Anyone can get a mental disorder like depression no matter your age, gender, or social status. It is an equal opportunity illness and can wreak havoc on your life at home, work, and play. You have to get help from a professional to feel better and Bay City has some of the best. 

Bay City also has some of the best places to visit such as the Matagorda Island Wildlife Management Area, Matagorda County Museum, Duncan Park, Amistad Park, and Bay Ridge Park. Contact one of the Bay City therapists right away to get treatment so you can get back out and enjoy your city again. 

This is Claudia Smithart's avatar and link to their profile

Claudia Smithart

Offering therapy in TX
License: M.S.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
6 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Claudia Smithart, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas. I have a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which followed my graduation in Psychology and Sociology undergraduate, where I graduated Suma Cum Laude with Highest Honors. Psychology/Counseling is my passion, and I have worked in a Metacognition psychology lab, and interned early in my education working in a psychology and counseling clinic. Since then, I have worked with children, teens, and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as populations 18+, across the lifespan, with a variety of presenting problems, such as LGBTQ+ related-issues, anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, trauma, self-esteem issues, and everything in between. I have a background in Applied Behavioral Analysis, crisis intervention, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. In addition to the information listed above, I work from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, which basically means that I believe in challenging our cognitive distortions, or "stinkin' thinkin'" as an old supervisor of mine referred to it as. Our maladaptive thinking patterns can affect our behaviors, beliefs, and even our actions. Breaking these down and unpacking our assumptions and thoughts can be very therapeutic, and where we will spend most of our time in therapy, as well as building coping skills, and building a new way of thinking and viewing the world. I also use a Person-Centered approach, which means that I view my clients with an unconditional positive regard. How can I help if I come in with preconceived ideas about a person? Your values, beliefs, and experiences matter, and my non-judgmental approach is an absolute necessity to help you on your journey. I am a part-time therapist on the platform, and offer some evening hours Monday-Thursday only. Please note I do not offer any session availability on weekends. If this schedule seems to work well with you, I look forward to meeting you!

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Felicia Hensley-Whitaker

Offering therapy in TX
License: M. A.,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am a mental health professional living in Louisiana, but licensed as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in both Louisiana and Texas. I have approximately 25 years of experience working with clients of various ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. I have worked with clients with a wide variety of concerns including: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and phase of life issues (i.e. stress related to divorce, mid-life crisis, work/life balance, aging concerns, etc.) I have also worked with and been a part of a military family. My therapy style is very warm and relational. I believe that everyone has a right to seek their highest level of functioning and I am always happy to assist anyone with that goal in mind. My therapeutic approach is primarily client-centered with a strong influence of the cognitive behavioral approach. I will work with you in a manner that best meets your needs and moves you toward your personal goals. I look forward to working with you.

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Brittney Mendoza

Offering therapy in TX
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

Hello and thank you for taking time to look at my page. I know how hard it can be to take the steps necessary to start making change in your life. Finding the right therapist is an important part of the journey so I would like to tell you a little bit about myself. My first goal when working with a client is to provide a safe space where they are allowed to be vulnerable and open up about the things they have been going through in their life. My role is to honor my client's stories and experiences and be there to listen and validate the things that are being shared with me. My approach also includes asking questions to get my clients thinking, pointing out the strengths I see in my clients, and challenging self-defeating beliefs. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families and I believe that the relationships in our lives have a tremendous impact on us. I strive to work with my clients so that they can build strong, healthy relationships, but also honor who they are as an individual. Therapy can be scary and hard at times, but I believe that when my clients learn about themselves and open up new ways of living life, they are empowered! I cannot wait to meet you and help you along in your life journey!

