In life, you want to have the best life possible, but it’s not always that easy. When you feel stressed, anxious, or feel like the world is working against you, that’s where the challenge is. A counselor based in Madison can help you feel much better about your life and make you feel like you're on the right track. 

Madison’s motto is “Play hard, learn well, and live richly.” Learning about yourself can help you live a better life, and a counselor can be that tool who helps you learn. Speak to a counselor and learn how they can help you live a much richer life. 

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Leslie Powers

Offering therapy in AL
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
34 years of experience

I am Leslie S Powers, a Licensed Professional Counselor from Alabama. I have been in this profession forover 30 years, having begun my journey as a Certified Addictions Counselor in 1988. Since then, I have worked in treatment centers and free-standing mental health clinics via private practice, school counseling, and contracting with my county's Department of Human Resources. I am a 1994 graduate of Troy University with a Master's degree in Counseling and Human Development. I am also a certified school counselor. I have a Master of Speech Communication degree from Auburn University. I have earned approximately 40 hours post-graduate in the counseling psychology and ministerial fields. My approach to counseling is cognitive, and I especially appreciate the solution-focused therapies. I believe that clients are the experts at problem-solving given the right questions and goals, and that an accepting counseling environment allows positive outcomes! We'll proceed toward your goals as colleagues, working with humor and respect, serious-minded curiosity, homework and brainwork. If you're coping with longterm mental health issues which require medicine and physician supervision along with psychotherapy, I'm willing to be part of your care team. (I generally do not work with chronic pain clients in online settings without collaboration with an MD. ) I look forward to speaking to you soon! Leslie

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Elizabeth Andrew

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC 1575
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 23 years of experience in the field. I work with adults, children, adolescents, couples and families. My goal is to provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. My approach is warm, respectful, and interactive. I place a strong value on working with a client's culture and values in psychotherapy. I use an integrative approach, assessing which techniques are best suited for you. My goal is to meet you where you are and assist you in reaching where you want to be. I believe in tailoring treatment to the unique needs of each client by using a variety of approaches. Together, we will develop strategies to improve your life such as developing behavioral plans for your children or constructing family rules to help with improving relationships. I hope you will contact me so I can answer your questions, ease your fears, and help you determine if I am the right fit for you. Elizabeth Andrew MS, LPC

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Thomas "Tom" Wissert

Offering therapy in AL
License: LPC
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseCoping with life changesCoachingADHD
8 years of experience

Hello. I am Tom WIssert a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama. My experience over the last several years has been with drug and alcohol addictions and the co-occurring issues and causes that go along with these addictions. More recently I have dealt with many different marital and relationship problems from intimacy to communication. Using Motivational Interviewing and Active Listening I have been able to help clients see things from a different perspective and to identify problem thinking. I would describe myself as a behaviorist using a Cognitive Behavioral approach and Person Centered counseling to help client resolve problems. Being a good listener is one of my best skills and using things clients tell me to unlock some deeper issues is a great reward for both the client and myself. I am generally available to clients on weekdays and some weekends if necessary. A goal of mine is a 24 hour message return. I usually check messages throughout the day and return messages before leaving the office.

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Paula Freeman

Offering therapy in AL
License: LICSW,PIP
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alabama. I have been a Social Worker for over 26 years and have worked in child welfare, residential treatment, and mental health. I have also had the opportunity to provide bereavement services as a volunteer with Hospice. My professional experience has included working with children, teens, and adults in individual and group settings. I have also provided supervision, consultation, training, and coaching to other Social Workers and professionals. My counseling style is empathic and client-centered. I believe in treating everyone with sensitivity, respect, and compassion. I am not here to judge or label. I believe we all have challenges in our lives and sometimes need help getting through those challenges. I like to begin where you are and collaborate with you to tailor my approaches and plan that will best meet your needs. My counseling approach and strategies combine dialectical behavior, cognitive behavior, solution-focused, and person-centered therapies. Additionally, I like to provide psychoeducation as a tool for you to gain knowledge and power in meeting your goals. It takes courage to seek support for life’s challenges and changes. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and assist you in the journey.

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Dr. Thomas Bennett

Offering therapy in AL
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
42 years of experience

I am a clinical psychologist and have been practicing for forty years, so I have had the opportunity to help others address virtually any type of problem. I have a broad background and I see every person as different, so the approach I would take would depend on the person and the problem. I usually have two goals in any contact I have with a person. First,I want the person to get an improved understanding of the problem , hopefully by seeing it from a slightly different perspective. Second, I want to give the person a tool of some sort to shift the thinking, feeling, and behavior that constitutes the problem. If a person ends a contact with me, I want that person to have some clarity about a path forward.

