This is Shannon Tomkins's avatar and link to their profile

Shannon Tomkins

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Castor
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor licensed in Northern Virginia with 12 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, and school issues at a university. My counseling 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 motivational interviewing techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a 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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Mary Verberne

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Castor
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Louisiana since 2012. I am a friendly person from a rural area with a positive attitude. My focus is on individual counseling, tackling issues including depression, anxiety, attention issues, relationship problems, communication breakdown, and even parenting struggles. As a counselor my first goal is to build rapport with each client, to work to understand the individual along with their strengths. I utilize cognitive behavior therapy, strengths perspective, and solutions focused counseling. As we focus on the root of the problem that brought the client to counseling as well as identify triggers that cause symptoms to worsen. The goal of each counseling relationship is for the individual to learn coping skills and develop confidence in addressing triggers and ultimately the root cause of the problem. It is truly an honor to be allowed into an individual’s life during a vulnerable time. I sincerely respect anyone who has made the decision to reach out to improve their mental health and would be honored to walk with you through this journey. I have a Gerontology Certificate which makes the older adult population a specialty and I have completed research regarding caring for individual with Alzheimer’s disease. For five years I worked to provide support and education to individuals with any form of dementia as well as their caregivers and healthcare professionals. I then spent two years as a medical social worker in a rural area as I worked to connect individuals with resources as well support individuals through the aging process. Now, I am devoted to individual counseling and meeting the personal needs of each client.

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Robin Greenwood

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Castor
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Hello I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana and I have 15 years of professional experience. I have worked with many issues including depression, anxiety, life transition, grief and loss, trauma, and personal identity issues to name some. I take a wholistic approach that is client-centered and humanistic. I combine this with action oriented techniques to help my clients meet their goals. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment that is conducive to you doing the important work of dealing with your most personal and challenging issues. I am excited to work with you as you manage your personal journey!

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Cassie Maxwell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Castor
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hi, my name is Cassie Maxwell (she/her/hers), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years experience providing creative, client-centered, and strength-based therapy services here in Louisiana. I first want to recognize how big of an accomplishment it is to take your first step in finding someone to speak to. I hope after reading more about myself and my practice, we can take the next steps together in your journey toward reaching your personal goals. I have experience working with folks from culturally diverse backgrounds, and I am passionate about creating a safe space for my clients to share their stories. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have personal as well as clinical experience in helping folks navigate LGBTQ+ related issues. It is my priority to provide non-judgemental, multi-cultural, and trauma-informed treatment for those who are navigating a road that is more difficult than what many others experience. I also have experience working with clients to manage a wide variety of mental health and behavioral health diagnoses, including but not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Grief and Loss, ADHD, PTSD, and Bipolar. If you do not resonate with one of these I have listed, reach out to me and we can discuss if I would be the best therapist for you. I am here to help. If you decide to work with me, you can choose to have Video sessions, Phone sessions, and/or Live Chat sessions. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to speak with you and help you during what may be a difficult time in your life. Thank you! -- If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, either call 988 to request an ambulance, or go to your nearest Emergency Room. You can also call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988, or you can also text 988. I currently do not work with those experiencing active mental health crises, but I want you to be safe and receive the services you deserve. You can find more about the Crisis Resource 988 through the following link, including if you need someone to talk to immediately: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

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Shirley "Elizabeth" Loftin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Castor
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
40 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Louisiana with many years of experience. A partial list of the areas I have experience with includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and LGBTQ2+ and grief. I believe that you are the expert of your own life and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I look forward to getting to know you and to guide you in finding those strengths, as well as developing new ones. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Portia Morrison

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Castor
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in different age groups, including adolescents and teens, with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Karen Valteau-Williams

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Castor
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana, New Mexico, and New Hampshire with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Douglas Rose

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Castor
Depression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with Depression, Anger issues, LGBTQ issues, HIV/ AIDS issues. 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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Aundi Barabino

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Castor
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in the State Louisiana and Virginia. I have 7 + years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Melissa Williams

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Castor
Trauma and abuse
18 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Louisiana with 18 years of professional experience, specializing in helping clients navigate trauma and abuse. I graduated from Nicholls State University with a Master’s degree in Psychological Counseling, which laid the foundation for my comprehensive understanding of mental health and therapeutic practices. Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing them with the support and tools needed to heal and reclaim their lives. My extensive experience has equipped me with a deep empathy and a nuanced approach to addressing the complex needs of trauma survivors. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and possess numerous strengths that will aid you in overcoming your challenges. My approach to therapy is client-centered and trauma-focused, ensuring that your unique experiences and needs guide our work together. I emphasize a holistic perspective, recognizing the importance of addressing not just the psychological aspects of trauma but also the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions to support your overall well-being. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy requires courage, and I am proud of you for making this important decision. It is an honor to be part of your journey toward healing and personal growth, and I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for you to explore and overcome your challenges. I look forward to working with you!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Castor

Finding the best therapist close by in Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor. 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 Castor, 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 Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor, elsewhere in Bienville, 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 Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Castor, 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 Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor 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 71016 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 Castor counselor?

Before seeing your Castor 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. Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor 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 Castor, 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.

Castor 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 Castor, Louisiana

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 Castor 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 Castor.

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

71016

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