Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in America and affects more than 40 million adults in the United States every year. Some of the signs include nervousness, agitation, insomnia, confusion, and inability to make decisions. Stafford has many devoted therapists and counselors who are trained to help. 

Stafford is a city that enjoys the outdoors and it shows in their outdoor activities such as Buffalo Run Park, American Legion Park, Hunters Trail Park, and Bicentennial Park. Make an appointment with one of the Stafford counselors or therapists right away so you can enjoy the city again.

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Debra Halseth

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteem
21 years of experience

To seek help is the first and often hardest step to address challenges, alleviate pain, and achieve positive change in one's life. I am a licensed clinical social worker with nearly 20 years experience in medical, mental health and community-based settings. I have worked in acute hospital units including trauma, surgical, heart/lung transplantation, neonatal, and rehabilitation. I also provided individual, group, and family counseling in a variety of settings including partial hospital programs for dually diagnosed individuals. In addition, I have conducted stress management seminars and provided public speaking on a variety of health-related topics. My approach to counseling is solution focused, helping clients to identify realistic goals and strategies based on individual strengths. I only focus attention on past experiences to the extent that they may block progress now and in the future. I believe that any person can achieve significant change and improved quality of life, regardless of past experiences and circumstances. I received both a Bachelor of Social Work in 1991 and Master of Science in Social Work in 1994 from the University of Texas at Arlington. I live in Houston, Texas with my husband, son, and daughter. I look forward to working as your partner to achieve the changes that you seek with counseling.

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Maricruz Valdez

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Maricruz; I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned my Master’s Degree in Counseling in December 2010 from Angelo State University. Over the years, I have the privilege of working with school-age children, adolescents, adults, and couples. I have provided individual and group therapy. I have a passion for working with individuals who want to improve their lifestyles and find meaning in their lives. I strive to instill hope, perseverance, and biblical truth to help clients reach their goals. My therapeutic experience combines Person-Centered, Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Biblical Counseling. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I see my clients as unique individuals and tailor my techniques and approach to meet their specific needs. Congratulations, you have made the most important step towards improving your life. I look forward to working with you and helping you in your new journey to a better version of yourself! SPECIALTIES: Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Family/ Couples Conflicts Trauma and abuse Grief Also experienced in: Parenting issues, Anger management, Self-esteem, Depression, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Attachment Issues, Caregiver Issues, and Stress.

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Dr. Mario Nicolas

Offering therapy in TX
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersCareer difficultiesDepression
30 years of experience

Hi, I’m Dr. Mario Nicolas. I am a Ph.D. (Penn State, 2002) trained Clinical Psychologist, with extensive experience in military mental health (Maj [Ret. – 2014]; USAF), clinical neuropsychology (fellowship trained; Univ. of Virginia Medical School [2005-07]), and Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH; past-USAF program consultant [2015-20]). If you want to learn more, check me out on LinkedIn. I provide individual therapy to adults and am available on weekday evenings, some early weekday early-mornings, and weekend mornings. I consider myself a cognitive-behavioral therapist, strongly influenced by Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). My style of interaction is patient-centered & culturally sensitive; and I consider hearing (not just listening to) my patient’s situation (your “story”) to be my most important task. I incorporate motivational interviewing, and the science of behavior-change, into everything that I do. At our initial visit we will go through what I describe as my "Game Plan" for working together. The "Game Plan" is a metaphor that many of my clients have found helpful for working with me -- in that it provides a "shared story" that we can use to navigate our work together. Here is the "Game Plan..." 1. We use the metaphor of a journey that you're on; and I am ONE OF your guides (friends, family members, mentors, etc. are also guides). 2. Help you understand the direction you're heading on this journey... This is your “North Star” or "Guiding Light..." essentially your “purpose” or your “values” -- the type of person you want to be in your life. NOTE: Your Values are different from your goals. The metaphor for the difference between the two is that Goals are like "destinations" (you can accomplish it) and Values are like "directions" (You don't ever get there... you just focus on moving forward and/or towards it). 3. Understand the concept of a “psychological toolbox” that is made up of certain tools. Our focus is on adding as many tools to your toolbox as we can. IMPORTANT: Our focus is not necessarily on finding tools that work... just ADDING TOOLS TO THE TOOLBOX. Important things to know about the "toolbox" are that: a) it is limitless and can never get too full, and b) the more tools you have in your toolbox the better you will feel about life. 4. Understand the the two main tools in the toolbox: A. INSIDE THE HEAD (ITH) tools: thoughts, images, sayings/mantras, memes, memories, the focus of your thoughts (past/present/future), your perspective B. OUTSIDE THE HEAD (OTH) tools: behaviors, reactions, hobbies/interests, body posture, facial expressions, things you do more/less, things you do/don’t do 5. Help you understand and recognize the tools that you use and, IMPORTANTLY, the tools that have become habits for you and/or have become "automatic.". The best way to recognize tools that have become automatic, is to pay attention to how you THINK, ACT, and/or FEEL. If you are THINKING/ACTING/FEELING in ways that just "don't feel right" that's a sign that you are using automatic tools that do NOT work for you. On the other hand, if you feel positive and healthy, that's a sign that you are using tools that DO work for you. 6. Once you recognize the tools that you’re using, you will learn how to ask yourself “Is this tool helpful or not helpful?” (based on how well it moves you TOWARDS or AWAY FROM your “North Star”) 7, If the tools work, we will help you to continue using them, and/or to strengthen your use of them. If they do not work , we will help you try out different ones and/or develop new ones. NOTE: Just because a tool does not work in one situation; it does not mean that it will not work in another situation. Therefore, you don't necessarily have to get rid of tools that aren't working. Also, even if you cannot get rid of, or change, a particular tool that is not helpful; you can learn to develop other types of tools that you can use to limit its impact (e.g., "watering down the liquor"). Don't worry if this "Game Plan" does not make too much sense for you; we will discuss it more during our first session. Likewise, if this "Game Plan" does not work for you, we will discuss addressing your therapy in a different way. I look forward to working with you!

