Michelle Smith
Hello, my name is Michelle Smith. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas. I have been a licensed counselor for 10 years, during which I have worked with a variety of clients in different settings. My experience includes working with clients who have depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. I have worked with clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma, grief, family issues, relationship issues, anger management, and substance use. I believe that all people possess the ability to change and I will provide you with unconditional positive regard and support as you strive to reach your goals. My style of counseling combines solution focused, client centered methods as well as techniques from CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy).
Deanna Abraham
Greetings everyone. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who truly believes in and is devoted to reducing the stigma associated with mental illness. I have been licensed independently since 2009 with experience in all levels of care. Prior to that, I was an associate certified Applied Behavioral Analyst and the combination of these specialities has been helpful professionally and personally. My passion is to assist you in self actualization and guide you through the recovery processes. My approach to treatment identifies the client as their own expert and I provide necessary support to achieve higher life quality. I am genuinely interested in the human experience and will do everything in my power to ensure that we all thrive and coexist.
Stacy Reynolds
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” is a metaphor used to encourage optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of adversity. Lemons represent adversity or difficulty in life and making lemonade is turning those difficulties into something sweet or positive. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health disorder at one point in their lives. Consequently, nearly two-thirds of those people living with a mental disorder never seek help from a health professional. Reaching out for help, demonstrates strength and courage and a willingness to persevere! Stacy Reynolds strives to bring an integrated approach, within her experience, expertise, clarity, goal - setting, and has the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively navigate difficult life issues. She possesses a genuine concern for the client and their pain. Stacy earned a Master of Arts Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Sociology and Psychology from Michigan State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in The State of Texas and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Stacy has over 3 years counseling experience with diverse populations with varying mental health and physical disabilities in a variety of settings. She has provided evidenced based counseling practices and skills group trainings in a residential treatment facility, private rehabilitation, a program serving clients with varying mental health disorders and physical disabilities and a program that provides educational, employment and independent living services. Stacy brings a wholistic approach with use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness Training Therapy. Specialty areas include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, self-esteem, schizophrenia and psychosis. Stacy also has significant experience working with adults who have experienced varying degrees of trauma, various types of physical and/or sexual abuse, abandonment and/or neglect, dysfunctional family systems, as well as issues related to mental health and physical disabilities. Help me, help you to effectively deal with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, trauma or other interrelated disorders or phobias.
Michelle Hepworth
Michelle Hepworth is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Michelle earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University – Hawaii. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in both Texas and Utah, and has practiced professionally for over 12 years. She has worked extensively to help couples and families heal their relationships and to thrive with a renewed focus on love and connection. She also has considerable experience helping individuals with a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, self-worth and confidence issues, and more. Michelle’s passion is working with couples who are experiencing changing and challenging family dynamics. Some of these dynamics may include couples who are transitioning to empty nesters with adult children, couples who are working to redefine their boundaries with adolescent children, or couples working to blend families. Michelle is also highly experienced working with couples to enrich their intimacy, supporting parents who have older children, strengthening families experiencing grief associated with divorce or loss of a family member, and assisting victims of domestic violence. Michelle also has extensive experience facilitating an Enriching Marriage class. Michelle is married and is a mother to six children in a blended family. She has four grandchildren. Her favorite color has always been and will forever be PURPLE. She loves to create handmade cards and other crafts. She is an avid reader and always has a book with her.
