Monica Cruz
Greetings! If you are reading this then you have taken the first step towards creating your new and improved self. This is often very difficult and I commend you on your courage and resolve. The road to self-improvement is often a lifelong journey and many people run into difficulties of all sorts along the way. Do not be discouraged! You are not alone. My goal is to give you supportive help and solutions to the best of my ability. I am committed to listening to your personal situation and assisting you with formulating and implementing goals for you to achieve incremental improvement. Let's start by me telling you a little about myself. I am currently an LCSW with 11 years of experience helping a diverse range of people from many different cultural backgrounds. People have always described me as a good listener and problem solver. While working together I can assure you I will never judge. We are all in this together! People would also call me driven and compassionate. I am devoted to working with you to elevate your well-being and overall quality of life. I specialize in Behavioral Therapy utilizing a wide array of interventions and treatment plans. Together we will formulate a personalized plan for you and discuss the steps needed for you to enact that plan in portions that are manageable to you and your situation. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you!
Chelsey Ragas
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor in Louisiana and Nationally Certified Counselor with over 5 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family issues, identity issues, career challenges, and eating disorders. I also helped many people who have addictions to substances including heroin, pain pills, cocaine, methamphetamines, benzodiazepines, and alcohol, My counseling style is approachable and interactive. I believe the counseling process is one where we both work together to help you reach your goals. I believe in treating everyone with respect, care, compassion, and and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines a variety of counseling styles to include solution-focused, person-centered, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. Since therapy is about you, I tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It is a major milestone for someone to take the initiative to want to improve area(s) in their life. If you are ready to take that step I am here and ready to support and help you. I look forward to working with you!
Sarah Jones
I am licensed in Louisiana with over 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dr. Joy McElveen
From the first moment of successfully leaving our mother's body and beginning to breath on our own, we began a life journey that mirrors our own epic story. This epic is similar to those I used to watch as a child at the Sunday evening movies. Usually a hero, for instance, Hercules, would be engaged in ongoing event-filled days of danger, challenge, and conquest. Along the way there were characters who attempted to thwart his efforts or support his quest. His focus remained resolute and steadfast and was usually met with success. If not doing that hour definitely by part two he would be the victor. Our life challenges, however, are not usually met with the excitement of a movie; and success in overcoming them is not usually with one or even two hours. But like old movies, our challenges involve obstacles, dangers, wonders, and successes of varying dimensions. These challenges for many of us serve to push us forward to take another breath of life and to continue our personal life walk. From each push, breath, and challenge we can choose to learn and experience success or satisfaction with how we are engaging with life. I am Joy Smith McElveen, a licensed clinical social worker in New Orleans, LA.. Like many of you, my epic story is filled with many challenges of major life disappointments, frustrations, illness, fears, anxiety, depression, and anger. However, there was always a sense of wonder which generated happy times, love, and a glimmer of hope-filled days. Focusing on the wonders of hope helps me put challenges and obstacles into a perspective that allows me build change efforts. I think it is having a sense of hope, the real wonder, that pushes us forward despite the challenge. My practice is based on expanding a search for hope within each person seeking to change direction. Living demands that we must continue to grow. We grow through learning and making changes in our sphere of life. Our emotions and thoughts help or hinder our behavior. It is within these areas we need to evaluate, and search for meaning to be productive and fulfilled. My practice is based on using Dialectical Behavior Therapy undergirded with applications from Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. These approaches have interconnections with how we can choose to change how we think, feel and behave. They each require that the person seeking to make changes do the work and the helper is alongside working with her/him. I would like to be one of the characters in your epic story who supports your quest for change. I have a BA in sociology from Louisiana State University (now UNO); a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor); and a doctorate from Howard University School of Social Work. I have certifications in each treatment approach listed above.
Velda Wiltz
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louisiana with 30 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Sharon Spencer Rose
Hello! My name is Sharon Spencer Rose. I have over 10 years of counseling. I earned a Divinity degree and a Masters degree in Christian Counseling from The Oral Roberts University in Christian in 2002 and 2003. I am licensed professional counselor and licensed addiction counselor. I see counseling as a process in which you, the client, and I, the Counselor having come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop future goals for an improved life and work in a systematic fashion toward realizing those goals. I approach counseling from both a systems and cognitive-behavioral perspective. A Systems Theorist views most human life as being guided by emotional forces which to a varying degree can be regulated by an individual’s ability to think. Systems believe that people are able to modify their responses to the automatic emotional input by undertaking a study of their own patterns of behavior and their link to patterns of behavior in their multigenerational family. In cognitive-behavioral, patterns of thoughts and actions are explored in order to better understand the clients' problems and to develop solutions. However, each individual is unique and may require other approaches to finding a resolution, for this reason an integrative approach that of emerging various approaches may be deemed necessary in order to produce an effective result. I work with clients in a variety of formats, including individually, as couples and as families. I also conduct group therapy as needed.
