This is Ashley Martin's avatar and link to their profile

Ashley Martin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Port Aransas
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC, LCDC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

Counseling may be one of the most amazing journeys that you take in life, and I'd be honored to help guide you as you take those first steps toward greater self-awareness. I am a licensed professional counselor and a licensed chemical dependency counselor in Texas with over 10 years of experience working as a therapist in a variety of settings, including a private practice, community mental health center, behavioral health hospital, and adult/juvenile probation departments. I've provided counseling services to adults, children, and adolescents experiencing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, family/marital problems, career challenges, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, ODD, Conduct Disorder, substance use disorders, self-harming behaviors, anger control issues, and various personality disorders. I also have experience working with clients who have experienced physical, emotional, and sexual trauma/abuse. My counseling approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, and solution-focused therapies and is always tailored to suit the needs of each individual client. I believe in empathy, understanding, respect, trust, and provide a non-judgmental atmosphere in which my clients can grow and discover. I will not pretend that I have all the answers, but I will work to the best of my ability to help you find yours.

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Elva 'Julia' Garafola

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Port Aransas
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Ms. Garafola received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas Woman's University and earned her Master's degree in Mental Health and Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as her Associate's degree in Nutrition from Tarrant County College. Over the past ten years, she has had the opportunity to work with seniors and their families in a myriad of settings to include end of life issues, chronic illness, grief and loss, life transitions, caregiver issues and aging parents. Ms. Garafola practices client-centered philosophy, utilizing cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. She believes in developing a non-judgmental and trusting therapeutic relationship with each client in order to provide guidance in discovering qualities and strengths, tools, and skills they can use in maneuvering life's challenges. Ms. Garafola's happy place is the beach has relocated from Texas to Florida where she lives with her husband and 15 year old pup Lola. Spending time outside in the sunshine biking and gardening are activities of choice, as well as dining out, shopping, traveling, and family vacations with her adult children. She is active in her church as well as her husband's vacation property business.

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Gina Cardines

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Port Aransas
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

My name is Gina Cardines and I have been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida for 7 years and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas for 3 years. With a total of over 20 years experience in the mental health field and 7 years as a licensed therapist, I have experience in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, substance abuse, and PTSD. I also have experience working with survivors of Intimate Partner Violence, human trafficking, and other trauma, including those who have served in the military. During sessions, you can expect honesty and unconditional positive regard, with no need to worry about monitoring expressions of self, feelings, language, or reactions. Though I have a base in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, I tailor each session to meet the needs of the client, and utilize an eclectic approach with multiple modalities and interventions to create a safe space, free from judgment, to put each client at ease and help clients to engender genuine change in their lives. I look forward to walking with you on your journey. I am able to see clients in both Florida and Texas, and I am available for video, phone, and chat sessions.

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Charesa Alphin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Port Aransas
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC,CCMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas with ten years experience in counseling. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns but my specialties include parenting difficulties, childhood trauma, abuse, Autism, social difficulties, mood disorders, grief, ADHD, anxiety and depression. My counseling approach is person-centered and I strive to create an environment in which you feel safe to share your story. I have training and experience in Client-Centered Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational interviewing and Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling (AAT-C). I am also currently completing training as a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist and Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. I look forward to meeting with you and working together to find which therapy modality works best for you. I have always believed that everyone can benefit from counseling and I believe that is even more true as we have all been touched by the difficulties and challenges of the last few years related to pandemic stress, isolation and loss. At this time, I have appointments available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and I do my best to get your first appointment scheduled the same week you reach out to me to schedule. I have some flexibility if the hours listed on my calendar do not fit into your schedule. Just ask!

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Joel Miranda

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Port Aransas
Relationship issuesGriefAnger managementSelf esteem
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with multiple stressors of life/ stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, grief and loss, motivation, poor self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jason Jenkins

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Port Aransas
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefBipolar disorderADHD
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 11 years of professional counseling experience. I graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts Degree in Biblical and Professional Counseling. I am also trained in the use of EMDR. I specialize in teen, tween, and adolescent trauma. I also comparable experience in helping other age groups with trauma and abuse, stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation and self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Joseph (Sam) Warren's avatar and link to their profile

Joseph (Sam) Warren

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Port Aransas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issues
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

This is Sharday Lawrence's avatar and link to their profile

Sharday Lawrence

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Port Aransas
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Michigan and Texas with over 10 years of post-master's degree professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem/confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.

This is Rebecca Ayala's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Ayala

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Port Aransas
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCompassion fatigueADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & compassion fatigue. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Servando Velasquez's avatar and link to their profile

Servando Velasquez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Port Aransas
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Port Aransas

Finding the best therapist close by in Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas. 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 Port Aransas, 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas, elsewhere in Nueces, 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Port Aransas, 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 78373 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 Port Aransas counselor?

Before seeing your Port Aransas 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. Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas, 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.

Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas, Texas

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 Port Aransas 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 Port Aransas.

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

78373

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