Having poor mental health can make you feel like you're being suspended in the air by a bridge that is hanging by a few rafters. You're uncertain if you should move on and risk the bridge falling or stay there and be safe. A counselor based in Waco can help be your support while you move on the bridge of life. 

Waco is built around its suspension bridge. In life, you need to build yourself around your own bridge. A counselor can help make sure your bridge doesn’t intrude on any other aspects of your life.  

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Richard Orona

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC,MA,MS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

Hello, Let me introduce myself, my name is Richard Orona and I can help you obtain the changes you are looking to make. My years of experience have allowed me to develop a personal appreciation for focusing on what is important in life. For me, that is nurturing my family and passing on the appreciation that allows my four children to find out what is important in their lives, to work towards their goals, and above all to enjoy the journey! I have worked in various counseling agencies and in private practice. I have been able to see success in my counseling practice with individuals, families and couples. (Please read the reviews of clients that I have worked with here on this site). I have always enjoyed the process of counseling and the opportunity to help people enhance their lives. I am committed to providing proven and research based counseling services for a wide range of concerns and problems. I have successfully helped people cope with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues and methods to improve self-esteem. My approach incorporates assessing the concern and locating practical strategies to resolve the issue. I am focused on helping the client adopt skills for self-development and maintaining success. I have earned a Master's of Art in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Master's of Science in Psychology with a specialty in Behavioral Medicine. The approach that I use is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Brief Solution Focused Therapy. It is important to A) focus on finding solutions to the concerns that are confronting the client and B) helping the person locate and change the thought processes guiding the problematic behavior. If the thought processes are altered then the new behavior is not far behind. I strive to help clients locate the change they are seeking. I believe counseling is an effective method to learn new behaviors, new thought processes, and new ways to be successful in personal and professional settings. I look forward to working with you locate the solutions you are seeking.

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Bethany Eakle

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Problems, challenges, complications, snags, stressors... Whatever you call them, we all encounter difficulties in our journeys through life. I have found that people have the capacity to overcome these challenges when provided the right tools, education, and direction. In fact, many find abilities and strengths within themselves they never knew existed. As a social worker, I have helped people deal with a variety of problems on different scales. I am here to offer support, guidance, resources, and unconditional positive regard. My goal is to provide a safe environment in which a person can discuss and explore situations, thoughts, and experiences that cause distress. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in 2003 and a Master’s in Social work in 2007. My therapeutic style is eclectic and in large part depends on the needs of the individual. The treatment is often solution focused and client centered with a strengths-based, mindful approach. I will work collaboratively with you to identify and define achievable outcomes and then create a plan to obtain these objectives. I am also available to simply listen and provide ongoing emotional support. Acknowledging a problem and reaching out for help is not easy and in fact requires bravery, insight, and resolve. I applaud you for taking the first steps to address your specific life challenges. I am so happy to help you realize your individual goals and ultimately reach your full potential.

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Shaun Hill

Offering therapy in TX
License: MS,MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
14 years of experience

Hi, My name is Shaun Hill. I am a Licenced Professional Counselor licensed in Texas with over 12 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship, marriage and family, parenting problems, career issues, OCD, trauma, and ADHD. My counseling style is warm and non invasive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, empathy, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person centered, solution focused, client centered, and systemic counseling. I will work to make our communication and treatment plan meet your unique and specific needs. It takes real courage to seek counseling and work to have a more fulfilling life. When you decide to take the next step, I will be here to support and encourage you. I look forward to working with you!

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Tiffini Thomas

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Life is HARD and it comes at you fast. Contrary to what we all may have been taught; it is okay to need help and to ask for it. The strongest individual is not one that does it all on their own but the one that asks for help when they know they can not do it on their own. My focus is on providing a safe, supportive, nonjudgmental and compassionate space for adults, couples, and families to share their experiences and to help navigate through some more difficult life changes [positive or negative]; to create more balance in your life. I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to make changes to improve their lives, find purpose, and meaningful fulfillment. I received a Masters in Psychology in 2014 from Houston Baptist University. I have 7 years of experience working with a rage of people experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict, and symptoms of severe, persistent mental illness. Over the past 7 years, I have worked in local mental health authorities with adults providing a unique experience when they come into our center for the first time. I have also provided CBT therapy to individuals in a different position that I held with the same center. I believe in creating skills for effective coping mechanisms for overall wellness. Deciding to engage in therapy can be overwhelming. Finding a therapist whose personality and style is a good fit is important. I see the client as the expert in their own life with unique values and needs. I look forward to helping those to effectively pursue their values and explore what keeps them from being the best version of themselves. I look forward to working with you!

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Martha Hinojosa

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Jennifer Wells

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW-S
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
14 years of experience

Hello, I am Jennifer Wells, LCSW. I have 14 years of experience as a social worker. I have worked mainly in community mental health dealing with many types of issues. I believe in a whole person approach and tend to lean toward solution focused and cognitive behavioral approaches. I am also trained in Trauma Focused CBT. I have studied how neuroscience is involved in building new brain pathways to better address negative patterns of behavior and to build positive patterns of behavior. Everyone has times of struggle and challenges in their life which impact themselves and those around them. I enjoy helping people explore ways to manage their situations and grow to both a better understanding of self and improve skills in communication, relationships, and acceptance. It takes courage and strength to seek counseling and I look forward to helping you explore new pathways.

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Ezekiel Oduola

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

I am licensed in Texas with 30 years of professional work experience. My specialization areas include helping clients struggling with stress, anxiety and depression, relationship issues, personal and family conflicts, grief and loss. I work collaboratively with my clients to achieve desired change and problem resolution, in an open, safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am pleased that you have made that difficult decision.

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Ashley Tarrant

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

I am a therapist licensed in Texas with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 on that journey.

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Jennifer "Carol" Mercer Reiss

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

What am I licensed in? Where did I get my training? What is my experience? I am currently licensed in Texas and Colorado with 15 years of professional work experience in the field of counseling. I obtained my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southwestern Theological Seminary and my PhD in Counseling from the University of North Texas. I have worked in college and university settings as well as community clinics and private practice. Although I have experience working with many clients including children, adolescents, and adults and groups and I enjoy working with all clients interested in their healing journey, I have the most experience working with women as they heal from trauma and abuse, anxiety and depression. How would we work together and how can I help? I believe in treating everyone with respect, understanding and compassion. As we work together I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. How will we do that? We will spend initial time establishing a relationship and understanding your concerns. We will identify what you want to focus on in our time and work together to meet those goals. I have enjoyed learning a number of therapies to meet unique needs of each client. Most of the time my practice includes aspects of strength-based, trauma-informed therapies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Experiential, positive psychology, and Family systems. Sometimes we will use specific techniques such as psychoeducation, CBT exercises, Experiential and Expressive Arts, to assist you in understanding yourselves, your worldview of others and the world around you. However, the goal in helping goes beyond self-exploration and understanding, it is also to provide you with information, to cultivate awareness, equip and empower so you are even more resilient and readied to take another step towards healing and wholeness or maybe even to rebuild your perspective, restore your purpose and to renew your hope. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & encourage you in that journey.

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Kendall Altheimer

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

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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How to find counseling in Waco

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco, 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 76708 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 Waco 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 Waco 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 Waco, 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.

Waco 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 Waco.

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

76701, 76702, 76703, 76704, 76706, 76707, 76708, 76710, 76711, 76712, 76714, 76715, 76716, 76797, 76798, 76799

Popular cities near Waco, TX

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