This is Deborah Youngblood's avatar and link to their profile

Deborah Youngblood

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the state of Louisiana with more than 15 years of experience working as a counselor. I completed my BS in Counseling Psychology from Southwestern Assemblies of God University and then obtained my graduate degree in Social Work from Tulane University School of Social Work. I have worked with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, relationship issues, parenting challenges, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I have also worked with people who have experienced physical trauma and physical and/or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I treat my clients with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Each person is unique. My approach combines person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and motivational interview techniques. and trauma based interventions. Treatment planning and dialog will be tailored to meet your specific and unique needs. I believe it takes courage to begin the journey toward change. I am here to assist and empower you to identify your needs and begin the process of change. I am looking forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Annetta Starr's avatar and link to their profile

Annetta Starr

Offering therapy in LA
License: MS,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Annetta Starr. I have a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Louisiana at Monroe. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana. I have worked in the counseling field since 2015 helping clients find success with managing their needs. Some clients need help with anxiety and others need help with addictions. We all have needs. I believe that we each have a responsibility to ourselves to make sure that our basic needs are met, because when we do, we find ourselves functioning at our best and living more fully. My counseling approach is more humanistic/client centered, as I believe that we as individuals already possess the qualities that we need to live fully. I encourage and utilize curiosity, intuition, creativity, humility, and empathy in individualized therapy sessions to help clients close the gap between where they are right now and where they want to be in the future. If you choose to make a commitment to work on meeting your needs, I will commit myself to helping you. I will not give up on you. Taking personal responsibility for ourselves is the first indication that clients have the strength and control to make any changes necessary to live life with fullness. Let’s work together to evaluate what you are doing, thinking, and feeling, and develop plans to help you make choices that will help you meet your needs and have success at getting what you want.

Get started View profile
This is Katina Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Katina Smith

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

I am Katina Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with Aspirations of Hope Counseling Services in Hammond, Louisiana. I earned my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2014. My experience includes 20 years of social services experiences while working with individuals in diverse populations such as children, juveniles, geriatrics, elderly and adults with disabilities, adoption and foster care, substance abuse and mental health. This also includes 7 years of crisis intervention and prevention skills in serving children and survivors of domestic violence. As an LPC, I have experience with a wide variety of issues such as, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma and abuse, depression, self-esteem, coping with grief, anxiety, family conflicts, co-dependency, anger management, addiction, substance abuse education and treatment. As a LPC, I use a client centered approach to therapy. I am passionate about bringing positive change in people’s lives to strengthen minds and instill hope. When working with teens and adults, I prefer the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Moreover, these therapeutic approaches will assist in addressing a multitude of behavior and emotional issues youth and adults are faced with on a daily basis. The goal of our therapeutic relationship will be to build rapport and provide you with tools to identify specific problems in your daily life, identifying negative thinking and reshape them; and be able to solve your current problems in a safe and non-judgmental environment. I passionately believe my empathy, compassion, and non-judgmental personality will immediately put you at ease to start your emotional healing. My goal is to STRENGTHEN MINDS AND INSTILL HOPE in others. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith

Offering therapy in LA
License: PsyD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression
15 years of experience

Hello, thanks for taking the first step towards achieving an improved emotional balance. I am Dr. Shawanda M. Woods-Smith, a licensed Psychologist in the state of Louisiana with over 10 years of experience working with a wide range of people and concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, self-improvement, and grief/loss. I am proficient in providing therapy for individuals, groups, couples, and families. I find that the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational-Emotive Behavioral Therapy and Person Centered Therapy approaches provide a foundation for facilitating change. My counseling style is supportive and collaborative resulting in the development of a uniquely specific treatment plan. Additionally, I have passion for providing psychoeducation to couples, parents, and individuals about the issues they may be having and how these issues are related to development, biological or social/cultural causes. It takes strength and courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. It appears that you a ready to take that step and I look forward to the opportunity to support and empower you.

Get started View profile
This is Donna Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Donna Smith

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

I have been a therapist for 35 years in most cases in medical and psychiatric settings. Fortunately, I have continued to express compassion and to be committed to helping others who struggle with various types of stress and psychological challenges to include: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Other Specified traumas such as; stressful experiences resulting from childhood traumatic issues and stressful experiences and/or exposure to physical or emotional pain including abuse ,neglect or family conflict, and/or tragic events, Depression, Anxiety, occupational stress and stress secondary to medical problems.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Tiffany Henderson's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Tiffany Henderson

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Get started View profile
This is Kimberly Ragas-Matalamaki's avatar and link to their profile

Kimberly Ragas-Matalamaki

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, coping with grief and loss, life changes, and self esteem to list a few. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Chabre Jones's avatar and link to their profile

Chabre Jones

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW,Chabre Johnson
Parenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

Hi! I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker born and raised in Louisiana. I've been licensed for 9 years with 3 of those yrs. being clinical, however I have over 18 yrs. of experience doing community-based work with children, youth, and families. I enjoy working with teens and young adults, but I have years of experience in helping clients with increasing motivation, self-esteem and confidence building, burnout, career difficulties, coping with life changes, parent and youth relationships, LGBTQ+ support, and professional coaching. And for the last 10 years I've worked directly with justice involved youth and behavioral health. My therapy style is conversational and interactive. I incorporate Humanistic Therapy approach which seeks to provide an atmosphere of support, empathy, and trust in which an individual can share their feelings without fear of judgment. I believe in using a variety of tools and approaches such as mindfulness, journaling, and goal setting to help support the therapeutic process. 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. I applaud you for courageously taking the first step towards your healing. and I'm here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Linda Frederick's avatar and link to their profile

Linda Frederick

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
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, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Melinda Richard's avatar and link to their profile

Melinda Richard

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionADHD
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana and Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping military client’s and their families, clients with mood concerns, personality disorders, stress, anxiety, & depression, parenting issues, intellectual disabilities, motivation, self esteem, and confidence concerns, career difficulties, and other needs. I work with my clients to create a plan to help them get where they would like to be. I’m honest with my clients and support my clients through the process.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Ida

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ida 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 Ida 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 Ida 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 Ida, 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 Ida 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 Ida 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 Ida 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 Ida 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 Ida 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 71044 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 Ida 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 Ida 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 Ida, 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.

Ida 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 Ida.

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

71044

Popular cities near Ida, LA

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