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Tammi Rider

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Oil City
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I have worked in numerous areas of counseling and mental health for 25+ years, including inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, private practice, schools, home health and hospice . I have experience in depression, anxiety, stress, relationship counseling, substance abuse recovery, spirituality, trauma/post traumatic stress and behavioral issues with children/adolescents. My wide range of expertise helps in almost any issue you want to work on in life. I can help you with practical solutions to everyday issues. My focus is to empower you with information and practical tools, so you will meet your own goals for healing, growth and change. I am a compassionate counselor who has worked with people from all walks of life. My approach is getting to know you as an individual and helping you create a happy, fulfilling and balanced life.

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Melissa Averett

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

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

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Tatiyana Brown

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Oil City
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Louisiana, as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. I jumped right into the field of counseling after graduating with my undergraduate degree in Psychology. I would say I am able to see the counseling perspective from different viewpoints due to my various positions. My first position in the field was as an Intake Coordinator, which is where you first gather information on a client and get a feel as to which therapist would help to meet their needs. When I started graduate school, I began to see clients in individual and group settings. I am a person who likes a challenge, so I became certified in Anger Management and Substance Abuse. I thoroughly enjoy both mental health and substance abuse. I have now been practicing for 7 years but I have been in this field for 10. I am very passionate about couples, women’s issues and adolescents. I would say my main two approaches I use the most is Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral. I will always try to meet my client where they are at currently, but that does not mean I will not be direct in helping them move forward. I have been told often by clients that I am very direct and that is what keeps them coming back to see me. So, I am ready to help you, the client, tackling the issues you are facing today, in the past, and any future issues. Looking forward to working on these goals!

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Christopher Whittington

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Oil City
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC,NBCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemADHD
7 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, depression, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jeremy Thornhill

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Oil City
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
7 years of experience

My name is Jeremy, I'm in my 30's and I am licensed both as a LMFT and LPC. I have worked with families and individuals of all ages, races, sexualities, religions and gender identities in a variety of both outpatient and inpatient settings. I'm a classically trained systemic therapist who uses the MRI framework in my approach to therapy. To most people, this sentence will likely not hold much meaning. What this means in plain English is that I approach a client's identified problem by taking fully into account their entire context. By context, I mean a client's family, work and private life. This relies on a client being fully open with me, which understandably, is a very difficult thing to do. In my view, all problems are attempted solutions and are patterns of behavior which exist for a very good reason. I must stress that sometimes a client may find it preferable to keep their problems as sometimes change may be worse for them than the status quo. Therapy is not a process to be taken lightly and we live in a world where we often must choose between two undesirable outcomes. Not every client will feel that a therapist is a good fit for them, and that also includes myself. In the end, open communication will be the best way for both of us to check in with one another about the direction we are going in therapy. I look forward to meeting and getting to know you... and if change occurs, well, that would be very nice, too.

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Nikolya Sparks

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Oil City
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
25 years of experience

I am Nikolya T. Sparks. I have earned a B.A. in Psychology from THE Grambling State University & an M.A. in Counseling & Guidance from Louisiana Tech University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP) with 30+ years of clinical experience in both direct care & administrative roles. I began my career as a direct care provider years ago working with teens and young adults in a group home setting. I am experienced in managing the following concerns: relationship conflict, infidelity, low self-esteem, interpersonal relationship skills, anxiety, ADHD, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anger management, behavior management, anxiety & panic attacks, parent skills training, sexual abuse/trauma, unresolved grief, executive/professional coaching, independent living skills, crisis management, suicide prevention/aftercare and individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). I am here to support, encourage, empower & inspire you (and your families) to be the best versions of yourselves, which also helps to strengthen the family unit with education. This can only be achieved with active participation, desire to learn, willingness to change and/or grow. The fact that you showed up here and for yourself speaks to your commitment to growth! I am a native New Orleanian & proud member of the #WHODAT Nation. I encourage a healthy work-life balance & indulgence in self-care. Some of my self-care activities include prayer, journaling, spending time with my family, festivals, spoiling my two fur babies Bernie & Lady Lola, reading, planning (I’m a proud Planner Babe), traveling & serving my community. I am a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. I am also mother to one son, Brian Christopher. I'm also fortunate enough to have several "bonus" kids.

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Gina Todd

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Oil City
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 20 years of experience treating clients using the following clinical approaches: CBT, DBT, Trauma-informed therapy, Person-centered, Holistic, and Faith-informed. Populations served are children, teens and adults, which includes the LGBTQI and other multi-cultural communities. I will tailor your 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! -"As traumatized children, we always dreamed that someone would come and save us. We never dreamed that it would, in fact, be ourselves as adults."-Alice Little.

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Candance Grayson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Oil City
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 21.5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, & motivation, grief, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will customize 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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Teresa Taylor

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Oil City
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
5 years of experience

I became a counselor because I feel passionate in helping individual's find peace and harmony in their lives among their daily struggles. In this day and age, mental health self-care should be viewed equally as taking care of one's physical self-care, and I believe in taking care of mind, body and spirit. I believe it takes courage and strength to seek professional health in this world of judgement and darkness. "Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light". -Brene Brown I approach therapy by utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy. My goal is to help you connect and understand how your thoughts, actions, and behaviors cause stress, anxiety, and depression. Being human, we all face life’s challenges, trials, and tribulations leaving us with emotional turmoil. Together, we can develop goals to aid you to achieve your desired outcomes to live a life of meaning and purpose. I have worked with a diversity of adult and couples with diverse backgrounds struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar, anger issues, grief, and interpersonal conflict. I would consider it a privilege to be a part of your journey as you travel down the road to healing. “God is our refuge, our strength, and our ever-present help in trouble”. Psalms 46:1

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Samuel Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Oil City
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Nevada and West Virginia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Oil City

Finding the best therapist close by in Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City. 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 Oil City, 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 Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City, elsewhere in Caddo, 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 Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Oil City, 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 Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City 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 71061 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 Oil City counselor?

Before seeing your Oil City 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. Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City 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 Oil City, 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.

Oil City 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 Oil City, 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 Oil City 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 Oil City.

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

71061

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