The capital city of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is an area of vigorous economic and population growth. A number of technology and research centers are based there, as well as the campus of Louisiana State University. Historically a meeting point of many cultures, it is a vibrant and culturally diverse city that is also home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community.  A wide variety of options in mental health services can be important in any community, but especially for one with the diverse population of Baton Rouge. 

When seeking a therapist, Baton Rouge, LA offers more than many smaller cities and rural areas. However, finding the right therapist is often more complicated than simply reaching out to a nearby practice. The efficacy of the therapeutic process often relies on finding the right type of therapy to address your mental health needs. While there are a number of effective evidence-based therapeutic practices in psychology, some are better suited to certain challenges than others. The type of therapist you need may not necessarily be located nearby. 

Online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp offers access to over 30,000 professionals in the mental health field, from licensed counselors in play therapy, to certified group psychotherapists that specialize in relationship difficulties. By filling out an online questionnaire, you will be matched with a therapist that meets your individual needs. And because rapport can be such a key factor in success, if for any reason you need to switch therapists, you can do so at no additional cost. 

In addition, the effort of scheduling and driving to a therapist's office can impede the counseling process for many individuals. For busy professionals, parents, and students online therapy with BetterHelp makes it easy to schedule and attend sessions from the comfort of their own homes. Others with past trauma in their lives may find it easier to share aspects of their personal life with a counselor over the phone or video chat. 

If you live in Baton Rouge and have been thinking about therapy for relationship challenges, managing the stress of working toward your master’s degree, treating depression or other mood disorders, or simply to work on personal growth, BetterHelp makes it simple to get started. Fill out their questionnaire to take that first step on your mental health and wellness journey.

 

This is Dr. Keith Wilkerson's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Keith Wilkerson

Offering therapy in LA
License: Ph.D.,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
3 years of experience

I earned a Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in 2015. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) #LPC 6526 and hold a license with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners located at 8631 Summa Avenue, Baton Rouge, La. 70809 (225-765-2515). In addition to being licensed as an LPC in Louisiana, I hold a national certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC#630673). I believe that counseling encompasses a collaborative approach between the counselor and the client, and requires both working together to facilitate change in the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Counseling will require you to fully engage with me in the process, including inside and outside of the sessions. You may be asked to complete homework assignments, and this will partly determine whether we are accomplishing the stated counseling goals. I assist clients with addressing a variety of mental health concerns that significantly interferes with their ability to perform the primary aspects of daily living. I work with clients who experience family discord. I also assist clients who may be experiencing a crisis.

This is Roxanne Stegall's avatar and link to their profile

Roxanne Stegall

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Roxanne Stegall and I am a licensed clinical social worker with over eight years experience working in the mental healthcare field. My past work experience in both the medical and mental healthcare settings have prepared me to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. I earned my Masters of Social Work Degree from Louisiana State University where I completed two internships, one was a local non-profit family-counseling center and the other was a state run outpatient-counseling center. After graduation, I was hired as the lead therapist at a private inpatient mental health facility where I worked with a multidisciplinary team and provided individual, family, and group counseling to both adolescents and adults. After making a move to a new city, I became a medical social worker for a children's hospital where I primarily worked with children and their families who were facing a life altering medical diagnosis. Past clients have described my demeanor as warm, empathetic, and approachable. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for each client to explore any life challenge they may be facing such as difficulties with stress/anxiety, feelings of depression, grief, chronic illness, life transitions, and/or relationship conflicts. I enjoy working alongside my clients to develop goals and objectives to address these life challenges. My approach to therapy is a holistic one. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches when working with clients, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, as well as strengths-based and mindfulness-based techniques. Whether this is your first time seeking counseling services or you are a returning client, engaging in therapy takes courage and humility. My personal goal as a therapist is for my clients to feel a greater sense of life-balance, self-confidence, and self-awareness that will empower them to address future life challenges that may arise. If you are ready to take the first steps towards a change, I look forward to working with you and supporting you through the journey!

This is Kattie Staudermann 's avatar and link to their profile

Kattie Staudermann

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
4 years of experience

I am a License Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience as a Social Worker. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, Schizophrenia, Bipolar, substance abuse, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, grief/loss, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational, psychodynamic and solution focused counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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 Lori Arceneaux's avatar and link to their profile

Lori Arceneaux

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW/BACS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

Hi, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louisiana with over 18 years of experience. I have a particular interest and expertise in working with those touched by foster care and/or adoption. For the majority of my career, I have worked with children and teenagers. I enjoy working with these age groups and assisting them with navigating the often complex emotions that accompany adolescence. Also, I have worked extensively with families and couples. Many of these clients were in need of assistance with strengthening and improving their relationships, improving their communication, and managing the various stressors in their lives. I strive to provide a warm, caring and supportive environment where my clients can work through obstacles, struggles and past traumas to reach a successful solution. I partner with each individual to help them achieve the life they desire. I work with each individual to identify and build upon their unique strengths and to find more positive and productive ways of communicating and problem solving. Sometimes making the first step can be the most difficult one once an individual has decided to seek counseling. I am committed to providing a welcoming and compassionate setting so my client and I can develop a healthy and effective therapeutic relationship. I'm here to help.

