Amanda Watson
Hello! My name is Amanda Watson, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor currently licensed in the District of Columbia and Louisiana. I have over 10 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked with people of all ages in a variety of settings including in the community, in client's homes, at schools, in more traditional offices, and online. My unique and varied experiences have helped me to develop a holistic understanding of clients' lives. I have immense respect for my clients, and I always approach counseling with warmth, without judgment, and with the goal of trying to understand each individual's unique reality. I am available to provide individual counseling to older adolescents and adults for a variety of issues including but not limited to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, stress-management, trauma, and grief. I primarily approach counseling from a Cognitive-Behavioral perspective in that patterns of thoughts and actions are explored in order to better understand your emotions and problems and, ultimately, to develop solutions. I also draw from other theoretical orientations including Person-Centered and Narrative in the sense that I truly listen, I will approach you with unconditional positive regard, and I can help you make meaning of and re-write your personal story. I will tailor our conversations in a way that suits your needs. I hope to create an environment of trust, honesty, and empowerment to assist you in developing insight and fostering personal growth.
Jenesis Gibson
Hello there, I’m Jenesis! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Louisiana and Texas. I received a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2015 from Louisiana Tech University. I have over five years of clinical experience working with a diverse background of children, adolescents and adults who desire to cope with issues relating to anxiety, depression, bipolar, selective mutism, ADHD, conduct disorder, impulse control, DMDD, addiction, life transitions and family conflict. I also specialize in Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy with a trauma-focused approach. One thing in life that is constant is change. Some changes in life are more difficult to navigate than others. When we are stressed, anxious or depressed, it is a sign that our lives are out of balance. My focus is on providing a trusting, safe, supportive, nonjudgmental and empathetic space for adults, couples, and families to share their experiences and to help navigate through some more difficult life changes. I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to make changes to improve their lives, find purpose, and meaningful fulfillment. Deciding to engage in therapy can be overwhelming. Finding a therapist whose personality and style is a good fit is important. I believe in developing skills for effective coping mechanisms for overall holistic wellness. I look forward to helping clients facilitate positive change and working collaboratively with them to achieve goals they never thought were possible.
Shannon Mott
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of mental health care experience. I have worked with client's with a wide range of mental health disorders including Depression, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Anxiety, PTSD, Substance Abuse disorders, etc. In addition I have worked with client's without a diagnosis that were experiencing Relationship problems, Parenting concerns, and others who were experiencing grief or having problems adjusting to changes in their life. I have experience working with individuals experiencing or have experienced sexual, physical, or verbal abuse. My therapy style is relatable, supportive and encouraging. I believe that everyone deserves respect, regardless of race, political standing or religion. My approach combines Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, and a Solution Focused approach. I used additional evidenced based practices based on the presenting problem that a client is experiencing. Admitting that you need help is the first step on the journey to make positive changes in your life. If you are ready to take that step, I'm here to support and empower you.
Jacqueline Below
I am licensed in Louisana with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Krystal Vaughn
I am a licensed counselor in Louisiana with 17 years of professional therapy experience. I have experience helping clients navigate life's challenges. I am realist who believes in a strength's based approach. I often work with clients to improve work/school and life balance, relationships, and parenting issues. Many of my former clients struggled with organization, feelings of self doubt, concentration, memory and focus issues related to anxiety and ADHD. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Maisa Shelmire
I am licensed in Louisiana with 17 years of professional work experience. I have been fortunate to achieve broad clinical and behavioral health experiences as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor (LCSW-BACS). These experiences include psychotherapy, crisis management/intervention, clinical interviewing, psychological, academic and personality testing, evaluations, stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & anger management. Therapeutic approaches I commonly use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic therapy, to name a few. I am also a combat veteran, with over 24 years in Louisiana Army National Guard, serving as a Behavioral Health Officer. 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 seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Raven Dunlap
I am licensed in Louisiana with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, social skills, intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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! As a counselor, my mission is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through therapy, I strive to help clients identify and work through the underlying issues that are causing them distress and to develop the skills they need to live a more fulfilling and satisfying life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and I work closely with clients to understand their unique needs and goals. I draw on a variety of evidence-based techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, to tailor treatment to each client's specific needs. My ultimate goal is to help clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a sense of empowerment. I believe that every individual has the potential for growth and healing, and I am committed to supporting clients on their journey toward greater well-being and fulfillment.
Taylor Wentzel
Hi! I'm Taylor. I am licensed counselor in northwest Louisiana. I have been counseling for 5 years. I specialize in substance use and have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with life changes, and motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while empowering you to make the healthy changes you want. I will do my best to customize our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I hope I can help you along the way.
Katharine "Katie" Blum
I am licensed in Louisiana as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and have been working as a therapist for over a decade. I am also a genderqueer therapist (they/them) who wants to create a loving, understanding space for the LGBTQIA+ community. I want the process of counseling to be a safe journey towards the life my clients can say "yes" to. I believe in the client being the expert of themselves, and their path is set by their dreams, hopes, and desires, not my agenda. I believe a full, beautiful life is possible for all people, I want to help you in your path towards that beauty, whatever that may mean to you. My specialty is working with clients who are neurodivergent, but specifically those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. However, I also have experience working with clients with various issues, diagnoses and concerns. I work from a humanistic perspective meaning that I believe humans are naturally good and possess the abilities to live the lives they want to live.
Gay Norred
I am licensed in Louisiana with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Vinton
Finding the best therapist close by in Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton. 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 Vinton, 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 Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton, elsewhere in Calcasieu, 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 Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Vinton, 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 Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton 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 70668 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 Vinton counselor?
Before seeing your Vinton 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. Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton 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 Vinton, 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.
Vinton 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 Vinton, 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 Vinton 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 Vinton:
70668