you have access to the room 24/7 and may write as much as you want, anytime. Longer posts from you typically take me a few days to process and fully respond to. Also, few logistics as we start - here's information about: 1) the informed consent 2) confidentiality 3) safety I want to be sure to go over informed consent and mandated reporting and some other important information. Your emergency contact information is secure and I am bound by confidentiality, which means everything you tell me stays in this room with the following exceptions, as I am a mandated reporter: (1) if you are suicidal/homicidal, (2) abuse/neglect to a child, elderly or disabled person, (3) if I am subpoenaed by a court. Informed consent means you are consenting to therapy services with me and understand all of your rights, as explained in the informed consent document you sign. You will receive a request to complete your emergency contact information which must be completed before we start working together. The information will never be used if you become silent, but only in a true emergency, as I am always going to do my best to ensure your safety. Speaking of safety, as we work together I want to let you know that BetterHelp is not a crisis center. Please make note of the emergency procedures and resources listed below should a crisis arise during my time off or when I am offline. Even though there is an option to mark messages as urgent please do not use that for crisis situations. Marking a message as urgent does not ensure I will see it or respond quicker. Urgent/Emergent Resources: You can go to your local emergency room, call 911, or call 1-833-929-1721 www.hopeline.com to access a database of suicide crisis hotlines or dial 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) from your area and you will be immediately connected with a trained crisis counselor. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for crisis support. Please take note of the following additional resources for urgent/emergent crisis situations: FOR SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS: South Carolina Mobile Crisis: 1-833-364-2274 South Carolina NAMI: 1-800-950-6264 Crisis Text Line: 741741 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 FOR WEST VIRGINIA RESIDENTS: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Crisis Text Line: 741741. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): (304) 445-7866 Call or text 844-HELP4WV (844-435-7498). HELP4WV offers a 24/7 call, chat and text line that provides immediate help for any West Virginian struggling with an addiction or mental health issue. Help304 - West Virginia's Emotional Strength Line: Call 1-877-HELP304, text 877-435-7304 or chat (www.help304.com). HELP304 Provides social, emotional, and supportive counseling via call, text, and chat. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 FOR MAINE RESIDENTS: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Maine Crisis Line: 1-888-568-1112 Nami Maine: 1-800-464-5767 (Press 1) The Intentional Peer Support Warm Line: 1-866-771-WARM (9276) or 711 (Maine Relay). The Intentional Peer Support Warm Line is available toll-free from anywhere in Maine, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is a mental health peer-to-peer phone support program offering mutual conversations with a trained specialist who has life experience with mental health and/or substance use issues and recovery. Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-866-834-HELP (4357) Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741 (Voice) or 711 (Maine Relay) Crisis Text Line at 741741 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Please let me know if you have any current/past safety concerns. We will continue to discuss this as we get to know one another. Have a great day - I'll be back to check in and will talk to you more soon!

My approach centers on helping my clients gain insight into unwanted thoughts and behaviors utilizing a collaborative approach. My goal is to create a peaceful and safe place for my clients to explore past and present stressors that contribute to difficulty in their emotional and behavioral functioning. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Coastal Carolina University in 2011 and my Masters Degree in Applied Clinical Psychology in 2014. I am a LPC & Certified Health Coach through ACE Fitness. I have worked across multiple domains including private practice & agency settings working with diverse populations including children, adolescents, families, couples, and individuals. I utilize techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. Together these techniques allow my clients to cope and heal from past issues and trauma while simultaneously processing through current stressors & issues. I rely heavily on helping my clients become the expert of their lives and their healing; providing an empathetic and healing experience in which their feelings are validated, and they are able to explore experiences and feelings that have been previously internalized. I want my clients to find peace within their lives.

Greetings! The situations that lead people to seek out a counselor can be some of the most trying experiences of their lives. That said, I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the effort you have put in already. You have begun to advocate for your own well-being and have put yourself on the journey toward healing. My name is Shenelle and I am a licensed professional counselor and licensed addiction counselor in the state of South Carolina. I have 18 years of experience in the counseling field that encompasses the following settings: outpatient, inpatient hospitalization, private practice, state/local agencies. I have had the privilege to work with a range of populations from various backgrounds/cultures. My theoretical approach/techniques focus on supporting and assisting client cultivate living authentically, being their "true self", utilizing their strengths, discovery of what makes their life meaningful in order to help with meeting the challenges of life. My work as a counselor is rooted in a foundation of Person-Centered therapy where the client fully experiences the present moment, learning to accept oneself, and deciding ways to change. The client's ability to connect with me will be the number one factor determining how well we work together and how effective their healing will be. I strive to be respectful, authentic, genuine, empathetic, accepting and unconditional. These qualities are the heart of therapy and facilitate a healthy connection that allows true healing to take place. I will provide a safe space in which you are free to explore all your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgement. I have experienced positive outcomes and symptom reduction with clients affected by anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, loss and substance use. By utilizing evidence based techniques/therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivation Enhancement Therapy, clients can embrace methods that promote cognitive and behavioral changes. I am honored and committed to serve as a collaborator on your path of self-discovery and healing.

