Dr. Scott Lovaas
Thanks for taking peek at my bio! My approach is wholistic--meaning I draw upon a variety of clinical theories. My first task to to provide deep listening in an effort to understand. I try and look at the whole picture and how the pieces all fit together for you and your context. I am direct, candid, and solution focused with kindness, curiosity and gratitude as my foundation. A little about me: I have three advanced degrees in divinity, social work and media studies and I have worked in a wide variety of settings across 13 states. I also have five grown daughters. Wanderlust is in my blood--I have been fortunate to have travelled to over 80 countries, and always hoping there is more on the horizon. Additionally, I am a certified Laughing Yoga instructor--Ho, Ho, Ho, Ha, Ha. Innovation and creativity are in my wheelhouse. All these diverse experiences and education inform all that I do and who I am. I would love to learn about you and talk about your journey.
Kathe Skinner
I've been in private practice as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 26 years, working with a variety of clients in diverse settings. But that's only half of it. Before becoming a therapist, I was a middle school teacher then a creative guide for a corporation, a college, and several non-profits, recognized with awards along the way. Married for the second time, I was struggling with the culture shock of moving from the East Coast to Colorado, and struggling with the demise of my business as a freelancer. The turning point, though, was the tragic paralysis, inability to speak, and subsequent death, of a friend's child. Deeply moved, I looked for some meaning in this; I found none. It took a year to realize that I could do nothing about the past, making meaning only by moving forward. I wanted to help those who metaphorically could not speak to be heard. At midlife, I returned to school to become a therapist. I've learned where to find the sense of things, and how to cope when I can't – and to teach others what I’ve learned. I have experience with the life-altering events of grief, chronic illness and disability: - Past president of a coalition of grief counselors; - Patient-direct hospice volunteer; - Mental health provider for a state program for brain injured and their families; - Mental health provider for a state vocational rehabilitation program; - Developer of a local chapter of the Well Spouse Foundation; - Board member for a retarded citizens organization, and; - Executive Board member for a state-wide invisible disability association. I help healthy individuals and couples get unstuck, teaching them communication and behavioral skills to keep them from getting stuck again. Healthy means no substance, physical, or emotional abuse. - Certified Instructor for a national Couple Communication program; - Certified Facilitator for a program to identify dysfunction for each member of a couple; - Outcome-focused therapist; - Member, National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM); - Clinical Fellow, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and; - Presenter for several national relationship organizations. I have loved to teach, to guide, as a: - Public school teacher; - Mentor; - Mental health provider for juvenile diversion; - Children's instructor at an art school; - Community college instructor, and; - University adjunct professor. I teach still, but to a different audience. What guides my work is a strong belief that early experiences in our families have the biggest influence in answering the question, "Why do I do that?" Blunt, funny, compassionate, and smart, I strive never to be like the kind of therapists I've had. I work hard to hear you, so you feel safe and supported. Therapy is hard work for both of us but it's never my job to work harder than you do. Primarily through video meetings, I share my knowledge, and teach you real-life skills and tools. You bring honesty and commitment. I can't wait to see what we will accomplish together!
Maryna Ross
I am licensed in Colorado with 3 years of professional work experience, both online and in my own private practice. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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!
Melissa Ayala
I am licensed in Colorado with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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!
Michelle Chabot
My passion has always been related to serving others. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to share your story and to walk beside you as we navigate your past, present, and future. I strive to instill hope by discovering insights, exploring your goals, and developing solutions together that I can guide you in accomplishing. Circumstances of our life or our experiences can sometimes leave us feeling alone, betrayed, hurt, vulnerable, anxious, angry, and any other combination of feelings that can feel overwhelming. I’m here to serve as a guide in exploring your experiences with a reflective lens so that we can learn from those and identify ways we can help you grow to your fullest potential. ~About Me and My Background: I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Professional Counseling, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado. Holding a variety of memberships in professional counseling organizations, I’m always striving to learn and apply techniques that will most benefit my clients. From a young age, I discovered I was always highly aware of the emotions of those around me and had an innate ability to understand those emotions on a deeper level. As a natural empath, I have spent my life trying to expand my knowledge and understanding of people through listening past just the words spoken. After serving in the Air Force for 12 years, I turned my focus to serving others as a counselor who could use my life experiences and training to guide others to a healthier and more fulfilled life. As a combat veteran, there are also unique aspects of the military related to families and marriage, career transition, relocation and life change stressors, crisis, and trauma that I have been blessed to assist others in navigating. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families, as well as children and adolescents that are struggling with such issues as depression, anxiety, communication, self-esteem, relationship issues, trauma, etc. In addition, I have had direct experience with counseling and facilitating support groups with issues surrounding infertility, miscarriage and stillbirth, unplanned pregnancies, and abortions. I also work with my clients on resilience building through relationship strengthening, confidence building, pre-marital counseling, and other goals that we identify that they would like to accomplish. ~My Approach: Caring for your mental-health should never be thought of as a weakness. Sometimes people can just feel stuck, need another perspective of a situation, or a listening ear. I want to form a genuine and caring therapeutic relationship so that you can feel at ease and cared for. Whether I work with clients for a short time or our time is prolonged, my primary focus is on my client and specifically what they want to achieve during the time we have together. I primarily use a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to analyze a client’s story and construct new thought processes around their experiences and ways that they can overcome obstacles that they may be experiencing. I also utilize Client/Person-Centered Therapy and other techniques such as Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness to fully understand my clients and their situations and work towards achieving a healthy balance in their lives.
