Christopher Johnson
As a licensed therapist in Louisiana, I bring over a 14yrs of experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, stress, and life transitions. I specialize in addressing communication difficulties, social anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and tailored to each individual's unique journey. I work closely with clients to explore underlying emotional patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, and build resilience. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship issues, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to providing supportive, evidence-based guidance. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, including young adults, families, and individuals facing midlife transitions. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your challenges, rediscover your strengths, and move toward meaningful personal transformation.
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.
Wanda Bush
My name is Wanda W. Bush. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. My primary therapeutic interventions are Brief Solution Focused Therapy , Client Centered Therapy and Motivational Interviewing . I hold a Master ‘s Degree in Counseling. I am an active member of the American Counseling Association. Additionally, I am an experienced healthcare administrator. Wellness of mind, body and spirit is very important to me. My practice philosophy is that we are partners in this journey. I am not here to "fix" you. Because you are not broken. We all need someone to talk to along this journey called life.
April Poolson
As a licensed therapist in Louisiana, I bring over 16 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My professional journey is rooted in compassionate, holistic care that honors each person's unique experiences and perspectives. I specialize in helping clients navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, stress management, addiction recovery, grief and self-esteem building. My approach is collaborative and adaptive, designed to meet you exactly where you are in your personal growth journey. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I'm committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, develop meaningful coping strategies, and work towards sustainable personal transformation. Drawing from evidence-based practices and a deep understanding of human resilience, I aim to empower clients to discover their inner strengths and create positive change. I'm prepared to tailor our therapeutic work to your individual needs and comfort level.
Gina Todd
I am dual-licensed in Louisiana and New York with 22 years of experience treating clients using the following clinical approaches: CBT, DBT, Trauma-informed therapy, Person-centered, Holistic, and Faith-informed. Populations served are children, teens and adults, which includes the LGBTQI and other multi-cultural communities. I will tailor your 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! -"As traumatized children, we always dreamed that someone would come and save us. We never dreamed that it would, in fact, be ourselves as adults."-Alice Little.
Brenda Oliver
I am licensed in Louisiana with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping Clients with stress and anxiety, mood stability, family conflicts, anger management/emotional control, motivation, self-esteem, communication and self-confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan for improving your quality of living, to meet your unique and specific reasonable wants/needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and satisfactory life and to take the responsible first steps towards positive changes. I am pleased to be a helpful support to empower you in that journey.
Shawn Smith
As a licensed therapist in Louisiana with three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and healing journeys. My practice centers on addressing family dynamics, trauma recovery, and personal empowerment. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to working with women, young adults, military veterans, and survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop stronger communication skills, rebuild self-esteem, and navigate challenging interpersonal relationships. I understand the intricate ways personal experiences shape our emotional landscapes and am committed to creating a supportive, affirming therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their strengths and develop resilient coping strategies. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I offer a warm, understanding approach that honors each person's unique story and cultural background. My goal is to walk alongside you as you cultivate healing, personal growth, and emotional well-being.
Christen Johnson
I am licensed in Louisiana with 10+ 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 in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Melvin Burrell
I am licensed in Louisiana with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.
Dr. Michael Glynn
I am licensed in Louisiana with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related 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. 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.
Caitlin Singletary
I am licensed in Louisiana with 14 years of professional work experience. I was born and raised in south Louisiana, and I earned my doctorate degree from Louisiana Tech University in 2012. I have worked in both private practice and VA Hospital settings. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, LGBT+ related issues, relationship issues, coping with grief, and managing difficult transitions in life. I am also trained in treatments for diagnoses associated with trauma and women's reproductive health issues. I am trained and proficient in the following evidence-based therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D), Interpersonal Therapy for Depression (IPT-D), Interpersonal Therapy for Reproductive Mental Health (IPT-RMH), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). I have experience in working with couples (including the LGBT+ population). 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!
Kechia Breedlove
As a licensed therapist serving Louisiana, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-compassion, and healing strategies, particularly for those experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and challenges with self-esteem. My therapeutic work is deeply rooted in understanding individual experiences and creating compassionate, strength-based pathways toward personal growth. I am committed to providing culturally responsive care that honors each client's unique journey, with a particular focus on self-love, forgiveness, and processing posttraumatic stress. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotional challenges, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and cultivate inner strength. My approach is warm, direct, and tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual seeking therapeutic support. My goal is to walk alongside you as you rediscover your inherent worth, transform challenging experiences, and build a more empowered, balanced life.
Kevin Planchet
I am licensed in Louisiana with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with focus. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Cassondra Gray
As a licensed therapist serving Louisiana, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and family dynamics through a compassionate, culturally responsive lens. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and person-centered approaches, enabling each individual to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, how their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior, and what strategies work best for them. Therapy is a collaborative process where your lived experience guides the work, and I tailor interventions to meet your unique needs and goals. I offer a supportive space for clients experiencing social anxiety, isolation, attachment challenges, and trauma-related concerns. My therapeutic approach honors each person’s individual journey, with particular sensitivity to women’s experiences and the effects of systemic prejudice and discrimination. I am committed to creating a healing environment that respects individual spiritual beliefs and cultural identities. Grounded in an understanding of the intersections between personal experiences, emotional wellness, and systemic challenges, my work is strength-based and collaborative. Together, we focus on building resilience, improving communication, and cultivating self-compassion to support meaningful and lasting growth.
Find a Therapist Near You in Richwood , 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 Richwood.
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.