West University Place is nicknamed “the neighborhood city,” and borders the most populous city in the state – Houston. Being a good neighbor is to be kind and to care, but if you’re struggling with emotional or mental issues, you must first take care of yourself in order to help others.

Knowledge is what drives this community. If you know that you may have a problem that you need help with, the counselors in West University Place and the surrounding area are ready and willing to help you get back on track. Consider reaching out to one today.

This is Michelle Prado's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Prado

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseADHD
12 years of experience

Michelle Prado is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington. Michelle is warm, compassionate and non-judgmental. She enjoys creating a safe place for clients to navigate and explore life’s challenges. She feels she can help her clients develop helpful strategies through mindfulness, exploring core beliefs, reframing challenges, and honoring values. Michelle truly enjoys helping people discover and align their lives with their authentic selves. She uses a diversified approach specific to the needs of each client and is able to affect positive change and growth. Michelle has worked with diverse populations throughout her career. She has provided grief counseling and has worked with counseling clients and their families through various medical issues. Michelle utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic approaches, strength-based approaches, solution focused techniques, trauma informed care and mindfulness practices. She has experience around child abuse, family violence, trauma, crisis intervention, medical issues, aging concerns, grief and loss, anxiety, and depression. Michelle’s Specialities: ADHD Couples, individuals or families Family Systems Relationship issues Crisis Management Anxiety/Depression Chronic pain Women’s Issues Grief and loss Trauma-informed care Work life balance Cultural/Ethnic Concerns

Get started View profile
This is Kim Ferren's avatar and link to their profile

Kim Ferren

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsBipolar disorderDepression
3 years of experience

Hello! I'm Kim Ferren and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years experience, licensed in the state of Texas. I have a Master's in Counseling and have extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I've worked in the clinical setting, in private practice, and in the in-patient hospital setting. My therapeutic approach can best be described as client-focused, with an emphasis on cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and family systems. It's important to me to provide a calm and safe environment where you know you will be listened to and not judged. The client/therapist relationship is a key component in successful therapy, so I strive to establish a good rapport, then we will work as a team to establish goals and move forward. Life presents many challenges, most of which we can confidently deal with; but there are times when we get stuck, or we've been deeply wounded, and we just don't know what to do. Asking for help is a great first step in finding your way through the tough moments.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Gary Alexander's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Gary Alexander

Offering therapy in TX
License: Ph.D.,L.P.C.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed counselor with over 10 years of experience working in the field. I consider it an honor and great privilege to be able to walk alongside my clients on their journey toward health, wellness, and success, no matter what challenges they might face. I have extensive experience in trauma-informed care which has proven to be helpful fo numerous clients over the years who have been facing struggles related to early life trauma. I have worked primarily with persons who range in age from 21+, along with couples-related counseling as well. My approach to counseling is one that maintains a high level of respect for the client's personal expertise in their own life. I am not here to tell you what to do, I'm here to help you find, within yourself, the way forward in life, no matter the circumstances. I approach each session and discussion with warmth and empathy, striving to truly hear you and understand what needs are present.

Get started View profile
This is Shari Stark's avatar and link to their profile

Shari Stark

Offering therapy in TX
License: M.S.,LPC-S,LCDC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

Hello and welcome! My name is Shari Stark, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, with a Supervisor Endorsement, and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in the state of Texas. I am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and a National Certified counselor. I have over 20 years of experience in working in mental health. My experience includes private practice, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, nonprofit, and substance abuse. I also spent 18 years in public education as a teacher, school counselor, and therapeutic counselor. I worked in the field of domestic violence for 5 years. During my time in private practice, I mostly worked with couples, blended families, and individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, anger, boundaries, and family of origin. I also worked with First Responders. As your therapist, it is an honor to work with you on your journey towards personal growth, empowerment, and to assist you in discovering mindsets and stumbling blocks that are preventing you from reaching your full potential. My counseling style is warm, compassionate, respectful, and encouraging while maintaining the strictest confidentiality while building mutual trust. My primary approach is cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused, and client-centered; however, I utilize other counseling modalities in an effort to meet clients where they are. I also provide Christian counseling for those clients seeking a Biblical perspective. To best serve you, please know that I do not provide legal/court documentation, diagnosis, assessment, or treatment reports as I feel this is best achieved by seeing a counselor for in person sessions. Also, I know that some prefer texting as a form of counseling; however, I prefer to do sessions via video or phone call. In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, gardening, hiking, listening to music, reading, and volunteering. I have been a volunteer for over 20 years, which consisted of facilitating a grief support group, time spent in Stennis, MS after Hurricane Katrina, being a mentor for teens, but mostly volunteering with animal rescue groups and animal shelters. I wish you the very best in finding a counselor, who best suits your needs and who will provide you with the tools to help you gain a better perspective and live life to the fullest. You deserve this!

