Forest Hill had meager beginnings as a village before finally gaining city status in the 1950s. Even though the city grew by leaps and bounds in the 60s and 70s, it has remained a good place to settle down. But even in the most peaceful of cities, it is possible that individuals have problems arise that they can’t face or deal with alone.

If you are struggling with a stressful situation, or if you are suffering from mental or emotional difficulties, there is help available. Counselors in the Forest Hill area are available now to provide support and guidance. Contact a therapist today.

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Melissa Averett

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Forest Hill
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed,LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

My name is Melissa Averett. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned my Master Degree in Education Counseling at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2008. I’ve worked 4 years in a residential setting with woman recovering from addiction. I also worked 9 years providing outpatient counseling to adults for wide range of struggles and mental illness. I help Clients that have experienced the trauma of divorce begin the healing and forgiveness process. I use Person Centered Counseling to build rapport and help my clients identify their counseling need and set counseling goals. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Restructuring to help clients identify, dispute and restructure maladaptive thoughts into healthier thoughts and beliefs. I like to teach my clients about healthy boundaries, how to improve self esteem, choices and consequences, healthy coping skills and assertive communication skills to improve relationships. I will make a great effort to demonstrated warmth and empathy as we work on difficult issues toward your therapeutic goals.

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Dr. Keith Wilkerson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Forest Hill
Counselor License Type(s): Ph.D.,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
3 years of experience

I earned a Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in 2015. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) #LPC 6526 and hold a license with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners located at 8631 Summa Avenue, Baton Rouge, La. 70809 (225-765-2515). In addition to being licensed as an LPC in Louisiana, I hold a national certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC#630673). I believe that counseling encompasses a collaborative approach between the counselor and the client, and requires both working together to facilitate change in the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Counseling will require you to fully engage with me in the process, including inside and outside of the sessions. You may be asked to complete homework assignments, and this will partly determine whether we are accomplishing the stated counseling goals. I assist clients with addressing a variety of mental health concerns that significantly interferes with their ability to perform the primary aspects of daily living. I work with clients who experience family discord. I also assist clients who may be experiencing a crisis.

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Emily Bailey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Forest Hill
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Trauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersBipolar disorderADHD
21 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Emily. I am a mother, partner, friend, daughter, and all-around real-life person just like you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana with a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since becoming licensed in 2006, I have worked with individuals, couples, and families. I have worked with children, teens, adults, and geriatric clients. I am a person-centered therapist that adapts my style to the client and the situation. My counseling style is warm, friendly, and casual. I see the counseling process as one in which you and I work to develop trust and respect for one another in order to work as a team in identifying and interrupting cycles of problematic behaviors, develop adaptive life goals, and implement strategies to help you achieve those goals. There are a lot of "right" ways to do therapy. I have utilized and studied several counseling theories and techniques over the years. My style could be described as eclectic since I use techniques from many different theories in my practice. Some of the therapeutic approaches I tend to utilize in therapy include: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy, Narrative therapy, Strategic therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, systems theory, Mental Research Institute theory, Structural therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-focused therapy. I work with BetterHelp full-time and hold sessions on weekdays. My typical hours are as follows: Monday: 8am - 6pm Tuesday: 8am - 3pm Wednesday: 8am - 3pm Thursday: 8am - 6pm Friday: 8am - 6pm I look forward to meeting you and getting started on the therapeutic journey! Emily

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Aletha Nelson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Forest Hill
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementCoping with life changesADHD
7 years of experience

Hello! My name is Aletha A. Nelson. I am a licensed professional counselor in Louisiana. I have been a licensed counselor for 7 years. I have worked with a range of individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, stress related issues, self-esteem, and life transitions- just to name a few! I received a Master of Science in Rehab Counseling from University of North Texas. Therapy is an inviting place where every single part of you is welcome, even the parts that are uncomfortable to share. As a therapist, I am honored that you chose this process as your vehicle to healing. Therapy will be difficult sometimes and at others the most enjoyable part of your week. As your therapist. I welcome these opposing states and embrace them. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process between the therapist, individuals, families, groups, and organizations. I can help you identify goals and potential solutions to difficulties which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; promote behavior change and have optimal mental health. I will tailor your treatment plan based on your needs and goals and move at a pace that is best suited for you. My approach is client-centered, always, with other modalities I use depending on the presenting issues, such as, cognitive behavioral, solution focused and psychodynamic.

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Holly Perry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Forest Hill
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Debra (Debbie) Whatley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Forest Hill
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteem
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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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Donovan Harmon

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Forest Hill
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepressionADHD
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 16 years of professional work experience. I'm a National Board Certified Counselor, a National Certified School Counselor and Telehealth certified. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, ADHD, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. I've worked with clients ranging in ages from children to adolescents and adults. 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!

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Susan McMillian

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Forest Hill
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. I 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.

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Merian Carter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Forest Hill
LGBTAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, anger management, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Sonya Poole

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Forest Hill
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, & depression. 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. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Forest Hill

Finding the best therapist close by in Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill. 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 Forest Hill, 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill, elsewhere in Rapides, 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Forest Hill, 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 71430 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 Forest Hill counselor?

Before seeing your Forest Hill 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. Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill, 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.

Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill, 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 Forest Hill 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 Forest Hill.

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

71430

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