This is Dr. Amanda Veldorale-Griffin's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Amanda Veldorale-Griffin

Offering therapy in FL
License: PhD, LMFT
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issues
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida with a PhD in Family Relations from The Florida State University as well as an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Kentucky and a BA in Psychology from The University of South Florida. I understand that starting therapy can be scary and I strive to make your experience I positive one. I believe therapy should be a collaboration between therapist and client. You know your situation better than I do. I will combine my therapeutic expertise with your expertise about you, your family, and your situation to create workable solutions for you. I operate from an approach that draws on your strengths to help you and your family function the best it can! I am an LGBT affirmative therapist with a passion for helping families. I specialize in working with parents, children, adolescents, survivors of trauma, and LGBT clients. I am also a certified Relationship Enhancement instructor.

This is Anasuya Gutierrez's avatar and link to their profile

Anasuya Gutierrez

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

Hello! I am looking forward to working with you through BetterHelp to reach your goals! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned my Master of Social Work from the University of West Florida. I have a passion for working with people of all ages, to include adolescents, adults, and the aging population. I have been fortunate enough to work in a variety of settings that have allowed me to grow my skills working with these different age groups. I have spent many years working with adolescent girls and young women in building self-esteem, healthy coping and communication skills, and building healthy relationships. I have experience working with adults who are having difficulty navigating interpersonal relationships or struggling with anxiety, depression, and adjustment to life changes. I am also uniquely experienced to particularly work with individuals who have advanced-stage cancer diagnoses, as I have a background in Oncology, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Additional populations I enjoy working with are those who identify as LGBTQIA+, active duty military, and veterans. My therapeutic style is warm, encouraging, trauma-focused, and person-centered. You are the expert, and I am here to walk alongside you on your journey to new awareness, skill-building, and goal attainment. I typically approach sessions with a Solution-Focused Therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy style. Depending on the specific needs of the client, I may utilize other modalities. I enjoy implementing mindfulness and reflective techniques where appropriate, and I enjoy helping my clients implement holistic practices into their lives in addition to therapy. I incorporate expressive and narrative therapy techniques as creative ways to engage clients. I want to create opportunities that allow my clients to build upon the strengths they inherently have but sometimes struggle to recognize. I am constantly seeking new opportunities to learn new techniques and further my own education so that I can better serve my clients. The therapeutic relationship is vital to our success, and it is my responsibility to continually hone my skills so I can stay fresh on what benefits people the most. I look forward to working with motivated, engaged individuals who want to take steps in a positive direction but may need some help taking the first one!

This is Jesse Greene's avatar and link to their profile

Jesse Greene

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
8 years of experience

Hello there! My name is Jesse and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. Over the last 7 years I have helped individuals work through a number of different challenges. My approach is focused on utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as incorporating Existential Therapy when appropriate to focus on meaning and purpose in my client's lives. My primary goal is to make sure my clients reach a quick and effective solution to their varied challenges without dwelling on what brought them to therapy. My clinical experience has provided me with a deep insight and a practical view of the problems people face in their personal and professional lives. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

This is Dr. Maxine Lebowitz's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Maxine Lebowitz

Offering therapy in FL
License: PhD, LMHC, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

Even though I’ve been licensed both as a marriage and family therapist and a mental health counselor for over 30 years, it’s hard for me to define exactly what school of therapy I practice. My therapeutic style is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with a lot of Neurolinguistics Programming in the mix. I am constantly studying new techniques and approaches because what will help you is most important knowledge I can have. Early on I was strongly influenced by Alfred Adler who was a contemporary of Freud. Adler believed that childhood experiences influence how we feel about ourselves and how we react to various situations. Like Adler my basic theory is that people are always moving from feeling not quite good enough to feeling significant, feeling we matter. We all need to feel significant to have the confidence, drive and energy to meet the world head on, knowing that we'll be successful. I’ll work with you like I do with my other clients to help you learn to access and nurture those traits within yourself that will make your life significant to you, help you live up to your values and, in some small way, make the world a better place. A person usually needs to feel good about themselves before making lasting changes. As a client you will know that I am in your corner. We’re going to be finding your strength, intelligence, compassion, and motivation that is already there inside you and help you learn how to use these qualities to make the changes you want to make. . Other clients describe me as a nurturing, empathetic, encouraging person. I hope that’s true. I do know that I promise to listen, really listen and hear what you are saying and help you make the changes you want to.