Marianne Terrebonne
I am a Board Certified licensed professional counselor with a 40 year assessment, counseling and treatment planning background in various positions under a school system umbrella, including 13 years of school-based liaison experience with Juvenile Diversion Services in conjunction with the Office of the District Attorney. Adept at providing a practical and problem solving approach in treating clients experiencing challenges in their psychological, intellectual, moral, vocational, or personal growth. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Charlamonte Gordon
Hello, my name is Charlamonte Gordon and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana. I hold a M.ED in counseling and have been in the field for over 15 years. I have helped clients work through a wide range of concerns such as anger, anxiety, depression, conflict resolutions as well as a variety of other mental health concerns. I have experience in helping individuals who find themselves dealing with other system agencies that can bring about anxiety such as the legal system, the school system, and even child protection services amongst other things. I have over 10 years of experience working with children/adolescents that exhibit at-risk behavior. Those who are at risk may exhibit behaviors such as poor impulsivity and anger control, manipulation, poor decision-making, lack of guidance and poor mental health management. Children and adolescents should have a voice when it comes to being able to manage and maintain their mental health. We can’t choose what happens to us, but we have the opportunity to choose how we respond. My aim is to ensure that both young and old know they matter and what they have been through does not define nor change who they would like to be. Being in the helping profession has given me the opportunity to touch and transform the lives of others in special ways. There are so many things going on in the world that can easily make us feel overwhelmed. As a Counselor, I pride myself on being patient, treating everyone with respect and having an open mind. I am a strong believer that we all possess strengths that can be built upon to pull us through those tough situations. Let me help you discover your inner strengths and how to use them to be the best you that YOU envision to be!
Beronica Sullivan
I am a therapist in Louisiana with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with children and adults on issues that impact their daily lives. My therapy style is gentle and encouraging and my approach encompasses cognitive behavior therapy. I believe in the power of sharing your story and having yourself and someone else hear it. I also focus on sharing strategies to help manage thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I appreciate the privilege of and look forward to walking with you through this journey.
Rhenda Hodnett
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louisiana where I received a Master of Social Work and PhD., in Social Work from Louisiana State University. For more than 30 years I worked with children and families experiencing abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma. Currently I help adults navigate and adjust to a variety of life transitions in relationships, career/retirement, and health related challenges, including insomnia, I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental environment and working with my clients to create a path forward that will allow them to thrive, not just survive.
Brandi S Thomas-Scott
I am licensed in Louisiana with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I work with children ages 5 to 17 years of age, adults, couples, and all genders. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Karen Kluchin-Song
Welcome! I am so glad that you have made this very important step in seeking therapy through BetterHelp! My name is Karen Kluchin-Song. I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) from Tulane University School of Social Work, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) within the state of Louisiana with over 18 years of experience providing therapy. My areas of expertise include: trauma, grief, women’s issues, blended families, LGBTQIA, stress and military. I also have experience in working on relationship issues, depression, anxiety, anger management, polyamory/ non monogamous relationships, young adult, first responders, control issues, family of origin, life purpose, dissociation, self love, workplace issues, combat issues, PTSD, addictions, parenting issues, guilt and shame, spirituality, sexuality, identity development, major life transitions, and isolation. This experience was conducted at Military Installations, at Schools, at Domestic Violence Programs, Rape Crisis Programs, at Children Advocacy Centers (CAC's) and within Private Practice (among others). My approach is eclectic- incorporating Trauma Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Strengths Based Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. I believe strongly that my clients are the experts on their own lives. I wish to co-create goals for therapy with you as I walk with you along in your journey of self discovery. I wish to provide a safe place for you to process issues you wish to bring to therapy.
Gretchen Dison
I am licensed in Louisiana with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.
Daniel Lightell Jr.
I am licensed in Louisiana with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, & anger management. I also have experience working with depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Find a Therapist Near You in Bastrop , Louisiana
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Louisiana can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Louisiana is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Louisiana, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Louisiana (LA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Louisiana, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Louisiana with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Louisiana
When searching for a therapist near me in Louisiana, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Louisiana, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Louisiana.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Louisiana want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Louisiana
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Louisiana without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Louisiana (LA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Louisiana
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Louisiana, including residents in Bastrop.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Louisiana do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.