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Christian Gibson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Luray
Counselor License Type(s): Ed.S., NCC,LCMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hey! I'm glad you took the time to see if I'm the right fit for you! I hope that I will be able to provide a space for you that allows you to feel comfortable, open, and encourages growth. I hold my Master's and Education Specialist degrees in Counseling and Human Systems in 2014 from Florida State University's College of Education. I hold my National Counselor Certification (NCC) as well as being a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina. I have been counseling for over 4 years. The majority of my counseling work has has allowed me to serve a range of clients from all age ranges and with all with various different cultural backgrounds to include the LGBTQ+ community. Specific concerns I have assisted individuals with are as follows: anxiety, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, substance abuse disorders, and grief. I integrate different evidenced based practices in my approach to counseling to include: Reality Based Therapy, Cognitive behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy all with a person centered approach. As of late I have also been utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It is always an honor and a privilege to work with someone who allows me to assist them during this journey we call life.

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Sarah Mathis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Luray
Counselor License Type(s): LISW-CP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression
6 years of experience

I am a licensed social worker from South Carolina and enjoy working with teens and adults through various challenges. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns to include but not limited to: depression, anxiety, addiction, severe persistent mental illness, antenatal/postpartum and parenting concerns, trauma, and relationship stress. My early training included working with school aged children to address conditions such as ADHD, ODD, and ASD. I have not found it easy to work with young children through online methods of therapy, but I am open to working with parents to help them navigate such concerns with their children. My therapeutic style is one of warmth and positive regard. With a patient-centered approach, I see each client as the expert on his or her life and myself as a facilitator to help uncover skills and knowledge to solve life's concerns. I believe in the ability of everyone to grow and change. I look forward to working with you!

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Latoya Simmons

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Luray
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

As a skilled and experienced professional counselor, I have provided counseling services for the past 20 years. I have worked as an in-home therapist, school-based counselor and provided many other services to individuals and families. I have worked as a youth advocate, mental health counselor, group therapist for batters and provided emergency consultation for emergency room doctors. I have worked as a Gate Keeper Trainer to help reduce the amount of suicide across the state. I have received training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) through the Medical University of SC and I am listed on their referral website through Project BEST. I have received training in evidence-based practices to include Rational Living therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). My counseling practice exists to serve individuals and families who struggle with life issues and are seeking emotional and psychological well being. I am committed to doing so by providing professional counseling services to help individuals and families live a healthier life using evidence based practices. I'll work with client’s who experience depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, challenges with parenting skills, abuse, ADHD, adolescent challenges, difficulties with anger management, domestic violence, stress, and other behavioral concerns. I work with clients to problem solve and identify effective coping skills. It will be a privilege to be able to serve individuals as they progress to a healthier emotional and psychological well being. Congratulations on taking the first step in a therapeutic relationship. It takes courage to take the first step and seek counseling. I look forward to establishing a working relationship with you. I appreciate your time and I welcome you.

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Linda Jarels

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Luray
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Hello my name is Linda Jarels and I am a licensed professional counselor with undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology and over 20 years of experience in mental health treatment. I have worked with a variety of persons from children to the elderly and in various settings including residential treatment and inpatient acute psychiatric facilities. My experience includes not only direct patient care but psychometric testing/evaluation to adjunct college professorship. I am passionate about human behavior and have known since my early years what my life's work would be. I truly love the role of counselor and my patients; I find everyone's situation unique and do my best to help the patient navigate their way through their challenges. I use cognitive based approaches when appropriate but otherwise, tailor treatment to the individuals needs as no one approach is appropriate in all circumstances, I consider myself experienced and compassionate and welcome the opportunity to provide quality care.

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Erika Johnston

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Luray
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in South Carolina with 12 years of experience working as a therapist and over 20 years working a therapeutic support staff. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, gender identity, LGBTQ issues, societal concerns and ADHD. I also helped people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with dignity, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, existential, behavioral and client centered modalities. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Michelle Voegtle

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Luray
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Michelle is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in South Carolina and Connecticut as well as a certified yoga instructor who has over 25 years in the field of recovery, bereavement, and life transitions. Through getting to the heart of the issue, through kindness and compassion, through outside the box approaches I will help you get unstuck. Michelle works with individuals to build a new life- the one that is inside, calling to come out. Together, pragmatically and fueled with hope, we explore barriers and focus on moving forward- cultivating the life that you are meant to live! Clients have often comment, "you get it!" What a great feeling to finally be heard, understood, & know you're not alone. I'm a coach and counselor who walks the walk. I focus on the here and now and moving forward. We may look to clarify where the hurting comes from, but we don't stay there. We look ahead and build a new life! You are worthy and you are capable. Call or email for an appointment- early morning, evenings and weekends available.

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Katuria Norwood

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Luray
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

Welcome to the journey of a new perspective. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York. I have been trained in trauma informed care, CBT, DBT skills and have been providing therapeutic services for over 15 years. Most of that work has been helping families and children overcome systemic barriers. I provide individual and family counseling and have experience working with LGBTQ and women issues. I want us to create a warm and inviting therapeutic space. I look forward to our journey beginning.

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Leah Pavela-Mullins

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Luray
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,C-ET
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience in helping people find solutions to their problems. Over the years, I have been told by clients that they really feel that I am listening to them and trying to understand what is going on in their lives and how they feel. Clients have also told me that they do not feel any sense of judgment, but rather that I accept them for who they are and where they are in their life’s journey. My style is empathetic and solution focused. I will spend time asking you questions in order to get to know you and try to find out what is at the heart of your issue. Together, we will talk about possible avenues you may want to take, or changes you may want to consider. I may give you some “homework” assignments…things to write out or think about, worksheets to complete, or even techniques/exercises to practice in your own time so that some of what we discuss in our sessions is reinforced. Most of all, I will be an objective listener, helping you to gain insight into what is going on with you, so that you are able to make the choices and changes you want to, in your own time. I look forward to working with you!

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Amy Frisch

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Luray
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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. 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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Nikeita McDonald

Clinical therapist offering therapy in SC, Luray
Self esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Virginia with over three years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I have also worked with clients with concerns in the areas of anxiety, relationship issues, and ADHD. I believe that you are the expert on your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Luray

Finding the best therapist close by in Luray 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 Luray 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 Luray. 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 Luray, 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 Luray region and in the state of South Carolina. 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 Luray 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 Luray 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 Luray 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 Luray, elsewhere in Hampton, or in the greater state of South Carolina. 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 Luray 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 Luray 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 Luray 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 Luray may not take health insurance, some in the state of South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 Luray online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Luray, South Carolina 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 Luray 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 Luray 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 Luray 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 Luray?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Luray 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 Luray 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 Luray 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 SC, 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 29932 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 Luray counselor?

Before seeing your Luray 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. Luray 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 Luray 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 Luray 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 Luray, South Carolina 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.

Luray 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 Luray, South Carolina

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 Luray 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 Luray.

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

29932

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