Steven Kirkilas
Hello, my name is Steven Kirkilas. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago. For the past 10 years, I have assisted individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds in overcoming their unique struggles. I believe my role is to meet individuals where they are at, nonjudgmentally. My most passionate work is in providing trauma informed care. I am trained in EMDR therapy and enjoy using somatic therapies. I am also passionate about the benefit of mindfulness practice in managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other struggles. Lastly, I believe every person deserves to be understood, please feel welcome.
Amy Cooper
I am a licensed professional counselor in Colorado with over 7 years of professional work experience. I have worked with many clients wanting to manage their stress and anxiety as it relates to personal relationships and surrounding the work environment. I also have an extensive background in supporting clients with substance use disorders and other addictions. Taking a harm-reduction approach to this work has empowered my clients to lead self-fulfilling lives. I was also trained by Stephanie Covington, a trauma and abuse researcher and author. This training has allowed me to work with clients on healing without reliving the traumas of the past. Most recently, I have done training around disordered eating and supporting clients in healthy relationships with food and body image. My therapy style is very integrative and client-centered, I will adjust my practice to meet your needs while also providing education about different aspects of the therapeutic process. I use techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and humanistic therapy. I truly believe we are on a journey together and that I can support you in accomplishing your goals in 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!
Katie Graff
My name is Katie Graff. I am a therapist based in Austin, Texas. I have had a private practice for the last six years and have been working in the mental health field for 14 years. I provide individual and couple's therapy to adults and adolescents. I believe many of us already possess the knowledge, strengths, and resources to resolve our own problems; however, a trained and supportive professional can help identify tools and strengths as well as assist with improving coping skills. My role is to provide gentle guidance, support, and encouragement to clients that are struggling or are facing challenges. I work to create a nurturing and safe environment that creates a comfortable place where we can explore issues and any negativity that may be getting in the way of leading a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Helene Homer-Ishikawa
Hello, I am licensed in Colorado with over 20 years of professional work experience. I started out specializing in family and children. During my years of practice, my work has expanded. I have worked with young adults, adults and older adults as well. As I spent much of my career practicing in a diverse and populous state, I've worked with people of diverse ethnicities, faiths, nationalities and socio-economic status, gender and sexual orientation. Anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and loss are among the issues that I have supported clients to address. I believe in the beauty and mystery of the human heart. If you share the process of your journey with me, I will respect the honor and offer compassion and regard. It takes courage to explore you feelings and thoughts, to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.
Ashley Courmier
I am licensed in Colorado with over three years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How to find a therapist for counseling in San Luis
Finding the best therapist close by in San Luis 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 with therapists in San Luis that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in San Luis. 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 with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in San Luis, 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 for therapists. 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 therapists able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the San Luis region and in the state of Colorado. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in San Luis or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A San Luis therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 San Luis area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find San Luis 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 San Luis, elsewhere in Costilla, or in the greater state of Colorado. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the San Luis area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Luis therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in San Luis due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 San Luis may not take health insurance, some therapists 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Colorado you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.
How is a licensed therapist on this San Luis online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in San Luis, 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 San Luis psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in San Luis 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 while working with BetterHelp therapists. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in San Luis helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched with one of BetterHelp's therapists today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified San Luis 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.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 San Luis therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in San Luis?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a San Luis 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions in San Luis therapy sessions.
San Luis therapists 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 San Luis 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 San Luis 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 psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in CO, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 81152 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a San Luis counselor?
Before seeing your San Luis 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. San Luis therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in San Luis.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A San Luis 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 with a San Luis counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 San Luis, 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.
San Luis 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 during telehealth appointments?
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 for San Luis, Colorado
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of San Luis 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 to customer service 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in San Luis:
81152