Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Alabama

As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), I am passionate about helping people move beyond simply surviving and begin thriving! I believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen, supported, challenged, empowered to create meaningful change in your life, and did I say feel seen?! :-)

"People often have the power within them to transform their lives; they just need the proper resources to help them overcome the many challenges in their life related to their mental health.”

North Indian-Born. Montgomery, AL-Raised. Montevallo-Crafted. Birmingham-Local. USAF-Kid. Preacher's Kid deconstructing my idea of the Creator. Wife. Mom. Therapist. Cat-Lover. Slytherin House. Coffee Enthusiast. Writer. Speaker. - You are everything you have built. -

Sometimes life feels heavier than it looks on the outside. You may be carrying anxiety that never seems to quiet down, grieving someone you love, trying to hold a relationship together, or simply wondering why you don't feel like yourself anymore. Whatever brought you here, you don't have to pretend you're okay with me. My hope is that therapy becomes a place where you can finally exhale, make sense of what you're experiencing, and begin finding steady ground again.

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)

Sharmen Rutherford is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider, Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and a Ketamine Integration Therapist. She is currently accruing hours to earn her Certified Eating Disorder Specialist credential through the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals and has completed Vital’s Psychedelics Assisted Psychotherapy and Ketamine Integration Therapy Program.

With more than 17 years of professional clinical experience in the counseling field, Sharmen has helped clients facing addiction and substance use disorders, anxiety, co-occurring disorders, depression, eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, self-harm, school pressures, relationship issues, loss and grief. It is her passion to provide college students, young adults, women, and men with the tools and resources that they need to cope and make a better life for themselves.

Sharmen holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama. She has provided mental health services to adolescents and adults for numerous local mental health organizations, including an alternative school, the Alabama Department of Mental Health at Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility, two residential substance abuse treatment facilities, and a halfway house.

Sharmen is a former Advisory Board member and a Board of Directors member for 3 years for the Alabama School of Alcohol and other Drug Studies. She is also a former Board of Directors Hospitality Chair and Secretary of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals for the Alabama Chapter.

Launched in June 2018, Sharmen is also the founder of All Things New Counseling Services, LLC located in Johnson City, Tennessee.

I am unable to take new clients at this time. Existing clients, please reach out to me directly for any scheduling needs. Thank you!

I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in Alabama with experience collaborating with people of all ages to identify values, strengths, and needs, and to help empower them to live their best lives, whatever that looks like for them. I love working with people from all walks of life, and I specialize in LGBTQ+ health, life after trauma, and those living with low income, disability, and other barriers.

Thank you for taking this step of therapy. I am here to support you in your journey to healing. I'd like to support you with managing individual and Family concerns. We will utilize healthier coping skills, problem-solving techniques, decision-making tools and individualized effective techniques that serves your unique goals for therapy. I look forward to seeing you soon.