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Mary Slaton

Offering therapy in LA
License: LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
7 years of experience

My name is Mary Slaton, LPC, NCC. I earned my counseling degree from Loyola in 2001, and my certification in meditation from Chopra Institute in 2021. When everything is aligned in our lives, we feel happy and fulfilled, but we all encounter obstacles. At times, we need encouragement and guidance to find our way back. Seeking counseling shows a belief in your ability to bring about positive change in your life. I am here to assist you and encourage you as you explore alternatives that lead to the satisfying life you envision. I believe that we are goal-oriented, but we are sometimes unaware of how we're trying to gain that feeling of significance and satisfaction. Along the path to achieving your goals, it helps me to find out about the various areas of your life, such as social, spiritual, love, self, and work. As we explore the various areas of your life, we’ll discover patterns. As we uncover these, we can determine what is working for you, so we can explore ways of increasing these positive experiences in other areas of your life. I believe people have the capacity for self-awareness and the ability to resolve their problems with support and assistance. So many people wander through life feeling like there's more or that things could be different, so thank you for taking that brave step toward setting the goals that will bring you the relief, happiness, and joy that we all seek.

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Dr. Charles Tullis, Jr.

Offering therapy in LA
License: PhD,LCMFT, LPC,NCC, BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesDepression
36 years of experience

I love counseling individuals, couples, and families from all social classes and standings. I am respective of all people and social classes. I embrace respect for multi-cultural counseling. My experience includes service to civilian and military populations for thirty-six years as a military service member and as a federal employee. I am well experienced and prepared to address the concerns associated with the demands of the military and civilian lifestyles. My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying comprehensive therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for support and guidance through a challenging situation or you are just ready to move in a new direction. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I accept a client’s immediate family relationships and larger social context as being important resources in solving life’s problems. Goals for therapy are always established through collaboration with the client. The overall objective for therapy is always the successful resolution of the problems that are deemed the most important through that collaborative process. I practice an integrated approach. I believe that our initial assessment should indicate to us what would appear to be most likely to help the client achieve individual goals. I practice responsible selection of appropriate theory, model, and interventions. I work from a people-oriented approach, which means that I assist couples and families in organizing their relationships so that resources can be brought to bear on the problems being presented. Techniques that I often employ are instruction and modeling of communication skills, interactive processes, family role-playing, and family sculpting, and between-session interactive assignments. Additionally, homework is a vital part of the therapeutic process. The completion of homework is necessary if the client is to get the most from the therapeutic experience. My training includes family systems theory and models such as Bowenian Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Object Relations Therapy. I also use Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Reality Therapy and Multi-Model Therapy. I employ Client-centered approaches such as Rogerian and Psychoanalytic type theories and models just to name a few. Rest assured that I believed that you are of great value and it is my intent to help you raise that awareness to a meaningful understanding resulting in increased self-worth! I hold License # 880 as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with the LPC Board of Examiners, 8631 Summa Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, and 225-765-2515. I also hold License # LPC005547 as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the The Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists, 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217. I have a Master of Divinity from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary; A Master of Arts in Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg Virginia; A Master of Science in Community Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling from Columbus State University in Columbus Georgia; a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Luther Rice Seminary in Lithonia Georgia (Atlanta Georgia); and a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). I am a clinical fellow with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). I am also a graduate of the United States Army Chaplain Family Life Counseling Program.

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Lawrence(Larry) Lucas

Offering therapy in LA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

It has been a blessing and a privilege over the past 25 years to provide counseling services to those from many walks of life, including individuals, couples, teens, parents of teens, teachers, laborers, students, retirees, and many professionals such as renown medical doctors and therapists. Issues addressed are depression, loneliness, anxiety, relationships, spirituality, addictions, parenting, etc. This journey has given me opportunities to teach across the country to teach to the above varieties of individuals wishing to grow in these areas. Whatever you are struggling with, it would be an honor to walk with you through the trials you are facing and I will do my very best to help you find clarity and resolution. Thank you for giving me a chance to navigate life’s challenges with you!

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Dr. Renee Woods

Offering therapy in LA
License: MA,NCC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Harvey, Louisiana, which is located only minutes outside of New Orleans. I have 10 plus years of experience as psychotherapist and life and wellness coach. I bring to the therapeutic relationship a broad range of behavioral, and mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship issues with self and others, women's issues, child and adolescent issues, grief and loss, life transitions and PTSD. I also specialize in working with women and girls who are survivors of sexual trauma and physical and emotional abuse. My counseling approach employs empathy, active listening skills, compassion and unconditional warmth and positive regard throughout the therapeutic relationship. My treatment approach includes person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Trauma Informed Therapy, The first step in your journey of finding healing, empowerment, peace, and a joyful life is having the courage to reach out to someone! I look forward to talking with you and being your guide to a healthier and happier you! Remember your trauma is not your fault and you are not what happened to you!!

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Dr. Michael Gomila

Offering therapy in LA
License: LPC, PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
3 years of experience

I have 20 years of experience working with adults with a number of issues. Commonly, I work with clients that have trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, and depression issues. I have also worked with couples and families regarding relationship issues. I have a Ph.D. in counseling and also possess degrees in criminal justice, business, and law. I primarily use cognitive behavioral approaches to counseling but also utilize existential and psychodynamic theories.

This is Georena Dearborne Bynog's avatar and link to their profile

Georena Dearborne Bynog

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana and California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & 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!

This is Shijuan Kelly's avatar and link to their profile

Shijuan Kelly

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, trauma, anger, low self esteem, grief, rejection, abandonment, and loneliness. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe each person has worth and should be treated respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe truth brings about healing. I believe in partnering with people to help mend the broken pieces. I enjoy working with teens and adults. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, strengths based, and bibliotherapy. 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!

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Sara Hyde

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
43 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 43 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

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Deanna Williams

Offering therapy in LA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience as a social worker and 5 years of experience in counseling. My focus has been working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress related issues. I also have a strong background working with clients with substance use disorders and/or their caregivers/families as well as working with the elderly dealing with change of life issues, health issues, death, dying and grief and caregivers of the elderly. My focus of practice is building a strong rapport and foundation with my client to enable a trust and respect for each other. I believe in a client directed approach allowing my client to focus on what they feel they need to work on in their life. My goal is to be a guide for you to effectively learn needed coping skills utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. I look forward to building a therapeutic relationship with you working towards a healthier mental health state.

This is Sarah Crum's avatar and link to their profile

Sarah Crum

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana and Texas with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

How to find counseling in Abita Springs

Finding the best therapist close by in Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs. 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 Abita Springs, 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 Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs, elsewhere in St. Tammany, or in the greater state of Louisiana.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs may not take health insurance, some in the state of Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Abita Springs, Louisiana 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 Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs 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 LA, 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 70420 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 Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs, Louisiana 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.

Abita Springs 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 Abita Springs.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Abita Springs:

70420

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