
Jessica Gerson
Reaching out for support is an act of courage, and I honor you for taking the first step toward lasting change! You're here because you're going through something, and whatever that is, I'm here to help. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Louisiana and Massachusetts (in MA my license is "LICSW") with ten years of experience working as a psychotherapist for children, adolescents, and adults. I have helped clients and families through issues including anxiety and depression, parenting challenging children, career difficulties, issues related to sexuality and gender identity, ADHD, life stress, work-life balance, relationship issues, and more. As someone who has struggled with both anxiety and depression at various points in my life, I come at the therapeutic process with both personal and professional knowledge, and always keep in mind those things that were most helpful to me when I was the one seeking a therapist. My style as a therapist reflects my belief that the relationship you and I forge is the foundation from which change becomes possible. Working through the things which hold us back can mean facing difficult feelings and memories, and it's important to have the right partner on that journey. I aim to be a supportive and encouraging partner in change, as well as getting to know you well so that I can provide interventions that make sense for you rather than a one size fits all approach. I believe in helping you build a toolbox of concrete tools and skills that you can draw from moving forward—in helping you equip yourself to meet not only the challenges you’re facing now, but also leaving you better prepared to manage future challenges as they come. I'm here to support you as we explore ways to help you meet your goals and live your best life!

Katina Smith
I am Katina Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with Aspirations of Hope Counseling Services in Hammond, Louisiana. I earned my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2014. My experience includes 20 years of social services experiences while working with individuals in diverse populations such as children, juveniles, geriatrics, elderly and adults with disabilities, adoption and foster care, substance abuse and mental health. This also includes 7 years of crisis intervention and prevention skills in serving children and survivors of domestic violence. As an LPC, I have experience with a wide variety of issues such as, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma and abuse, depression, self-esteem, coping with grief, anxiety, family conflicts, co-dependency, anger management, addiction, substance abuse education and treatment. As a LPC, I use a client centered approach to therapy. I am passionate about bringing positive change in people’s lives to strengthen minds and instill hope. When working with teens and adults, I prefer the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Moreover, these therapeutic approaches will assist in addressing a multitude of behavior and emotional issues youth and adults are faced with on a daily basis. The goal of our therapeutic relationship will be to build rapport and provide you with tools to identify specific problems in your daily life, identifying negative thinking and reshape them; and be able to solve your current problems in a safe and non-judgmental environment. I passionately believe my empathy, compassion, and non-judgmental personality will immediately put you at ease to start your emotional healing. My goal is to STRENGTHEN MINDS AND INSTILL HOPE in others. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Jamie Gaskin
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who earned my Master’s Degree in Counseling, with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health from Holy Cross University. I am a National Certified Counselor and a member of the American Counseling Association. I am currently advanced trained and working toward my certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Story Informed Trauma Therapy (SITT), and Play Therapy. Prior to working as a counselor, I have worked with populations that have been greatly impacted by trauma. My experience includes working with individuals, couples, and families dealing with a variety of traumatic and relational issues. I utilize an attachment framework derived from Emotionally Focused Therapy and Story Informed Trauma Therapy (SITT) to help my clients understand how they came to be who they are. Validating the client and how their behaviors make sense, aids in their understanding and acceptance of themselves. We can learn new behaviors once we have identified the unhealthy ones creating new cycles and securing bonds between partners. My counseling style is attachment-based, which means we look at what you learned by those who raised you, how you found comfort as a child, did you have anyone safe, were emotions safe to express and how are these items impacting your life today. We all struggle throughout life and I was no exception. Acknowledging the struggle is a huge step towards success along with finding the right therapist. We only know what we were taught and how to react to situations from those who raised us. You deserve to be the best you possible and I am here to help you find that. Let me help you discover new ways to a happy and healthier life.

Cynthia Fulton-Solomon
I have been a Licensed Master Social Worker for 25 years and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for 2 years. I received my masters degree from Southern University of New Orleans with a concentration in children, youth and families. I have a broad range of experience with all ages of clients. I enjoy working with a variety of ages, problems and situations. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivation al Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Behavioral Modification and client centered therapy primarily but often adjust my technique to meet the unique needs of my client. I have an easy-going, warm approach to therapy as well as life in general. I love to connect with others using empathy, listening and humor. I am currently working in the Juvenile Justice System with youth who have been adjudicated. I provide individual and group counseling focusing on goals that will help the youth meet the goals of probation and/or parole within the community. I have vast experience with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, Post Traumatic disorder, chronic homelessness and substance abuse issues. I also have experience with more severe mental health issues and personality disorders. My experiences also include assisting clients with adjustment from homelessness and resulting mental health issues, family and chronic medical issues. I have extensive experience working with elementary, middle and high school students to support academic, emotional, behavioral and social success when lesser interventions have not eliminated concerns. Provided individual and group counseling working on social and coping skills. Assisted teachers in understanding the familial, cultural and community components of students’ responses to instruction, learning, and academic success. It is with much admiration and respect that I engage with clients in the journey to wellness and good mental health. I look forward to hearing your story and concerns and working to find solutions.

John Collins
I have years of experience helping clients cope with both the symptoms as well as the underlying causes of their struggles with issues of anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression, difficulty managing anger, alcohol or other substance use disorders, and relational difficulties that often stem from low self-confidence and the need for updated and enhanced communication skills. My clinical style combines a personal approach that aims to make the client feel genuinely understood, supported, and safe. I utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions that help to update coping skills and strategies, while operating from a psychodynamic base that can facilitate both shorter- and longer-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for deeper-reaching, more stable positive change. I am also certified to provide EMDR when appropriate. I received a Master's degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2010. I currently reside in Louisiana.

Brenda Oliver
I am licensed in Louisiana with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, mood stability, family conflicts, anger management/emotional control, motivation, self-esteem and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan for improving your quality of living, to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and satisfactory life and to take the responsible first steps towards positive changes. I am pleased to be a helpful support to empower you in that journey.

Dr. Cheri Nyegaard-Holbrook
I am licensed in Louisiana with over 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, life changes, motivational coaching, and self care. 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 is courageous and I am proud of you for getting started!

Letisha Seals
I am licensed in Louisiana with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Leslie Wallace
I am licensed in Louisiana with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. The type of therapy that I do is psychodynamic therapy. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in the client's present behavior. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are client self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior. What does a psychodynamic therapy therapist do? In general, the therapist's role is to aid the client in connecting the dots between their past experiences and their current problems, and leverage their internal resources to address these problems. I also focus on the practice of mindfulness which, when done properly and with intention, can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Tonja Chopfield-Jackson
I am licensed in Louisiana with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, parenting issues, & anger management. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Find a therapist serving clients in Louisiana
What types of therapists are available to clients in Albany?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Albany that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Albany available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Albany therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Albany therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Albany region and in the state of Louisiana.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Albany can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Albany may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Albany offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.