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Andrea Foerster

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri and have been helping individuals seek life solutions for over 10 years. I enjoy helping clients work on a variety of issues but am especially passionate about helping women overcome issues related to anxiety and life changes (relationship, motherhood, menopause, etc). Methods that I have found particularly effective for clients in therapy include but are not limited to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention. For couples and relationship therapy I draw from the Gottman Method to guide the progression. Each client is unique and therapy is planned around the client’s needs and goals. I feel that trust in the therapeutic relationship is the basis for our work together and we will start out investing time to build that relationship. I am hopeful that through a strong therapeutic alliance and evidence-based methods we can make excellent progress toward your goals. Let’s work together to find joy and value in your life that you never thought possible!

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Jessica Parker

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor working in Houston, Texas. Originally from the UK, after 18 years I consider myself a Texan Native. Starting out in Education, I felt I could do so much more, and attended Lamar University gaining a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My experience comes predominantly from private practice where I have worked with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, grief/loss, addiction, life transitions, OCD , relational issues and family struggles. I approach my clients with the knowledge that they are the experts on the themselves, and that my role is to help them explore their strengths and develop skills that can lead them on to wellness. I utilize an integrative approach with Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral and Solution Focused therapies being utilized. I engage my clients in a way that makes them feel comfortable so they gain the most out of the therapeutic experience. I consider it an honor to work with each client and know that each one has taken the most difficult first step, and that in choosing me, they have put their trust that I will walk with them on their journey.

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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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Heather Harris

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW-S
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Hi, My name is Heather Harris and I have been working in the social work field for the last 19 years. I have been working specifically with the Veteran population for the past 14 years. I have extensive experience working with survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. I have an undergraduate degree in social work from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX and received my master's in social work in 2004 from the University of Denver. I have experience working in an outpatient behavioral clinic providing therapy for diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. In my clinical practice I use skills from Acceptance and Commitment therapy(ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I have helped many clients with sexual assault trauma, domestic violence trauma, grief and loss, and moral injury and many other issues that have come up on my client's recovery journey. I strive to make the therapy experience genuine, positive, respectful, and safe. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am excited to meet you and work together to identify your goals and make plans to achieve them!

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Dr. Shelley Jackson

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 30 years of professional counseling experience. I believe in the inherent good in all people and believe that the counselor builds a relationship with the client that creates a safe and nurturing environment for the client to grow to their own potential. I have experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy and Psychodrama which works well with both children and adults. My work has involved conducting special topics groups; individual counseling with children, adolescents, families and couples. I have additional training and experience in working with clients who differ from me. I am as a white, Caucasian, cis-gendered female from a North-Eastern lower-middle class family. I celebrate differences and strive to approach clients with cultural humility. Specialties of Practice but not limited to: • Depression • Bipolar disorders and Mood Disorders • Anxiety • Relationship Conflicts including • Self-Exploration and Growth for all clients; specific training and experience with LGBTQ-A and BI-POC populations. • Career and Vocational Issues • Grief and Loss 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Ana Montana

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
5 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Anita, I am licensed in Texas with 5 years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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Jessica Pustka

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients to cope with stress, depression and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I enjoying helping others work to improve their ability to advocate for themselves, improve ability to utilize healthy coping skills and self care. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I typically offer sessions during work hours 8 am to 5pm.

How to find counseling in Stafford

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Stafford 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 Stafford 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 Stafford 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 Stafford, 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 Stafford 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 Stafford 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 Stafford 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 Stafford 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 Stafford 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 77477 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 Stafford 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 Stafford 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 Stafford, 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.

Stafford 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 Stafford.

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

77477, 77497

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