The waters of your life won't always feel calm and tranquil. When you are dealing with depression issues, it can be tough to keep your life under control. When the waters are raging around you and there is no port in sight, it can feel very worrisome. The anxiety and fear that you feel inside of you don't have to remain as they are forever if you decide to reach out for help.

Finding a caring counseling from Port Lavaca will be the safe harbor that you need from the storm. When life is difficult and you don't know how to keep going, you need to be able to reach out for a helping hand. Make contact with a Port Lavaca-area counselor today.

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Karen Ward

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA,LPC,CCH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

Hello! My name is Karen Ward. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas with over 14 years of experience working as a counselor and a hypnotherapist. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, past hurts, and OCD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. In addition, I have much life experience that gives me compassion and a deeper understanding of what it may be like standing in your shoes. Congratulations on taking this first step in improving your life. Many people believe that seeking help from a therapist is a sign of weakness. But the contrary is true. It is a sign of great strength and wisdom. I will be glad to discuss this further with you if you would like. I strongly believe you should feel comfortable with the therapist you choose, and hopeful about the therapy. When you feel this way, therapy is more likely to be extremely helpful to you. I like to think of my role as a passenger on your boat of life, helping you navigate through the rapids or the storms of your life. I will not steer your boat for you or tell you how to drive it. But I will teach you better skills and help you let go of your past failures or anchors that are weighing you down so that when the next rapids or storm hits, you are better prepared to navigate through the troubled waters to calmer seas. My theoretical approach is based on the family system. Each of us has a family. This could be the family that raised us (parents, grandparents, foster parents, adopted parents, aunts and uncles, or other friends or extended family) or it could be people we respect and give us assistance and guidance when needed most. Any or all these people have contributed to our experiences, good or bad in life, and how we react to people or situations today. It is these family memories and experiences along with your personality and temperament that have brought you to the place you are in life today. The most central ideas in my work are: 1. People are unique and deserve to be treated equally and with respect. 2. Families and society tend to judge people's worth and force them into conformity which may lead to anxiety, loss of self-esteem, depression, anger, rebellion, and other dysfunctional behaviors and psychological disorders. 3. Every person needs their own space and a purpose in life to have a sense of worth, hope, acceptance, empowerment, and the ability to make good choices and be responsible. 4. Therapy can help people change in a positive way so that they can live to their full potential. 5. Parents do the best they know how, and often repeat the dysfunctional patterns of their families. 6. Change can be difficult and may create stress in the family system and in the client. This can lead to the client reverting to the familiar way of coping with the stress and the stopping of all progress. 7. As the client's self-worth and outlook on life improves, change will occur and is permanent. The goals of my treatment are tailored to the individual's uniqueness, willingness to change, and their personal issues. My hope is that everyone will discover their full potential and develop the healthy coping skills necessary to function in their family system and in society. I look forward to helping you find peace and happiness in your life.

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Dr. Gary Alexander

Offering therapy in TX
License: Ph.D.,L.P.C.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed counselor with over 10 years of experience working in the field. I consider it an honor and great privilege to be able to walk alongside my clients on their journey toward health, wellness, and success, no matter what challenges they might face. I have extensive experience in trauma-informed care which has proven to be helpful fo numerous clients over the years who have been facing struggles related to early life trauma. I have worked primarily with persons who range in age from 21+, along with couples-related counseling as well. My approach to counseling is one that maintains a high level of respect for the client's personal expertise in their own life. I am not here to tell you what to do, I'm here to help you find, within yourself, the way forward in life, no matter the circumstances. I approach each session and discussion with warmth and empathy, striving to truly hear you and understand what needs are present.

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Jacquilin "Jacqui" Chavez

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
31 years of experience

***Should you need an appt. earlier than what is listed, please message me*** I am a seasoned, experienced and well respected counselor in my community. During the course of my career, most recently I have worked for the past 10 years in a Christian based outpatient facility and currently, in contractual and private practice. I am trained and experienced in the gamut of mental health, marriage and relationships, psychiatric, addictions, family issues and most recently attained a certification in trauma therapy. My career has been diverse in population and eclectic in treatment. I am Christian based as stated earlier, but I believe everyone finds their way, not by proselytizing or judging but by love and acceptance of each one's individual journey. I would be honored to work with you. God Bless. Jacqui

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Cynthia Mickel

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC Licensed professional counselor,LCDC Licensed chemical dependency counselor,Masters in educational psychology
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
20 years of experience

