Laronne James
Hi there! My name is Laronne (la-Ron) and I have been involved in several aspects of the mental health field for fifteen years. I am a Texan and currently work in a suburb of Dallas. I have a partner of 17 years and a 33 year old son. I began my journey as a criminal justice addictions professional and worked with a variety of clients to include those with intellectual disabilities who had been charged with a variety of crimes as well as federal parolees who are having issues with substance abuse. I also facilitated a group for high school kids who had tested positive for (mostly) marijuana during random testing. I worked with people with autism and intellectual disabilities from 2004 through 2017 working closely with psychiatrists and performed as a team leader. While working on obtaining my license I worked in a psychiatric hospital in the intensive outpatient program during my internship. After obtaining my license I sought employment with a social service agency so that I could work with a wide variety of people with a wide range of concerns. I enjoy working with different cultures and subcultures and most often work with people with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, past trauma and those dealing through life changes such as grief, disability, and retirement, forced or otherwise. Although an existentialist at heart, my therapeutic approach is primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I feel this approach works very well for a myriad of issues and is relatively short term and is an action therapy which provides working tools and is client driven.
Dr. Regina Clark
Hello, and welcome. My name is Dr. Regina Clark, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families through life’s challenges. I believe that healing happens when people feel safe, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change in their lives. My areas of focus include trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship concerns, stress management, self-esteem, and family dynamics. I am particularly passionate about helping individuals navigate the effects of trauma, build resilience, and develop healthy coping strategies that support long-term wellness. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and culturally responsive. I draw from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), mindfulness-based interventions, Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed strategies, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs, strengths, and goals because I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. In our work together, you can expect a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you are encouraged to openly explore your experiences, challenges, and aspirations. My goal is to help you gain insight, develop practical tools, strengthen your relationships, and move toward the life you want to create. Seeking support is a courageous step, and I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and lasting change. I look forward to working with you.
Laura Akins
Welcome to BetterHelp! I look forward to knowing you and helping you to have a better, more peaceful and fulfilling life. My approach to counseling is relaxed - one person listening to and sharing with another - the simple, but not always easy, principles that make life better. A person can go to college, pass the tests and get the license. But a human being with heart, combined with past experiences can feel another's difficulties and emotional pain. Because of the victories and tragedies in my own life, I can relate to the hardships of others. Most of my career has been dedicated to helping people with emotional issues that steal peace and fulfillment. My graduate research was in the field of spiritual development. Whatever your personal religious beliefs might be, I am skilled at helping you find spiritual solutions to life's physical and emotional problems. I have 34 years experience assisting people heal from emotions relationship, and purpose of life issues. I relate to others, not based on gender, race, politics, or creed, but on the "the content of their character," as Dr. ML King said.
Michelle Taft Webb
As a community mental health professional, I have received top-notch training that equips me with the therapeutic resources to meet the counseling needs of my community. With extensive work experience in low-income/wealthy, mental health/substance addiction, inpatient/outpatient, and individual therapy settings, I am confident in my ability to offer the best therapeutic support to my clients. I am a natural born therapist, with an innate ability to understand emotions and communicate effectively. My clients have all received the necessary therapeutic support to reach their goals under my care. In the rare event that a client's needs exceed my expertise, I always refer them for the best possible therapeutic help. As a Board Certified National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, I am well-educated and experienced in all aspects of individual, family, and couple dynamics. With trauma certification and training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT trained at Beck Institute) and Motivational Interviewing therapeutic interventions, I have the skills and knowledge to help my clients achieve their goals. Each client is unique, and I offer client-specific treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and goals. I am passionate about my work as a therapist and take pride in my ability to connect with my clients. With over 9 years of experience in the field, I am confident in my ability to offer the best therapeutic care to my clients. I look forward to connecting with you and providing a solution to your therapeutic needs.
Lawrence Story
I have over three decades as a leader by inspiring, coaching, speaking, and most importantly, leading by example, my views have been uniquely and carefully shaped. I embrace my “in the trenches” clinical approach and believe that leadership is a conscious decision made moment to moment, it supersedes gender, culture, position, or socio-economic status. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with everyone and every day…it’s how we should live. I am often referred to as a “Professor” for my ability to teach a group how to bring hope out of questionable times. I use “Frame of references” to bring clarity to change real-life circumstances where the loss of hope and fear have been predominant. The fusion of my personal stories through conversation helps me connect with my audience and clients on an intimate, intense, and individual level. I have served as Chief Executive Officer and /or a Senior Consultant for public and privately traded Healthcare organizations. In addition to being a Licensed Psychotherapist, Licensed Marriage Therapist, and Licensed Family Therapist, Certified in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Certified Personal Trainer and past owner of Lake Houston Gym and Fitness, I am the author of Living in Green Pastures with Life Storys, a published inspiration/motivational book, and co-publisher of “Treatment Effectiveness in Adult Partial Hospitalization”. Before my leadership efforts, I was a competitive collegiate football athlete and a champion both nationally and internationally in bodybuilding, health and fitness. I currently hold over 27 titles in bodybuilding and have conducted numerous workshops on Wellness / Fitness. Finally, I am a former consulting therapist for the National Basketball Association and served on the board of advisors for The Shoulder, Inc., Harris County, and awarded past Outstanding Young Men in America. I look forward to meeting you and designing a plan to help you meet your personal goals now and in the future. The Best, Lawrence Story
Tamara Thompson
Hi, my name is Tamara Jones-Thompson, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of experience in building a client driven approach to providing direct services. I have a strong belief in creating an non-judgmental environment where my clients will feel comfortable with open expression of thoughts and feelings. Thank you, for choosing me to assist you on your journey towards self-discovery.
