Brenda Thayer
Hi, my name is Brenda Thayer and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been in the mental health field for 27 years, LPC for seven years and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor for 9 years. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in Alaska. I believe in meeting the person where they are at, helping them reach their potential. I believe in treating the whole person for overall wellness and striving for reaching one’s goals and values in life. I use an eclectic approach; cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy fused with motivational interviewing. I have experience using rational emotive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy and solution focused therapy. What you can expect from sessions include; questions so that I can get to know you better and to see how I can best help you, nonjudgmental and compassionate support, and energy to help you see your potential.
Melissa Mendez
Hello and Welcome, My name is Melissa and I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the states of Texas and Oklahoma although currently residing in Waco, TX. My experience in the mental health field has been focused primarily on working with families with young children and the specific challenges that face families, parents, and children. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have been working to build my telehealth therapy practice. I have been providing EMDR therapy to treat trauma and other issues for the past three years and have seen the effectiveness of the treatment that is an evidence-based therapy for treatment of PTSD and additional mental health challenges including depression and anxiety. I work diligently to help my clients manage trauma responses, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and relational challenges that are often present when dealing with a mental health struggle. I was led to the mental health field after completing my undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University in Nutritional Sciences. I have been working exclusively online since the beginning of the pandemic. I have continued to focus on identifying trauma responses and helping our nervous systems regulate after exposure to stress, adversity, and trauma. I have 8 years experience working with depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms and the courageous clients that are seeking help and hoping for a more peaceful way of living. My style as a therapist is typically warm but direct, collaborative, and mindful of your personal autonomy. I find myself using person-centered, attachment-informed, trauma-informed, and integrative treatment approaches to tailor your treatment plan to best meet your needs. I work best with individuals who are interested in self -reflection and developing a growth mindset. I utilize evidence-based treatments primarily including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). In my experience, each client has unique needs that dictate the length of therapy. I believe in both structure and flexibility in therapy. After reading all of that, I want you to know I'm a real person just like you who is trying to live a fulfilling, meaningful life. I do not believe that therapy is a quick fix for all that ails but I do believe that with time, effort, and consistency we can work together to tap in to your innate resources to move toward wellness. As a person who has been on both sides of the proverbial couch, I know that therapy can be a powerful and important part of the journey! I wish you all the best as you carefully search for and select a clinician. If you choose, I look forward to being a part of your journey.
Sheaundra O'Neil
Hi there! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in a wide range of issues such as relationship problems, women's issues, anxiety, depression, low self - esteem, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Experience has afforded me the opportunity to work with individuals with severe mood disorders and psychosis. My goal is to help you gain self - awareness and learn the skills needed to both manage and overcome life's obstacles. My Path to Becoming a Therapist: Although counseling is my second career, it's my ultimate calling. I have always been interested in human behavior and people have naturally gravitated toward me for a listening ear. As a counselor, I have worked in a variety of settings, such as partial hospitalization programs, community mental health clinics, private practice, and residential treatment facilities. I believe that the trait that makes me a great therapist is my ability to disarm the most guarded person with my genuinely kind, warm, compassionate, nonjudgmental, open-minded, and honest approach. Additionally, I believe that the client is the expert and teaches me about his/her/their experience and how best to help him/her/them. My theoretical approach is integrated and tailored to meet each client's needs. It combines a mixture of cognitive behavioral, person-centered, solution-focused, and gestalt therapies (just to name a few treatment modalities). What should you know about working with me? My counseling style is warm, compassionate, and engaging. I am a firm believer in establishing a good rapport with people and building a strong therapeutic alliance. I believe in and practice unconditional acceptance and encourage people to express themselves freely. I enjoy getting to know my clients on a deeper level and meeting them where they are. I value authenticity and believe that the therapeutic relationship can be the catalyst for meaningful transformation. The ideal client for me is one who is ready to improve overall wellbeing and quality of life by working to overcome life's obstacles. I work with people to help them overcome life's obstacles and believe that a renewed mind is the key to transformational living. Transformational living requires change and change is not easy, even if it is sometimes necessary. Being equipped for change helps to make the transition smoother. In order to have the best life possible, I will support you in discovering and living to your greatest potential. What am I most excited about within the evolving mental health landscape? I am most excited about seeing individuals grow and transform. It takes a lot of courage to reach out and ask for help. I commend you for your bravery and effort. Welcome to BetterHelp. I look forward to working with you!
