Kristina Durene
Hello! My name is Kristina Durene. I am a mental health counselor licensed in the state of Washington with approximately 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, interpersonal and relationship issues, parenting and family problems, career challenges, and health and wellness challenges. I have worked with many individuals who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. In addition I have both professional and lived experience working with military veterans and family members. As I strive for authenticity in all my interactions with clients, my counseling style is warm and interactive. I am a firm believer that health is holistic and not one dimensional; that we are mind, body and spirit. As such, I will take an integrative approach that explores all areas of health as they may impact emotional, mental and spiritual health. I believe in treating each client with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and holistic and integrative therapies. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your individual and specific needs. I honor your courage to pursue a more fulfilling and joy-filled life and to take the first steps towards making those changes. If you are ready to take those steps I am here to support, encourage and empower you. It is my greatest joy to walk with clients as they come into alignment with who they are purposed and called to be. I look forward to connecting with you!
Marie Campbell
Hello, my name is Marie. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Maine and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State. I attended Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon and graduated with my M.A. in Counseling in 2017. My approach to therapy is to adapt therapies that are best aligned to the specific needs of the client. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-centered Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. I view counseling as a team effort where the client and counselor agree to work together to help you, the client, to recognize strengths, identify needs, understand conflicts, discover new options, set personal development goals, and make informed choices. It takes courage to seek counseling to work on personal issues. I believe that through counseling hope and healing can be experienced. I have personally benefited from counseling and would consider it an honor to assist you on your journey to hope and healing.
Jean Helfer
I am a clinical social worker licensed in both WA and MO state with 20 years of experience working as a counselor and social worker in various healthcare settings. I have experience with a wide range of clinical challenges such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, marital and relationship issues, abuse, grief and loss. My therapy style is client centered, compassionate, and strengths based. I believe clients are the experts about their own experiences, and I am here to help you achieve your desired goals. My clinical approach combines cognitive-behavioral, cognitive processing therapy, psychodynamic, family systems, attachment theory, dialectical behavioral therapy and EMDR. Seeking help is not always easy and many people do not have the support they need. Therefore, I aim to make the transition into therapy smooth, while also providing a confidential, and safe space to talk about sensitive and challenging problems. I am here to support and empower you.
Salina Mecham
Hey there! My name is Salina Mecham. I attended the University of Utah and received a bachelor's and master's degree in Social Work and a certification in substance use treatment. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), and Domestic Violence Intervention Treatment Counselor (DVP). I am fully licensed in the states of Utah, Washington, and New Jersey. I have worked with adults and adolescents and enjoy all ages. I got my start in group homes for troubled youth, and I can truly say that I have never felt more fulfillment in my life than when I was getting chairs thrown at my head, and called names that I can never repeat, because in those moments, I was present and doing what I could to help a person in pain. I eventually moved on to work in a behavioral health hospital where people came when they hit their limit and could no longer cope with living, or their mental health was affecting their ability to function in their lives. I am currently the CEO of Willapa Behavioral Health & Wellness, a community behavioral health agency. I continue to offer treatment at the agency for mental health, substance use disorders, domestic violence intervention treatment, and couples counseling. I also serve clients on BetterHelp because I love providing therapy and don't get to do it nearly enough as a CEO. I am working on getting trained in the Gottman method (couples counseling). My preference is to utilize video sessions so that I can read the situation more clearly. I can, and do, use the phone, but will not use the live chat option because I have found that concepts and meanings tend to get lost because so many nonverbal queues are not seen. I also utilize the email option often, and return all emails sent to me within 48 hours. When time permits, I can open up special times for sessions if there is an emergency. I feel it is important for my clients to spend their week being aware of the things that happen around them, and how those things affect them, and to be prepared with those and other things they would like to address in their session. I also value honest feed back said to me in the moment. I can make adjustments in my approach if I know it isn't hitting where you need it to. Honesty and openness is so important in therapy and can add so much to the quality of your experience. I tend to take an eclectic approach to counseling because one size does not fit all. I pull from CBT, ACT, DBT, REBT, and I am trained in, and use EMDR for trauma treatment. It is very important to me that I create a safe place for all my clients. Judgement has no place in my practice. I believe strongly in the golden rule and kindness, curiosity, validation, comfort, and safety are very important to me. No matter the issue, I am open and ready to help you navigate it in a way that can help keep you intact and moving forward.
Petra Patterson
I am a mental health counselor licensed in Washington state with over 13 years of experience working as a therapist and life coach. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns including ADHD, opioid addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, and career challenges. I have also assisted many people who have experienced physical and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating individuals with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My training, life experience, and insight offer clients a unique opportunity to transcend current problems in the service of their own growth. You can create change in your life and overcome difficult and challenging situations. Remember, seeking counseling is not a sign of weakness, but one of true courage. Counseling can empower you to thrive, not just survive. I will be here to support you on your journey. I look forward to working with you!
John Shobe
I am licensed in Washington with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Sunny Nielsen
Hello! My name is Sunny and I am a Mentalh Health Counselor who has been licensed in Utah for 12 years. I have worked as a social worker for 18 years in settings such as Utah Department of Human Services, Hospital setting and currently in a school setting. I have done individual counseling for 7 years in the school setting and now through telehealth with teens and adults. I like to see my clients succeed and assist them in making goals. I work with clients doing cognitive behavioral, mindfulness and motivational therapy. I work with clients on self esteem and maintaining their mental health well after counseling. I encourage clients to journal and to communicate with others. I understand how difficult it is to make the decision to do counseling and I commend anyone who is seeking help. I am a very easy going person to talk with. I look forward to talking to you and getting to know you and assist with your mental health. My sessions are 45 minutes and occasionally go over if needed. I try not to go to long after since I have other clients counting on their appointments. I understand when life happens and you need to cancel or forget an appointment. Just let me know ASAP so I can make plans around the missed appointment. If you are a no show, I will stay online for about 10 minutes and then I will likely log off to do other things. If you have questions about this you can certainly ask me!
Julia Spaude
I am a licensed therapist in Washington (LICSW) with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, 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. 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. Check out my Psychology Today profile for more information on my therapy approach and credentials: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/julia-spaude-seattle-wa/1289991
Lorie Boyd
I am licensed in New York with more than 22 years of professional work experience. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming the things that are challenging you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Let's go on the journey together.
Debra "Debbie" Briggs
Each day we have in life is a bright new adventure just waiting to be discovered! I view my work in counseling as an adventure I am privileged to share with each client! In my 13 years of experience I have worked with individuals as they have struggled to overcome and cope with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual abuse, relationship conflict, ADHD, motivation, self esteem, confidence, coping with life changes, and other distressing circumstances. I enjoy helping individuals create healthy, functional relationships and lives that flourish. My focus is on strengthening the family system, identifying each individual's needs, and discovering hope for their future. 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!
How to find a therapist for counseling in La Crosse
Finding the best therapist close by in La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse. 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 La Crosse, 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 La Crosse region and in the state of Washington. 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse, elsewhere in Whitman, or in the greater state of Washington. 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse may not take health insurance, some in the state of Washington 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 Washington 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 La Crosse online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in La Crosse, Washington 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 WA, 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 99143 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 La Crosse counselor?
Before seeing your La Crosse 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. La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse, Washington 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.
La Crosse 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 La Crosse, Washington
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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse:
99143