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Marissa Kent

Offering therapy in LA
License: LPC,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

Hi! My name is Marissa Kent and I am a nationally certified and licensed professional counselor in the state of Mississippi and Louisiana. I have nearly a decade's worth of experience in the mental health field, the last four of those years working with various populations as a counselor/therapist. I have worked with individuals dealing with a range of concerns and have the most experience with depression, anxiety and stress, anger management, and relationship issues. I got into the field of counseling because I love helping people. There are few things better than seeing someone reach a goal or fulfill their potential. I believe in treating people with respect and getting to know their story. It helps me gain a deeper understanding for who they are, the family and cultural values, beliefs, and traditions they hold dear, and the goals they would like to achieve in counseling. My approach in counseling is an eclectic mix that primarily combines cognitive behavioral and person-centered techniques, but the specifics of how I work with each individual is as unique as the individual. I realize that it can be challenging to tackle some of life's concerns head-on, so my goal is to empower you by highlighting the strengths you already possess and give you additional tools needed to accomplish your goals. Congratulations on taking the first step! I look forward to working with you.

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Dr. Marie Smith

Offering therapy in LA
License: Ph.D.,NCC,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

Dr. Marie Smith I have received a Ph.D. and possess board licensure and certification at the state and national l level, as a licensed professional counselor, counselor supervisor, school counselor: k-12, educator and administrator. I have over 25 years of counseling experience. My clinical experiences have been across the age-span. I have provided treatment in schools, hospitals, clinics, and correctional facilities for adults and juveniles. My scope of professional practice crosses the age span, focusing on societal established transitional milestones and the expectations in which we measure and develop personal self-acceptance through family, peer groups, school, career, and intimate relationships, as we cross various developmental stages. As a veteran educator and administrator, I am able to integrate past and present experiences, with reflective thoughts of how we arrive to our current place, from childhood to adulthood. My educational training also includes the ability to work with individuals previously diagnosed in childhood, young adulthood, or adult acquired disabilities, such as developmental disabilities, ADD/ADHD, impairments in learning: Specific Learning Disability, behavior, including sensory impairments such as autism, and cognitive/intellectual disabilities. Family and couples' therapy is highly advocated, in my practice, when the evidence presents the need beyond individual or online therapy to achieve the articulated counseling goals. Referrals will be recommended, as identified. In the therapy session, the presenting concerns may include, but is not limited to: Coping Skills Anger Management Anxiety Depression Interpersonal Relationships-Teen through Adulthood Adjustment and Adaptive Behavior Concerns Trauma and Resiliency: Adverse Childhood Experiences Divorce, Custody, and Mediation College and Career Readiness Workplace Dynamics Problem Solving Skills

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Christa Martin

Offering therapy in LA
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the state of Louisiana. I have over 8 years of counseling experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of issues including addiction, depression, anxiety, grief, parenting issues, relationship and marriage issues. I approach counseling from a cognitive-behavioral perspective, in that patterns of thoughts and actions are explored in order to better understand the client’s problems and develop solutions. I see the counseling relationship as a process in which my client and I build a relationship based on trust and respect, work together as a team to determine and explore presenting problems, develop goals and skills that will improve the client’s life, and work toward achieving those goals and experiencing solutions that benefit the client overall. I want to work with my clients to help them better understand themselves and the challenges they are facing, develop healthy coping skills, and to find hope in whatever challenges they may be facing. I look forward to working with you!

