This is Leah Alviar's avatar and link to their profile

Leah Alviar

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

My name is Leah Alviar and I would like to share a little bit about myself with you.  Degrees, Certifications, and Professional Experience:  Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word M.A. in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio B.S. in Generic Special Education from Our Lady of the Lake University.   I am both a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified professional school counselor with over 22 years of counseling experience.  I have held leadership roles in local, regional, and state counseling organizations, am a published author, present at local, state, and national conferences and served as editor for Ph.D. student dissertations.   Currently I am a Senior Director at the University of the Incarnate Word and teach graduate counseling courses as well as undergraduate prep courses at various universities. I previously served as the Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, an instructional designer, adjunct professor for the M.A. in Counseling program, Director of Field Experience, and assistant professor of education at OLLU, as well as professional school counselor in various ISDs in San Antonio.  I have over 15 years’ experience teaching university students in both the online and face-to-face environments and have authored courses and taught classes at the undergraduate and graduate level for over 17 years. Theoretical Perspective: Over the course of my counseling career, I have worked with people who were anxious, depressed, stressed, and simply burned out; I have helped adolescents and couples who have struggled with communication issues and relationship barriers; I have worked with families regarding parenting, abuse, grief, and death; and I have helped individuals with career planning, self-esteem building, goal setting, and wellness strategies to cope with major life changes. Throughout my work, I have used many techniques and applied multiple theories, as each person is as unique as the theories and techniques.  I am solution-focused and client-centered.  I feel the counselor serves as the guide and facilitator for the clients as they move through their journey.  I use a humanistic approach to counseling, but also integrate cognitive behavior therapy techniques as deemed appropriate.  I adapt my counseling strategies to meet the needs of the client. A Little About Me: I have been happily married to my high school sweetheart for almost 25 years and together we have three amazing sons.  We enjoy fishing, being outdoors, reading, traveling, and catching the latest movie together as a family.  When practicing self-care, I enjoy ultrarunning, reading, skydiving and quilting.  

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Yvette Ramirez

Offering therapy in TX
License: MS LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

Hello and welcome. You have taken a big step towards helping yourself. I hope that I have the privilege of working with you. My name is Yvette Ramirez, MS, LPC. I started my counseling career working with clients that were diagnosed with bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, or schizo-affective disorder. I would visit client's in their homes and help them understand their diagnosis, teach them how to cope with symptoms, and teach the importance of medication adherence. I was promoted to the Integrated Care department where I practiced solution focused therapy with client's that had medical issues that exasperated their mental health issues, or vice versa. I was trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the State of Texas, and continue to utilize CBT in my practice today. I was promoted to a supervisory position for the Assertive Community Treatment Team and lead a team of 13 case managers, nurses, and LCDCs, which worked with clients that were high utilizers of the local mental health hospitals and were in crisis often. I was the lead counselor for the team as well, and was trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy to assist our client's with trauma they have endured and to teach them to challenge the negative thoughts they had about themselves in regard to that trauma. I worked in private practice at Step by Step Counseling and Alamo Heights Counseling, Inc. part time and expanded my counseling career. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming to help those who have lived through a traumatic event that is causing distress in their lives, or clients that endure distress that they find difficult to handle. I now work full time in private practice and enjoy helping people like you every day reach their goals to feeling the best they can . I am person centered and listen to your needs and wants to help you get to where you are feel the most successful. Thank you so much for visiting my profile. I look forward to working with you.

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Laura Taff

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

Hello! My name is Laura. I have a master's degree in family psychology and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. I have over 13 years experience working in the mental health field. I have had experience working with families, children, teens and adults individually and in groups in a variety of settings; community mental health, schools and home-based treatment. I have the most experience working with depression, anxiety, family/relationship conflicts, parenting issues, life transitions, and trauma/abuse. I also have experience working with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mild autism. I use a person-centered and integrative approach in treatment. This means I begin where you are and tailor the treatment approach to your needs while being sensitive to how your individual cultural identities and lifestyle choices impact your experience. I primarily use evidence based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused counseling and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, when appropriate. I would describe my style as warm and supportive, and I am ready to help you tackle your struggle head-on. Collaboration and consistency are important - together we can work on establishing goals and steps for you to help overcome your current problems. I look forward to helping you be the best you can be!

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Dora Hicks

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC,M. Ed.
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

Hello! Good to meet you! My name is Ms. Dora Garcia, LPC, M. ED, and I have worked in the school system for over 17 years, taught History at the High School Level, and provided Guidance Counseling, from Pre-Kinder to 12th Grade Students. After working with parents, children, youth and adolescents, my approach when working with you is to find skills you have used in your life to assist you to build the confidence and power you have from within you, guide you into your own purpose in your venture in this particular season of your life using methods such as Solution-Based Focus Therapy.

This is Regina Fruge's avatar and link to their profile

Regina Fruge

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Texas with years of 20 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. 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. 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.

This is Dr. Tangela Isely's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Tangela Isely

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas, and Maine with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. I am a holistic therapist and work on helping you by finding ways to recover using skills of improving your Mind, Body, and Spirit. I also am very interested in hearing your story and finding the origins of the problems you are having. I have been a specialized trauma therapist and this helps me have insight into how the past can be healed in the present without pain or re-traumatization. I use DBT, CBT, and a person-centered approach to help you learn ways to recover. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.

This is Phyllis Goodwin's avatar and link to their profile

Phyllis Goodwin

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.

This is Vickie Kimble's avatar and link to their profile

Vickie Kimble

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger 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, parenting issues, 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. 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.

This is Phillip Hawkins's avatar and link to their profile

Phillip Hawkins

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyLGBTParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 20 years of professional work experience as a psychotherapist. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQIA-related issues, parenting issues, & depression. I also have many years experience helping clients address process addictions such as porn and/or sexual compulsive behaviors. My approach is client centered. This means I allow time for clients to state their concerns and needs, rather than following a rigid predetermined modality or method. 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. I work to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared confidentially and 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.

This is Jane Arradaza's avatar and link to their profile

Jane Arradaza

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsGriefDepression
36 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas and Oregon with 30+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflict & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Olmos Park

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park, 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 78212 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park, 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.

Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park.

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

78212

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