Monica Cruz
Greetings! If you are reading this then you have taken the first step towards creating your new and improved self. This is often very difficult and I commend you on your courage and resolve. The road to self-improvement is often a lifelong journey and many people run into difficulties of all sorts along the way. Do not be discouraged! You are not alone. My goal is to give you supportive help and solutions to the best of my ability. I am committed to listening to your personal situation and assisting you with formulating and implementing goals for you to achieve incremental improvement. Let's start by me telling you a little about myself. I am currently an LCSW with 11 years of experience helping a diverse range of people from many different cultural backgrounds. People have always described me as a good listener and problem solver. While working together I can assure you I will never judge. We are all in this together! People would also call me driven and compassionate. I am devoted to working with you to elevate your well-being and overall quality of life. I specialize in Behavioral Therapy utilizing a wide array of interventions and treatment plans. Together we will formulate a personalized plan for you and discuss the steps needed for you to enact that plan in portions that are manageable to you and your situation. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you!
Rachel Hinton
Hi ! Welcome to the BetterHelp Community. I am Rachel Murphy Hinton, a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am licensed in the State of Louisiana and can provide services to people who are physically in Louisiana at the time of sessions. I offer Individual, Family, and Couples/Relationship/Marriage Counseling. I have fallen in love with tele therapy and as a result, have transitioned my practice to full time tele therapy! Based on the Louisiana LPC rules regarding TeleTherapy, I am able to provide tele therapy sessions by video sessions or phone sessions. While I am able to message, the messaging is used for example to schedule and reschedule appointments, and I am not able to provide the therapy sessions through messaging. I often say that Life is a Journey...it's such a journey...and We're all on it! I've recently added to that, saying... "and there is room for all of us!" I have also often said that I believe it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help. And the truth is, we all need help...none of us can do it on our own! My passion is to create a safe space for people to be able to talk about whatever it is that they are coping with ...and for some of us, to be able to say out loud the things that are hard to say out loud. I believe that the counseling relationship is a unique relationship. I believe so much of what makes counseling work is the relationship and the fact that it is nonjudgmental. My style is warm, inviting, and engaging. I have been in private practice for 20+ years. I have worked with a variety of populations over the years. I have an outstanding background as a positive and energetic therapist with a high standard of excellence, professionalism, and ethics. I have provided services addressing numerous issues such as: anger management, domestic violence, substance abuse issues (for clients and for family members affected by one's substance use/abuse issues), stress management, mood management, depression, anxiety, grief issues, trauma, sexual abuse, physical abuse, adjustment issues, life changes, divorce, and relationship issues. I have experience with and am comfortable working with people of various ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Again, I emphasize the importance of the counseling relationship and connecting with people and building the relationship in counseling. I also believe in the quote "you are stronger than you know you are and you are more beautiful than you know you are." I often find that in counseling, as we explore coping skills, we are also identifying and sharpening many existing strengths....and that people are stronger than they know they are! My approach is a mixture of client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Emotionally Focused Therapy is used in Individual, Relationship/Couples and Family Counseling. It is an honor to walk with you on the journey through counseling. I look forward to connecting with you.
Heather Wiltshire
Welcome to BetterHelp. It is not always easy to make the decision to get counseling and actually make a call or log on to a website. Congratulations for taking the first step. My name is Heather Wiltshire and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in Louisiana and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I have over 20 years experience working with adolescents, teens, and adults. My clinical approach is solution-based while also using cognitive behavioral techniques. I am comfortable working with a range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, life changes, parenting, relationships, and sometimes just life. I believe that counseling is a place to talk to someone, without judgement, to work out a plan and take steps towards feeling better. If we get to work together, I look forward taking that path with you.
Curtis Spears
Thank you very much for checking here: I hope to be of service to you. My 13+ years of experience includes many years of counseling and listening, across various cultures, ages and personal client needs, with a few years as adjunct professor at Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA: 3 years of work as a patient counselor in a hospital psychiatric unit, and 3 years of practice in a pediatric clinic. My current solo practice is empathetic, accepting and non-judgmental, having also practiced as an EAP (employee counselor) in a very large hospital and city system, in which I was required to see anyone for any situation or issue they may bring to counseling. This unique opportunity provided me with insights and understanding of people beyond my own personal scope of experience. I believe this has made me more sensitive to the needs, hurts and stress of the various clients I serve. I am generally available 7 days a week for appointments, because I really do enjoy my practice and my clients. I am old enough to enjoy my 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, together with my wife in a delightful sharing relationship. This creates a relaxed, accepting and strong relationship and family foundation for your co unseling needs. My personal strengths hopefully convey to you a caring and positive mindset as we work together. Hope to hear from you soon!
Melissa Robles
Hello! My name is Melissa Robles and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Louisiana. I’ve been practicing in the mental health field for the last 5 years. I’ve worked in a variety of settings including schools, short-term inpatient mental health hospitals, clinics and agency settings. Within these settings I’ve worked with clients in a wide range of concerns including trauma, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, victims and witnesses of crime, parenting problems, career challenges, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and life transitions. I’ve facilitated groups and individual sessions as well. My counseling style is warm and inviting. I believe that trust should be established, and the work will naturally flow through a safe environment. I also believe that LAUGHTER is truly therapeutic! I incorporate a holistic, multicultural and integrative approach to treatment. I combine multiple therapy techniques including but not limited to cognitive-behavioral, trauma-focused, psychodynamic and solution-focused techniques. However, I meet the client where they are and tailor what is necessary to help in the achievement of accomplishing goals. Let’s get started!
Emily Wilson
I am licensed professional counselor in Arkansas & Louisiana, a License Marriage and Family Therapist in Louisiana, a nationally licensed Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Clinical Licensed Professional Counselor in Maine. Over the past 20 years I have worked in a variety of settings allowing experience in multiple areas. I have Bachelor's Degrees in Biology and Psychology, and a master Degree in Counseling and Guidance. I have experience in addictions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, military issues, abuse issues, relationship problems just to name a few. My therapy style is eclectic by nature, I don't believe in one size fit all therapy. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific immediate and long term needs. I look forward to working with you!
Sherita Brown-Mims
I am licensed in Louisiana and Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have 16 years of experience counseling youth. I have experience as a teacher of multiple grades and as a school counselor. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with life changes. I believe that clients benefit from effective communication and clients have many strengths that will assist them in overcoming challenges. Taking the huge step to sign up for therapy is courageous and I am excited about getting started!
Vanessa Batiste-Leal
I am licensed in Louisiana with over seven years of professional work experience. I have experience working with athletes (youth, amateur, semi-pro, pro, and retired) who are experiencing stress and anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Shaterrika Williams
I am licensed in Louisiana with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.
Tracye Valentine
Thank you for reaching out! I am a clinical supervisor and therapist licensed in Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health Service Provider and have board certification as National Certified Counselor. I have years of experience working with clients with a wide range of mental and behavioral health needs including: trauma, depression, anxiety, parenting issues, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, parenting and have been trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have experience working with child and adolescent counseling and adults. I am a counselor who is very client-focused and believe in treatment planning and objectives that are reasonable and attainable. It is very important to build a rapport with the client and the pair working to identify objectives and goals of treatment. Some of the treatment modalities used are cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational-emotive therapy, narrative therapy and psychodynamic models of therapy. Therapy models of treatment generally consist of a combination of modalities. I applaud you for seeking help to find resolution and/or to reach lifelong goals by taking steps to achieve them by seeking assistance. It seems like you are ready and I am available to work with you in reaching and creating a plan to maintain those goals! I look forward to working together!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Ashland
Finding the best therapist close by in Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland. 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 Ashland, 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 Ashland region and in the state of Louisiana. 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 Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland, elsewhere in Natchitoches, or in the greater state of Louisiana. 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 Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland may not take health insurance, some in the state of Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Ashland online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Ashland, Louisiana 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 Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland 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 LA, 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 71070 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 Ashland counselor?
Before seeing your Ashland 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. Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland 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 Ashland, Louisiana 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.
Ashland 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 Ashland, Louisiana
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Ashland 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Ashland:
71002, 71070