Seeking therapy can be a step toward learning how to manage the unique challenges in your life. If you’re looking for a therapist, consider online treatment. Barriers like a lack of available providers or transportation issues can make finding in-person appointments challenging. An online platform like BetterHelp can make therapy more convenient and flexible.

BetterHelp lets you attend therapy from home at a time that works for you. This flexibility can help make therapy more accessible for anyone with limited time to spare in their schedule, from a busy clinical supervisor at a hospital to a graduate student at Louisiana State University. Every provider on the platform has at least a master’s degree and extensive professional experience. They can help with various challenges, from anger management to working through negative thought patterns, and they offer encouragement and support along the way. 

Whether you need help finding something you’re passionate about or want to learn more about brainspotting therapy, an online therapist can help. If you’re looking for a therapist, Lake Charles, LA, has many online options available. Contact one of the therapists serving southwest Louisiana on the list below to learn more about the benefits of virtual therapy.

This is Irena Schmidt's avatar and link to their profile

Irena Schmidt

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersDepression
14 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Feeling overwhelmed? Want to make changes but not sure where to start? Do things feel out of control? Finding a good fit with a therapist can play a vital role in getting more of what you want in life. I see myself as someone who guides and facilitates a committed, compassionate and confidential space where we can clarify what is most important to you, and discover the blocks that get in the way of having the life that you want. I work with individuals and couples, teens and adults. I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment, which helps you get to the root of the difficulties that are interfering with love, work, and play - the basic ingredients of a satisfying life.

Get started View profile
This is Erica Ashley's avatar and link to their profile

Erica Ashley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
19 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello my name is Erica Ashley and I have 16 years of counseling experience. I have had the opportunity to work with individuals who have had different concerns such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, family issues, anger management, co-occurring and addiction. My counseling style is based on unconditional positive regard, which means that I always come from a strength- based perspective, where I focus on and individual strengths and empowerment. My clients will be treated with respect and genuine care, compassion and concern. We will work together to create goals and find solutions. I also consider myself to be a holistic counselor, which means I try to focus on the whole person (mind, body and spirit.) I will create goals and interventions that are client centered. I do realize that in a therapeutic relationship that it takes time to develop trust and rapport and I strive to create and assure clients that "it is a judgement free zone" and everyone is free to be themselves. I applaud you for taking the first initial steps in order to pursue counseling and I hope you will allow me to assist you in your personal journey. I look forward to hearing from you!

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

Dr. Carol Jannik

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Counselor License Type(s): PhD ,MED,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Christi Brown's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Christi Brown

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Counselor License Type(s): PhD,MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
21 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Do you simply want to live your best life and are prepared to put in the effort to figure out how to get there? Well, let me help! Make that first step. I am a genuine and dedicated therapist with a doctorate (Ph.D.) in addiction psychology. I am also a Licensed Addictions Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Substance use disorders and addictions, mood disorders, nutrition and integrative medicine in mental health, LQTBQIA+ challenges, and spiritual counseling are some of my areas of expertise. I have more than 20 years of accomplished counseling, coaching, and supervising therapists. I am passionate about working with clients of all cultures in order to help them heal and grow so that they can live fulfilled and satisfying lives. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Miriam Werquin's avatar and link to their profile

Miriam Werquin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Louisiana with 4 years of master’s level professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem and confidence, depression and trauma. I also have experience working with clients who are coping with life stage transitions. My goal in therapy is to create a safe and open 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 Charles "Brandon" Ramsey's avatar and link to their profile

Charles "Brandon" Ramsey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoaching
18 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Louisiana with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients of all ages with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and a wide variety of individual issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 Elrick Nelson's avatar and link to their profile

Elrick Nelson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
25 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Louisiana with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!

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

Dr. Ernesha Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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.

Get started View profile
This is Christen Johnson's avatar and link to their profile

Christen Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Louisiana with 10+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Deanderia Gremillion's avatar and link to their profile

Deanderia Gremillion

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
AddictionsRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Louisiana with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, depression, general anxiety issues, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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

How to find a therapist for counseling in Lake Charles

Finding the best therapist close by in Lake Charles 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 in Lake Charles that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Lake Charles. 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 Lake Charles, 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 in the Lake Charles region and in the state of Louisiana. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Lake Charles or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Lake Charles area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles, elsewhere in Calcasieu, or in the greater state of Louisiana.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Lake Charles area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Lake Charles online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Lake Charles, 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 Lake Charles psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Lake Charles 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Lake Charles 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 in Lake Charles?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Lake Charles 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.

Lake Charles therapists 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in LA, therapists 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 70612 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Lake Charles counselor?

Before seeing your Lake Charles 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Lake Charles.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Lake Charles 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 with a Lake Charles counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Lake Charles, 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.

Lake Charles 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Lake Charles, Louisiana

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 to customer service 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 Lake Charles.

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

70601, 70602, 70605, 70606, 70607, 70609, 70612, 70615, 70616, 70629

Popular cities near Lake Charles, LA

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