Susan Hargett
As a licensed therapist in Texas, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, with a particular focus on mood disorders, self-discovery, and personal growth. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, explore life purpose, and cultivate emotional resilience. Drawing from over a decade of clinical experience, I offer compassionate guidance for those struggling with depression, anxiety, seasonal mood changes, and bipolar disorder. My therapeutic style creates a supportive, understanding environment where individuals can explore their challenges and develop meaningful strategies for healing and personal transformation. I am committed to providing thoughtful, personalized care that honors each client's unique journey. My goal is to help you build inner strength, find clarity, and move toward a more fulfilling life with confidence and hope.
Lori Miller
I’ve spent my life confined to a wheelchair, so I believe I have a unique understanding of just how challenging life can be and the strength it takes to ask for help. Whatever your struggles, I believe the first step to helping you overcome them is to build a connection with you based on commonly shared thoughts, feelings, and actions impacting how we feel, how we relate to others, and how we achieve our goals. Once you and I have identified any unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and actions standing in your way, we will work together on a plan to help you succeed by giving you the skills, confidence, and belief that your emotional well-being doesn’t depend on others or events you can’t control. While pursuing my Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of West Florida and licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I have gained 12 + years of clinical experience helping adults, teens, children, and families heal from a variety of emotional wounds to include: PTSD, grief and loss, intimate partner violence, physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect. I have worked with veterans, people dealing with substance dependence, homelessness, and chronic health problems. In sum, my approach is not to make you relive the past, but to help you recognize--and ultimately, change--the core hurtful beliefs and actions fueling your current anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem and relationship conflicts. I am ready to listen when you share, sit in silence when you need it, and best of all, cheer on your successes!
Michelle Tarbell
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and have been licensed with the state of Texas for 20 plus years. I have had my own Private Practice for the past 20 years. My entire career has been focused on working with individuals and families as they work through significant life changes and challenges. My approach to therapy tends to be Client-Centered and Solution-Focused. This means you will play a very active part in directing the sessions and we will work together to set goals. Although I have extensive experience in working with children, teens and families, I feel working individually with adults and teens may be the best use of my skills on this platform.
Laura Sparkman
Laura Sparkman is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Education with a Minor in Spanish in 2005. She later earned a Master of Counseling from Southern Methodist University in 2012. Laura has spent the last 18 years working across the medical, educational, and non-profit sectors with all demographics. She has served various roles as a teacher, learning specialist, guidance counselor and administrative / faculty adviser in both private and public schools in the greater Dallas area. Just as a diabetic requires insulin and a person with vision impairment needs glasses, sometimes we benefit from emotional support to boost optimal brain health and function. Counseling is a safe, collaborative opportunity for you to take personal, self-care time assessing, processing and redefining your life. Learn to build skills to improve communication, social relationships, goal setting, decision making, time management, organization, work / life balance, self-esteem and any other issues preventing you from being the most authentic, successful, fulfilled version of yourself. Laura’s passion and specialty is working with the learning different population who often struggle with co-morbid social-emotional challenges. As a hybrid professional, she blends the worlds of education & therapy offering her clients a myriad of practical strategies and tools. Additionally, Laura enjoys empowering parents & the larger family system to foster healing, strength, perseverance, and optimism through challenging times. She encourages her clients on their journey to better manage stress, anxiety, and depression. She uses a combination of therapy orientations tailored to the individual including Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused and Family Systems Therapy to instill hope by reframing maladaptive, distorted thought patterns and foster positive coping skills. Laura supports adults going through a wide variety of struggles and transitions. Life is a roller coaster with many unexpected ups and downs. While we can’t control our environment, we can control our actions and behaviors. We can learn healthier coping skills to deal with problems. An overwhelming mountain may become a more manageable mole hill. Laura provides a safe, non-judgmental space for you to be your true, authentic, vulnerable self. It can be difficult to focus on yourself when you have a lot of other responsibilities and roles. It’s important to take the time to get your own needs met, so that you can be calm, clear, present and intentional each day. Everyone deserves to have proper balance between their personal and work life. During the course of therapy, Laura will create a climate of acceptance and understanding so that you may feel free to share all of your experiences, perceptions, and emotions. Confronting distorted and denied patterns through a close therapeutic relationship allows many people to develop healthier ways of coping with life. Your brain will begin to re-wire itself and move towards optimal neural integration. This will allow for improved emotional regulation, mood enhancement and the ability to buffer daily stress. You will no longer be stuck or held back. Laura's job is to hold a mirror up and help remove the walls and obstacles so that you can become more attuned to your inner voice guiding you to whom you are meant to be.
