Westlake, Louisiana was built around sawmills in the mid 19th century. The community was also known as Bagdad and Lisbon. Settlers made their way by water routes as roads were unavailable in the early years. They came from France, Britain, Germany, Denmark, and Spain. In the past 30 years, the population of Westlake has grown from 1,800 to more than 5,000. Westlake is a hub of activity and has many industrial products shipped by sea, barge, highway, railway, and pipeline.

If you are caught up in the rush of living and working in an industrial center, you may find you are unable to find peace and contentment. You can contact a professional therapist or counselor in the Westlake area who can help you unravel the stresses of your life. Contact a licensed, confidential mental health professional near you today.

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 Harvey Norris's avatar and link to their profile

Harvey Norris

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

Hi, my name is Harvey Norris. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louisiana with over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked with a wide range of client concerns including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, and suicide. I specialize in dealing with Trauma, Veterans, and Active Duty service members. My counseling approach is person centered and I am warm and compassionate. I treat everybody with dignity and respect. I believe when I meet a new client my role is to “start where they are” and help them move forward along the path They want. I try very hard to avoid labels that stigmatize all humans. Change and tackling your issues takes courage and strength. Shaping your life to become more fulfilled and happy is very difficult. I appreciate you taking this opportunity to reach out to me and see if we can work together to help you be all that you can be. On a personal level, I have been married to the same wonderful woman since 1994 and we have a relationship that reaches back to 1989. We have five beautiful but stubborn children, trying to navigate forward in these chaotic times. I live in a nice house "owned" by my terrier (dog) named "Scruffy" or "Mr. Scruffles" who generously allows my family to live here with him.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. Jimmy Trahan's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Jimmy Trahan

Offering therapy in LA
License: EdD,MA,LPC
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoaching
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana. My license has been in effect since 2019, and 2020 taught all of us that the utility of technology is necessary and we are grateful for it. My academic history is broad. I began my academic career in 2000 and had flunked out by 2001. When I came back to school, I was humbled and ready to work. While my initial pursuits were an interest in law school (Political Science & English), my career changed when I completed my English MA and began teaching at McNeese State University. It was during that time teaching that I also helped a local pastor open a private school for children in his congregation. Working as founder and Principal of Eastwood Christian Academy helped me understand the broad needs of individuals and families within my community, and I was motivated to learn more. I promptly went back to school to become a therapist, and I have since earned a doctorate in Education from Vanderbilt University. My approach to therapy is client-centered in a broad sense with a particular focus from the ideas of Motivational Interviewing, "Is what you are doing getting you what you want?" It is on this idea that I attempt to practice, and I aim to support, encourage, and teach the necessary skills for clients to obtain what they want out of life. I am trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (A.C.T.), Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Our stories are our truth, the most authentic version of ourselves is found in the truth of our life experiences, and my hope is to be a support to anyone and everyone who would choose to entrust me with the story of their life.

Get started View profile
This is Kathy Blackman's avatar and link to their profile

Kathy Blackman

Offering therapy in LA
License: MSW
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoaching
30 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker since 1977. I have worked in a variety of challenging positions with many different people of varying profiles. Perhaps the most challenging clinical work that I have done is with sexually, physically and emotionally abused infants, children and adults both male and female. I have also worked in the field of developmental disabilities again from infancy to older adults. In this capacity I worked as a case manager supervisor for every intake case in region 7 of the State of Louisiana. This required that we work with families through an extensive evaluation process, case development and the procurement of required services to address their unique needs.