I am Leeann Mickel, I have a masters degree in educational psychology with an emphasis on community counseling. I have my LPC, licensed professional counselor Masters level. I also have an LC DC licensed chemical dependency counselor. I have worked 20 + years in the field of service. I have had great success with clients who have experienced significant trauma. I have been Clinical Supervisor for a substance abuse residential setting. I am currently Clinical Director for the agency with whom I am employed at this time. I believe it to be my mission helping and serving. My approach is client centered we start where you are. I am very laid-back and personable, I have forever been told how easy it is to talk to me, even prior to my chosen career! That’s a plus when you’re a therapist! I have some clients who simply need an ear and guidance. Others are eager to get to the cause of what prompted them to reach out. Either is great. I understand that some people need to vent and receive professional advice. I tell all of my clients you have inside you now everything you need to heal and progress. My job is to guide you on the journey in this process of self discovery and healing. I also tell my clients that I will work just as hard as you in doing this, but I will never work harder. This would cause more harm by handicapping them if others around never allow my clients to learn through experience, and rob my client of demonstrating to themselves the opportunity to see how capable they actually are. I have worked with many populations: adolescents, adults with variety of disorders/conditions. Such as mental health diagnosis like depression, bi polar, anxiety, and PTSD. For the last six years I have led our adolescent program. I'm very familiar with self harming behaviors, and have a knack of being able to reach them and slowly process into self love. I also have extensive experience with grief which may look different and feel different among different clients. Even those who believe that have mourned and grieved, but truly have not. I look forward to working with you and helping you along your specific path. My schedule is very flexible, as a I only work from home, virtually/remote. During therapy it will be common to give 'experiments' following a session. The purpose for this is taking from our sessions and applying what you learn to your 'real life' outside of one session weekly for an hour.

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Carlos Castillo

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
3 years of experience

Hi! My name is Carlos Castillo, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I’d like to tell you a little bit about me, so that you can decide for yourself if I’m someone you’d feel comfortable working with. For over a decade, I have helped people transition out of some of the most difficult stages of their lives. As you might have guessed, I am specialized in life transitions, and adjustment stress. I have worked with ex-convicts, drug users, veterans, retirees, immigrants, college grads, as well as terminally ill/chronically ill populations. This may seem like a very broad range of people, but all of these individuals have had to make difficult life transitions, which can seem overwhelming. Some benefits you can receive from counseling include, development of healthy coping skills, healthy relationships, achievement of personal goals, removal or reduction of unwanted habits, as well as overcoming traumatic experiences. I adapt a very person-centered approach through the use of motivational interviewing; however, I borrow interventions from cognitive-behavioral, existentialist, psychoanalytical, and spiritualistic styles based on your particular needs. Our first session together will be spent getting to know each other, as well as treatment planning. I work to ensure that my clients are getting exactly what they need out of counseling. In order to do this, we will spend our first session carefully identifying goals, and hashing out the details needed to achieve those goals. After all, it is understood that the more you define a goal, the more likely you are to follow through with it. A long time ago, my mentor taught me, that our ears are the greatest gift you can offer to somebody. To be present, truly present with somebody; in their suffering, in their happiness can be a life-changing experience. I hope you can allow me the opportunity to share this gift with you. Look forward to meeting you soon! Thank you for taking time to look at my profile.

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Maria Primm

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger management
12 years of experience

I am a therapist licensed in Texas with over 10 years of experience working as an individual and group therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life challenges, and anger and stress management. My therapy style is warm and interactive and driven by your goals. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Appointments offered are M-Th in evening time slots.

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Robert Good

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsAnger managementDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Karol Wright's avatar and link to their profile

Karol Wright

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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 am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Susan Ghalibaf's avatar and link to their profile

Susan Ghalibaf

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and coping skills. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Katherine Bell Thomasy

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

Hi, I'm Katherine -- Following life-changing paths with my clients is not my first career. I’ve been a writer, a teacher, and a homeschooling mom. I’ve survived trauma and divorce, fought depression, and lived with chronic illness. I’ve made tons of mistakes, and I’ve outright failed—more times than I can count. Sometimes I wasn’t sure I’d recover. Counseling helped me heal. And it can help you, too. Sometimes healing means diving deep—into your past, your pain, and even your shame. Your own depths can be a scary place. But there’s treasure down there, too, if you just know where to find it. Deep inside, there is a person created in God’s own image, uniquely wired to be like no one else in the world. You have gifts and strengths you may have forgotten… maybe even some you’ve never discovered. I’m honored to be able offer a welcoming space for you to explore yourself. It’s safe here. You’re free to be completely, unashamedly you... without all those filters and masks we all when we’re afraid to let anyone see beneath the surface. I want to hear your story, offer validation, demonstrate acceptance and grace, and encourage you as you take those first steps towards becoming the person God designed you to be. Discover the life you’ve always wanted as you learn to extend grace to yourself. A life of abundant joy and hope really is possible. Take that first step—schedule your first appointment today!

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How to find counseling in Port Lavaca

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca, 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 Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca 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 77979 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 Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca, 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.

Port Lavaca 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 Port Lavaca.

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

77979

Popular cities near Port Lavaca, TX

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