Westlake, Louisiana was built around sawmills in the mid 19th century. The community was also known as Bagdad and Lisbon. Settlers made their way by water routes as roads were unavailable in the early years. They came from France, Britain, Germany, Denmark, and Spain. In the past 30 years, the population of Westlake has grown from 1,800 to more than 5,000. Westlake is a hub of activity and has many industrial products shipped by sea, barge, highway, railway, and pipeline.
If you are caught up in the rush of living and working in an industrial center, you may find you are unable to find peace and contentment. You can contact a professional therapist or counselor in the Westlake area who can help you unravel the stresses of your life. Contact a licensed, confidential mental health professional near you today.
Alicia Jackson
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Katina Smith
I am Katina Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with Aspirations of Hope Counseling Services in Hammond, Louisiana. I earned my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2014. My experience includes 20 years of social services experiences while working with individuals in diverse populations such as children, juveniles, geriatrics, elderly and adults with disabilities, adoption and foster care, substance abuse and mental health. This also includes 7 years of crisis intervention and prevention skills in serving children and survivors of domestic violence. As an LPC, I have experience with a wide variety of issues such as, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma and abuse, depression, self-esteem, coping with grief, anxiety, family conflicts, co-dependency, anger management, addiction, substance abuse education and treatment. As a LPC, I use a client centered approach to therapy. I am passionate about bringing positive change in people’s lives to strengthen minds and instill hope. When working with teens and adults, I prefer the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Moreover, these therapeutic approaches will assist in addressing a multitude of behavior and emotional issues youth and adults are faced with on a daily basis. The goal of our therapeutic relationship will be to build rapport and provide you with tools to identify specific problems in your daily life, identifying negative thinking and reshape them; and be able to solve your current problems in a safe and non-judgmental environment. I passionately believe my empathy, compassion, and non-judgmental personality will immediately put you at ease to start your emotional healing. My goal is to STRENGTHEN MINDS AND INSTILL HOPE in others. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Katie Lynn
Hello and I applaud you for considering reaching out to a therapist to assist you in being the best version of yourself despite life's challenges. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Louisiana with 16 years of experience providing mental health counseling. I see the counseling relationship as a relationship involving openness, trust, and respect on both the part of the counselor and client. It is a professional helping relationship in which the counselor assists the individual in achieving personal growth, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, adjustment issues, adults, and families. I have the flexibility and experience necessary to work with multiple presenting issues. I utilize approaches including Cognitive-Behavioral, Family Systems, Person-Centered, Trauma-focused, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I commend you for taking this important step for your health and wellness as making the first steps toward behavior change can be overwhelming. I look forward to supporting you in your journey of healing, but more importantly I encourage you to remain proactive and hopeful in your personal process of life, wherever it may take you.
Krishna Bailey
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the states of Louisiana, Texas, and Florida. I am also a Board Approved Clinical Supervisor in the state of Louisiana. I have over 16 years of experience as a social worker and counselor. My education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work with an integrated concentration in Health and Mental Health, as well Child and Family Services. I have worked with a variety of clients throughout my career, including school-aged children, adolescents, adjudicated youth, adults, veterans, and the geriatric population. I have worked with clients with a wide-range of concerns including Depression, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Career Challenges, Grief and Loss, Aging, Adjustment Issues, and more. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapeutic approaches include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Center Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. My approach will be tailored to each clients unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you towards becoming your best self! Please message for additional availability.
Taryn Couvillion
I am licensed in Louisiana with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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.
Tanika Black
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.
Angela Dungan
I am licensed in Louisiana with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.
Dr. Ernesha Smith
My name is Ernesha, some call me Dr. Smith or Dr. E, but you can call me whatever feels comfortable for you!I enjoy supporting individuals experiencing difficult life transitions including (but not limited to) relationship challenges, divorce or a break-up, loss of a loved one, expanding your family, embarking on a new career or contemplating leaving an existing career, moving to a new place, etc. I work to support the client in their journey to creating a path toward healing, acceptance and self-discovery, with the ultimate goal of achieving optimal emotional well-being, as defined by the client. Together, we will develop strategies that will generate feelings of well-being and create a path toward emotional healing and personal growth. I work with clients to help them uncover thinking and behavioral patterns that create barriers to optimal emotional well-being. Together we can explore and identify these patterns, uncover underlying issues, and tend to the parts of yourself that require attention, in order to create lasting and transformational change. Therapy expands our individual capacity, so that we can show up fully and as our best selves, across all the roles that we take on throughout life. I welcome the opportunity to work with you to expand your capacity and assist you in doing the work toward becoming your best self. My clinical goal is to help them identify and utilize these resources and solutions in their interactions with others and inner self to create positive change in their quality of life and relationships. I acknowledge that every client is unique and deserves a safe, caring environment as they travel in their therapeutic journey. I prides herself on being relatable and making people feel at ease.
Briana Savage
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana. I received my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and my Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Loyola University of New Orleans. I have worked with individuals, families, and couples in different contexts of their lives. She has experience working with recovering addicts through a medication-assisted program, families with youth at risk of being put out of their homes, and youth in a juvenile facility. With these experiences, I have dealt with diagnoses such as substance use disorders, ADHD, ODD, DMDD, and MDD. I have a passion for systems and believes that my clients have the power to create the change in the system they deem problematic. I utilize reality and experiential therapy with my clients, ensuring the implementation of techniques and skills that they can relate to and use during their change and growth. I am a Baton Rouge native married to my college sweetheart. They have two children and two dogs together. During my spare time, I volunteers at her church with the media team. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and impacting the lives of others through empathy and support. I believe that helping goes beyond my profession and make it my mission to be the change I want to see in the world through service to others in need.
Valentina Paley
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!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Westlake
Finding the best therapist close by in Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake. 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 Westlake, 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake, 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Westlake, 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 70669 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 Westlake counselor?
Before seeing your Westlake 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. Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake, 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.
Westlake 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 Westlake, 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 Westlake 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 Westlake:
70669