Get started View profile
This is Cassie Maxwell's avatar and link to their profile

Cassie Maxwell

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hi, my name is Cassie Maxwell (she/her/hers), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 9 years experience providing creative, client-centered, and strength-based therapy services here in Louisiana. I first want to recognize how big of an accomplishment it is to take your first step in finding someone to speak to. I hope after reading more about myself and my practice, we can take the next steps together in your journey toward reaching your personal goals. I have experience working with folks from culturally diverse backgrounds, and I am passionate about creating a safe space for my clients to share their stories. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have personal as well as clinical experience in helping folks navigate LGBTQ+ related issues. It is my priority to provide non-judgemental, multi-cultural, and trauma-informed treatment for those who are navigating a road that is more difficult than what many others experience. I also have experience working with clients to manage a wide variety of mental health and behavioral health diagnoses, including but not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Grief and Loss, ADHD, PTSD, and Bipolar. If you do not resonate with one of these I have listed, reach out to me and we can discuss if I would be the best therapist for you. I am here to help. If you decide to work with me, you can choose to have Video sessions, Phone sessions, and/or Live Chat sessions. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to speak with you and help you during what may be a difficult time in your life. Thank you! -- If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, either call 911 to request an ambulance, or go to your nearest Emergency Room. You can also call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988, 1-800-273-8255, or text “HOME” to 741-741. I currently do not work with those experiencing active mental health crises, but I want you to be safe and receive the services you deserve.

Get started View profile
This is Emily Wilson's avatar and link to their profile

Emily Wilson

Offering therapy in LA
License: LPC,LMFT,CRC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
22 years of experience

I am licensed professional counselor in Arkansas & Louisiana, a License Marriage and Family Therapist in Louisiana, a nationally licensed Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Clinical Licensed Professional Counselor in Maine. Over the past 20 years I have worked in a variety of settings allowing experience in multiple areas. I have Bachelor's Degrees in Biology and Psychology, and a master Degree in Counseling and Guidance. I have experience in addictions, depression, anxiety, PTSD, military issues, abuse issues, relationship problems just to name a few. My therapy style is eclectic by nature, I don't believe in one size fit all therapy. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific immediate and long term needs. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Aletha Nelson's avatar and link to their profile

Aletha Nelson

Offering therapy in LA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementCoping with life changesADHD
7 years of experience

Hello! My name is Aletha A. Nelson. I am a licensed professional counselor in Louisiana. I have been a licensed counselor for 7 years. I have worked with a range of individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, stress related issues, self-esteem, and life transitions- just to name a few! I received a Master of Science in Rehab Counseling from University of North Texas. Therapy is an inviting place where every single part of you is welcome, even the parts that are uncomfortable to share. As a therapist, I am honored that you chose this process as your vehicle to healing. Therapy will be difficult sometimes and at others the most enjoyable part of your week. As your therapist. I welcome these opposing states and embrace them. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process between the therapist, individuals, families, groups, and organizations. I can help you identify goals and potential solutions to difficulties which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; promote behavior change and have optimal mental health. I will tailor your treatment plan based on your needs and goals and move at a pace that is best suited for you. My approach is client-centered, always, with other modalities I use depending on the presenting issues, such as, cognitive behavioral, solution focused and psychodynamic.

Get started View profile
This is Natasha Green's avatar and link to their profile

Natasha Green

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
27 years of experience

I am a family and individual therapist licensed in Louisiana and Texas. I have 27 years of experience working as a clinical social worker. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress and anger management, and relationship issues. I am the author of Journaling My Truth, a therapy inspired journaling poetry workbook to encourage and motivate you to speak your truth. My therapy style is interactive and very compassionate. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, solution-focused and acceptance and commitment therapy. Your treatment plan will be unique to your individual needs. You have taken the first step!! Congratulations! I am here to support you and empower you to speak your truth to be the best you that you can be!

Get started View profile
This is Kelly Harper's avatar and link to their profile

Kelly Harper

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Louisiana with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & 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.

Get started View profile
This is Brett Weaver's avatar and link to their profile

Brett Weaver

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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

How to find counseling in Westlake

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake, 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 70669 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 Westlake 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 Westlake 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 Westlake, 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.

Westlake 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 Westlake.

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

70669

Popular cities near Westlake, LA

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