Melissa Averett
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.
Joshua Carpenter
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Louisiana with 15 years of experience in the counseling discipline. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of New Orleans in 2005 and subsequently completed my Master of Science in Education in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling from Hofstra University on Long Island, NY in 2008. I've been licensed as a mental health professional since 2011 and have extensive experience working with a broad array of mental health concerns. These include working in private practice, non-profit psychiatric rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation, and managed care. I am skilled with working with adults as well as families and couples dealing with everything from adjustment-related difficulties coping with change to severe and persistent mental illness including psychosis, panic disorders, and serious mood disorders. I also have specialized training related to employment and career counseling needs as well as issues related to co-occurring physical disabilities and illness. I typically take a person-centered approach emphasizing mutually agreed upon goals and working together on achieving specific objectives aimed towards making progress towards these goals. I believe a compassionate, understanding, and non-judgmental approach is important to establishing trust and helping you to move forward on the path of wellness.
Renisha Oubre
I am a school counselor, mental health counselor, and an LPC with ten 10 years of experience. My clientele includes children, adolescents, couples, and adults that suffer with various issues: ADHD, abuse, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, dual-diagnosis, PTSD, and substance abuse. In addition, I work with clients who have issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship and family of origin issues, and high-risk behaviors such as alcohol use/abuse, I approach counseling from a client-centered approach in which I take a nondirective role. I will listen and try to understand things from your point of view. I will respect and protect your autonomy and self-direction. If I am unsure about anything, I will check for understanding with you, the client. Various other theories and strategies will be used based on you, the client, individual issues and needs. I work with a variety of clients in the following formats: individual and family counseling. I work with clients of all ages and backgrounds. Counseling is a collaborative process, and you, the client, are a full partner in this relationship. I expect you to be honest, open, and have a sincere desire to change in order to maximize the benefits of each counseling session. As we work together and you have any suggestions or concerns about counseling, I expect you to share these with me so that we can make any necessary adjustments needed. I look forward to working with you!
Emily Bailey
Welcome! My name is Emily. I am a mother, partner, friend, daughter, and all-around real-life person just like you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana with a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since becoming licensed in 2006, I have worked with individuals, couples, and families. I have worked with children, teens, adults, and geriatric clients. I am a person-centered therapist that adapts my style to the client and the situation. My counseling style is warm, friendly, and casual. I see the counseling process as one in which you and I work to develop trust and respect for one another in order to work as a team in identifying and interrupting cycles of problematic behaviors, develop adaptive life goals, and implement strategies to help you achieve those goals. There are a lot of "right" ways to do therapy. I have utilized and studied several counseling theories and techniques over the years. My style could be described as eclectic since I use techniques from many different theories in my practice. Some of the therapeutic approaches I tend to utilize in therapy include: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy, Narrative therapy, Strategic therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, systems theory, Mental Research Institute theory, Structural therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-focused therapy. I work with BetterHelp full-time and hold sessions on weekdays. My typical hours are as follows: Monday: 8am - 6pm Tuesday: 8am - 3pm Wednesday: 8am - 3pm Thursday: 8am - 6pm Friday: 8am - 6pm I look forward to meeting you and getting started on the therapeutic journey! Emily
Latoya Polius
I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor licensed in Louisiana. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, self-harm or self-mutilation, OCD, ADHD, gender identity, and the LGBTQ community. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines Cognitive-behavioral Therapy, Rational-emotive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Person-centered. 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. My purpose is to be a helper and guide for others. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Latoya Johnson
Hello, I’m a licensed clinical social worker with a specialty in mental health practices. I have over 20 years of diversified experience working with all age groups, primarily adult population. I tailor my treatment approach based off the assessment of need and consider my approach to be eclectic. It is my passion to assist others in feeling better and elevating to another level of being and thinking.
Dr. Emmanuel Paul
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor, certified through the National Board for Certified Counselors. I have a vast amount of counseling knowledge and practical counseling experience with extensive practice, and thorough research on issues impacting the African American community, Marital/Relationship therapy, as well as adolescent issues, and Career Counseling. I have over 8 years of counseling experience working with diverse populations in individual, family, school, and group formats. 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 client-centered, cognitive-behavioral,solution-focused, and existential 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!
Nikolya Sparks
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.
Sontra Carmouche
I am licensed in Louisiana with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Maggie Bossier
I am a licensed professional counselor in Louisiana as well as a published author. I have 12 years of professional work experience with helping clients with Stress and Anxiety, Self-esteem and mood related issues, LGBT+ counseling, Couples counseling, General relationship issues, and Depression. 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. The counseling relationship is both professional and personal. Counselor and client work collaboratively to explore situations and identify problem areas, key stressors, individual needs, personal strengths, support systems, unused resources and possibilities for change. Counseling is not just fixing what is broken; it is discovering and nurturing your strengths.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Port Barre
Finding the best therapist close by in Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre. 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 Port Barre, 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre, elsewhere in St. Landry, 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Port Barre, 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 70577 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 Port Barre counselor?
Before seeing your Port Barre 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. Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre, 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.
Port Barre 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 Port Barre, 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 Port Barre 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 Port Barre:
70577