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Steven Mclain's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Steven Mclain

Offering therapy in TX
License: Ph.D.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I have worked as a psychotherapist for 30 years, with most of my experience in community mental health centers, where I work with chronically and severely mentally ill individuals in an outpatient setting. I worked for 3-1/2 years in a residential treatment setting with severely abused and traumatized children and adolescents. I have also been an adjunct professor of psychology for the University of Houston for 22 years. I worked as a Masters level therapist for several years before earning my Ph. D. in psychology in 1998. Although I consider myself to be primarily a cognitive behavioral therapist, I am also comfortable with interpersonal, client-centered, and Christian counseling modalities. It is my belief that each person has the answers they need for a happy and productive life within themselves, and that my role as a therapist is to help each client find those answers. I believe that all therapy should be based on the core values of empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. I provide a counseling setting which is accepting, non-judgmental and geared toward the personal growth of each client.

Get started View profile
This is Julieta Pulido's avatar and link to their profile

Julieta Pulido

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
4 years of experience

Hello, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas with over four years of experience working with various populations. I have worked with clients struggling with managing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, parenting concerns, work-related stressors, bipolar disorder, and general life and career challenges. I have also helped individuals to cope and heal from community violence and childhood trauma. My therapy style is warm and welcoming. I believe in treating each one of you with respect and empathy. My therapeutic approach is client centered and strengths based combined with Cognitive Behavioral therapy. I believe that you are the expert in your life, and will be here to provide extra support and guidance as you navigate through life's challenges. I want you, above everything, to feel heard and validated. I will work with you to achieve the goals you set for yourself. Change doesn't come easy, but taking this first step in your journey takes a great amount of strength that maybe you didn't think you had. I will be here with you as you take those next steps to living a more fulfilling life and will be your cheerleader with each success. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Stephanie Walker's avatar and link to their profile

Stephanie Walker

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Get started View profile
This is Veronica Vera's avatar and link to their profile

Veronica Vera

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hi, my name is Veronica. I have been licensed in Texas as counselor with 5 years of professional work experience. I work as a counselor because I like helping people. I believe in “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.” As social creatures, I believe that all Humans are born with an innate need to connect with others. Sometimes, some people need a counselor, as an unbiased, objective source of support and empathy during critical life experiences and challenges. No one is born with a manual on how to do life; we all are learning how to be in the world. Counselors can help by providing psychoeducation through the process of developing coping strategies, problem-solving skills, life skills, assertive communication, self-care, boundaries, goal setting, etc., In counseling, I utilize eclectic variety of therapeutic modalities, depending on an individual’s emotional experiences and needs. Nevertheless, I believe that actively listening to the individual I work with, is healing in and of itself. We live in a fast-paced world full of expectations and responsibilities and feeling alone. All people want to be heard, have control of their own lives, want to feel accepted and feel that they belong. I hope, given the opportunity, I may have the privilege of serving another fellow Human through the process of providing professional therapeutic support. You are not alone.

Get started View profile
This is Philomena Toomey's avatar and link to their profile

Philomena Toomey

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
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, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!

Get started View profile
This is Laurel Tate's avatar and link to their profile

Laurel Tate

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in West University Place

Finding the best therapist close by in West University Place 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in West University Place. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in West University Place, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in West University Place or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers 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 West University Place area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 West University Place, elsewhere in Harris, or in the greater state of Texas.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the West University Place area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed West University Place therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in West University Place due to a higher cost of living. 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 West University Place 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 BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Texas you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in West University Place, 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in West University Place 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 lead by a therapist in West University Place helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified West University Place 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.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

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 West University Place therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist 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 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 West University Place 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 lot of people in TX, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 77005 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a West University Place counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A West University Place 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 through therapy 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.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy 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 professional 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 West University Place, 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.

West University Place has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?

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

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 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 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 West University Place.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in West University Place:

77005

Popular cities near West University Place, TX

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist