The early settlement of Philippi changed its name twice before residents finally named it Saint Albans. As your own history progresses, you also go through many changes. You try to recognize and develop the characteristics that make you who you are. Yet, personal challenges keep you focused on just getting through each day.

Change is always difficult. When the changes create situations you don’t know how to deal with, your emotional distress increases. You lose your drive, self-confidence, and emotional strength. Talk to a counselor in the Saint Albans area to get in touch with the strongest self within you.

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Anna Lehew

Offering therapy in WV
License: MSW,LICSW,EMDR
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
12 years of experience

I realize it feels risky to come to counseling, however, my approach is nonjudgmental and collaborative, working with the you to identify the root cause of problems so we can identify solutions for moving forward! I view my clients as courageous for taking this first step toward change! I have a master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh (2014) and am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in West Virginia and Ohio. I specialize in working with youth and adults who are experiencing mental health symptoms, PTSD, addiction, and/ or behavioral issues. I also work with couples and families to help them make changes that allow them to effectively communicate, work through conflicts in a skilled way and be able to be genuinely affectionate with each other. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify, evaluate, and if necessary, modify problematic patterns of thinking and acquire behavioral skills to manage emotional distress. I provide appropriate diagnostic assessment and evidence based interventions. I am trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adolescent-Community Reinforcement Approach, Functional Family Therapy and EMDR.

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Dr. James Kowalski

Offering therapy in WV
License: EdD,MS ,MAC(Master Addiction Counselor)
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefAnger managementDepression
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been in the helping profession for over 30 years. I am licensed in four states which are Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and West Virginia. The journey has been both professionally and personally rewarding! My professional experiences have helped me build a distinctive and solid skill set to facilitate clients in developing life-long well being. I have extensive experience and certifications working with clients that have substance abuse related challenges. I am certified as a Master Addiction Counselor. I have training and expertise working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety and stress challenges. I am a certified Anger Management treatment provider. I also work with the geriatric population. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating every one with respect, dignity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, motivational interviewing techniques. 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. I believe that persons change and grow only when they decide to do so. Take the first steps towards a change is a courageous undertaking. I offer help to support and empower you. It is at this time when we experience a growth that helps us thrive toward being our personal best. To your wellness, I look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Monica Hoyer

Offering therapy in WV
License: MSW,LICSW,MBA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

As a therapist, I stress the importance of holistic wellness. I see each person as a whole and strive to assist my clients in setting goals to gain not only mental and emotional well being, but also to feel good physically and build a healthy lifestyle that will continue to support their whole health. I also feel that therapy should be inviting, productive and even fun! My greatest pleasure is watching my clients grow by building coping skills, self-esteem, and self-love. I have an extensive background in Addictions and Trauma; and also in Depression, Anxiety and Panic Disorders, and Adjustment Disorders.

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Olivia Shuttleworth

Offering therapy in WV
License: MSW,LICSW,ACSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersDepression
33 years of experience

I have worked as a social worker since 1985. I have worked as a therapist since 1989 in inpatient psychiatric settings and outpatient, including day hospital and rehab programs in the VA system with veterans and in hospice. I have worked with all populations from children to geriatrics, including childcare worker at an emergency shelter for children , and DHHR-CPS worker, to therapist for seniors from inpatient to outpatient. Becoming a therapist is a humbling experience and has taught me we all have struggles and life events that sometimes overwhelm us. My clients have included those with eating disorders, severe mental health diagnoses, trauma clients, those with depression and anxiety, those dealing with life changes such as physical loss or the loss of a loved one, including pets. My toolbox includes using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness skills. One of the 10 elements of mental health recovery is support. We all need support, both formal and informal. I am here if you need formal support from a therapist.

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Patrick Whaley

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

I am licensed in West Virginia and Pennsylvania with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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. I have done research on the Impact of ADHD on Family Functioning. This research has improved my understanding of how important counseling is to families who have a loved one with ADHD. I also have specialization in treating addictions. I have been trained to use motivational interviewing and CBT for addiction. I also have experience in trauma and have used a DBT approach as well as CBT and Gestalt.

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Melissa Dawicki

Offering therapy in WV
License: M.S.,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

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 3:30 pm and Friday up until 12:00 pm. Saturdays and Sundays are my days off, as well as holidays. I am based out of South Carolina and therefore am on EST. 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!

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Donna Borders

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in West Virginia with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, 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. Ruifeng (Richard) Cui

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersDepression
7 years of experience

Hi reader, I’m Richard Cui and I'm a clinical psychologist licensed in the stated of West Virginia. I graduated with a PhD in clinical psychology from West Virginia University. I have over 7 years of experience helping people with a range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. My therapy focuses on helping people identify problems they want to work on, supporting them as they face these problems, and helping them to come up with solutions and overcome these problems. Sometimes the problems we face are caused by others and sometimes they are caused by ourselves. However, no matter the cause, we can work together to start coming up with some solutions. Thank you for reading about me and considering working together with me. I hope to hear from you!

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Samuel Johnson

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Nevada and West Virginia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. 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.

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Lori Meredith-Cook

Offering therapy in WV
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in West Virginia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

How to find counseling in Saint Albans

Finding the best therapist close by in Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans. 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 Saint Albans, 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 Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans, elsewhere in Kanawha, or in the greater state of West Virginia.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans may not take health insurance, some in the state of West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 Saint Albans, West Virginia 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 Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans 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 WV, 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 25177 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 Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans, West Virginia 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.

Saint Albans 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 Saint Albans.

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

25177

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