This is Merle Montalvo's avatar and link to their profile

Merle Montalvo

Offering therapy in MS
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

I am a social worker licensed at LCSW level in Mississippi. Sometimes we need someone to help us make needed changes or keep track of how we’re doing with the many ways we and our lives can change. Becoming a social worker was a midlife transition for me. “It’s never too late.” was a saying that became a mantra as I learned from challenges related to making a new life 30+ years ago. But now, with a stronger cognitive perspective, I’d change that to, “It’s not too late right now”. My cultural background is mixed. To me, each person is unique, but our common humanity makes us alike. My experience is broad including : outpatient, inpatient, IOP, home health and hospice. I take an eclectic approach towards working with others, so that I can fit what I offer to your individual needs. Modalities and techniques I can bring to our work include: humanistic, insight-oriented, cognitive behavioral, wholistic, and solution focused .

This is Jessica Thomas's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Thomas

Offering therapy in MS
License: MS,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Mississippi, with over thirteen years of mental health experience, with more than eight years consisting of master level counseling experience, which includes a wide range of patients in a variety of treatment settings. These have included providing counseling in a psychiatric hospital, inpatient and partial hospital settings, an outpatient clinic for individuals dealing with substance abuse, a community mental health center, the prison system, and private practice. I also provided consultation services in a variety of settings, including early childhood and inpatient substance abuse treatment. I strive to bring an effective blend of experience, expertise, clarity, concern and action to the counseling process, and all things related to mental health and substance abuse, to maximize outcomes and provide genuine healing and wholeness to individuals, marriages, families, and communities. I also have a strong base of counseling experience working with adults in a wide variety of settings. Specialty areas include depression, bipolar disorder, general mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse. It takes courage to take the first steps towards a change, and I look forward to working with you as an element of your support system, providing encouragement as you transition through beneficial change.

This is Tashinika Crowley's avatar and link to their profile

Tashinika Crowley

Offering therapy in MS
License: PhD,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

My name is Dr. Tashinika Crowley and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor for the state of Mississippi. I have over 7 years of experience in working with adults, adolescents, and the prison population. I received my PhD in Social Work from Jackson State University in 2020, and my Master's in Counseling from Mississippi College in 2013. I truly believe in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy because I believe that if a person can change the way that they think, this can change the way that they behave. I have used this approach with many of my clients and have had the greatest success with this approach.

This is Taylor Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Taylor Smith

Offering therapy in MS
License: M.Ed.,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Mississippi as well as a Board Certified Counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors. I have 7 years of post-graduate experience in counseling. I have worked in community mental health since completing my Masters of Education in Counselor Education in 2016, helping individuals with disorders such as depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, social phobia, and bipolar disorder. I also have experience doing college counseling as an intern, where I worked with primarily young adults who were struggling to maintain academic success while coping with life issues. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy which I have used to help several people be able to cope with their traumatic experiences. My counseling approach is geared towards prompting positive self-image, self-acceptance and love, and helping others enhance their worldview. I practice Solution-Focused therapy and Choice Theory along with a Client-Centered and Cognitive Behavioral stance. My goal as a counselor is to assist my clients in living lives that they enjoy and overcoming any obstacles that stand in their way. It is my belief that each person holds the key to their success. Life can be challenging, and we all go through hard experiences that can cause us to experience setbacks. To be able to ask for help to overcome these challenges and be vulnerable requires humility and strength. I have been honored to serve the clients I have had and help them along in their journey towards emotional freedom and success, and I look forward to continuing to do this with you as well.

This is Robert Lock's avatar and link to their profile

Robert Lock

Offering therapy in MS
License: M.S.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Mississippi with over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients from a broad range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, family dynamic distresses, poor communication styles, racial discrimination in the work place, and emotional abuse. Furthermore, I have worked in the medical field work and mental health for over 18 years assisting individuals with Cancer and families connect with local community agencies who aide with homelessness, domestic violence, suicide prevention, and substance use. My counseling style is very empathetic, mindful and client-centered, yet direct and straightforward. I believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity but most importantly I pride myself on demonstrating compassion for all and being sensitive to the needs of others. It takes a great deal of courage to seek professional help and even more courage to implement change. However, if you are ready to take the next steps to begin living a more fulfilling and self-empowered lifestyle, I’d love to help guide you along the way. I look forward to working with you. Best regards!

This is Fameika Thomas's avatar and link to their profile

Fameika Thomas

Offering therapy in MS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed Clinical Social Worker in Mississippi with 14 years of professional work experience. I have worked with individuals, couples, families, and various groups to include active duty military and Veterans. Most of my career has been spent in mental health helping clients manage Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Addiction, and Post-traumatic stress disorder. I have helped clients address communication issues, interpersonal concerns, anger management, career challenges, infidelity, childhood traumas, and physical and emotional abuse. I treat everyone with respect and compassion. I am an interactive counselor. My goal is to get the best understanding of who you are and the challenges you are facing in order to best help you address and overcome those challenges. My therapy style combines cognitive-behavioral, prolonged exposure, psychodynamic, solution focused, and rational emotive therapy. Together, we will develop goals and a treatment plan tailored to your specific and unique needs. It takes courage to reach out and ask for help. I commend your strength. I am here to assist, support, and empower you. I am excited about the progress we will make and look forward to working with you.

This is Stephanie Cooley's avatar and link to their profile

Stephanie Cooley

Offering therapy in MS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed counselor with 19 years of professional work experience in the field of mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma issues, relationship issues, interpersonal conflict, & family conflicts. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as my approaches to counseling. I have worked with all age populations ranging from age 5 to 70 years old. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and your treatment 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I truly look forward to working with you.

This is Samuel Johnson's avatar and link to their profile

Samuel Johnson

Offering therapy in MS
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Nevada and West Virginia with 10 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 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.

This is Kimberly Coleman's avatar and link to their profile

Kimberly Coleman

Offering therapy in MS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Mississippi with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Brenda Thayer's avatar and link to their profile

Brenda Thayer

Offering therapy in MS
License: LPC-S,CDC II,NCC
AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
11 years of experience

Hi, my name is Brenda Thayer and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have been in the mental health field for 22 years, LPC for five years and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor for 9 years. I have recently become a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. I believe in meeting the person where they are at, helping them reach their potential. I believe in treating the whole person for overall wellness and striving for reaching one’s goals and values in life. I use an eclectic approach; cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy fused with motivational interviewing. I have experience using rational emotive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, gestalt therapy and solution focused therapy. What you can expect from sessions include; questions so that I can get to know you better and to see how I can best help you, nonjudgmental and compassionate support, and energy to help you see your potential.

How to find counseling in Houston

Finding the best therapist close by in Houston 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 Houston. 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 Houston, 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston, elsewhere in Chickasaw, or in the greater state of Mississippi.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston may not take health insurance, some in the state of Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Houston, Mississippi 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 MS, 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 38851 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston, Mississippi 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.

Houston 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 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 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 Houston.

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

38851

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