Find Telehealth Therapists Licensed in Alabama

Welcome! I specialize in helping individuals process and alleviate feelings of anxiety, panic and depression, as well as offering insight to help understand your unique responses and attachments in the mindbody. Together we can explore acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, CBT, archetypal psychology and somatic therapy in a comfortable environment. I integrate meditative methods, encouraging internal regulation while rebuilding safety in self. Every person experiences blind spots in their narrative that can create challenges in life, so together we can illuminate a new path for expansive healing and personal growth!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Alabama with over 10 years experience working as a counselor, mentor, and life coach. I am licensed in Delaware as an LMHC and Georgia as an LPC. I provide in-office counseling with clients in the Birmingham, AL area and telehealth services for clients in Alabama, Delaware, and Georgia. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, parenting problems, anger issues, Bipolar, career challenges, behavioral issues, suicidal ideations, ADHD/ADD, and other mental health disorders. I have worked with individuals that have experienced physical and emotional trauma, abuse, as well as victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. I have worked with juvenile and adult offenders both while incarcerated and also upon release. I love being a counselor and enjoy helping others overcome the hurdles that present themselves in our lives. I have always been an extrovert and people person and utilize this throughout my practice. My counseling style is warm, empathetic, understanding and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity, sensitivity, and compassion. I utilize a non-judgmental and courtesy approach to assist in building a strong therapeutic alliance with clients. This assists with trust building and success during the counseling process. All sessions and goals will be tailored to the needs of each individual. My therapeutic approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, rational emotive behavioral, humanistic, reality-based and solution-focused counseling. I believe that to make a successful change it takes more than just changes in your thoughts but also changes in your behaviors. This can be done by utilizing a holistic approach to change. The mind, body, and spirit all work in unison to create a healthy outcome. "A vision without a plan is just a dream. A plan without a vision is just drudgery. But a vision with a plan can change the world." -Old Proverb. Life has a way of throwing curve balls and hurdles. Throughout my life, there were many times that I needed help to overcome the stressors and issues that were present. I was blessed to be able to receive the help that was needed. I try to pay this forward and be this same help to others. It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone to seek the help and support needed to overcome the issues and hurdles that may be present in your life. Allow me to help you overcome these trials and tribulations through encouragement, empowerment, and support.

By creating a space for you to feel safe, valued, and empowered, my goal is to help you navigate whatever life circumstances you find yourself facing. You will gain new tools for your toolbox to utilize for coping, growing, healing, and moving forward on your journey. I am practical in my approach of counseling and use a variety of methods to come alongside you as you walk your path.

If you are here, you may be feeling overwhelmed, worried about yourself or your child, or unsure where to turn next. You might be carrying big emotions, navigating constant stress, or noticing changes that are hard to understand. Whether you are seeking support for yourself, your teen, or your child, I want you to know that you are not alone, and you do not have to figure this out by yourself. I am a trauma-informed therapist who works with children, teens, young adults, and caregivers. My role is to walk alongside you with warmth, curiosity, and compassion as we make sense of what you are experiencing. I believe our emotions and behaviors are meaningful responses to our life experiences, and therapy should be a place where you feel safe, respected, and supported, rather than judged or rushed. In our work together, we will focus on building emotional safety, strengthening coping skills, and developing a deeper understanding of what is happening beneath the surface. I integrate play-based approaches, body awareness and somatic work, cognitive behavioral strategies, and parts-informed concepts to help clients increase emotional regulation, confidence, and connection. With children and teens, I use developmentally appropriate and creative methods to support expression and growth. With caregivers and young adults, I offer a supportive space to process stress, explore patterns, and build tools that feel practical and sustainable. My approach is collaborative and client-centered. You are the expert on your own life, and therapy is something we build together. My goal is to create an environment where you can slow down, feel understood, and begin to move toward greater balance, resilience, and hope.

Are you feeling lost, or overwhelmed by changes in your life? Life was not delivered with a book of instructions. It can be challenging, disappointing, stressful, and even lonely at times. Each of us has to make sense of our world. When things don't make sense we experience anxiety, depression, anger, confusion, stress, or other difficulties. Therapy is directed at helping each individual or couple become more effective at dealing with and developing coping skills so they can better manage their own unique life situation. Each person is unique; therefore, we will work together to craft a specific plan designed for your needs. I work with teens and adults of all ages in individual, couples and family therapy. Among the issues I address in therapy are anxiety, depression, relationship issues, communication, stress, substance abuse and grief. I believe in a multi-faceted approach that includes tackling dysfunctional thinking, teaching healthy coping skills, addressing sources of distress, drawing from faith and values, understanding each unique situation, and identifying possible solutions. As a therapist, I do not tell you what to do. I strive to empower you to make the best possible decisions that encourage growth and change. I promote growth by offering a safe, accepting atmosphere so that you feel heard, validated, and empowered. Our sessions will be safe spaces, full of empathy and devoid of judgment - you can bring your true thoughts and feelings to our work together. Together, we will explore your feelings, your circumstances, and your options. I will help you grow in your ability to cope with what is right in front of you and navigate your present as well as your future. Opening the door to fully expressing yourself is an important step toward healing and growth.

