Marissa Kent
Hi! My name is Marissa Kent and I am a licensed professional counselor in the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. I have over a decade's worth of experience in the mental health field, the last eight of those years working with various populations as a counselor/therapist. I have worked with individuals dealing with a range of concerns and have the most experience with depression, anxiety and stress, anger management, and relationship issues. I got into the field of counseling because I love helping people. There are few things better than seeing someone reach a goal or fulfill their potential. I believe in treating people with respect and getting to know their story. It helps me gain a deeper understanding for who they are, the family and cultural values, beliefs, and traditions they hold dear, and the goals they would like to achieve in counseling. My approach in counseling is an eclectic mix that primarily combines cognitive behavioral and person-centered techniques, but the specifics of how I work with each individual is as unique as the individual. I realize that it can be challenging to tackle some of life's concerns head-on, so my goal is to empower you by highlighting the strengths you already possess and give you additional tools needed to accomplish your goals. Congratulations on taking the first step! I look forward to working with you.
Carmen Kinzy
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. I view counseling as a collaborative relationship in which the client and I work together to explore the current problematic issues and develop goals to address these issues. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, behavioral issues and communication and relationships. I work with children, adults, teens, couples, and families of all backgrounds.
Michelle Waguespack
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.
Pamella Divinity
Hello and welcome! I want to applaud you for initiating the process of therapy to assist you in addressing your most pressing concerns at this time. Life is full of challenges and we all need someone to come along side and help us during those times of challenge. My name is Pamella B. Divinity and I am a LPC. I earned a Master of Counselor Education degree with a focus in Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling in July 2015. I realized early in my life that people were naturally drawn to me—family, friends, and strangers alike entrusted me with their most sacred personal dilemmas because they felt comfortable and safe. I attribute this to possessing a genuine heart to help others. Interestingly, it never crossed my mind to consider counseling as a career choice and thereby took a different path. In April of 2011, I found myself at a ‘crossroads’ and needed to make a decision about what was next. During that process, I realized that my desire to help empower others would inspire me to return to school. It was at this time I realized that being in the helping profession was not just something I was considering as a career choice, it was part of my “calling.” For nearly 10 years, I have worked in a variety of settings with specialized groups which included college students, women (18 and above), youth (11-17), but have also worked with various populations experiencing various mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, family/relationship issues, anger management, stress management, and trauma. Additionally, I have counseled from a ministry perspective for over twenty-seven years and am able to integrate both the spiritual and clinical aspect of counseling when desired by the client. As a therapist, I employ an eclectic therapy approach to ensure interventions are tailored to each client’s needs. I possess a desire to help individuals and families be strengthened and empowered to navigate life’s challenges successfully, ultimately emerging to be their best selves. I believe that the therapist-client relationship should focus on learning the "root cause" of present and past issues, empower clients with necessary knowledge and encourage consistent implementation so that "transformation" is realized. I am dedicated to assisting my clients to achieve their maximum level of independent functioning throughout the therapeutic experience. In order to achieve this I believe two vital elements are essential-- first, the establishment of a strong therapist-client relationship that is based on trust, safety, and transparency. Secondly, I believe the client must possess a desire and motivation for change. To that end, I would count it an honor and a privilege to partner with you!
Debbie Franzen-Lang
I earned an M.Ed. Degree from Northeast Louisiana University in 1991. An LPC-S # 3527 with the Licensed Professional Counseling Board. 11410 Lake Sherwood Ave North Suite A, Baton Rouge. LA 70816 Telephone Number: 225-295-8444 (phone) 225-295-8448 (fax). A scholar in the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University. I see counseling as a process in which you, the client, and I, the counselor, have come to understand and trust one another. We will work as a team to explore and define present problems, and situations, develop future goals for improved life and work systematically toward realizing those goals. I have a Clinical general and Telehealth practice focusing on individual clients, couples, family issues and the military population. I hold national certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) # 245996. I hold appraisal privilege and Supervision designation with the Louisiana LPC Board. As an LPC-S, I am required by state law to adhere to the Code of Conduct for practice that my licensing Board has adopted. A copy of this Code of conduct is available upon request. I approach counseling from a humanistic perspective that infuses positivity, reflection, and encouragement. I work with a variety of clients including individuals, couples, and families. I also conduct group therapy. I see clients of all ages and backgrounds. I do not work independently with children under six years of age.
Arthur Scudari
Hi, this is Art, I've been working in the mental health field for 28 years and as a licensed counselor since 2007. Have you ever had a problem or issue that you are concerned about? We all have. So, what do we do? We first try talking to our relatives or close friends. They are usually helpful and caring but they have their own thoughts about what we should do. It may involve another relative or friend whom they also know. Our issue may be very private and even embarrassing to speak about to someone we know. Have we ever considered speaking with a counselor? Oh, no, only crazy insecure people speak to counselors. That's how I felt over 25 years ago when going through a painful divorce. I needed to talk with someone that did not know anyone in my life to share my thoughts and experiences. Making the decision to seek counseling resulted in my personal realizations and growth that led me to where I am today! As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) I am highly trained to be totally present with a client. That means total listening without interruptions, no cellphone ringing, etc. I am also trained to keep your information confidential, with the rare exception if you are presenting a danger to yourself or others. I am client centered. I meet you where you are and walk beside you during a part of your life's journey. I also use breathing and meditation training to teach and experience mindfulness with each client. I utilize numerous techniques that I have learned to help my clients. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Casey Gonzales
I am licensed in Louisiana with 17 years of professional psychotherapy experience. Additionally, I have also been a board certified telemental health therapist for 3 years. I have experience in helping adult and adolescent clients with stress and anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). My main therapeutic approach is the use of cognitive-behavioral theory, which focuses on changing beliefs and behaviors. I also use methods from a variety of other theories (i.e., Attachment-based, Gestalt, psychodynamic, existential, rational-emotive behavioral therapy, etc.) as they suit your needs. I possess and depend on qualities such as empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness. I believe the therapist-client relationship is a microcosm of the real world. The client’s ultimate goal is to be able to develop trust with me and generalize our interactions to other relationships they will develop and maintain throughout their lives. Seeking out therapy can be an overwhelming task in itself and admitting to needing support is key to building a strong foundation for making changes. I look forward to working together to meet your goals toward a more fulfilling life.
Debra (Debbie) Whatley
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.
Ashley Salone
I am licensed in Louisiana with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, 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. 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.
Ila Rice
I am licensed in Louisiana with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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!
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 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 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:
- 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 Harrisonburg:
71340