This is Dr. Gina DeArth-Pendley's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Gina DeArth-Pendley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Westwood
Counselor License Type(s): PhD
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCompassion fatigueADHD
22 years of experience

Hello! I commend you for reaching out to gain counseling help with the challenges you are facing. I would be honored to work with you. Please allow me to share my professional background with you. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been in the counseling profession for over 20 years. I earned my doctorate degree from the University of Notre Dame where I gained invaluable research and counseling experience in Family Systems, Attachment, and Interpersonal therapies. I have extensive counseling experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in outpatient and inpatient mental health agencies, as well as juvenile justice and alternative school settings, across the US, including Washington, DC, Maryland, California, Indiana, and Kentucky. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including ADHD, depression, anxiety, personal growth challenges, prejudice and discrimination, couples counseling, family conflicts, parenting issues, problems with self-esteem, compassion fatigue, and developing a healthy sense of self. My counseling style and approach includes interventions from Person-Centered therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, Multicultural Psychology, Self and Interpersonal Psychology, Attachment-based therapy, Narrative therapy, and Existential therapy. My therapeutic style involves active listening and creating a safe, non-judgmental environment in which we can work together as a team to develop strategies that will help you make positive changes in your life. I will provide you with guidance, encouragement, and concrete tools whenever possible to help you reach your goals and overcome obstacles standing in the way of those goals. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

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Tiffany Bryant

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Westwood
Counselor License Type(s): MRC,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
13 years of experience

Hello! My name is Tiffany and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor and I have been in the field for fifteen years. I have a bachelor's degree in psychology from Kentucky State University and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling. I help individuals get more insight and clarity about what is going on in their lives and how to process issues so that they can figure out their next steps. Sometimes we can find ourselves in cycles and/or ruts and it would be my goal to help you not repeat those unhealthy cycles in your life. I want you to feel comfortable with me and to know that there is no judgement in our sessions as you are being courageous enough to allow yourself to be open and vulnerable with yourself and me. You are not alone in this process and we will work together to reach your goals.

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Melissa Pickett

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Westwood
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

“People start to heal the moment they feel heard.” I have worked in the mental health field for 9 years. I have experience in working with children, adolescents and adults. Some of the disorders I have treated include anxiety, depression, severe mental illness, grief, trauma and addiction. I specialize in treating OCD with the use of ERP, Exposure Response Prevention. I have also worked closely with couples and families to assist with strengthening relationships and family bonds. I am certified in DBT and utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches to include MI, CBT, SFT, talk therapy. My mission is to provide people with a safe and confidential place to offer help, guidance and to improve stability and quality of life. Your emotional well being is my number one priority. If you are ready to begin taking steps toward a more healthy, peaceful, grounded and mindful way of life, please take the first step and reach out.

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Debra Aquino

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Westwood
Counselor License Type(s): MSSW LCSW
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemADHD
3 years of experience

I am an LCSW therapist licensed in Kentucky with over 5 years of experience working as a psycho counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, mindfulness, motivational-interview, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Tonya Wacker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Westwood
Counselor License Type(s): LPCC
LGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Have you been struggling with finding peace of mind? Are you tired of hunting for happiness and feel like living life every day has become a struggle? Have stress and anxiety taken over your life? Do you feel like things or relationships in your past, are casting a shadow on your future? Have you forgotten or are struggling to find what is unique, special and wonderful about you? Counseling may be the answer to helping you discover who are, what you want to become and develop a plan to build a brighter future. In a society where we are judged by differences and weaknesses it is difficult to remember your strengths. I believe that every human being regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background deserves to have a life filled with respect, love, contentment, and companionship and use several treatment modalities to help clients find learn to identify, appreciate and celebrate the multicolor facets that make them special. I do this using several treatment modalities tailored to fit the needs of the client. I offer client centered and solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral and cognitive processing therapies, existential and art therapies. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I treat a wide range of mental health challenges including anxiety and stress, mood disorders, trauma, depression, sexuality, sexual identity, alternative lifestyles, coping with chronic illness, military family life, and life transitions. I have 30 years of working with couples, members of alternative lifestyles, service members, families and support system members. I want to collaborate with you to create a Therapeutic plan for positive outcomes. My approach is eclectic, eccentric, creative, nerdy and tailored to the needs of each individual. I want to help you develop ways to cope with life’s struggles and process old triggers holding you back so that they can rediscover happiness and a sense of wonder in your world.

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Melissa Doll

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Westwood
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I love to work through challenges using the talents and strengths of my clients, including art, music, writing, and physical activity. 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.

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Jessica Jacobs

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Westwood
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Washington state and Kentucky with over 10 years of professional work experience. I aim to provide a non-judgmental space to walk alongside you in your journey of learning new ways to process life’s challenges and difficult emotions related, to understand one’s self, and better relate to the world around you. Our time together will be focused on understanding yourself more fully, resolving conflicts, processing your pain, and identifying together your less than helpful coping mechanisms to find peace and freedom. Therapy is your process; I just help facilitate the process alongside you. My goal in our work together is meet you exactly where you are, seek to understand you and empower you.

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Monna Kendrick

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Westwood
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
15 years of experience

I have been licensed in the state of Kentucky since 2013. My primary experience has been inpatient care; both acute and residential. I’ve worked with people of all ages, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, levels of education, and more. Depression, anxiety, panic, family and relationship issues, self image issues, abuse, grief, trauma, effective communication are some of the areas that I have treated. My view of therapy is one of support and education through active listening and empathy. I provide a safe space that focuses on the client above all else.

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Bailey VanMeter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Westwood
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Kentucky with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I often use a strengths based approach. I fully believe each and every one of us have strengths that we can tap into to foster a healthier, happier life! 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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Dustin Hawkins

Clinical therapist offering therapy in KY, Westwood
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Indiana and Kentucky with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & trauma and abuse. 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. 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 a therapist for counseling in Westwood

Finding the best therapist close by in Westwood 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 with therapists in Westwood that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Westwood. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Westwood, 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Westwood region and in the state of Kentucky. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Westwood or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Westwood therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Westwood area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Westwood, elsewhere in Jefferson, or in the greater state of Kentucky. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Westwood therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Westwood due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Westwood may not take health insurance, some in the state of Kentucky may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Kentucky you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Westwood online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Westwood, Kentucky 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 Westwood psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Westwood 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified 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.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Westwood provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Westwood?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Westwood 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists 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 Westwood 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 Westwood 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in KY, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 40242 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Westwood counselor?

Before seeing your Westwood therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Westwood therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. 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 for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Westwood 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 with a Westwood counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Westwood, Kentucky 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.

Westwood has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Westwood, Kentucky

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 Westwood 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 to customer service 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 Westwood.

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

40242

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