This is Dr. Carol Jannik's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Carol Jannik

Offering therapy in LA
License: PhD ,MED,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

Greetings. As a therapist, I prefer to talk about you rather than me, but I understand you need to know about me to make a decision regarding choosing a therapist. I am an older therapist with extensive experience in most areas of therapy. I worked for schools, counseling agencies, mental healthcare agencies, had a private practice for over 20 years and in the hospital setting providing counseling to individuals in various departments including OB, Pain Management, Grief and Loss, Emergency, inpatient and most often in an outpatient setting (PHP and IOP). I work closely with psychiatrists in prescribing medications and reporting efficacy. Although I do not prescribe medication, I am familiar with the latest medications as well as the older medications used in therapy. I am also familiar with co-morbidity issues and dual diagnoses (medical as well as mental illnesses and their interactions). In my private practice, I worked with children and adolescents in foster care as well as living with their families, family issues, adoptions, adjustments, ADD/ADHD, and educational and learning issues. I also worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and psychosis. I thoroughly enjoy what I do and have prepared myself educationally (I have a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology) and I avail myself of every opportunity to improve my skills and meet additional certification requirements (I am a certified trauma counselor as well as a certified telehealth professional). I espouse christian beliefs as well as respecting any faith as it pertains to the benefits of therapy. In addition to being licensed by the Louisiana LPC Board, I am also designated as a supervisor to counsel trainees. I firmly believe in promoting the counseling profession and am committed to training competent future counselors for licensure. I tailor my therapy to the individual's needs and form treatment plans accordingly. Most often, I use a cognitive behavioral approach sprinkled with didactic and rational emotional therapies. If I cannot provide the necessary help and assistance, I have no trouble acknowledging such and referring a patient to someone who can. Thank you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with my qualifications and experience. If you feel I can be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

This is Andrea McCarver's avatar and link to their profile

Andrea McCarver

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with 20 years of experience in mental health. I received a BSW from the University of Alabama, and graduated from Tulane University with an MSW. I have a wide array of experience treating diverse clients who are dealing with Anxiety/Depression, trauma, childhood abuse and neglect, co-dependency, attachment/intimacy, discrimination, gender identity, self esteem, parenting and more. While using traditional talk therapy, I also incorporate teaching and interactive cognitive restructuring into sessions. I commonly utilize breathe work and other non traditional techniques into therapy. I allow the client to guide the session and their own work, but do not hold back observations about client's thought patterns and potential for growth. I treat all clients with unconditional positive regard and allow them to adapt within their own limits and social dynamics. Clients should always feel as though they have learned skills relevant to daily life.

This is Michael Curry's avatar and link to their profile

Michael Curry

Offering therapy in LA
License: MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a nationally certified counselor passionate about helping couples, families, and individuals heal and develop skills to cultivate growth in body, mind, and spirit. It is my desire to identify and apply the best suited evidence-based therapeutic practices to help clients move beyond what they are dealing with, to realize their full potential and inner strength. It is my belief each therapeutic session represents steps in a journey both the client and I are on in an effort to obtain self-care and well-being. My ultimate goal in this journey is to assist clients to overcome by building hope, recovery, and resilience. I am certified in Anger Management and help clients struggling with anger as well as anxiety, depression, and relational/marital conflict. As a minister, I also provide spiritual-based counseling. I have worked with individuals in mental health rehabilitation centers, a mental health hospital, and assisting individuals and couples within my church. These different environments have afforded me the opportunity to work with a wide range of mental health disorders and needs. My experience in the military, ministry, and abroad has also prepared me for a wide range of cultural issues. I look forward to helping you along your journey and seeing you achieve what you have set out to achieve. SUCCESS!!!

This is Melissa Gray's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Gray

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, & 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!

This is Allison Brauer's avatar and link to their profile

Allison Brauer

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Dena Melna's avatar and link to their profile

Dena Melna

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyGriefBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, bipolar disorder, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Baton Rouge

Finding the best therapist close by in Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge. 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 Baton Rouge, 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge, elsewhere in East Baton Rouge, 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 Baton Rouge area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge, 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 70833 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge, 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.

Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Baton Rouge:

70801, 70802, 70803, 70804, 70805, 70806, 70807, 70808, 70809, 70811, 70813, 70814, 70815, 70816, 70819, 70820, 70821, 70822, 70823, 70825, 70826, 70827, 70831, 70833, 70835, 70836, 70837, 70873, 70874, 70879, 70884, 70891, 70892, 70893, 70894, 70895, 70896, 70898

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