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Emily Perez

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

One of my favorite quotes, by Robert Frost, is: "The best way out is through." It is a brave action to enter counseling; I am so glad you are considering this! Walking through a difficult time, topic, or concern can feel overwhelming. My role is to help you feel supported, empowered, and heard along the way. I believe you have what you need within you to create what you hope for, and am here to help you find what you are searching for. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, (LCSW). I gained my Masters of Social Work from the University of Texas at San Antonio. My approach to counseling is strength-focused, warm, and interactive. I utilize an assortment of reliable interventions, including but not limited to, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. My professional background is diverse in working with populations such as adolescents, military families, LGBTQ, and parents, from diverse cultural backgrounds. I practice with intent to help clients gain direction and clarity that I feel each client has the ability to access. I operate within the understanding that each individual is worthy of having a place where they feel safe and important, while visiting struggles and internal questions. I look forward to working with you!

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Amando Gonzalez

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC-S
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
17 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor with over fifteen years of experience in the community, school setting and in private practice. I hold a bachelor degree in social work, and am a Licensed Social Worker as well. My overall professional experiences include more than twenty years of providing support, information and referral, and therapeutic interventions to a diverse client population. I have worked with children, adolescents and adults in different settings from inpatient, incarcerated, foster/adoption, to victim's services (child abuse/neglect/family violence). Concerns with anxiety, depression, relationships issues, self-growth, esteem, substance use/abuse issues, family conflicts, relationship issues, and other areas affecting everyday life have been part of my experiences in providing counseling support to my clients. My counseling style is approachable, inviting, energetic, enthused with compassion and support. I engage in meaningful conversations to help you begin to think about and search for your inner strengths, and work outward to help you understand your existence, strengths, and understanding of the world around you. I believe in person-centered approaches, problem-solving skills, reality based therapies, cognitive-behavioral approaches, existential approaches and psychodynamic approaches to understanding how to live a meaningful and fulfilled life. My role and focus is to help you tailor your goals with reachable outcomes and success with the issues brought forth during our time together. As hard as it is to talk to someone about our problems and concerns, I am here to listen, support and help you reflect and process those problem areas of your life that are bringing you difficulties in daily living and success. It takes strength to seek out help. I applaud you for doing so. If you are ready to take the first step and explore through counseling, I am here to help you. I am looking forward to working alongside you.

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Alaina Mount

Offering therapy in TX
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am an LPC licensed in Texas with over 10 years of experience working as a counselor. I realize everyone has different things they hope to gain from their counseling experience, which is why I believe in adapting the treatment to fit the client. I use understanding and empathy combined with direct and honest feedback to help clients actively work through issues. I work to build an environment of trust and security so that my clients are comfortable processing difficult issues without fear of judgement. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but utilize a variety of techniques to best help clients. My experience includes private practice as well as inpatient treatment centers. I work with individuals/couples on a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, domestic violence, addiction, communication and anger management. If you are seeking guidance and direction, I am here to provide you with the support and education you need to make positive changes in your life. Whether you need individual or couples counseling, I am happy to begin this journey with you towards finding balance.

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Thea Cristwell-Butler

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA,LPC, LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

Hello, I'm Thea Cristwell-Butler, I have a Master's of Arts degree in Professional Counselor from Webster University, and I am currently working on earning my Doctorate degree from Liberty University in Community Care and Counseling. I primarily use Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment, Client-centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy when working with my clients. I have worked over 10 years with non-profit agencies, school settings, and community settings. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and small groups. I have helped my clients work through issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, anger, mood disorders, and poor coping skills. If you are going through a difficult time and need help stabilizing your emotions, thoughts, and behavior, I can help.

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Frederica Johnson

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

Greetings, My name is Frederica Johnson, LPC, NCC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Louisiana. I am also a National Certified Counselor. I have worked in the mental health field for many years and my expertise is related to working with individuals who are experiencing grief, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, anger, self-esteem issues, etc. I specialize in working with all ages. My therapeutic focus is person-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, in which my clients are able to fully express their thoughts and feelings in a safe and confidential environment without judgment. My goal is to assist individuals in working towards fulfilling their fullest potential by successfully accomplishing goals that will help them to gain a new perspective on life.

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Nancy Elliot

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPCS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

If you are on this site, then I welcome you . Are you depressed, anxious, suffering from past trauma, dealing with family conflict? I have been very successful working with people through these issues and more; my job is to give you the tools you need and work myself OUT of a job. My approach is client centered; I assess your needs and together we decide the best approach. My approach is caring and non confrontational; there is no judgement here. I believe in assigning "growth" exercises between sessions to keep the momentum going and I proactively check in with my clients. This is your journey and we will work together to identify the issues you need help with and determine the best and most effective approach. It takes courage to reach out for help and I am honored to have the opportunity to help. I am here to support, encourage and empower you! My appointment availability is for mornings only at this point, so if this works for you, I am able to be flexible in some evening and weekend scheduling which we can discuss. I look forward to working with you.

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Sonya Martinez

Offering therapy in TX
Parenting issues
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with a variety of issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Dolores Ituarte Valenzuela

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Oluwaseyi Lopez

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
4 years of experience

Welcome to my page. Please call me Anna. I am licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with neurodivergence, stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, & coping with life changes. My experience working as a Physician Assistant in psychiatry and as a therapist has positively shaped the way I practice. I want you to be at the center of your care and in charge of making decisions around the life issues that are affecting you the most. I aim to empower you and for you to feel informed about your mental and psychiatric health needs/decisions, and I want to partner with you so that you can be successful in reaching your goals. Your goals and needs are always top priority when you’re seeking support. I’m here to provide a non-judgmental, supportive space for any and all things you are seeking to work through. I believe that the brain and body are inseparably connected. We cannot treat one without the other, therefore, I utilize a combo of talk therapy and somatic and experiential modes of therapy.  I am trained in EMDR and use other modalities such as Talk therapy; Internal Family Systems (IFS); Coherence Therapy; Trauma-informed yoga; and other somatic (body-based) and experiential (here-and-now experience) modalities. I specialize in: trauma; attachment wounds; neurodivergence (ADHD, Autism, PDA, etc); family of origin issues; anxiety; depression; life stressors; coaching (working towards specific goals).

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Michael McVey

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Texas with several years of experience both as a counselor as well as a language teacher and business manager responsible for training and coaching for improved performance. Throughout my career, I've helped diverse clients grapple with severe depression & anxiety, relationship hurdles, parenting dilemmas, career obstacles, grief & loss, and the search for purpose or fulfillment in life. I'm also a certified yoga teacher and firmly believe in the value and benefit of mindfulness and meditation. My therapeutic approach has been described as laid-back and "chill." I believe in treating everyone with utmost respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and reject stigmatizing labels. My approach is a blend of cognitive-behavioral therapy, internal family systems, solution-focused therapy, and the Gottman Method. I customize our discussions and treatment plans to suit your unique needs. Starting on the path towards a more fulfilling and joyful life requires courage — the courage to make significant change. If you're ready to take that leap, I'm ready to provide unwavering support. Looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you!

How to find counseling in Hays

Finding the best therapist close by in Hays 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 Hays. 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 Hays, 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays, elsewhere in Hays, or in the greater state of Texas.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays may not take health insurance, some in the state of Texas 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 Texas 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 Hays, Texas 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 TX, 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 78610 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays, Texas 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.

Hays 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Hays.

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

78610

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