I am Stephanie Durso, LCSW, a graduate of Fordham University specializing in assisting clients in identifying and expressing their feelings in an effective and healthy manner. My focus is on encouraging the use of healthy coping strategies to enhance quality of life and relationships. I work with adolescents, and adults, guiding them to understand themselves more intimately and leverage their strengths to effect positive life changes. In addition to supporting individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, loss, and substance dependence, I am also equipped to offer crisis intervention and guidance through life transitions. With over ten years of experience in helping individuals recover from trauma and address self-harming behaviors, I provide a calming presence that fosters a safe environment for clients to share their experiences and work towards their goals. My unwavering commitment is to serve the community by empowering others to recognize their inner strength and resilience. I believe that everyone has the potential to recover from life's stressors by tapping into their core and cultivating balance in all areas of life.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina with 31 years of professional work experience helping people with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, trauma, lack of motivation, self esteem and confidence, I also have helped many women experiencing hormonal issues that have affected their lives. Many of my clients tell me "I Feel Like I Am Going Crazy." 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.

If you're reaching out to a therapist, you're needing something better in your life. You're not willing to go on the way things are, and you have the hope and determination that things can and must change. You need someone who can help you achieve that change. You don't need someone who will just tell you what you want to hear, or who will listen but not know what to do. You need someone who has the ability to get you to that better place in your life. I have the training, compassion, and experience to help you get there. For couples, I'm trained in Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. These are two of the best-researched, most effective couples therapy methods out there, and I have seen beautiful results in my clients. I also see many individuals, as well as families. I've also been there. I know what depression feels like, and I've struggled with a difficult marriage and divorce. I've been to therapy myself, learned a lot, done the work, and have gotten to my own better place. My passion and my reason for becoming a therapist is to help others benefit from what I've learned. My training has given me the skills to do that. I won't judge you, and you won't hear, "Well, just get over it!" from me. If you want Christian counseling, let me know. If you prefer non-religious therapy, I am comfortable with that as well. Either way, you will have my full attention and my best effort.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of South Carolina and Oregon. I am also a certified Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF). My Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is in Counselor Education from the University of South Carolina (Columbia) and my Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is in Business Education from Winthrop University (Rock Hill). I have over 10 years experience in the mental/behavioral health field and 20 years experience as an educator. I have worked with individuals and families with a wide range of concerns and from various backgrounds. I have found that I am most effective with those experiencing depression, anxiety, career challenges, and those who are generally seeking changes in their life to move towards a better future for themselves. I strive to provide my clients with a welcoming, confidential, safe space where they can speak freely about their concerns and thoughts. I believe in treating everyone with respect and the "Golden Rule" is essential to me - treat others the way you want to be treated. My approach to counseling is client-centered and solution-focused with a cognitive-behavioral foundation. I try to help identify patterns of thought that may be keeping you from your goals and we will work together to develop a plan to address those thoughts. Ideally, I would like for my clients to learn how to identify these patterns of thought for themselves and be able to independently adjust to their circumstances as needed. If what you've read so far sounds like what you're looking for, just click the button and let's get started! I am here to assist.

I am licensed professional counselor licensed in Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina with over 19 years of experience working with trauma survivors. I understand the mechanisms of the body that are affected when a person experiences trauma and distress, and have a wide range of strategies and approaches to decrease distress. I also have experience and certifications in treating anxiety disorders of all kinds, including OCD, Panic Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety. My approach is eclectic, but all approaches are backed by research, and we will develop a treatment plan that meets your 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. It would be my honor to work with you!

I am licensed in South Carolina as both a professional counselor (LPC) and as an addiction counselor (LAC). Since earning an advanced graduate degree in Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling from the University of South Carolina in 2013, I have worked with adults of all ages, college students through senior adults. My clinical experience includes assessing and treating anxiety, addiction, anger management, relationship issues and various other mental health needs. I have counseled clients individually, in groups and as couples and families. My goal is to help clients navigate life in a more positive and fulfilling manner. I strive to offer a safe and nurturing environment for all of my clients, providing a non-judgmental atmosphere. I will work collaboratively with you to identify and meet your goals.

I am a National Board Certified Counselor and a Life Coach with a license of Professional Counseling in South Carolina with 15 years of professional work experience. I have work in hospitals, correctional and mental health facilities. l have experience in helping others with depression, stress and anxiety issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. Everyone has a story to tell so allow me to help share your story in an open and safe environment where you can be your own author without fear of judgment. My therapeutic approaches to help resolve ongoing trauma, challenges and barriers are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Solution Focus Therapy, Family Systems Therapy and Client Centered Therapy. 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 sharing your story during your journey.

I am licensed in South Carolina with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I earned my Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)in Pastoral Community Counseling in 2017, a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) in 1999, and a Master of Arts in Counseling (MA) in 2003. I also have seven units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) of which four were done as a residency. I am also a recipient of an award for Community Organization by Adapt Advocacy Association (aaa+) in 2011. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in South Carolina with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.

Hi, I’m Dr. Linda Wickens, a therapist who helps adults, couples, and families manage stress, build confidence, and strengthen relationships. I focus on finding practical ways to feel better and create lasting change. I believe growth happens through understanding, compassion, and honest conversation.

As a licensed therapist in South Carolina, I bring over a decade of compassionate mental health experience to my practice. My approach centers on supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and self-esteem challenges. I understand that healing is a deeply personal journey, and I'm committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic environment. My practice honors each client's unique experiences and spiritual perspectives, offering a welcoming space for those seeking faith-informed counseling. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop meaningful strategies for emotional wellness and personal growth. Whether you're an older adult seeking support or someone looking for a progressive, empathetic counseling approach, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional insight. My goal is to help you discover your inner strength, build resilience, and create positive pathways toward healing and self-understanding.