Birmingham, AL, is nicknamed Magic City, which came about in the early 20th century after the city expanded rapidly. Birmingham experienced exceptional population and land growth, absorbing several nearby towns. Why? Because coal, limestone, and iron ore - the three raw materials needed to make steel - were all found in the area. When you have the right raw materials, you can combine them to create something spectacular. If you need help finding the things you need to make something big happen in your life, talk to a therapist in Birmingham, AL, for support. 

You can find compassionate counselors in a few places. If you’re trying to find the right therapist, you can use a practice conveniently located in the Birmingham area, or you can address your mental health concerns in an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. You can get good therapy either way, but online treatment may be a more flexible option for busy professionals, college students, or parents. 

Therapy can help you learn to manage the symptoms of a range of mental health disorders, and it can be beneficial if you struggle to deal with life's challenges or difficult emotions and feelings. With so much going on in the world, a Birmingham-based therapist can help you learn to cut through the noise and focus on how to lead a more fulfilling life.

 

This is Amy Kemp-Wellmeier's avatar and link to their profile

Amy Kemp-Wellmeier

Offering therapy in AL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of working in the field. During my career, I have had the pleasure of working with various populations and issues including life adjustments, mood disorders, relationship issues, chronic pain conditions, and trauma-related issues in both military and civilian settings. I am trained and certified in the Evidence-Based modalities, and find they are a good base to use along with a holistic approach to mental health care. I believe that mental health is a process of finding the right treatment fit for each person, and working as a team with my clients to determine the goals for counseling. I see my role as a counselor as being an "educated compassionate guide" who is there to assist my clients to find their way out of what is holding them back and to provide them with the tools they need to achieve the life and relationships that they desire.

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Dr. Aisha Mitchell Washington

Offering therapy in AL
License: DSW,LCSW,CCM
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
19 years of experience

Hello, I am Dr. Aisha Mitchell Washington, LCSW, CCM and I’m. I understand the importance of relationships —personally and professionally as well as how they can positively/ negatively affect each other. Having spent the past 25 years working in the social services field, I have come to realize that my passion lies in helping people get the care they deserve and gaining a better approach to life. I have my Masters in Human Resource Management from Troy University. I also received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama. I received my Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Southern California. I see my role as a therapist as primarily a facilitator in your journey to better health and wellness. I believe therapy to be a collaborative effort between the client and the therapist. Part of the course of therapy through cognitive-behavioral intervention involves exploring uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. It may even cause an increase in presenting symptoms as the client becomes more aware of self and returns to previous coping behaviors which may be destructive and self-defeating. It is my honor to get you through this journey.

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Kari Regehr

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
4 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Alabama with over 3 years of professional work experience and am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Populations I've worked with include adults with severe psychosis, personality disorders, behavioral disorders, and phobias. I also have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, anger management, impulse control, and severe depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes real courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I'm looking forward to meeting you!

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Thomas Johnson

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
50 years of experience

Hello to all prospective BetterHelp clients - I'm currently licensed for practice in Alabama and for those of you who may be considering contacting a mental health counselor here, I would welcome any input or questions you might have. As a brief introduction, following graduation from the University of Alabama School of Social Work in 1973, I entered the practice field working in a psychiatric in-patient facility providing counseling services for individuals experiencing chronic mental health issues. In 1977, I transitioned to a clinical social worker position with the Department of Veterans Affairs and was part of an inter-disciplinary team providing outpatient mental health assessment and treatment services to veterans and their family members. For the next 43 years I had the privilege and honor of providing both individual and group counseling services to thousands of veterans, both male and female, combat and non-combat related. I currently offer counseling services addressing a wide spectrum of adjustment issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, marital and family dysfunction, as well as other life adjustment issues currently impacting one's quality of life. I'm always flexible in my treatment approach and strive first of all, to lay a solid foundation of empathy and trust through a non-judgmental perspective. Various treatment modalities are utilized depending on what we feel is the best fit for you at any given point in therapy and your input will remain integral since my treatment approach embraces awareness that you, as the client, have the best perspective on what's working most effectively. While no counselor can be a perfect fit for everyone, I would be more than happy to talk with you further to explore available options in getting you headed in the best direction for your life.

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Jeffrey Barrett

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am credentialed in the state of Alabama with 20 years of professional work experience as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I firmly believe that people have the capacity to substantially improve their situations through developing insight and finding practical solutions to create the change for which they aspire. My experience includes helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and coping with grief and loss. I also have worked with people who are experiencing life changes including cancer and other serious medical conditions. I am a musician and have unique insight into using our creative capacity in the arts to make a better life for ourselves and those around us. 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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Christina Bunn

Offering therapy in AL
Trauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, anxiety, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jennifer White

Offering therapy in AL
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Hermine Price-Spain

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Alabama with over 30 years of professional work experience. I am also a certified coach. Do you experience stress and anxiety on a daily basis? Do you struggle with addictions, relationship issues or grief issues? Do you lack motivation, self esteem or confidence? Are you ready to feel better quickly? We will work together to create an open and safe environment where your thoughts and feelings can be shared in a safe space. When you are ready there are simple processes that will help you to overcome your specific barriers and can help you to feel better quickly! We will take the next step together. You don’t have to do it alone! I am looking forward to working with you!

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Shannon White

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Autumn White

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety; motivation, self esteem, and confidence; career difficulties; compassion fatigue; & coping with life changes. 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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How to find counseling in Birmingham

Finding the best therapist close by in Birmingham 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 Birmingham. 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 Birmingham, 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, elsewhere in Jefferson, or in the greater state of Alabama.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham may not take health insurance, some in the state of Alabama 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 Alabama 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 Birmingham, Alabama 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 AL, 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 35235 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, Alabama 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.

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

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

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

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

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

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

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

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

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

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

35061, 35068, 35142, 35201, 35202, 35203, 35204, 35205, 35206, 35207, 35208, 35209, 35210, 35211, 35212, 35213, 35214, 35215, 35217, 35218, 35219, 35220, 35221, 35222, 35224, 35228, 35231, 35232, 35233, 35234, 35235, 35236, 35237, 35238, 35242, 35243, 35246, 35249, 35253, 35254, 35255, 35259, 35260, 35261, 35266, 35270, 35282, 35283, 35285, 35287, 35288, 35290, 35291, 35292, 35293, 35294, 35295, 35296, 35297, 35298

Popular cities near Birmingham, AL

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