While some people may be unwelcome in their communities, a counselor can make you feel welcome no matter what the odds may be. Monroe may have been known as an unwelcoming place in the past, but nowadays, it accepts everyone and a counselor here can help you. 

Monroe is a city that’s growing still, and while it does have high temperatures and an abundance of rain, you don’t have to let it rain on your parade, for a counselor can help you see the sunshine in everything. 

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Deborah Youngblood

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Counselor License Type(s): MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
14 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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!

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Dr. Shawanda Woods-Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Counselor License Type(s): PsyD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

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.

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Matthew Johnson, III

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,BACS
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
24 years of experience as a mental health therapist

My name is Matthew Johnson III, LCSW BACS. I have been a social worker for 24 years. I've been an LCSW for 20 year. My experiences are in addictions and bereavement, which help me to work with anxiety, depression, PTSD, Trauma, and family issues. My approach is a client centered approach, and I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with a process oriented clinical environment to allow you to feel comfortable expressing your feelings, having your thoughts and feelings validated and then getting constructive feedback, by working collaboratively with you to help you resolve your current struggles. Our sessions will also help you to grow emotionally by learning to process your negative feelings appropriately, learn better coping strategies to help you thrive and most importantly to help you in your the process of transformation. This is becoming the person that you want to be. I have experience working with individuals, couples and families. As you learn to change how you think, feel and act, you will change yourself and hence change your world for the better. I look forward to working with you to help accomplish your life goals.

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Sarah Bodden-Cheffen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Louisiana with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & depression. I have had the pleasure to work with the LGBTQ+ community to assist with relationships issues, self-esteem, guilt, or shame. My therapeutic approach comes from a Client Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy to name few. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Dr. Wendy Devall

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsADHD
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Louisiana with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (ADHD). I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Domonique DeShields

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Delaware and currently exploring licensure in another state as well. I have 9 years of professional work experience and educational training. I have served clients experiencing stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life challenges. 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 freedom. I am here to support you, empower you and hold you accountable during your journey.

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Leslie Wallace

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
19 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Louisiana with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I 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. The type of therapy that I do is psychodynamic therapy. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in the client's present behavior. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are client self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior. What does a psychodynamic therapy therapist do? In general, the therapist's role is to aid the client in connecting the dots between their past experiences and their current problems, and leverage their internal resources to address these problems. I also focus on the practice of mindfulness which, when done properly and with intention, can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

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Dr. Mark Taliancich

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 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, and I'm here to support you in that process.

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Katharine "Katie" Blum

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefDepressionADHD
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Louisiana as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and have been working as a therapist for over a decade. I am also a genderqueer therapist (they/them) who wants to create a loving, understanding space for the LGBTQIA+ community. I want the process of counseling to be a safe journey towards the life my clients can say "yes" to. I believe in the client being the expert of themselves, and their path is set by their dreams, hopes, and desires, not my agenda. I believe a full, beautiful life is possible for all people, I want to help you in your path towards that beauty, whatever that may mean to you. My specialty is working with clients who are neurodivergent, but specifically those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. However, I also have experience working with clients with various issues, diagnoses and concerns. I work from a humanistic perspective meaning that I believe humans are naturally good and possess the abilities to live the lives they want to live.

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Ursula Batiste

Clinical therapist offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionADHD
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Louisiana with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & depression. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Monroe

Finding the best therapist close by in Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe. 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 Monroe, 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Monroe 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 Monroe, elsewhere in Ouachita, 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Monroe, 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Monroe 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.

Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 71207 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 Monroe counselor?

Before seeing your Monroe 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 Monroe.

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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe, 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.

Monroe 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 Monroe, Louisiana

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out 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 Monroe.

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

71201, 71202, 71203, 71207, 71209, 71210, 71211, 71212, 71213, 71217

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