This is Barbara Droy's avatar and link to their profile

Barbara Droy

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Ridgecrest
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed,LMHP,LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience. I hold a current LPC license in Louisiana. I have experience as a divorced mother of five children and grandmother of six. I am also the mother of a recovering addict. During my career I have counseled a variety of clients in a variety of settings. I have experience in all areas of mental health. My experience includes working with children and adults in an IOP, both in their home and office, adoption counseling, post abortion counseling, treating anxiety and stress, abused children, the spectrum of mood disorders (depression and bi-polar), and most currently as a school counselor. I have a faith-based collaborative, client centered approach. I offer a variety of interventions depending on your needs. My approach is focused on you. I take your lead but can nudge if I think it will be helpful. I offer a flexible schedule with whatever mode of communication suits you best. In the first few sessions I always ask, "how will you know counseling has been helpful", "what will be different, what will you notice?". Then we can make goals from there. I respect you for asking for help. I will honor your time commitment and use our time efficiently and wisely. I look forward to working with you. I may be available for sessions that are not on my schedule. If you have another time that would work for you just ask. I'll do my best to accommodate you. Specialties Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Bipolar disorder Depression Coping with life changes Also experienced in: Addictions , Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Grief , Parenting issues , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Compassion fatigue. Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 10

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Tonya Randolph

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Ridgecrest
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,Certified School Counselor,Telehealth Certified
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefAnger managementCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am currently a certified school counselor and I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Louisiana for the last 3 years. I have over 12 years of experience working with children and families as a school counselor. I have had specialized training in play therapy, bully prevention, applied suicide intervention training (ASIST), and currently hold a tele-mental health certification. I have previously operated a domestic violence crisis line, provided anger management classes for students and parents, and was the coordinator of an afterschool program for middle school students. My counseling style is meeting my clients where they are at present and providing unconditional positive regard. My approach to therapy is client centered, solution focused and cognitive behavioral. I am not adverse to trying new approaches if I feel that it will help my client achieve their goals for counseling. I believe even the strongest people sometimes need extra support. It takes wisdom and courage to ask for help. If you are ready to take the next steps, I will be your partner in building a strong healthy future.

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Kristen Williams

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Ridgecrest
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW,CCTP II
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience providing therapy. I specialize in trauma as a Clinical Complex Trauma Therapist and Trauma educator. I use body-oriented therapy to help you work through trauma. Body-oriented therapy provides a more holistic approach as it integrates the mind and body connection to address trauma. Focus on the body is essential because traumatic experiences cause us to live in a state of survival-mode where we interpret much of life through the lens of our traumatic past constantly assessing for threats and employing defenses. These defenses become patterns and are often overwhelming physical sensations. Body-centered trauma work is about releasing old patterns and creating new patterns and experiences through sensory awareness. Centering the body places focus on the trauma effects experienced through perceived body sensations. Mindfulness can help you increase present moment awareness and provide opportunity for you to learn to alleviate distressing emotions and release trauma response patterns that were once adaptive but no longer serve you. Healing can happen anywhere. I'll help you become equipped with the skills and resources you need to foster your healing in any space you feel safe enough in to do so.

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Dr. Yael Banai

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Ridgecrest
Counselor License Type(s): PhD
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana and have been for thirty years. Though I have practiced most frequently in a school environment, I have worked in other settings with a variety of populations, including teens and young adults. My areas of expertise include ADHD, anxiety and depression and personality disorders. My therapy style is low key and empathetic, with regard for the individual as a person of uniqueness with strengths and weaknesses that defy often negative labels. I use a variety of modalities in my approach, including cognitive behavioral, rational emotive, psychodynamic / transactional analysis and humanistic approaches. The approach(es) used and the eventual treatment plan will be tailored to the unique needs of the individual. Therapy is a journey, and like most journeys, it begins with a single step that may well be tempered by fear or doubt. The road to change take courage to begin with that first step into a future that offers a promise for tomorrow.

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Marilyn Priebe

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Ridgecrest
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Tanika Black

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Ridgecrest
Anger managementBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana and Texas with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients of all ages, races, sexual orientation, and backgrounds with anger management, anxiety, mood disorders, depression, sexual identity, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment or bias. 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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Dr. Michele Kelly

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Ridgecrest
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hello! I have been a practicing social worker for over 30 years. I am licensed in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. I have many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families dealing with a range of issues in a variety of settings. Currently, I work primarily with teens and adults in their attempts to navigate challenging transitions. Life is full of transitions. These may include adjusting to college, beginning your first job, changing or losing a job, moving, getting married, welcoming and parenting a new baby, separating or divorcing, retiring, the passing of a loved one, or adjusting to life as an immigrant or ex-pat. Navigating these transitions -- even when they are joyful -- can be stressful and sometimes lead to anxiety and depression. I consider myself to be an eclectic therapist as I utilize several different approaches such as solution-focused brief therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy. Initially, I’ll conduct an assessment and based on the outcome will select approaches that are best for you. Research has shown that tailoring therapy to clients can enhance their treatment outcomes. By working together, I can assist you in developing or strengthening effective coping skills or problem-solving strategies that will better help you in the future. I have flexible hours to accommodate your work schedule. I appreciate your effort in reaching out and encourage you to contact me with any questions you might have. I look forward to us possibly working together.

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Julee Breaux

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Ridgecrest
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
19 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 19 years of experience. I graduated with a Masters of Social Work degree in 2004 from Southern University at New Orleans. I have worked in various settings providing individual, group, marriage and family therapy to individuals of all ages and populations facing a variety of challenges. While working with clients I focus on meeting them where they are. In addition to providing talk therapy I also like to use other modalities such as videos, worksheets, therapeutic games, and mindfulness activities. I have utilized different theoretical approaches such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person - Centered Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. My focus is to allow you to feel accepted and heard by listening with empathy as you express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I will work to build a therapeutic rapport with you as we identify and work towards your personal goals.

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Valentina Paley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Ridgecrest
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana, New Jersey and New York with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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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Patrick Mccorry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Ridgecrest
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida, Louisiana and Texas 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, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Ridgecrest

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

Therapists in Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 71334 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 Ridgecrest counselor?

Before seeing your Ridgecrest 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. Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest, 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.

Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest.

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

71334

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