Donna Byxbe
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Texas. I have been practicing since 1995, most of this time in Community Mental Health Programs. I have worked with many issues of concern to my clients, ranging from serious mental illness to life choices. I have worked with adults, children, adolescents, elderly individuals, couples and groups. In 2005, I opened my private practice and kept it open full time until 2020. During the pandemic, my clientele reduced due to my choosing to begin telehealth sessions instead of face-to-face sessions. I am residing in a smaller city and most of the population is not comfortable with tele-health so I decided to continue at a reduced capacity as long as possible. In early 2021, I accepted the vaccine in an effort to revive my practice but became ill due to complications. I stopped practicing for approximately 3 months, until I could be sure that I was feeling well enough to provide my clients with the services they deserved. In December 2021, I tested positive with the virus and became very ill. I am now practicing through Better Help rather than begin my solo private practice again. I am competent in the use of Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Client-Centered, and Transpersonal therapies. I specifically focus on hypnotherapy, meditation, and inner child support in the Transpersonal therapies. Each of these therapies are used based on the treatment plan which is derived from the problems or concerns that the client defines as their choice for treatment and the goal they wish to reach. In working with couples, the goal is to enhance healing independently and interdependently. I believe that we are attracted to someone who fits like a lock and key with ourselves. This engages our personal issues so that our significant other becomes the rock upon which we break ourselves and then heal through positive communication techniques, compromise and negotiation. I believe that each person is unique and the path for growth of each person can only be determined by themselves, or jointly, for couples. My role in the support of my clients is to lend them my knowledge, feedback and guidance as they grow through the process of the journey. Each client has the right to self-determination and respect and can refuse any treatment suggestion without fear of consequences. I am honored to assist you in your choice of becoming the best version of yourself, and, if appropriate, as a union of two creating a separate identity while maintaining each individually.
Maria Acosta
I am licensed in Texas with 20 years of professional work experience. 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.
Doris Gardner-Wilson
I am licensed in Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and narcissistic abuse. I also work with those struggling with sex addiction and their partners. 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. You may visit my personal website at thecounselingservice.com or my youtube channel by searching for Dee Gardner for more information.
James Ditmore
I am licensed in Texas with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with coping with life changes including chronic illness. 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.
Dr. Marilyn Thomas
I am licensed in Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. 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!
Jennifer Canul
I would look forward to working with you with what you have been experiencing and creating a comfortable, safe space and for building deeper understanding and coping strategies that can help. I can accept clients who are able to fit into my Tues/Thurs morning schedule at this time from about 9:15-11:30 am, varies by the week or I will try to find a daytime appt that could work within my Tues/Thurs availability. Clients on the mostly messaging plan with 1 session per month would be a good fit with me, but I will have more Tu/Th morning/day availability by mid-August. We would be able to use the messaging often for therapeutic feedback, coping and communication strategies, worksheets, suggestions and to gain perspective. I will typically be able to respond to your message by the end of the day or within 24 hrs. I only offer individual counseling and not couples or family counseling. I am licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I am easy to talk to and a great listener. Whether I am counseling or in my personal life, people naturally feel comfortable opening up with me. I believe in counseling to help you build on and recognize your strengths. The more you open yourself up to counseling, the more you will benefit. My clients often ask me if I have ever heard of anyone else having similar feelings and difficulties that they are experiencing and I reassure them that they are not alone. Together, we will create and enhance ways of coping that will work for you. I specialize and enjoy working with adult individuals, both male and female, with anxiety, depression, life transition, relationship, or stress management difficulties. I have a deep interest and am happy to be certified by Postpartum Support International to work with women with mood difficulties both during and after pregnancy. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Jonathan White
I am licensed in Texas with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. 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!
Cecilia Santini
I am licensed in Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with issues in 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I will work alongside you zoning in on your strengths and encouraging you to identify possible solutions to arrive at hope. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Dawn Maria Spradley
I am a licensed mental health therapist in the great state of Texas with at least 7 years of professional work experience. I take exceptional pride of making sure each client has a free and protected space to feel vulnerable and safe to process raw emotions, feelings, thoughts, and experiences. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, bereavement, grief, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. From an Adlerian Therapy approach, I want to help encourage and empower clients to identify and use their strengths to attain their goals, with the power of learning their own positive psychology. My goodness-CONGRATULATIONS to you! It takes courage to seek help-and I am here to support & empower you through your journey of healing! So let healing BEGIN, right here! I want to hear your story! Right now! <Important Side Notes> *Unfortunately, due to other commitments, I am only able to offer 5-7 hour a week-however, I am willing to discuss how to better accommodate days/hours as needed. ((FOR couples- some evenings because of you alls work schedules)). *I am unable to do paperwork for FMLA or any other documentation that you may need per BH rules. *I DO NOT prescribe medications. *I am unable to accommodate after 5 pm sessions because of other work commitments 😟-I do offer Sundays. *I would prefer that the client DOES NOT operate a vehicle during the session.
Dr. Betsy Puentes
I am licensed with 4 licenses in mental health in Texas. I have a Master's in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, plus I have 46 years of professional work experience. I have been helping clients overcome stress, depression, anxiety, motivational problems, low self-esteem, weak self-confidence, career difficulties, and a variety of other sensitive issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have strengths that will assist you in resolving things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am available to assist you in that process.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Aiken, Texas
Finding a therapist near you in Aiken, Texas starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Texas is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Texas, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Texas, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Texas
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Texas, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Texas
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Texas
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Texas through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Texas
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Texas, including residents in Aiken.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Texas do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Aiken, Texas
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Aiken and the surrounding TX area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.