This is Dr. Rita Martin's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Rita Martin

Offering therapy in LA
License: DBH,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I see counseling as a process in which you the client, and I, the counselor, having come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop future goals for an improved life and work in a systematic fashion toward realizing those goals. I focus on clients self-awareness, self-acceptance, and empower them to change self-sabotaging behaviors. I earned a Master of Arts degree in Student Personnel Services, Counseling from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in May 2011 and a Doctor of Behavioral Health from Arizona State University in December 2017. I am licensed as a Professional Counselor (#5115) with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners at 11410 Lake Sherwood Ave. North Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, (225) 295-8444. On May 12, 2020, I became licensed as a Professional Counselor (#83930) by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors in Austin, Texas. On March 25, 2022, I became licensed as a Professional Counselor (#C6691) by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) in Salem, Oregon.

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Gayle Reed

Offering therapy in LA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Welcome to Better Help! I am glad you have decided to take the first steps to address the challenges you are facing. I know it can be difficult to reach out and discuss personal issues with someone. An important part of counseling is finding a counselor you can connect with. I want to provide you with some information about me in order to help you decide if I may be able to assist you in overcoming these challenges. My name is Gayle Reed, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in George and Louisiana. I have over 15 years of social work experience. I earned a Masters degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University in 2004. I have a worked with children, families, individuals, and couples. I have a great deal of experience working with military families and veterans. My preferred treatment style is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) that focuses on helping you to change negative thought patterns so you can view situations more clearly and respond to them in a more effective way. CBT is a useful tool to address depression, anxiety, learn techniques for coping with stressful situations, resolve conflicts and learn better ways to communicate. In addition, I incorporate mindfulness techniques and solution focused therapy to enhance my practice. I look forward to working with you!

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Louisa Lichtman

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW
Family conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

The world is a very scary place these days and I commend you for reaching out seeking support. Our new norm is evolving. We are practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing, wearing masks, not being able to celebrate birthdays, wedding, graduations, and other milestones as we normally do. It is so important now more than ever to take care of your mental health. There is little we can control, but we can learn to control our emotions, thoughts, and feelings. It feels good to feel good. I am here to help you learn new coping mechanism, reinforce the ones you already know, and help you learn how to deal with the loss. Whether the loss of a loved one, loss of your patients, loss of what we use to take for granted, loss of anything. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Louisiana with more than six years of experience as a psychotherapist working with adults primarily with older adults and their families. Although, my focus is adults in my 10 years of experience of being a social worker, I have also worked with children as young as five helping them improve their focus and control their anger. One of my favorite roles has been a Hospice social worker. I specialize in grief, death, and dying, and learning how to coping after losing a loved one. I have developed interventions for my nurse coworkers on compassion fatigue. Many people, perhaps yourself, are juggling working from home, worrying about parents, homeschooling kids, and feeling stuck and not taking the needed self care you need to recharge. Taking charge of your mental health is the best thing you can do to feel less stuck. Feel proud of signing up for BetterHelp! When you feel happy and safe, it regulates your blood pressure and oxygen. Now more than ever, it is so important to take care of your mental health. I am here to support you to navigate this new “normal.” I can provide interventions that make sense for you rather than one size fits all approach. I believe in helping you build a toolbox of concrete tools and skills that you can draw from moving forward—in helping you equip yourself to meet not only the challenges you’re facing now, but also leaving you better prepared to manage future challenges as they come. I'm here to support you as we explore ways to help you meet your goals and live your best life!

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Leslie Santure

Offering therapy in LA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Welcome to your mental health journey! I am your wellness guide and therapist, Leslie! The therapeutic path has been my career choice for 6 years. The most intense and educational time I have experienced as a therapist was working on a crisis team, and addressing trauma, abuse, and instability of clients and their families. I also have experience in family conflict, children/teens, parenting, communication, anger management, depression, anxiety, low self-worth, CBT, Trauma-Focused therapy, and life changes. Before that, I worked many jobs including being a case manager for children with disabilities. I am licensed in Louisiana, and am currently working on licensure in Georgia and Texas. I offer a relaxed, judgment free space through the therapeutic process. I have experience and choose to work with diverse clients that includes race, sexual orientation, and/or culture. Empathy and positive regard are present in each session and interaction. Who we are matters, especially in therapy! I look forward to working as a team to improve your mental health and coping skills!

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This is Mazie Martisius's avatar and link to their profile

Mazie Martisius

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Dr. Ernesha Smith

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience

My name is Ernesha, some call me Dr. Smith or Dr. E, but you can call me whatever feels comfortable for you!I enjoy supporting individuals experiencing difficult life transitions including (but not limited to) relationship challenges, divorce or a break-up, loss of a loved one, expanding your family, embarking on a new career or contemplating leaving an existing career, moving to a new place, etc. I work to support the client in their journey to creating a path toward healing, acceptance and self-discovery, with the ultimate goal of achieving optimal emotional well-being, as defined by the client. Together, we will develop strategies that will generate feelings of well-being and create a path toward emotional healing and personal growth. I work with clients to help them uncover thinking and behavioral patterns that create barriers to optimal emotional well-being. Together we can explore and identify these patterns, uncover underlying issues, and tend to the parts of yourself that require attention, in order to create lasting and transformational change. Therapy expands our individual capacity, so that we can show up fully and as our best selves, across all the roles that we take on throughout life. I welcome the opportunity to work with you to expand your capacity and assist you in doing the work toward becoming your best self. My clinical goal is to help them identify and utilize these resources and solutions in their interactions with others and inner self to create positive change in their quality of life and relationships. I acknowledge that every client is unique and deserves a safe, caring environment as they travel in their therapeutic journey. I prides herself on being relatable and making people feel at ease.

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This is Christina Stein's avatar and link to their profile

Christina Stein

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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This is Catherine Schurman 's avatar and link to their profile

Catherine Schurman

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

I am licensed in Louisiana with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Brandi Plaisance

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker, and I am located in Louisiana. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I focus on my clients' individual strengths in order to empower you as you transition into your best life and wellness. 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 Angela Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Angela Smith

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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How to find counseling in Grand Coteau

Finding the best therapist close by in Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau. 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 Grand Coteau, 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 Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau, elsewhere in St. Landry, 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 Grand Coteau area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau, 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 Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau 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 70541 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 Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau, 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.

Grand Coteau 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 Grand Coteau.

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

70512, 70541, 70584

Popular cities near Grand Coteau, LA

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