Jennifer believes in therapy as a tool for self-discovery, and she enjoys making connections with clients to support their unique journeys. Her treatment methods include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and person-centered therapy. In her practice, Jennifer uses a combination of techniques to create personalized therapy plans that help her clients achieve a better quality of life.

Finding clear answers about attention, learning, behavior, mood, or emotional functioning can be difficult, especially when concerns have been long-standing or are affecting school, work, relationships, or daily life. I provide psychological assessment & evaluation services for children, adolescents, and adults seeking a clearer understanding of their strengths, challenges, and treatment needs. My evaluation process is collaborative, thorough, and individualized. It may include a clinical interview, review of relevant history and records, standardized assessment measures, and a feedback appointment to discuss findings in clear, practical terms. Rather than relying on a single test score or symptom checklist, I consider the larger clinical picture: the client’s history, daily functioning, presenting concerns, relevant strengths, and information gathered across the evaluation process. My goal is not simply to provide a diagnosis or label. I aim to provide a thoughtful clinical understanding that helps clients, families, and referring professionals make informed decisions about next steps. When appropriate, evaluations may include individualized recommendations for therapy, medical consultation, academic or workplace accommodationssupports, referrals, and other interventions relevant to the client’s needs. I have completed more than 100 ADHD evaluations and have particular interest in assessing ADHD, executive-functioning difficulties, anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, emotional and behavioral concerns, and difficulties affecting academic, occupational, relational, or everyday functioning. I use evidence-based assessment methods, such as the Brown ADD Scales and Diagnostic Form, BASC-4, and MMPI-3 when clinically appropriate. My assessment work is designed to support diagnostic clarification and meaningful, actionable recommendations, not merely the completion of testing. In addition to assessment services, I provide individual therapy for teens and adults navigating trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, grief, anger, addiction, and significant life transitions. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, attachment-based, and tailored to each client, integrating methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Developmental Psychology, Internal Family Systems, and Motivational Interviewing. I offer both in-person and virtual services. If you are considering an evaluation or therapy, please reach out if you have any questions, would like more information, or for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss whether my services may be a good fit.

Combining insight-oriented therapy with body-based, somatic treatment approaches and clinical hypnosis results in lasting change. I invite you to read about my work in detail at my website MelissaLesterLCSW.com, and schedule a free 20-minute consultation to further explore working together. SPECIALTIES Burnout Anxiety, Stress, and Overwhelm Trauma resolution Family of Origin Issues and Conflict LGBTQ Issues and Coming Out Later in Life Life Transitions Grief and Loss Financial dysfunction MODALITIES Psychodynamic (Insight-Oriented Therapy) Somatic and Body-based Meditation and Mindfulness EFT Tapping (Acupressure) Progressive Counting Clinical Hypnosis The Flash Technique more Therapy is the opening of the door that leads you from where you are now to where you want to be. Please email me with any questions you have or schedule a free 20-minute consultation at my website. I look forward to connecting with you.

I became a counselor out of a desire to help people overcome mental health challenges and achieve happier, healthier lives. My career experience includes providing therapy for children, adults, and families struggling with life transitions, traumatic events, and mental health disorders. I also work extensively with children who have experienced mental, physical, or sexual abuse, helping them process trauma and build emotional resilience.

Trauma may have changed you in ways others can’t see—but it doesn’t define who you are. It can leave you feeling disconnected, confused, stuck, and unsure of yourself. It can ruin relationships, families and your sense of self. I have spent over a decade specializing in trauma as well as individuals in high risk professions such as health-care workers, first responder and Veterans. I know that healing is possible. If you're searching for trauma therapy near me or a PTSD specialist with advanced training, I can help. I am a clinical consultant and trainer in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE), and I also offer EMDR to support nervous-system healing. My practice is LGBTQ+ affirming, inclusive, and trauma-informed. In therapy, we work together to understand how trauma has shaped your emotions, relationships, and nervous system. My approach is collaborative, evidence-based, and compassionate. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can rebuild trust in yourself, feel grounded again, and move toward the life you want. If you are searching for a "therapist near me," you are in the right place. I am a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and authorized to practice telepsychology across PSYPACT states through an active APIT (ASPPB E.Passport). I can provide telehealth sessions to clients physically located in: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.