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Nyla Lengacher

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
32 years of experience

ABOUT ME Hi, my name is Nyla. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Social Work degree from Yeshiva University in New York City. Seeking therapy can be overwhelming. Having a therapist that is compassionate, empathetic, respectful but also willing to challenge beliefs is important and many of my clients have expressed that I hold these qualities. I am a down to earth person that strives to do everything I can to “get you”. I know that someone telling their story and really being heard is in itself healing. Adding the tools, support, insight and coping skills aid in the healing process. My passion is helping others advance towards their full potential. I believe that your past does not indicate your future. Thanks for reaching out! SPECIATY AREAS Mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bi-polar, social anxiety) Grief/Loss Adoptees/Adoption issues LGBTQ+ Relationship Issues Life Transitions Adults and Older Adults CLINICAL APPROACHES Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interpersonal Therapy Solution Focused Therapy Strength Based Therapy Narrative Therapy Family Systems Therapy YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 30 SERVICES OFFERED Messaging, Phone, Live Chat, Video Licensing LCSW # 3339 (expires 8/31/2012) Louisiana

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Esau Kinchen

Offering therapy in LA
License: MA, LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

Hello, I’m Esau. I am a licensed professional counselor-supervisor in the state of Louisiana. I earned a Master of Arts Degree in mental health counseling from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. I am certified by the Louisiana State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. I have over 10 yrs of experience providing counseling and psychotherapy services to adolescents and adults. I see the counseling relationship with you as a process of understanding and trust. We work together to develop your goals, to better manage your daily activities and routines. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety and stress, anger management, self-esteem and confidence issues, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, physical trauma, emotional abuse and family relationship problems. I approach counseling from several therapeutic perspectives which include short-term and long-term counseling plans for you. I will help you to realize that you have the ability to bring about the positive change(s) that you desire. I approach counseling from several therapeutic perspectives. They include cognitive behavior therapy, person-centered therapy, reality therapy, solution focused therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. If you choose to work with me, you will learn how to take corrective measures that will enable you to have better relationships, increased happiness, and have a sense of inner control of your life.

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Sarah Heck

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience helping those in need. I graduated from LSU School of Social Work in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and have found purpose serving my community ever since. I see the counseling relationship as a collaborative effort as well as one based on mutual respect and honesty. I respect my clients' treatment goals and what they feel is best to focus on to improve their quality of life. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, codependency, grief, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, difficulty with life's challenges, OCD, and more. Using evidence-based practices most aligned with my clients' needs, I help them achieve their treatment goals with support and compassion.

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Patricia (Patty) Earl

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
27 years of experience

I am a LPC for 27 years and a board certified dance movement therapist. I am also a registered nurse and a certified yoga instructor. I have worked with children and adults offering trauma and grief therapy. As a movement therapist, I offer the opportunity to experience bodily felt emotions by teaching mindfulness. I use systems family theory as well as Jungian and object relations. Currently, I am working with eating disordered and addiction patients. I feel I am centered and grounded in my approach with clients. I listen and respond thoughtfully.

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Roshanna King

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 6 years of experience providing therapy. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, anger management and depression. My style of therapy involves building a warm and engaging therapeutic relationship with my clients while providing an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. By providing cognitive behavioral, person centered and solution focused strategies, I will work with you to improve your overall mental health and quality of life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. We can do this TOGETHER!

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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.

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Anwar Francis

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I believe that it takes courage to reflect on yourself and examine your innermost thoughts, feelings, and motives for why you act the way you do. It’s not an easy task, but it's necessary to become healthy. I want to help you achieve this goal. I don’t want to label, stigmatize, or “cure” anyone. I want to help people understand the behaviors that are negatively affecting their lives so that they can create ones that are more satisfying, fulfilling, and meaningful. And I use my knowledge and experience to support anyone interested in doing so. I provide safety and compassion, but I do not coddle. I am deeply invested in helping you to live the life that you want. Feel free to contact me if this is the kind of help you want.

How to find counseling in Bunkie

Finding the best therapist close by in Bunkie 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 Bunkie. 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 Bunkie, 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 Bunkie 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 Bunkie 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 Bunkie, elsewhere in Avoyelles, 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 Bunkie area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bunkie 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 Bunkie 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 Bunkie 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 Bunkie, 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 Bunkie 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 Bunkie 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 Bunkie 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 Bunkie 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 Bunkie 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 71322 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 Bunkie 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 Bunkie 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 Bunkie, 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.

Bunkie 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 Bunkie.

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

71322

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