This is Thea Cristwell-Butler's avatar and link to their profile

Thea Cristwell-Butler

Offering therapy in FL
License: MA,LPC, LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

Hello, I'm Thea Cristwell-Butler, I have a Master's of Arts degree in Professional Counselor from Webster University, and I am currently working on earning my Doctorate degree from Liberty University in Community Care and Counseling. I primarily use Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment, Client-centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy when working with my clients. I have worked over 10 years with non-profit agencies, school settings, and community settings. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and small groups. I have helped my clients work through issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, anger, mood disorders, and poor coping skills. If you are going through a difficult time and need help stabilizing your emotions, thoughts, and behavior, I can help.

This is Tomeccia Maxwell's avatar and link to their profile

Tomeccia Maxwell

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Individual and family Therapist licensed in the state of Florida with over 10 years experience working as a mental health Case Manger and Therapist. I have served client that struggled with past trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, withdrawn behaviors, failed relationship of all types, parenting issues, suicidal thoughts and a range of mood disorders. My therapist style is helping others find themselves and grow mentally. Its my goal to grow individuals from the inside out, by allowing them learn and build the proper skills to understand their mental health while growing through healthy parts of themselves. My approach is motivated by the solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral, and rational- emotive therapy. My ability to transform the minds of others while helping them understand their mental health has been my biggest success as a therapist. My career as licensed Mental Health Therapist has been extremely fulfilling, as I have learned how to ensure the mental health of others are maintain and controlled by to growth within themselves. Its my pleasure continue my practice by working side by side with community providers to help the on going needs of mental health services.

This is Mailyn Paredes's avatar and link to their profile

Mailyn Paredes

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with over 16 years of professional graduate and work experience. I have experience in helping clients with mental illness, grief/loss, geriatrics, stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I speak Spanish fluently and can help those more comfortable “en Español.” 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! I look forward to working with you to better help you gain insight and optimize your quality of life.

This is Anastasia Papadopoulos's avatar and link to their profile

Anastasia Papadopoulos

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
16 years of experience

Hi! My name is Staici, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with sixteen years of clinical experience. My passion and drive to help people originated when I was a teenager and my mother received a diagnosis of Schizophrenia. I set out to essentially "save" my mom and others suffering from mental health issues. During my professional studies, I took every psychology and social service course available because I developed a fascination with how the mind works and how it effects human behavior. I received a Graduate degree from Fordham University in 2007. I also learned how to navigate the system and was able to connect my mom to the services she needed and, boy did it help! I got my best friend back and realized how effective mental health treatment really is. I stayed true to my calling and can honestly say I love what I do! I possess extensive knowledge and experience working with all different age groups, races, and ethnicities in various treatment settings such as schools, outpatient clinics, hospitals and homes. I am certified and trained in Motivational Interviewing, CBT, trauma- informed care. client -centered treatment and mediation. What can I offer you? I will provide you with a safe, genuine, nonjudgmental space. You will receive consistent support and empowerment and we will move at a pace that is most comfortable for you. I will leave you with one of my favorite poems and hope to hear from you! Autobiography in Five Short Chapters I. I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn't my fault. It takes forever to find a way out. II. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I still don't see it. I fall in again. I can't believe I am in the same place. It isn't my fault. It still takes a long time to get out. III. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it there, I still fall in. It's habit. It's my fault. I know where I am. I get out immediately. IV. I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it. V. I walk down a different street.

This is Maria Ferro's avatar and link to their profile

Maria Ferro

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 30 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients individually as well as in couples. Some of key areas are dealing with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, infidelity, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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!

This is Stephanie Griffin's avatar and link to their profile

Stephanie Griffin

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find counseling in La Crosse

Finding the best therapist close by in La Crosse 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 La Crosse. 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 La Crosse, 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse, elsewhere in Alachua, or in the greater state of Florida.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse may not take health insurance, some in the state of Florida 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 Florida 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 La Crosse, Florida 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 FL, 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 32609 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse 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 La Crosse, Florida 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.

La Crosse 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 La Crosse.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in La Crosse:

32609, 32622, 32658

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist