This is Michelle Waguespack's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Waguespack

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Harrisonburg
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
12 years of experience

I am an LPC licensed in the state of Louisiana. My counseling experience has spanned the university, business, and private practice settings. Although my degree focus is in the marriage and family area, I built a specialty in career counseling working with all stages and phases of career issues. In addition, I am passionate about working with clients in the areas of communication, anxiety, grief& loss, confidence building, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. I believe that good therapy comes from a warm, non-judgmental professional relationship. I will work with you to help you achieve your goals and live your best life. My counseling approach is collaborative, and client focused and I would be honored to work with you.

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Maria Sands

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Harrisonburg
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepression
12 years of experience

My name is Maria Sands. I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work and a State license to practice Social Work in Louisiana. I practice from a Bio-Psycho-Social perspective; that is, I look at the whole person as an Individual who is also part of society. I have worked in medical and psychiatric venues which adds to my ability to address issues such as comorbidities and psychotropic medications. My specialties include Anxiety Disorder, ADHD, Bi-Polar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder. I use CBT, Deep Relaxation Techniques, Self-Affirmations and Journaling among other techniques and treatment approaches to address these disorders. I have had a good deal of experience with adults and the elderly with pre-existing conditions, such as kidney failure. I think I can help because I come from a Bio-Psycho-Social perspective and because I tailor my treatment approach to the clients I am treating. Different techniques work better for different people.

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Matthew Johnson, III

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Harrisonburg
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,BACS
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
24 years of experience

My name is Matthew Johnson III, LCSW BACS. I have been a social worker for 24 years. I've been an LCSW for 20 year. My experiences are in addictions and bereavement, which help me to work with anxiety, depression, PTSD, Trauma, and family issues. My approach is a client centered approach, and I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with a process oriented clinical environment to allow you to feel comfortable expressing your feelings, having your thoughts and feelings validated and then getting constructive feedback, by working collaboratively with you to help you resolve your current struggles. Our sessions will also help you to grow emotionally by learning to process your negative feelings appropriately, learn better coping strategies to help you thrive and most importantly to help you in your the process of transformation. This is becoming the person that you want to be. I have experience working with individuals, couples and families. As you learn to change how you think, feel and act, you will change yourself and hence change your world for the better. I look forward to working with you to help accomplish your life goals.

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Sarah Bodden-Cheffen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Harrisonburg
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & depression. I have had the pleasure to work with the LGBTQ+ community to assist with relationships issues, self-esteem, guilt, or shame. My therapeutic approach comes from a Client Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy to name few. 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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Dr. Aurthur Goodwin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Harrisonburg
Counselor License Type(s): DPC-Doctor of Professional Counseling ,LPC,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsDepression
7 years of experience

My formal education has prepared me to counsel individual adults, adolescents, and children; groups; couples; parents; and families. I have completed specific course work in working with at-risk youth, LGBTQ population, individual with gender related issues, chemically dependent individuals, individuals/group in crisis situations, and clients with personality disorders. Currently, I hold a doctorate in professional counseling and a license of professional counseling. I currently work as a director of therapeutic service and student support service for a achievement school district in the Delta of Mississippi. Counseling Background I have worked with the following populations: Elderly (Caring Days, Community Counseling Services), Intellectually Disable (Community Counseling Services), At-risk youth children/adolescents with behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric issues (Diamond Grove Center), addicts, and college population. As previously stated, I offer individual, group, and family services to individual with personal, behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric issues. My theoretical orientation is Reality Therapy, which is cognitive based in its approach, due to my alignment with William Glasser perspective on human nature and behavior. His beliefs align with not helping people find defenses for their negative or inappropriate behaviors, but helping them acknowledge their behavior as being inappropriate or negative and then to learn how to act in a more logical and productive manner.

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Steven Hayes

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Harrisonburg
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,MA,CCM
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
3 years of experience

Sometimes we really want growth, change and/or to just feel better, but we can be scared to take those first steps to making change. I am here to help you navigate through new, changing and/or challenging waters. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Texas with 10 years of experience working as a therapist, I also have had a good career as a college professor and special education teacher. I am a nurturing individual who also can be direct which is a plus if you want to reach your goals with the help of someone with a broad base of experience and approaches to effect change. It is important to know yourself and your social world and I am here to help with that growth. My first love led me to a graduate degree in sociology and I bring that nuance to the conversation which has proven helpful (and a bit fun!) My counseling style is direct, and interactive and solution focused. In our therapeutic relationship you are the captain and I am the first mate- we make choices and action plans together for your good and to help you reach the highest evolution of self possible. My approach to the work we do together combines Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic and reality therapy . Together, we tailor our conversations 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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Brandi Kelly

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Harrisonburg
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, depression, & 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 work to combine my clinical expertise with a holistic approach to treatment. Wellness and self-care are key components to getting the most out of treatment and maintaining any treatment progress. I believe each person has unique strengths and challenges and my approach will be tailored to your needs. I work to assure that each client feels comfortable in therapy and that therapy incorporates personal preferences and considers the diverse backgrounds of each individual. I also have substantial experience adapting therapeutic approaches for individuals with neurological or communication differences. 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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Laine Thornburg

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Harrisonburg
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 20 years of professional work experience. I'm currently a counselor in higher education and also have a part-time counseling practice. On this platform I only work with women. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I am a person-centered therapist and practice solution-focused brief therapy. My goal is to help you realize your own value as a person and help you navigate life in such a way that you can be content being who you are. I practice on this platform like a traditional counseling practice, meaning we would typically meet via a weekly video session, and I respond to messages as needed during regular business hours and by the next business day if not sooner. Again, I only work with women. If you desire a different relationship you may wish to search for another counselor. However, I'm hopeful you may find this works for you. Please feel free to check my calendar for availability and schedule your first session to discuss expectations. I look forward to meeting you! Laine

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Dr. LaCrystal Wilson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Harrisonburg
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 11 years of professional work experience and am committed to providing the highest quality of care to promote healing and growth. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, academic issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I will combine traditional therapy with alternative treatments to achieve your goals. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Beginning the journey to sign up for therapy requires being vulnerable and I commend you for taking the first step. I look forward to connecting with you!

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Alaina Glover

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Harrisonburg
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseCompassion fatigueADHD
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in working with clients struggling with a variety of mental health needs and concerns from depression, stress and anxiety, and trauma and abuse. 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!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Harrisonburg

Finding the best therapist close by in Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg. 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 Harrisonburg, 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg, elsewhere in Catahoula, 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Harrisonburg, 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 71340 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 Harrisonburg counselor?

Before seeing your Harrisonburg 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. Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg, 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.

Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg, 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 Harrisonburg 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 Harrisonburg.

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

71340

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