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Deborah Youngblood

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Sterlington
Counselor License Type(s): MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the state of Louisiana with more than 15 years of experience working as a counselor. I completed my BS in Counseling Psychology from Southwestern Assemblies of God University and then obtained my graduate degree in Social Work from Tulane University School of Social Work. I have worked with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, relationship issues, parenting challenges, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I have also worked with people who have experienced physical trauma and physical and/or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I treat my clients with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Each person is unique. My approach combines person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and motivational interview techniques. and trauma based interventions. Treatment planning and dialog will be tailored to meet your specific and unique needs. I believe it takes courage to begin the journey toward change. I am here to assist and empower you to identify your needs and begin the process of change. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Gretchen Landry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Sterlington
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed.,MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am a social worker licensed in Louisiana. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, and individuals with a diagnosis of cancer and their families. I have an extensive background in medical social work with knowledge of disease processes and their effects on our social and emotional state as well as physical. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I am driven to provide what it takes to help you understand where you are and get you to where you want to be. It takes courage to seek support. Counseling is healthy and I think everyone could benefit from it in some way. I love helping others achieve wellness and mental health. I look forward to meeting you.

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Gala Oliver-Singh

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Sterlington
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
17 years of experience

“The Secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”- Socrates. Many of us were conditioned to accept and live with situations in our lives that we wanted to change but felt we could not or did not know how to. By seeking out counseling support, you have taken the first step to respond and not react and change your emotional climate. I am Gala Oliver-Singh, and over the past 17 years I have had the privilege to witness numerous transformations occur when people just like you have taken the risk to have a different relationship with change by responding instead of reacting and be in trust instead of distrust with change. When we do our transformational work, we can experience the gifts of growth, joy, and opportunity that these changes are here to teach us. I decided to become a Licensed Professional Counselor when I was a client, doing my own transformational work. This profession has provided an opportunity for me to help other people do their transformational work and learn to tell and live new stories that reflect the positive choices and changes they want to experience in their lives presently. My goal in pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from Louisiana Tech University was to use what I’ve learned in turmoil to actively bring others to a better position in their lives. I have worked in a variety of settings with many different client groups. I have a demonstrated passion for and commitment to educating and empowering individuals and groups that have been historically marginalized, stigmatized, and oppressed, specifically ethnic, and sexual minorities. I have facilitated personal growth support groups for LGBTQ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) young adults and served as a mental health consultant addressing identity development and the coming out process at a Safe Zone Training. I have provided individual, family, and group mental health therapy for children, adolescents and adults in outpatient clinic and community settings; provided individual and family therapy, intervention and support services to parents and students as a school-based mental health therapist; and was responsible for counseling, educating and empowering battered women and their children to make choices that result in safe, independent and violence-free lives in my position as a domestic violence family counselor. My approach to healing, wellness, and mental health is client-centered, relational, and based on a flexible, collaborative approach. The goal of our counseling relationship will be to identify healthy new behaviors that you choose and to incorporate them into your life. I am here to help support, inspire, and motivate you to make those changes. Together, let’s create a healing, non-judgmental, safe environment to help you transform and live your best life. SPECIALTIES: • Ethnic and sexual identity issues (multicultural issues; LGBTQ issues) • Anxiety • Depression • Relationship issues • Youth development and adjustment (young adult counseling) Also experienced in: Parenting issues, Family conflicts, Coping with life changes, Career difficulties, Life purpose, Self-care Clinical approaches: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy Years of Experience: 17

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Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Sterlington
Counselor License Type(s): PsyD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression
16 years of experience

Hello, thanks for taking the first step towards achieving an improved emotional balance. I am Dr. Shawanda M. Woods-Smith, a licensed Psychologist in the state of Louisiana with over 10 years of experience working with a wide range of people and concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, self-improvement, and grief/loss. I am proficient in providing therapy for individuals, groups, couples, and families. I find that the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy and Person Centered Therapy approaches provide a foundation for facilitating change. My counseling style is supportive and collaborative resulting in the development of a uniquely specific treatment plan. Additionally, I have passion for providing psychoeducation to couples, parents, and individuals about the issues they may be having and how these issues are related to development, biological or social/cultural causes. It takes strength and courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. It appears that you a ready to take that step and I look forward to the opportunity to support and empower you.

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Stephony Mark

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Sterlington
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

My name is Stephony Mark. I am a therapist licensed in the State of Louisiana. I have worked with clients who have experienced a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, marital and relationship issues, and parenting problems. I have also helped people who have experienced emotional, physical, verbal and sexual abuse. I work with individuals and groups from ages 12 years and older. My therapy style is cognitive-behavioral, existential and integrative approach. I look forward to working with you!

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Michael Curry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Sterlington
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a nationally certified counselor passionate about helping couples, families, and individuals heal and develop skills to cultivate growth in body, mind, and spirit. It is my desire to identify and apply the best suited evidence-based therapeutic practices to help clients move beyond what they are dealing with, to realize their full potential and inner strength. It is my belief each therapeutic session represents steps in a journey both the client and I are on in an effort to obtain self-care and well-being. My ultimate goal in this journey is to assist clients to overcome by building hope, recovery, and resilience. I am certified in Anger Management and help clients struggling with anger as well as anxiety, depression, and relational/marital conflict. As a minister, I also provide spiritual-based counseling. I have worked with individuals in mental health rehabilitation centers, a mental health hospital, and assisting individuals and couples within my church. These different environments have afforded me the opportunity to work with a wide range of mental health disorders and needs. My experience in the military, ministry, and abroad has also prepared me for a wide range of cultural issues. I look forward to helping you along your journey and seeing you achieve what you have set out to achieve. SUCCESS!!!

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Brandi S Thomas-Scott

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Sterlington
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I work with children ages 5 to 17 years of age, adults, couples, and all genders. 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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Patricia Carr

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Sterlington
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, trauma related challenges, relationship issues, and have worked extensively with Clients struggling with addictions. I enjoy assisting people with problem solving! I also have a deep respect for Clients' authorship of their own journeys and am ceaselessly amazed at the strengths people bring to their struggles . 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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Shaterrika Williams

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA, Sterlington
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Gilbert Martin

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

I am licensed in Louisiana with over 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Sterlington

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

Therapists in Sterlington, 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 Sterlington 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 Sterlington 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 Sterlington 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 Sterlington?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Sterlington 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 Sterlington 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 Sterlington 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 71280 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 Sterlington counselor?

Before seeing your Sterlington 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. Sterlington 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 Sterlington 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 Sterlington 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 Sterlington, 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.

Sterlington 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 Sterlington, 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 Sterlington 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 Sterlington.

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

71280

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