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Ryan Rhodes

Offering therapy in CO
License: LPC,Life Coach
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issues
8 years of experience

My name is Ryan Rhodes and I am a licensed professional counselor with the state of Colorado and a certified life coach. I have worked with a multitude of people struggling with various mental health issues which include sever and persistent mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. Along with adults, I have extensive experience working with adolescents, groups and family therapy. My work history includes substance abuse treatment in adult outpatient settings, adolescent residential, and community based treatment. My theoretical orientation is an eclectic model so each person can have treatment that is uniquely developed to suit their individuality. I prefer to walk along side people rather than push from behind or pull from in front. It is my goal to meet you were you are and come along side to help make the changes you want to make.

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Sarah Skibsted

Offering therapy in CO
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

Welcome, I am glad you are here. My approach to therapy is relational, curious and empathic. I hope to support you with whatever challenges you may be struggling with. Together we can explore ways to help you better manage the difficulties of living a human life. I have worked in healthcare for over 25 years both as a nurse and a licensed professional counselor. I received my Masters in Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2004. I have experience working in a variety of mental and physical healthcare settings. I understand the complexities related to managing both mental and physical health. I believe healing takes place in the mind, body and soul. Please note I do not provide crisis counseling and not always available to return messages in a timely manner. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or your local emergency room or mental health crisis center. "The Summer Day" Who made the world? Who made the swan, and the black bear? Who made the grasshopper? This grasshopper, I mean— the one who has flung herself out of the grass, the one who is eating sugar out of my hand, who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down— who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes. Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face. Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away. I don't know exactly what a prayer is. I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass, how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields, which is what I have been doing all day. Tell me, what else should I have done? Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? —Mary Oliver I look forward to providing you an open and welcoming space where you can be your authentic self. Sarah, (She, Her and Hers)

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Sara Cooley

Offering therapy in CO
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in both Colorado and Texas. I earned my license in 2017 and have been working as a psychotherapist for adults, adolescents, and groups. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, and processing through past trauma and abuse. I am additionally interested in helping clients address issues of spirituality and meaning. My counseling style is person-centered. I believe everyone is the expert of their own lives and experiences, and my role as counselor is to help guide clients toward change they want for themselves. I value nonjudmentalness, openness, and authenticity in counseling sessions. My background primarily includes cognitive behavioral therapies, including acceptance and commitment therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. I am also a certified EMDR therapist. Ultimately, I believe it is important to structure counseling sessions around your unique needs and goals. I look forward to meeting with you!

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Dr. Freya Meraki

Offering therapy in CO
License: Psy.D.
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementADHD
8 years of experience

Hello there! My name is Dr. Freya Felicia Meraki (she/her/hers; formerly Dr. Thomas)- I would prefer it if you called me Freya, however, if you prefer Dr. Meraki, I will honor that. Life is a journey and sometimes on that journey we need additional help. I often see therapy as a road trip we embark upon together to provide extra help when you need it. You're the driver while I'm a passenger and a guide. This means we'll work together to figure out the best road map for your goals, after all, you're the expert on you and I have expertise in mental health so why not collaborate? In my approach, I do my best to meet you where you're at with what you need. This is your journey after all and I want you to get the most of it possible. I work with you to create a warm, safe environment to explore, practice, experiment, be curious, and test out new skills and ways of functioning. Everyone is doing the best they can with what they have (knowledge, skills, resources, support, energy, etc) and with willingness, people can do better and work towards living a life worth living - not just surviving day-to-day. During our time together, we will also discuss appropriate pacing for you. It's important not to speed through this healing road trip (nor ride the brakes throughout it). When in distress, we may freeze or try to rush through things, however, processing pain (current, future, and past), learning new skills, new ways of functioning, new ways of being, and/or new beliefs can take time and often requires compassion, repetition, patience, and practice. There also might be setbacks or relapses on your road trip, which is normal especially with new habits/behaviors/ways of being/healing, and that doesn't necessarily mean therapy isn't working (nor does it mean you're a failure) - it's just more information to consider in revising or modifying your roadmap to get you where you want/need to be. Treatment approach: I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups ages 13+ years and use integrative and collaborative approaches to treatment, which includes psychodynamic theory, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and interpersonal process. Specialties: ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Grief/Death, LGBTQ+, Transgender identity and transition process, Sexual issues, Women's issues, Men's issues, Anger Management, Abuse, Substance use issues/addiction, Stress management, Mindfulness, Identity, Life transitions I am a sex positive provider, including kink & BDSM, relationship style & orientation, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Education: I earned both my Master's degree and Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University, but those are not the end all, be all of my education. I highly value continuing education and often attend various workshops and classes throughout the year in addition to following recent research and literature related to psychology and medical science. Experience: In the field of psychology I have had the following experiences: interning at a county jail, working as a mental health worker in a child residential center, working as a case manager for populations with severe and persistent mental illness, working as a student clinician (several years: graduate school clinic, adult residential for substance use and mental health, an outpatient clinic specializing in domestic violence, and community mental health clinics), and as a psychologist in community mental health. Licenses: Colorado and Oregon: Clinical Psychologist

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Patricia Wharton

Offering therapy in CO
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado with 21 years of professional work experience. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling, and prior to that worked in the marketing field and so have an understanding of workplace issues as well. I approach each person as a unique, whole individual. Each of us has strengths, even though we may have forgotten what they are or how to use them. I have helped clients with issues affecting their quality of life, including stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, depression, work stressors, and many other issues that can hold us back from leading fully satisfying or rewarding lives. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and 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 and empower you in that journey.

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Latosha Kessell

Offering therapy in CO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas and Colorado with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. 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.

This is Hillary Nipple's avatar and link to their profile

Hillary Nipple

Offering therapy in CO
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Colorado with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Janine Gonzalez's avatar and link to their profile

Janine Gonzalez

Offering therapy in CO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida , Colorado and New Mexico: with over 20 years' experience working with a diverse population. This includes working with individuals experiencing complex issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and within you are the answers. It takes courage to seek out assistance and determination to see it through. Taking the first steps toward change. I am here to support and empower you in your journey.

This is Carrie Ellis's avatar and link to their profile

Carrie Ellis

Offering therapy in CO
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Colorado with 10 +years of professional work experience as a licensed counselor and also 8 years of life and leadership coaching. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. My therapy style utilizes cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, and strengths based approaches. I am experienced and capable of incorporating Faith Counseling/Christian Counseling when desired by client. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to working with you.

This is Jonathan Cottrell's avatar and link to their profile

Jonathan Cottrell

Offering therapy in CO
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Colorado with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. 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.

How to find counseling in Las Animas

Finding the best therapist close by in Las Animas can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Las Animas. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Las Animas, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Las Animas or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Las Animas area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Las Animas, elsewhere in Bent, or in the greater state of Colorado.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Las Animas area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Las Animas therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Las Animas due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Las Animas may not take health insurance, some in the state of Colorado may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Colorado you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Las Animas, Colorado working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Las Animas above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Las Animas helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Las Animas therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Las Animas therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Las Animas therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CO, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 81054 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Las Animas counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Las Animas licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Las Animas, Colorado can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Las Animas has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Las Animas.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Las Animas:

81054

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