Iris Bilan
As a licensed therapist, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each client's unique journey. I have extensive experience helping people navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and personal growth. My therapeutic practice centers on creating a safe, affirming space where clients can explore their deepest struggles and strengths. I'm particularly passionate about supporting individuals working through self-esteem challenges, communication barriers, life transitions, and healing from past wounds. My work emphasizes empowerment, self-understanding, and developing resilient coping strategies. I draw from evidence-based practices to help clients build meaningful connections with themselves and others. Whether you're dealing with workplace stress, relationship complexities, or personal transformation, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine empathy and professional expertise. My goal is to support you in discovering your inherent capacity for healing and growth.
Lawrence Story
I have over three decades as a leader by inspiring, coaching, speaking, and most importantly, leading by example, my views have been uniquely and carefully shaped. I embrace my “in the trenches” clinical approach and believe that leadership is a conscious decision made moment to moment, it supersedes gender, culture, position, or socio-economic status. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with everyone and every day…it’s how we should live. I am often referred to as a “Professor” for my ability to teach a group how to bring hope out of questionable times. I use “Frame of references” to bring clarity to change real-life circumstances where the loss of hope and fear have been predominant. The fusion of my personal stories through conversation helps me connect with my audience and clients on an intimate, intense, and individual level. I have served as Chief Executive Officer and /or a Senior Consultant for public and privately traded Healthcare organizations. In addition to being a Licensed Psychotherapist, Licensed Marriage Therapist, and Licensed Family Therapist, Certified in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Certified Personal Trainer and past owner of Lake Houston Gym and Fitness, I am the author of Living in Green Pastures with Life Storys, a published inspiration/motivational book, and co-publisher of “Treatment Effectiveness in Adult Partial Hospitalization”. Before my leadership efforts, I was a competitive collegiate football athlete and a champion both nationally and internationally in bodybuilding, health and fitness. I currently hold over 27 titles in bodybuilding and have conducted numerous workshops on Wellness / Fitness. Finally, I am a former consulting therapist for the National Basketball Association and served on the board of advisors for The Shoulder, Inc., Harris County, and awarded past Outstanding Young Men in America. I look forward to meeting you and designing a plan to help you meet your personal goals now and in the future. The Best, Lawrence Story
Vicki Berk
Hi, my name is Vicki Berk, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed School Specialist in Psychology with 22 years of counseling experience in Houston, TX area. My specializations include depression and anxiety, life’s transitions, grief and loss, work and career issues, addictions, parenting and family issues, and conflict resolution In regard to my clients, I want to meet them wherever they are in life and to utilize the various modalities of counseling that would be useful for them such as rational emotive therapy, cognitive behavioral, solution focused. I have counseled adults, children and teens in private settings, outpatient clinics, and hospitals. In addition, I have also worked on a Psychiatric Crisis Team where I would go to emergency rooms in hospitals to assess a psychiatric patient and determine their best placement. I believe that through my many years as an L.P.C. I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge in understanding the difficult situations my clients have experienced. I am a caring, friendly, open counselor that will never judge you, but will be a team player with you, helping you find your way to the best outcome/goal for your life. I believe through mutual trust, respect, honesty, and good communication, we can work toward a positive destination!
Dina Garza
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, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Karina Rocha Vasquez
I am licensed in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience who is also fluent in Spanish. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue. 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 listen, support and empower you in that journey. I look forward to meeting you and I appreciate you considering me to join you in your journey. Hope to meet you soon!
Geraldine Williams
I am a master's levelLicensed Professional Counselor in Texas with required crendentialing to provide counseling services. I have 20 years of experience in various counseling methods and theories employed in counseling clients. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anger and behavior management, mood disorders, anxiety and trauma. My therapy style is interactive with respectful sensitivity. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral with solution-focus and rational-emotive therapy. I will work with you to design a treatment plan that conforms to your unique and specific need and proceed at a pace that affords you greatest success. I realize and understand that the decision to engage in counseling in a huge life step and personal commitment. I will endeavor to make the experience one in which you feel comfortable and supported. I look forward to assisting you in your journey.
