Professional counseling with a therapist in Lafayette, LA, can help you define present problem situations and develop future goals. Therapy is different from life coaching as counseling services can help you manage the symptoms of mental health conditions, like eating disorders, anxiety, and depression, and learn how to manage a range of mental health challenges and life experiences, from physical abuse to low self-esteem.

If you’re looking for a therapist, you can make an appointment with a local independent practice or use an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. While BetterHelp therapists do not work with children or use play therapy in sessions, they are experienced with a range of treatment approaches for adults, including art therapy and commitment therapy.

Working with a professional in the mental health field can help you learn to manage life stressors and work toward an improved life. Connect with a Lafayette-based therapist below to get started.

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Lindsay Lee

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Lafayette
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

Congratulations on making it here! It is extremely brave to ask for help and you're making a huge first step. My name is Lindsay Lee and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Louisiana and Colorado. My practice has taken me to work with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crime in North Carolina; individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness in Louisiana, young people experiencing trauma and loss in New Orleans schools, military families coping with deployment, professionals struggling with compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress, and most recently providing supervision to new social workers in Colorado. I earned my Master's in Social Work at Tulane University, with a certificate in International Social Work. Over my ten years of practice in social work I have learned that relationships are central to how we function in the world, Our relationships with our family, friends, co-workers, and educators impact the quality of our lives in important ways. This applies to the counseling relationship too. It is critical that we find the right fit and style that feels comfortable for your needs and your life. It would be a privilege to help you on your journey.

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Drauzin Kern

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Lafayette
Counselor License Type(s): MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

My name is Drauzin Kern and I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker. Over the past thirty 36 years, I have been fortunate to have worked closely with clients over a broad range of challenges including depression, coping with grief and loss, LGBTQIA+ related concerns, relationship issues, compassion fatigue and managing life-changes. I completed my graduate studies at Columbia University School of Social Work in New York in 1988 and I practiced psychotherapy in New York, California and Louisiana. My husband Nick and I currently make our home in South Louisiana, USA, along with a wonderful cat named Willis. Being a therapist is my life’s work. My intention is to meet every client with respect, understanding, compassion and without judgement. My theoretical approach incorporates Humanistic and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and I work collaboratively with every client to develop a treatment plan that will best address their needs. I have great admiration for every person that chooses the path of vulnerability when entering therapy. Vulnerability, according to Brene Brown, is STRENGTH. But it can take great courage to embrace our vulnerable humanity, but when we do, we are already on the path of transformation and joy. Vulnerability allows us to "speak our truth," and the TRUTH always sets us free. Best wishes!

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Leigh Partridge

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Lafayette
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, a National Certified Counselor, and have over twenty-six years of behavioral health experience in a variety of diverse settings including public and private mental health clinics, schools, and hospitals. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, motivation, ADHD, and trauma. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines client-centered, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral. I will work with you, the client, to develop a treatment plan that focuses on your unique specific needs. My goal is to aid each client in reaching their full potential while learning to balance life’s challenges in a healthy manner. It takes courage to seek 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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Ebony Yelder

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Lafayette
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

Hello! My name is Ebony Yelder and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing counseling and psychiatric services. I have worked in a variety of settings to include, behavioral health hospitals, outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, in home counseling, as well as for the Department of Defense providing counseling services for our military and their families. I am passionate about helping individuals cope with daily life challenges as well as more complex mental health concerns. I received my Bachelor’s in psychology from Penn State University and my Master’s in psychology from Argosy University. My passion for helping people was born out of working as a case worker in New York City for foster children early in my career. My therapeutic approach incorporates Client Centered, Positive Psychology and Solution Focused modalities. I believe that the single most important factor in being able to effectively support a client seeking treatment is by first establishing a strong and quality rapport. Reaching out for help can so often be scary as well as an anxiety producing. Therefore, I make sure to provide a safe space for my clients to feel comfortable addressing the issues that are important to them by instilling confidence that there will always be unconditional positive regard. Together we can take this journey and collaborate on ways to help you achieve your goals and optimal emotional health! Congratulations on taking such a big step to reach out for help and support! Well done!

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Aarin Mitchell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Lafayette
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

My name is Aarin Mitchel. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Arkansas and Louisiana with over 20 years of experience working with children, teenagers, adults and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting problems, self esteem issues, impulsive behaviors, anger and aggression, self harm behaviors and suicidal ideations. I also helped many people who have experienced domestic violence and other abuse including physical, emotional and sexual. My therapy style is caring, open minded and interactive. I strive at being a good listener and creative thinker. I have always believed it is important to treat everyone as an individual and fairly. I aspire to do this using respect, sensitivity, and compassion, in addition to refraining from labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, including trauma focused and person center therapy. I look forward to working with you.

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Ila Rice

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Lafayette
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionADHD
8 years of experience

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!

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Ly'Nella McCray

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Lafayette
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Marilla Chapman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Lafayette
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
3 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, lgbt-related issues, relationship 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. 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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Charniece C. Scott

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Lafayette
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Social Worker, licensed in Louisiana with almost 10 years of experience working as a family therapist and a Social Worker in a school-based setting. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. My therapy 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 cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards 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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Ursula Batiste

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Lafayette
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & depression. 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 Lafayette

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

Therapists in Lafayette, 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 70598 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 Lafayette counselor?

Before seeing your Lafayette 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. Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette, 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.

Lafayette 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 Lafayette, 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette.

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

70501, 70502, 70503, 70504, 70505, 70506, 70507, 70508, 70509, 70593, 70596, 70598

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