Julie Este-McDonald
I work with clients with a variety of issues. I find that most of the time, people seek help because they realize that their life is just not where they want it to be, and they realize that there is something more. I help clients deal with the things that they feel are holding them back, whether it be circumstances, trauma, history, or things they believe about themselves. Although I offer counseling services to people from all walks of life and belief (or non-belief) systems, I also have extended training in Pastoral (meaning Christian) Counseling. I work with people to pinpoint their goals, define the obstacles to the goals, and explore the origins of unhealthy beliefs and thought patterns that are holding your back. The fact of the matter is that we all have issues and problems to work through. The good news is that you don't have to do it alone. I want to help you work through the things that are holding you back from finding your purpose and peace.
Joseph Wagner
I am a licensed professional counselor with 15 years’ experience treating a range of issues. I bring a warm and empathic style to my work, thus creating a space in which you, the client, can discuss the challenges you face while feeling heard, understood, and supported. I help people do more of what matters even in the presence of difficult inner experiences. In our work together, we’ll look at the strategies you have been using to address your challenges, and we’ll discuss ways in which you can strengthen or expand your skills in order to act more effectively and flexibly in response to difficult situations, thoughts, and feelings. The heart of my work involves helping you to learn new skills which allow you to break the grip of unwanted thoughts & feelings on your actions and your life. As you build these skills, you learn to handle difficult thoughts, feelings, and situations more flexibly, thus opening a space where you become freer to show up to your life in ways that enhance vitality, meaning, and purpose.
Patricia Green-Metz
As a licensed therapist in Louisiana, I bring three decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on creating affirming, culturally responsive spaces for diverse communities, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and trauma recovery. I am deeply committed to understanding the intersectional experiences of marginalized communities, with a focused approach to exploring multicultural concerns, navigating experiences of prejudice and discrimination, and supporting individuals managing challenging mental health experiences. My therapeutic style emphasizes empowerment, respect, and collaborative healing. My professional approach integrates evidence-based practices with a profound understanding of individual lived experiences. I strive to provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their challenges, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. Whether you're confronting complex emotional patterns, processing difficult experiences, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with genuine compassion and professional expertise.
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!
Shontell Magee-Dolliole
I am a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience as a professional therapist in New Orleans, Louisiana. I have worked with people with various issues, including depression, anxiety, marital problems, parental issues, job obstacles, and ADHD. I have also assisted other adolescents who have endured physical or emotional abuse. My approach to counseling is welcoming and participatory. Everyone should be treated with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapeutic approach of counseling is cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, psychodynamic, and rational-emotive therapy in my approach. I will personalize our conversation and treatment approach to your individual requirements. It requires bravery to pursue a more full and happy life and initiate change. If you are prepared to take this step, I will support and empower you. I am really looking forward to working with you!
Marilyn Priebe
I am licensed in Louisiana with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. 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!
Juanita Carter
I am licensed in Louisiana with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dr. Dionne Crosby Smith
I am licensed in Louisiana with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I have a holistic approach to counseling, recognizing that each client's journey is unique. They tailor their therapeutic methods to the individual, drawing from various therapeutic modalities to create a personalized plan for healing and growth. Take the first step towards a more fulfilling life by scheduling a session with me today. You don't have to face life's challenges alone. Dr. Dee is here to guide you towards a happier, healthier, and more confident you.
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.
Melissa Vallia
My passion for helping others comes from the many people that have helped me through the difficult seasons in my life. I have worked and served in many different helping positions from being a Chaplain Assistant in the USAF to working for Goodwill Industries to serving as a leader in my local church. The decision to become a counselor came when I experienced great loss and wanted to help others navigate through their losses as well. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Louisiana State University-Shreveport and a Master of Science degree in Counseling from Louisiana State University-Shreveport. I have experience providing counseling services to a variety of clients, including individuals, couples, and groups, both in the office and through telehealth services. My specialties include helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, parenting issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My goal in counseling is to meet my clients where they are and help them move to where they want to be in life. Change can be scary to even think about, much less make happen in your own life. Please allow me to walk alongside you as you navigate these positive changes in your life. 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.
Katharine "Katie" Blum
I am licensed in Louisiana as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and have been working as a therapist for over a decade. I am also a genderqueer therapist (they/them) who wants to create a loving, understanding space for the LGBTQIA+ community. I want the process of counseling to be a safe journey towards the life my clients can say "yes" to. I believe in the client being the expert of themselves, and their path is set by their dreams, hopes, and desires, not my agenda. I believe a full, beautiful life is possible for all people, I want to help you in your path towards that beauty, whatever that may mean to you. My specialty is working with clients who are neurodivergent, but specifically those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. However, I also have experience working with clients with various issues, diagnoses and concerns. I work from a humanistic perspective meaning that I believe humans are naturally good and possess the abilities to live the lives they want to live.
Darlene Goines
As a licensed therapist in Louisiana, I bring 17 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing workplace challenges, communication barriers, and caregiver stress while fostering self-love and empowerment. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each individual's unique journey. I understand the importance of creating a supportive, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and reconnect with their inner strengths. Whether you're struggling with self-esteem, seeking clarity in relationships, or working to understand your life's purpose, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. As a Black woman therapist, I bring a nuanced, culturally informed perspective to our work together. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can authentically explore your challenges and potential for transformation.
Yolanda Adams-Johnson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louisiana with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with grief, coping with loss, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, anger, anxiety depression and more. I also have experience working with those coping with life changes. I can assist in areas of spirituality from a Christian perspective. 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.
Heather Yokum
As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana, I bring over a decade of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My professional journey is deeply rooted in helping clients heal from addiction, trauma, and significant life transitions. I specialize in creating compassionate, strength-based therapeutic environments where individuals can explore their experiences and develop resilient coping strategies. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique story and empowering them to discover their inner resources for healing and growth. I work collaboratively with clients, particularly those in child, adolescent, and adult populations, to develop personalized strategies that promote emotional well-being and meaningful life transformation. Through evidence-based practices and a trauma-informed lens, I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they build greater self-understanding, emotional regulation, and personal resilience. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their challenges and rediscover their inherent strengths.
Find a Therapist Near You in Bernice , 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 Bernice.
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.