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

Melissa Averett

Offering therapy in LA
License: M.Ed,LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

My name is Melissa Averett. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned my Master Degree in Education Counseling at Southeastern Louisiana University in 2008. I’ve worked 4 years in a residential setting with woman recovering from addiction. I also worked 9 years providing outpatient counseling to adults for wide range of struggles and mental illness. I help Clients that have experienced the trauma of divorce begin the healing and forgiveness process. I use Person Centered Counseling to build rapport and help my clients identify their counseling need and set counseling goals. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Restructuring to help clients identify, dispute and restructure maladaptive thoughts into healthier thoughts and beliefs. I like to teach my clients about healthy boundaries, how to improve self esteem, choices and consequences, healthy coping skills and assertive communication skills to improve relationships. I will make a great effort to demonstrated warmth and empathy as we work on difficult issues toward your therapeutic goals.

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Barbara Droy

Offering therapy in LA
License: M.Ed,LMHP,LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience. I hold a current LPC license in Louisiana. I have experience as a divorced mother of five children and grandmother of six. I am also the mother of a recovering addict. During my career I have counseled a variety of clients in a variety of settings. I have experience in all areas of mental health. My experience includes working with children and adults in an IOP, both in their home and office, adoption counseling, post abortion counseling, treating anxiety and stress, abused children, the spectrum of mood disorders (depression and bi-polar), and most currently as a school counselor. I have a faith-based collaborative, client centered approach. I offer a variety of interventions depending on your needs. My approach is focused on you. I take your lead but can nudge if I think it will be helpful. I offer a flexible schedule with whatever mode of communication suits you best. In the first few sessions I always ask, "how will you know counseling has been helpful", "what will be different, what will you notice?". Then we can make goals from there. I respect you for asking for help. I will honor your time commitment and use our time efficiently and wisely. I look forward to working with you. I may be available for sessions that are not on my schedule. If you have another time that would work for you just ask. I'll do my best to accommodate you. Specialties Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Bipolar disorder Depression Coping with life changes Also experienced in: Addictions , Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Grief , Parenting issues , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Compassion fatigue. Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 10

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This is Rachel Rachlinski's avatar and link to their profile

Rachel Rachlinski

Offering therapy in LA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am an LCPC, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland and an LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana. I received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Community Counseling and a Post Master’s in Play Therapy at John’s Hopkins University. I received a second Post Master’s Degree from University of Denver in Animal-Assisted Therapy. My work has been primarily spent focusing on family counseling, including all members of the family unit. I have been actively practicing as a therapist for 11 years. My expertise includes working with young adults transitioning to new stages in life as well as adults managing women’s and general life issues. My clinical expertise includes dealing with anxiety, depression, oppositional youth, at-risk adolescents, women’s issues, family counseling, parent training, adoption-related issues, and other trauma disorders and adjustments. 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, humanistic, and existential 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!

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Ashley Bailey

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteem
3 years of experience

Hi and congratulations! You've made the first step on your journey to being the best you possible. I'm here to help. I am licensed in Louisiana with 3 years of professional work experience. I specialize in treating adults with depression, anxiety disorders, and grief processing. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.

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Elizabeth Orange-Williams

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I view counseling as a process in which you, the Client, and I, the counselor, having developed a relationship of trust, work together to explore and define present life problems, develop goals for improved functioning and work together to achieve these goals. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Phyllicia Fisher's avatar and link to their profile

Phyllicia Fisher

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

I am licensed in Louisiana with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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This is DeMarquane Thomas's avatar and link to their profile

DeMarquane Thomas

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Louisiana & Texas with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with executive and professional coaching, working through life stressors and/or stressful situations. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Rebecca Tokay's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Tokay

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
17 years of experience

I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Louisiana with 15 years of professional work experience - 10 of which I have been licensed. I have experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults who have problems with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Disorder, Past and Current Trauma’s, Relationship problems between family, peers and teachers/authority figures as well as those with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem and low self-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. I usually focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but am also trained in Solution-Focused Therapy, Grief Therapy and Trauma Induced Therapy. I believe that counseling is a relationship where you and I work together as a team to help you fulfill the goals you are wanting to achieve. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I really look forward to working with you!

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This is Ly'Nella McCray's avatar and link to their profile

Ly'Nella McCray

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Dr. LaCrystal Wilson's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. LaCrystal Wilson

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 11 years of professional work experience and am committed to providing the highest quality of care to promote healing and growth. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, academic issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I will combine traditional therapy with alternative treatments to achieve your goals. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Beginning the journey to sign up for therapy requires being vulnerable and I commend you for taking the first step. I look forward to connecting with you!

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How to find counseling in Edgefield

Finding the best therapist close by in Edgefield 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 Edgefield. 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 Edgefield, 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 Edgefield 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 Edgefield 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 Edgefield, elsewhere in Red River, 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 Edgefield area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Edgefield 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 Edgefield 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 Edgefield 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 Edgefield, 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 Edgefield 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 Edgefield 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 Edgefield 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 Edgefield 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 Edgefield 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 71019 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 Edgefield 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 Edgefield 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 Edgefield, 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.

Edgefield 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of 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 Edgefield.

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

71019

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