Find a therapist in Mobile, AL — covered by insurance

I highly value relationships, influenced by my own cultural background. Distress that you experience, whether expressed in bodily pain or mental pain, may have roots in the hurt from your past and current relationships. This relationship could be person to person but also person to society and person to culture you are in. Distress from cultural and societal factors is also my focal interest and multicultural sensitivity and awareness is also how I approach counseling. Thus, my practice is based on interpersonal psychotherapy with a multicultural lens. Specific interests in my practice includes understanding what and how cultural factors (e.g., expectations, values) may influence client’s distress and somatic expressions of distress. I am also skilled in other approaches (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy) and thus can meet clients’ needs accordingly.

Samantha Kelley, LPC-S, RPT Licensed Professional Counselor & Supervisor | Registered Play Therapist State of Alabama

Samantha Kelley is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist in Alabama, with a trauma-informed approach grounded in strong academic and clinical foundations. She holds an Ed.S. and MS in Counseling from Jacksonville State University and a BA in Psychology from the University of Alabama.

Her career spans diverse settings, including substance abuse treatment, correctional facilities, juvenile justice programs, geriatric care, and community-based services for at-risk youth. Samantha specializes in play therapy for children, behavioral support for adolescents, and integrative care for adults and older adults.

As a clinical supervisor and practice leader, she supports therapist development, credentialing, and care coordination, ensuring continuity of care and high standards of service. Her work is rooted in empathy, accountability, and a commitment to helping clients achieve meaningful therapeutic goals.

Education & Credentials

• Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Counseling – Jacksonville State University 2015
• Master of Science (MS) in Counseling – Jacksonville State University 2003
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology – University of Alabama, 2000
• Licensure: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC and LPC-S)and Supervisor (Alabama)
• Certification: Registered Play Therapist (RPT)

Clients should know that I am deeply committed to creating a space where honesty, healing and emotional safety can exist without judgment. I understand that coming to therapy often requires courage, especially when life feels overwhelming, complicated, or uncertain. My approach is grounded in respect, authenticity, and clinical integrity. I value the therapeutic relationship and believe that meaningful change happens when clients feel seen, heard, and understood - not rushed, dismissed, or judged.

I bring both professional expertise and real-world understanding into my work. Due to having worked in a forensic psychiatric setting for over 16 years, I have experience working with complex emotional, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges. I approach each client with the belief that behavior is often a response to pain, and healing begins when we understand the story behind the behavior.

Clients should also know that I am direct, compassionate, and intentional in my work. I will support you, but I will also gently challenge patterns that may be keeping you stuck. My goal is not just to help you cope, but to help you grow, heal, and move toward a more grounded and peaceful version of yourself. I deeply respect each client’s pace and process. You are not expected to have everything figured out when you arrive. Therapy is a space for exploration, reflection, and growth.

Above all, I believe that healing is possible, change is achievable, and no one is too far gone to begin again.