Angelica quick
Welcome! My name is Angelica Quick. I hold a master’s degree in counseling, and I am a National Board Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) in the state of Texas. I have more than 25 years of experience as a mental health professional including direct counseling as well as case management and service coordination for individuals with mental illness as well as intellectual developmental disabilities. I have aided in accessing medical, social and educational services that help individuals and families achieve a better quality of life. I have extensive experience in effective counseling, crisis prevention and management, assessment, diagnostic and therapeutic activities. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families. I integrate an eclectic approach by focusing on the emotional, physical, mental and social wellbeing of each client. I provide therapy for marital and relationship problems, family dysfunction, issues with adolescents along with grief recovery. I have worked with clients diagnosed as bipolar and schizophrenic and persons working to overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Upon request, I can serve clients who desire a faith-based approach as well. My goal as a counselor is not to change you. Change is your choice. My goal is to build awareness, compassion, understanding, respect, empathy and acceptance toward self and others and to develop one’s full potential and ability to cope. I look forward to working with you.
Alison Atkinson
My name is Alison Atkinson. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and work full time as a high school counselor. I am interested in expanding my services to help with the increased mental health needs that I have seen in recent years. I have been a school counselor for 16+ years working in both middle and high school settings. My personal and professional life have afforded me a variety of experiences to help teens and families from various backgrounds and with numerous life situations. Primarily my work has been working with students and families regarding life/family changes, grief/loss, symptoms of depression and anxiety, goal setting, time management and organization skills. I approach working with clients from a humanistic and person-centered viewpoint. I want my clients to see me as an empathic, non judgmental listener who will meet them where they are in life. I am a supportive counselor that assists clients through meeting their personal goals. I use techniques from solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and person-centered therapy. I am also trained in Trauma Informed Care.
Erica Scott
I am a licensed professional counselor in Texas with 4 years of experience as an LPC. Prior to working as an LPC, I worked in the school setting as a school counselor for 9 years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, parenting issues, and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgement. I 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! I look forward to working with you!
Yullyza Bouza
I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My therapeutic approch is person-centered and Cognitive Behavioral therapy with an integration of other modalities. 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.
RoseAnn Rodriguez
I am an experienced therapist that helps those that feel overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, compassion fatigue, or motivation. I am here to empower you on your journey towards personal growth and fulfillment. I provide a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and concerns while offering practical tools to help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
Patricia Mote
I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Angela Stills
Acting on your decision to seek counseling is a step in you taking the very best care of yourself! My name is Angela M. Stills, LPC-S, NCC. I am licensed in the State of Louisiana and have been since 2004. I believe that you possess the change that you seek, and I will work with you to bring about this change. I firmly believe that you do not have to live in a manner or state that does not produce the best you! Although this process will be challenging, it will be well worth your time, effort, and investment. My purpose is to create a safe space that will prompt you to speak openly and explore freely as well as be challenged to grow. My experience is in both administrative and clinical counseling roles. I have counseled adolescents, and adults in a variety of outpatient, community, and/or home-based settings, intensive mental health programs, and within a correctional institution. I have worked with individuals on various areas of concern; self-esteem, phase of life adjustments, grief, anger management, depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, domestic violence, parenting, substance use, and serious mental illnesses. As a foundation, I practice Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I look forward to working with you in getting your desired outcome!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Benavides
Finding the best therapist close by in Benavides 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 Benavides 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 Benavides. 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 Benavides, 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 Benavides region and in the state of Texas. 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 Benavides 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 Benavides 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 Benavides 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 Benavides, elsewhere in Duval, or in the greater state of Texas. 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 Benavides 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 Benavides 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 Benavides 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 Benavides may not take health insurance, some in the state of Texas 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 Texas 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 Benavides online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Benavides, Texas 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 Benavides 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 Benavides 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 Benavides 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 Benavides?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Benavides 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 Benavides 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 Benavides 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 TX, 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 78341 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 Benavides counselor?
Before seeing your Benavides 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. Benavides 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 Benavides 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 Benavides 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 Benavides, Texas 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.
Benavides 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 Benavides, Texas
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 Benavides 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 Benavides:
78341