La Junta is named for the Spanish word for the junction, named so because it was a junction between two main pioneer roads. There are many junctions that occur in life, and which road you take can make a difference in your life. When you are at a junction and are not sure where to turn, it can help to get an outside perspective.
If you are in a junction in your life, be it tangible or intangible, you should seek the support and guidance of counselors in the La Junta area. These confidential therapists can assist you with personal growth, making decisions, or life situations. Contact a counselor today.
Steve Garufi
With 19 years of experience, my areas of interest include depression, anxiety, self-image, healing from trauma and abuse, divorce recovery, overcoming shame, life transitional issues, matters of loneliness, and empowering others to pursue their dreams and career aspirations. I earned my B.A. in Political Science at Montclair State University in New Jersey in 1994 and gained my Masters in Counseling at Denver Seminary in 2002. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado (#4201). My counseling approach usually incorporates cognitive-behavioral techniques, Rogerian theories ("person-centered" counseling), and family systems methods. I am passionate about helping my clients feel understood in their time of suffering — with their feelings validated, their life story honored, and their weaknesses, mistakes, failures, longings, etc., accepted without a hint of judgment. While I think I have much to offer my clients, I am not a "know it all" therapist. I want to learn from those who have turned their pain and suffering into something beautiful. As a resident of Westcliffe, Colorado, I enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the American West. I have biked across the USA three times, the latest trip in 2017. I regularly make public presentations about my travel experiences and encourage others to live boldly and to pursue their dreams.
Derek Durst
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor / Licensed Mental Health Counselor licensed in the states of Texas, Colorado, and Washington. I graduated in 2016 from Angelo State University with a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology. I have been providing counseling services for the past three years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, mania, audio/visual hallucinations, and substance abuse. I have also worked with many clients who have experienced past trauma and including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, energetic, inviting, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, as well as approaching issues with sensitivity and compassion . It is my goal to create a safe place for people to feel comfortable in sharing their life's story. My counseling approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy with attributes of psychotherapy and person-centered therapy. I will tailor our treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I have a passion for working along side people in their journey of life. It takes courage to reach out for help and assistance, but it is the first step toward making a change. I am here to provide the support and empower you if you are ready to take that step. I look forward to working with you!
David Sullivan
I would be happy to help you move forward in your life. I have over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. I have a M.A. in Counseling and also a Master of Divinity degree, but I never superimpose my beliefs or convictions on anyone else, because that is not ethical. My aim is to help individuals and couples move forward in life in a consistent manner with their particular goals and values and convictions. As for experience, I have the least experience working with LGBTQ clients. For licensure I have the LPC, and for certification I have the CADC. As such, I am able to help individuals with issues of depression, severe anxiety, major life changes and losses, substance abuse issues, relationship issues, learning to be assertive and to have boundaries, closure for trauma and abuse, and helping individuals create a strategy for finding an ideal career. I draw on several different treatment approaches, but my foundation is the Cognitive-Behavioral approach, because it is proven that guarding the thoughts, avoiding assumptions, and learning to pause and reflect rather than just reacting is what helps people the most to be at peace with themselves, and to better handle the stressors that life throws at us. I look forward to working with you. Mostly I work with clients in the United States and Canada. But I am uniquely placed so that I can easily work with clients in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe and the UK. So let's get going, and let's start working on what's most important to you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Susan Jordan-Kertzner
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience, working as a psychotherapist and Executive Coach,. based in Colorado. I offer a wide spectrum of services for anxiety, stress management, depression, career difficulties, relationship issues, parenting problems, ADHD, self-esteem and life purpose. I am affirming, warm and highly interactive with my clients, holding each person with the utmost respect and care. My counseling approach combines a Jungian orientation with Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Mindfulness, Neuroscience, Psychodynamics and Somatic Experiencing (Trauma Therapy). I will work with you to craft a growth and development plan to provide maximum empowerment and life satisfaction. I deeply honor the step you are taking in considering counseling. It is a courageous move of self-care! I look forward to walking the path to empowerment and life satisfaction with you!
Dr. Ralph Datema
I am a family and marriage therapist licensed in Colorado with over 40 years of experience working as Marriage and Family Therapist, mental health therapist and pastoral psychotherapist. I have worked with clients presenting a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting challenges, challenges of faith, and various levels of trauma. My therapy style is supportive, invites personal reflection, focuses on relation to self, life, and others. I will work with individuals, couples, and families. I also work well with aging process issues -- especially senior couples and individuals. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational therapy. The foundation of my therapeutic approach is systemic based therapy which empowers separating self from the multitude of external historical influences that surround us. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Lori Graham
I am licensed in Colorado with 35 years of professional work experience. My background includes helping clients with stress, depression and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and Christian counseling. 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 takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Heather Allee
I am licensed in Indiana with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, family conflicts, & 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!
Susan Mullen
I am licensed in Colorado with over 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & 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, it's great that you are getting started!
Kelsey Goss
I am a licensed professional counselor(LPC) in Colorado with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, substance abuse and some process addictions, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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.
Jack Valdez
I am licensed in Colorado with 23 years of professional work experience in mental health which includes online and in-person settings. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, 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. I can help you reduce your stress, anxiety, anger and depression as well as provide alternatives to harming yourself or others by teaching Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. I work with my clients so they can tell me how they want their sessions to go. Whether you want to just vent about your problems or are interested in learning more coping skills, I want to make you feel comfortable when discussing issues that are important to you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Catherine Desponett
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in Colorado, specializing in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore their unique challenges and strengths. I have extensive experience addressing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, addiction, and major life transitions. I take an integrative, trauma-informed approach that blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Family Systems Therapy to support emotional regulation, relational balance, and meaningful growth. My practice is deeply committed to understanding each person’s individual journey. I work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized strategies for healing, growth, and self-discovery, offering a supportive and non-judgmental environment for exploration. I am particularly passionate about working with diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, older adults, and those experiencing significant life changes. My work emphasizes values-based living, emotional resilience, and holistic well-being—helping clients move from survival patterns toward intentional, fulfilling lives. Drawing from Positive Psychology and strengths-based perspectives, I strive to empower clients to cultivate self-awareness, self-compassion, and confidence in their capacity for change. I view therapy as a collaborative and creative process—a space where people can rediscover their strengths, rewrite their stories, and realign their lives with integrity, connection, and purpose.
Ean Cowan
I am licensed in Colorado with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Amanda Marconi
I am licensed in Colorado with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & mood disorders. 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!
Christy Dobbs
I provide a safe, caring space for those who are needing to process through challenging times. I use a more humanistic, person-centered approach when working with clients; therefore, I aim to help you work through emotions, identify any needs or barriers, and discover the resiliency within yourself. I have a passion for helping others, and look forward to being a part of your healing journey.
Find a Therapist Near You in La Junta , Colorado
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Colorado 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.
Colorado 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 Colorado, 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 Colorado (CO). 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 Colorado, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Colorado 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 Colorado
When searching for a therapist near me in Colorado, 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 Colorado, 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 Colorado.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Colorado 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 Colorado
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Colorado 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 Colorado (CO)
- 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 Colorado
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Colorado, including residents in La Junta.
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 Colorado 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.