Raj Chehl
Congratulations! Just by thinking about making a change in your life, your journey to living a fully empowered and authentic life has already begun. You are an expert of yourself and your family. Allow me to step in as an expert in self-development, creating emotional well-being, and achieving optimal mental health. Blending conventional and complimentary approaches, I draw on a variety of styles and techniques to facilitate bridging the gap between where you are and where you desire to be. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Michigan and Texas and have over 19 years of experience. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina State University in 1980 and my Master of Arts degree from Oakland University in 2002. Additionally, I am a certified yoga teacher registered with Yoga Alliance which allows me to draw from the ancient practice and wisdom, which dates back over 4000 years, to help clients move into a balanced emotional, mental, and physical state of equanimity and self-awareness. I view therapy as a process by which I facilitate my clients in exploration, clarification, and identification of their needs and help them to make changes in behaviors and cognitions. Therapy is a safe place to explore reactions, thoughts, and feelings about people in your life as well as yourself. It allows you the opportunity to practice new ways of interacting and when ready, to try these in other relationships. With an enhanced sense of self-understanding and acceptance, you are able to replace limiting beliefs you have learned and inherited with a new self-empowering perspective and create a breakthrough from surviving to thriving. I utilize the multi-modal and holistic approach which integrates person-centered, cognitive behavioral, existential, psychodynamic, Gestalt, mindfulness and solution-focused models to meet your specific and unique needs. Relying on research, I integrate an array of therapeutic interventions that will yield optimum results. I work with a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues including mood disorders, anxiety, depression, stress and anger management, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship challenges, addictions, domestic violence, parenting, divorce, crisis intervention, and personality disorders. My clients include families, couples, teens, individuals and groups. I look forward to working with you! You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the entire ocean in a single drop. ~ Rumi ~
Dr. Shamira Ramos-Ayala
Welcome! I always tell clients it is equally important for them to get to know me as much as I do them before therapy begins . Honesty and transparency are valuable in therapy, and I know it sets the foundation for a working therapist-client relationship. To begin, I have been a bilingual (English-Spanish) Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas for the past 14 years and have worked in a variety of settings including private practice, local mental health agencies, hospitals, and university settings. I have experience in helping clients with depression, postpartum depression, stress and anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and women related issues especially motherhood. I specialize in targeting family of origin issues which means I find it valuable to understand where patterns and habits in your life may come from and the life experiences that may also still impact you today. I use a solution focused and narrative therapy approach, always seeking client strengths and personal successes to help them write the next chapter in their life. I have helped clients of all ages including individuals, couples, and families. I earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Family Therapy in 2018 from Texas Woman's University and I earned a Master's of Science in Professional Counseling from Texas Wesleyan University in 2006. My therapy style is warm and collaborative. I know the importance of being culturally sensitive and treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I listen to every person's unique story as if I am hearing it for the first time, and so that I can tailor our work and treatment goals to meet your specific needs. I believe that you are the expert of your story and though you may be feeling momentarily stuck, I know that together we can find ways to fulfill your best hopes. Thank you for confidently taking the first step and I look forward to being a small part of your journey!
Nancy White
I am licensed in Texas with 15+ years of professional work experience, and 15 years Group Therapy, I have 15+ years experience in helping clients with: trauma/abuse, addictions, codependency, grief, depression. I am a Faith Based/client centered/multicultural therapist utilizing, Adlerian/Reality, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Therapist/Client relationship built with trust is the foundation to begin the healing process. It is my privilege to be your Therapist walking along-side you, as you walk forward your path to heal.
Amy Aniyeloye
I am licensed in Texas with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.
Dakota Seale
Greetings! My name is Dakota and I'm Licensed Professional Counselor from Texas with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, PTSD, OCD and Phobias, motivation, and self esteem/self-confidence issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that we can utilize to assist you in overcoming life challenges. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and I applaud you for taking that first step towards everlasting change and will be here to support you throughout the therapeutic process. *Please note - Availability is mainly on Saturdays, but also available during weekday evenings at 7:30 pm (Tuesday - Friday). Please refer to my schedule for availability and if you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. I look forward to working with you and appreciate the opportunity to help. :)
Maryam Khoshbooii
I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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. I am also bilingual in Farsi (Persian) and English.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Chester
Finding the best therapist close by in Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester. 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 Chester, 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester, elsewhere in Tyler, 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Chester, 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 75936 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 Chester counselor?
Before seeing your Chester 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. Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester 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 Chester, 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.
Chester 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 Chester, 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 Chester 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 Chester:
75936