This is Michelle (Shelley) Roberts's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle (Shelley) Roberts

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsEating disordersDepression
22 years of experience

I have been a licensed professional counselor for 20 years. I specialize in eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression and OCD. I have background experience at an inpatient level as well as outpatient. I would describe myself as goal focused, empathetic/sympathetic, healthy professional boundaries with clients and a warm personality. Treatment methods include: CBT, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness Based Therapies and Relational-Attachment Focus. I feel comfortable integrating spiritually/faith system into therapy with clients. I look forward to working with clients who are open to seeking help and change in areas of their lives that are affecting their level of functioning. Change is hard, difficult to look at sometimes, but it is doable! I look forward to meeting you to see if it’s a good fit for you.

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Magdalene Mata

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC-S
AddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Congratulations and welcome. You are about to take an important step to a better well -being. I have experience in working with families, children, adolescents, and adults for more than 18 years. My initial counseling experience was in a sexual assault crisis center and evolved to working in mental health positions assisting migrants, geriatric patients, and individuals of all ages. While working with individuals, I also have experience in group therapy and family and couples therapy. I am compassionately straight forward to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. Specialties: Depression Trauma Transition in Life Anxiety Identity Self Esteem Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 18 years

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Lisa Nieves

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW
Anger managementSelf esteemADHD
8 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of professional social work experience. I earned my Masters of Social Work from the University of Texas at San Antonio. My experience comes from working with non-profits and in school settings. I have experience working with clients of all ages including early childhood, school-aged children, adolescents, parents, foster parents, and grandparents. My experience includes working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting problems, adjustment issues, grief, trauma, attachment issues, and ADHD. It is my passion to serve others through supporting and empowering them to be their best selves. I aim to create a safe space for clients to come during difficult stages in life without fear of judgement. My counseling style is supportive, interactive, and strength-based. I utilize strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Because every client is unique, our work will be individualized to fit your specific goals and needs. You already took the first step towards change! Starting the process takes courage, but if you are ready for that step it will be worth it. We will work as a team to get you where you want to be and I will be there to help you feel empowered and encouraged along the way. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Mary Walker

Offering therapy in TX
License: Ph.D.,LPC
Eating disordersSleeping disorders
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas and have been in the field for 10+ years. I have never failed to be fascinated with people, with their stories, and with their ability to overcome their circumstances and find the peace they desire. I was an art teacher in high school for many years. That opportunity presented me with experience in learning about the heart of a young person. I worked in several churches as a mentor and learned the need for skills people lacked in order to overcome their past and move forward into a healthy life. As a counselor, I saw the amazing struggles that people are grappling with as they tried to tackle each day. I believe that a counselor can be the helper who will walk along side of a person on their journey to healing. I completed my Masters in counseling at the Houston Graduate School of Theology, then went on to Texas A&M Corpus Christi to complete a Ph.D. I have also extended my studies to include many techniques for working with trauma/PTSD, personality disorders, grief, disassociation, depression, OCD, transition issues, and anxiety. I have been involved with many survivors of childhood abuse, those struggling with life issues in their relationships, their workplace, and in society in general. Fear, anger, and frustration are often crippling to a healthy, productive life. I like to work with people in a person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and in dialectic behavioral therapy. These therapies all offer a gentle and caring approach. They will allow you to be open in a safe environment and the ability to explore what will best work for you, the individual. I consider the people I’ve talked with and walked with in this journey of life to be among the strongest people on earth. They are willing to step out of their problems and seek a better, healthier life. It’s hard work, but it is worth it.

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Michelle Srader

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
8 years of experience

I am an Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Texas with 11 years of experience helping people make positive changes in their life. Mental Health is not just a career for me, it’s a passion. My goal is to collaborate with you in a therapeutic environment and help you understand your journey; while implementing change. Throughout our lives we all go through difficult times and challenges, but you don’t have to go down these roads alone. Together, we can help you heal wounds from the past and achieve a stronger sense of self. I want to empower you to create not only a life you want, but a life you love. Sometimes, life just happens and obstacles get in our way. Together, we can navigate around those obstacles and chose a path that’s right for you. Life is about choices, but sometimes you just need help making them. I began my social work career working for Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. There I worked with families and children of all ages who were victims of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect. I earned my graduate degree from the University of Houston and was trained in trauma work at The United States Department of Veteran Affairs. I am trained in many different treatment modalities including; Prolonged exposure, Cognitive Behavior therapy , motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, grief therapy, and solution focus to name a few. I believe in a holistic and integrative approach for treatment. I believe the best results come from treatment thats is tailored to meet the needs of the individual. Currently, I provide therapeutic treatments for individuals, couples, and children of gender diverse populations, addressing a broad range of issues including: sexuality, anxiety, anger, depression, trauma, sexual assaults, personality disorders, PTSD, life transitions, spirituality and personal growth.

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Tierra Gregory

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW Virginia-0904009829,LCSW California-86214
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Virginia and California with a client centered approach to therapy. I focus on collaborating and connecting with clients. I primarily use a strength based and cognitive behavioral approach. I also specialize in LGBTQ issues, trauma informed care and grief/loss. I know at times, thoughts and feelings related to life and gender can seem overwhelming. Having a hard time feeling valid as a non-binary person? Trying to figure out how to navigate school or work during transition? Dealing with depression, PTSD or anxiety? Trying to recover from an abusive relationship, other complex trauma or military related issues? Feeling stuck and unable to move towards your goals? I can help. Don’t need therapy but need a letter for surgery? I do that too. I offer single-session evaluations for letters. I believe that the most successful therapy is the relationship between the client/therapist. I focus on ensuring my clients feel heard and respected and establishing a foundation of trust. I believe that everyone is different and experiences life in different ways; understanding that each approach to a client is individualistic. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Maryland Baltimore-County; a Masters Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University; Certified Trauma Profession; Certified Grief and Bereavement Counselor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker( CA/ VA).

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Jordan Green

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Vanessa Smith

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

Hello, My name is Vanessa Smith LPC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Louisiana. I have over 10 years of experience working with mental health. I have worked with clients from various backgrounds and concerns. I have worked with individuals addressing concerns of depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, anger, substance abuse, life changes (loss of job, loss of family member, etc.…). Also, I have experience working with returning citizens. I would describe my style of therapy as warm and interactive. I believe in being person-centered and humanistic. I believe the client is the expert on his or her life. I prefer to assist the client by guiding and assisting through inner knowing, interpersonal changes, and healing. My overall goal is to assist people in working towards fulfillment of their maximum potential, healing, and gaining a new perspective on life.

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

Robert Knapick

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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.

This is Lynn Patterson's avatar and link to their profile

Lynn Patterson

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

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Kansas, Missouri, and Texas with nine years of behavioral health experiences. I have been working with individual adults who have stress, anxiety, anger issues, low motivation, low self -esteem, depression, unmanageable grief and loss, unworthiness, ineffective communication with others, self-hate, changes of life events , difficulty having goals and directions in life, indecisiveness, caregiver stress, mental health issues cause by severe and chronic medical problems, and more. My therapy approaches are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Meditation, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I believe that you are the expert of your stories and that you have many strengths that will help you 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. I actively listen to you, understand your struggles, assist you to establish reasonable and achievable goals that you desire. I provide you with the tools you need to manage and overcome barriers to find happiness. I am looking forward to work with you.

How to find counseling in Hays

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays, 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 78610 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays, 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.

Hays 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 Hays.

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

78610

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