Ruth Kizer
Hello and welcome. It takes courage to take steps towards a better life, and I would like the honor of helping you to do that. My name is Ruth Kizer and I will see anyone who is hurting. I am an LPC ( licensed professional counselor) in north Texas with over 25 years of experience working at: a local state hospital, outpatient mental health clinic, and volunteer counseling center. I have worked with clients with a wide range of problems, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, as well as childhood, parenting, school, or job concerns; and with people who have experienced trauma, abuse, and grief. I taught school for two years and have mentored students. My therapy style is relaxed and interactive. I believe in treating you with respect and being sensitive and compassionate. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, rational-emotive, and other helpful interventions. I will tailor your therapy to meet your specific needs. If you are ready to take the next step, I am here to support you. I look forward to working with you toward the person you want to become! Ruth
Carla McGehee
I graduated from Dallas Baptist University May of 2014. I did my Internship at Texoma Community Center (formerly the MHMR of Grayson County) in Sherman, TX as an Intake Specialist. I became a Texas Licensed Professional Counselor 11/2017 No. 71823. I continued at Texoma Community Center for an additional four and a half years as a mental health counselor. I started at Tidemark Therapy as a counselor in May 2020. Now I am looking to transition into my own practice and am looking for clients on BetterHelp to feel empty slots. I have worked with a wide variety of clients. My counseling experience dealt with people struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, chronic pain, and emotional control. I have had success with clients that have anything from a diagnosed disorder to short-term adjustment issues. I believe that attempts at real change create losses that need to be mourned. I have helped clients to let go of old habits that have been a comfort. In the case of situational loss, I can help with reimagining life after loss, be it the death of a loved one to a loss of a job. I have helped others to redefine their future so they can move on. I have had success with those who have emotional control issues by applying a program designed to help emotional issues surrounding addiction/negative coping. Negative coping can be anything one uses to avoid fear or emotional pain. These can be behaviors and responses that can interfere with healthy functioning. I use concepts of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I break down the concepts that help provide a way of talking about thinking, without which can get very abstract. I am also very aware of how spiritual beliefs can help with the counseling process. With the client’s permission I am willing to use a client’s belief system to provide support and encouragement to help navigate the counseling process. Sessions are usually 45 minutes long and go at the client’s pace. The sessions are flexible to allow time to deal with any new issues that may come up. The client is allowed to give feedback should they experience discomfort or become emotional. I do not believe in going into all the client’s sensitive experiences in order to counsel them. I strive to never probe areas that are not necessary to work on the client’s identified treatment goals. (These goals are defined collaboratively with the client and therapist’s input.) My goal is to never send a client out the door feeling emotionally torn up, but rather have them leave feeling hopeful. I believe, even if the subject matter is hard, it does not have to negatively affect one’s hope.
Claudia Carballal-Benaglio
I work with individuals, couples, and families. I provide bilingual (Spa/Eng) and multicultural counseling for people of diverse races and beliefs. As a therapist, life coach of more than 10 years, yoga practitioner, and former attorney, I bring a wide range of experiences to counseling, including the art of negotiation with couples and families, and the practice of self-understanding, self-awareness, and inquiry with individuals. I’m primarily a cognitive behavioral therapist — I help you explore your thoughts and core beliefs to gain clarity and find solutions. I also facilitate observation of narrative and finding meaning in your experiences and the complexity of life. People usually seek my services when they are at a crossroads, are dealing with relationship conflict, difficult family dynamics, emotional turmoil, lack of clarity, anxiety, anger, or want to overcome past trauma. I have been seeing around 35-40 individuals per week in my private practice and with the mental health department of an organization. I look forward to meeting you and talking to you further.
Aaron Mandzak
Hello! I look forward to meeting you! I am a licensed professional counselor in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I am also an Army Veteran. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience in coping with life changes. This is an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Congratulations to you in taking this step toward positive change! I am excited to support & empower you in your journey!
Anna Van Fleet
I am licensed in Texas with 8 years of professional work experience - 3 years in teletherapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & depression. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!
Cassandra Parada
I am licensed in Texas with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Holly Skillern
As a compassionate mental health professional, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My therapeutic approach centers on helping clients develop resilience and self-understanding, particularly for those experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and challenges with self-esteem. I draw from evidence-based practices to create a supportive, collaborative environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My work is deeply rooted in honoring each individual's unique journey, recognizing that healing is a personal and transformative process. Through our work together, I aim to provide a safe, affirming space where you can build emotional skills, gain insights, and move towards greater psychological well-being. I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and genuine care as you navigate life's challenges and pursue your personal goals.
Margarita Ramirez
As a licensed therapist in Texas, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, social fears, and interpersonal dynamics. I am deeply committed to creating a compassionate, affirming therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their inner experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in addressing self-esteem concerns, family conflicts, and attachment-related struggles. I believe in empowering clients to cultivate self-love, improve communication skills, and work through feelings of guilt and shame. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I collaborate with clients to develop personalized approaches that honor their individual strengths and experiences. Whether you're dealing with stress, parenting challenges, or seeking to enhance your emotional resilience, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional support.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Shady Shores, Texas
Finding a therapist near you in Shady Shores, 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 Shady Shores.
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 Shady Shores, Texas
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Shady Shores and the surrounding TX area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.