Marisa Esparza
My name Is Marisa Esparza. I am a licensed LPC in Texas. I completed my Masters of Education in Mental Health Counseling from University of Texas at El Paso in December 2015 and have a Bachelors in Education from the University of Texas at El Paso in May 2011. I have worked in several settings that I feel allow me the advantage to recognize the barriers and conflicts with receiving mental health treatment. My most recent position at El Paso Behavioral Health systems includes: Program manager children and adolescents inpatient unit, Program manager adult and military outpatient group, Program manager adolescent outpatient group. In this position I was able to Work collaboratively with patients, medical staff, and families to help stabilize high risk children and adults. I Provided psychological assessments and risk assessments to determine needs and communicate with medical staff. I facilitated daily groups as well as family sessions. I worked collaboratively with treatment teams and attended to emergency crisis on unit. I was able to build rapport with adult and children and provide verbal deescalation when in crisis. I assisted with medical staff and treatment team to determine safety in community. Previously I worked s a qualified mental health professional on the Assertive Community Treatment Team I provided individual psychiatric rehabilitative skills training and crisis assessment/management in consumers's homes and in the community. I provided ongoing assessment, preliminary diagnosis of present Axis 1 psychiatric and co-occurring disorders. My job required coordinating of community resources to assist in assessing medical, social, educational, financial, and other appropriate services that help in achieving an improved quality of life, increase tenure in the community, and decrease the need for unnecessary inpatient hospitalization. Throughout my internship at El Paso Behavioral Health,I developed the necessary skills in order to work effectively with children, adolescents, adults, military, and seniors. Through my course work I was able to gain an understanding of mental health, chemical dependency, crisis counseling, as well as other areas of counseling. I was able to effectively apply counseling for clients experiencing psychological, social, behavioral, and emotional issues. As an intern I worked primarily in the Children and Adolescent Unit, I counseled with emphasis on Reality Therapy. I worked with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. I ran group therapy sessions, completed assessments, took risk assessments, shadowed treatments teams, and attended family sessions. As a Mental Health Technician in the Children and Adolescent Unit, I helped admit and discharge patients. I maintained close contact with them, and monitored vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure. I observed patient behaviors, recorded their conditions and lead them in therapeutic and recreational activities. I regularly consulted with RN’s, LVN’s, social workers, Dr.’s, and therapists. I am confident in my skills and abilities and am willing to work with all populations. I have a deep passion for working with adolescents, young adults, and their families. It has been in my experience that there is a disconnect in communication and world views. I am a LGBTQIA advocate and passionate about empowering youth exploring their identity as well as educating families. I have been able to explore several populations within inpatient hospitals, out patient settings, and the community. This advantage has allowed me to grow as a clinician and empathize with all my patient populations better.
Dr. Olufolake Ike ThD
Dr. Olufolake Ike, ThD, LMFT-S is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, faith-integrated therapist, and creator of Faith-Powered Relationship Therapy (FPRT). She specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families overcome emotional pain, relationship challenges, anxiety, trauma, identity struggles, and life transitions through a holistic approach that integrates evidence-based therapy with biblical principles. Dr. Ike combines CBT, EFT, and Solution-Focused Therapy with practical faith-based strategies to help clients experience healing, restoration, emotional growth, and purposeful living. She is passionate about helping clients build healthier relationships, renew their minds, strengthen communication, and discover lasting transformation in their spirit, soul, and body. Her counseling style is compassionate, empowering, nonjudgmental, and goal-oriented. She works with individuals, couples, families, Christians seeking faith-based counseling, and clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Dr. Ike believes healing is possible, growth is intentional, and transformation begins with renewed thinking and authentic connection.
Judy Lilley
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas with 14 years of professional work experience and hold ministerial credentials. I have experience in helping clients with general life stressors/anxiety, anger management and grief. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe our mental health, physical and spiritual needs go hand in hand. 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 'm a firm believer that Christ is the ultimate healer of our entire being and I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Dr. Betsy Puentes
I am licensed with 4 licenses in mental health in Texas. I have a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, plus I have 46 years of professional work experience. I have been helping clients overcome stress, depression, anxiety, motivational problems, low self-esteem, weak self-confidence, career difficulties, and a variety of other sensitive issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have strengths that will assist you in resolving things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am available to assist you in that process.
Julia Sauceda
My ideal client includes working with men, women, children, adolescents and families. I address a variety of issues including, life problems including work stress, trauma, behavioral issues, developmental disabilities, legal issues, grief, immigration issues, anxiety and depression and substance abuse. My counseling technique entails the person-centered approach. I offer a non-threatening environment and non-judgmental zone. My philosophy is to meet people where they are and help them become authors of their own lives. I received a bachelor’s degree in education from University of Clear Lake in 2003 and a Master’s degree in counseling from University of Houston Clear Lake in 2010. I have taught for ten years in bilingual and special education and I want to help you too.
Tuesdey Neal
I am licensed in Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, anger management, & despression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!
Naomi West
I am a licensed professional counselor in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. Prior to my LPC experience, I have 5 years of mental health experience via working in various inpatient hospital settings. During this period, I worked both one on one and in group settings with clients experiencing various challenges. I am skilled in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and depression. I also have experience working with clients who are experiencing difficulty in coping with life changes. I believe in the importance of treating clients like human beings who are in need of care and compassion. I strive to create a judgement free zone that will serve as a safe space to my clients. My goal is to help you understand that you are the expert of your story. You have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenging circumstances. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to support you in achieving emotional wellness. I want to be of assistance to you while you take the necessary steps to seek a more fulfilling life. I am aware that it takes strength and courage to undergo this process, and I applaud you for your willingness to move forward with therapy. I pledge to walk with you throughout your journey.
Lauren Fields
I am a licensed LPC in Texas and have been offering counseling services for about 10 years. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but use other modalities as well. I specialize in working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship stressors, dating stress, and negative thinking. I have a background in interpersonal relationships and communication studies. I strive to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Exploring your life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Mertens, Texas
Finding a therapist near you in Mertens, Texas starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Texas is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Texas, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Texas, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Texas
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Texas, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Texas
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Texas
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Texas through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Texas
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Texas, including residents in Mertens.
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 Texas 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 near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
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 discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Mertens, Texas
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Mertens and the surrounding TX area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.