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Barbara Parry

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC,CCTP-II
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am in Central Standard Time (CST) and sessions are during evening and late night hours. If you do not see any openings that work for you, please let me know and I will see if I can do. A top priority for me is to meet you are and calibrate treatment and my approach to what will work best for us as we work together to meet your goals. Whether you are working towards enlightenment and insight or symptom-relief and improved function, my hope is that we can collaboratively work together to achieve it! What might you take away from sessions in general? *People have reported to me: feeling understood feeling heard more relaxed more optimistic / less negative starting to feel able to try and do things learned new skills able to sleep or fall asleep easier feeling 'better' decrease in symptoms believing in self more motivated to work toward goals feeling less emotionally heavy ****Tools and Treatment methods I utilize***** I take a holistic approach and work with you, where you are at the moment. Each session is based on where you are, not on a scheduled structure. **If you are looking for highly structured session or many worksheets, I may not be a good fit for you. I will give assignments; however generally, few if any worksheets unless you request them. ** Together we will set up goals for your personal needs and wants. I use Evidence-Based models. My main approach to healing is Person-Centered. I also utilize techniques from: CBT, CT, Motivational Interviewing, Reality Therapy, Mindfulness, Meditation, Visualization, EFT, Gestalt, and others. ***What I bring to our meetings*** I think that I am, and others tell me that I am.... Empathetic Easy to talk to Compassionate Kind Actively listens Able to cry with you Able to ask questions and dig deeper Encouraging Supportive Teaches skills Challenges thoughts and perceptions Guides to set and work on personal goals Relates to multiple age groups Cares about the world and the living creatures therein Has experienced trauma, abuse, TBI, chronic-pain, loss, has chronic Covid (long-hauler) is Spiritual Is a guide in several techniques to cope, relax, and to gain insight I commend you on your path of discovery, healing, and growth! I am here to support and empower you.

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Patricia Garcia

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a bilingual counselor licensed in Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Megan Fredrick

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, substance use, psychosis and bipolar disorders & coping with life changes. 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. 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 collaborate with you to support & empower you in that journey.

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Diana Austin

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

First, I would like to acknowledge your effort in reaching out to seek guidance. You have taken the first step in improving yourself. I understand it is hard when our initial expectations of how our life "should be" does not match what is happening in the moment. There are many factors that affect our thoughts of what "success in life is." Many times, there are societal, familial and perhaps individual expectations that we feel obligated to fulfill. Sometimes these thoughts of a "normal" life interfere with what our true happiness could be, and this does need to be explored. I would be happy to speak with you in order to better understand your perspective of your present situation. Essentially, I would like to assist in creating different thoughts of how you can feel more fulfilled in your life. I specialize in helping people find the balance that they seek. I focus on identifying potential core root beliefs that sometimes interfere. This often occurs as people have the tendency to internalize thoughts that are negative. This happens most frequently when we feel that we do not achieve or are incapable of achieving the goals or status we think we should have in life. Learning to challenge ingrained negative thoughts is the key in moving forward. With this we can focus on giving ourselves credit for growth not previously accepted as well as creating a level of self-awareness that is free from idealistic perspectives. I look forward to connecting with you in order to begin this process. I have been a licensed clinician for over 20 years and have extensive experience working with a diversity of client ages 18-99. Services include individual, marital, and family therapy. Change your perspective and open your world up to the shift that will allow you to be free! Specialties include CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and transformation.

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Chelsea Kading

Offering therapy in TX
LGBTTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesADHD
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, marriage and family therapy, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, anxiety, depression and much more. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Aurora Ramos-Borunda

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients manage their symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse and codependency. 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.

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This is Kendall Altheimer's avatar and link to their profile

Kendall Altheimer

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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. 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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How to find counseling in Bay City

Finding the best therapist close by in Bay City 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 Bay City. 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 Bay City, 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 Bay City 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 Bay City 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 Bay City, elsewhere in Matagorda, or in the greater state of Texas.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bay City 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 Bay City 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 Bay City may not take health insurance, some in the state of Texas 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 Texas 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 Bay City, Texas 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 Bay City 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 Bay City 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 Bay City 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 Bay City 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 Bay City 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 TX, 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 77404 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 Bay City 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 Bay City 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 Bay City, Texas 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.

Bay City 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 Bay City.

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

77404, 77414

Popular cities near Bay City, TX

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