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This is Dr. Carmela Drake's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Carmela Drake

Offering therapy in AL
License: PhD, LPC-S,NCC
AddictionsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am a Certified Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Professional (CAADP), and a Certified Compulsive Gambling Counselor, level III (ACGC-III) in the state of Alabama. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Alabama. I have worked in the field of addictions and mental health for over 20 years. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect and compassion. I provide a nonjudgmental zone and exercise the use of “person-first” language. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and client-centered therapeutic approaches. I make use of motivational interviewing in most of my session, but am also well versed in other therapeutic styles of facilitating counseling sessions. My specialty area is co-occurring disorders with adolescents and young adults. I have since broadened my scope to focus on the mental health needs of student-athletes with emphasis on transitioning from high school competition to intercollegiate sports as well as the impact of transitioning to life after competition. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am glad that you have taken the first step and look forward as you continue to move forward in your recovery/healing process.

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This is Anita Barnes's avatar and link to their profile

Anita Barnes

Offering therapy in AL
License: M.Ed.,ALC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCareer difficultiesDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has had a variety of experience in a several counseling settings. I offer individual, adolescent, and couples counseling. I have a holistic approach to counseling, which includes addressing your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. My approach to therapy involves working in a client-centered manner to ensure that they are reaching their goals. I encourage self validity and self exploration in therapy. I have an eclectic approach to therapeutic techniques to include cognitive-behavioral, reality therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy among others. I encourage growth through an accepting atmosphere enabling clients to feel heard, and strengthened. I specialize in adverse events of childhood, women's issues, grief, abuse, self-esteem, life changes and trauma.

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Kelsey Horton

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I work primarily with children & adolescents of all ages & their families but also have experience working with individuals & couples from diverse backgrounds & alternative lifestyles. I have worked with clients through various aspects of their life including anxiety, depression, trauma, coping with special needs, social skills, behavioral or relationship issues & life or familial transitions such as divorce, adoption & blended families.

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Christopher "Dan" Burgess

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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.

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Sellers Terrell

Offering therapy in AL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse
6 years of experience

I am very passionate about mental healthcare! I completed my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, focusing on Clinical Mental Health, in May of 2018. I have a Bachelor of Social Work degree that I obtained in May 2010. I have also spent a lot of time between degrees and off record studying a variety of behavioral therapies with a professional mentor and reading about / researching a lot of other alternative, holistic, and integrative modalities for implementing healing, recovery, and rebuilding the Self. I believe therapy is a sacred place where you can show up as your authentic self and be safe from judgment. However, effective therapy is going to take work but I am here to guide you through that process and provide you with accountability and support for healthy and positive change. I have nearly 6 years of experience as a mental health counselor with my primary focus being clinical mental health and substance use. My clinical skills and interests include: comprehensive health & wellness, addiction & recovery, holistic healing (such as somatic experiencing, trauma informed yoga and mindful stretching, meditation, breath work, and nature-based connections), LGBTQIA+, and trauma work. I have an eclectic approach when it comes to counseling because every person deserves individualized care. You and I will work in collaboration to formulate and implement the best treatment plan for you and your needs. Amongst my approaches in the therapy setting - I most often use Dialectical Behavior Therapy [informed] and DBT skills for problems such as emotion dysregulation, interpersonal communication deficits, and distress tolerance; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with an emphasis on trauma processing and addressing the thoughts-feelings-behaviors cycle; solution-focused and strengths based counseling for problems requiring more immediate resolve; and motivational interviewing techniques. I have a sincere passion for working with individuals and families impacted by addiction, mood disorders, adjustments to major life changes or events, relationship issues, family of origin trauma, various other complex traumas, and lean heavily on mindfulness-based treatment modalities to empower my clients to heal from the stress and anxiety that gets trapped in the body. My ability to navigate hardships and adversity in my own life has well equipped me to guide others through struggles and find healing and compassion for themselves. I want to help you be the best you can be and find self-empowerment in your therapy journey - I will allow you to set the pace for your processing and provide you with the necessary tools/skills, resources, and outlets to find relief from emotional discomfort and life stressors. I am proud of you for seeking help and want you to know that you're very brave.

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How to find counseling in Madison

Finding the best therapist close by in Madison 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 Madison. 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 Madison, 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison, elsewhere in Madison, 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 Madison area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison, 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 35756 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 Madison 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 Madison 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 Madison, 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.

Madison 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 Madison.

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

35756, 35758

Popular cities near Madison, AL

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