The capital city of Louisiana, Baton Rouge is an area of vigorous economic and population growth. A number of technology and research centers are based there, as well as the campus of Louisiana State University. Historically a meeting point of many cultures, it is a vibrant and culturally diverse city that is also home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community.  A wide variety of options in mental health services can be important in any community, but especially for one with the diverse population of Baton Rouge. 

When seeking a therapist, Baton Rouge, LA offers more than many smaller cities and rural areas. However, finding the right therapist is often more complicated than simply reaching out to a nearby practice. The efficacy of the therapeutic process often relies on finding the right type of therapy to address your mental health needs. While there are a number of effective evidence-based therapeutic practices in psychology, some are better suited to certain challenges than others. The type of therapist you need may not necessarily be located nearby. 

Online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp offers access to over 30,000 professionals in the mental health field, from licensed counselors in play therapy, to certified group psychotherapists that specialize in relationship difficulties. By filling out an online questionnaire, you will be matched with a therapist that meets your individual needs. And because rapport can be such a key factor in success, if for any reason you need to switch therapists, you can do so at no additional cost. 

In addition, the effort of scheduling and driving to a therapist's office can impede the counseling process for many individuals. For busy professionals, parents, and students online therapy with BetterHelp makes it easy to schedule and attend sessions from the comfort of their own homes. Others with past trauma in their lives may find it easier to share aspects of their personal life with a counselor over the phone or video chat. 

If you live in Baton Rouge and have been thinking about therapy for relationship challenges, managing the stress of working toward your master’s degree, treating depression or other mood disorders, or simply to work on personal growth, BetterHelp makes it simple to get started. Fill out their questionnaire to take that first step on your mental health and wellness journey.

 

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Dr. Marie Smith

Offering therapy in LA
License: Ph.D.,NCC,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

Dr. Marie Smith I have received a Ph.D. and possess board licensure and certification at the state and national l level, as a licensed professional counselor, counselor supervisor, school counselor: k-12, educator and administrator. I have over 25 years of counseling experience. My clinical experiences have been across the age-span. I have provided treatment in schools, hospitals, clinics, and correctional facilities for adults and juveniles. My scope of professional practice crosses the age span, focusing on societal established transitional milestones and the expectations in which we measure and develop personal self-acceptance through family, peer groups, school, career, and intimate relationships, as we cross various developmental stages. As a veteran educator and administrator, I am able to integrate past and present experiences, with reflective thoughts of how we arrive to our current place, from childhood to adulthood. My educational training also includes the ability to work with individuals previously diagnosed in childhood, young adulthood, or adult acquired disabilities, such as developmental disabilities, ADD/ADHD, impairments in learning: Specific Learning Disability, behavior, including sensory impairments such as autism, and cognitive/intellectual disabilities. Family and couples' therapy is highly advocated, in my practice, when the evidence presents the need beyond individual or online therapy to achieve the articulated counseling goals. Referrals will be recommended, as identified. In the therapy session, the presenting concerns may include, but is not limited to: Coping Skills Anger Management Anxiety Depression Interpersonal Relationships-Teen through Adulthood Adjustment and Adaptive Behavior Concerns Trauma and Resiliency: Adverse Childhood Experiences Divorce, Custody, and Mediation College and Career Readiness Workplace Dynamics Problem Solving Skills

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Pamela Thompson

Offering therapy in LA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

Thanks for visiting me on BetterHelp.com and giving me the opportunity to help you on your journey to improve your daily life. My name is Pamela Thompson and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in the state of Louisiana. I obtained my Master's degree in Counseling and Guidance from Louisiana Tech University. I have over 13 years of counseling experience in a variety of settings. I have experience working with adolescents/teenagers in the juvenile detention group home setting, where I counseled juveniles identified with dual issues of substance abuse and mental health individually and in group settings; I provided counseling services for teenagers enrolled in the Youth Challenge Program for several years, helping them gain the skills to overcome challenges in their daily lives and achieve their goals to improve their futures. I have worked in the Mental Health Rehabilitation area of counseling for several years providing substance abuse counseling and education as well as traditional mental health counseling. I have provided services in Intensive Outpatient programs that services clients 18 years and older, conducting individual and group counseling to individuals with chronic severe mental health issues and dual-diagnosis clients with mental health and substance abuse issues. I incorporate various treatment modalities during therapy based on the client's specific needs; the methods I use regularly include cognitive/behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, reality therapy, solution-based therapy, brief therapy, and mindfulness therapy. I do not believe in labeling someone based on a diagnosis, instead preferring to help identify their current issues and needs and providing them the tools and support to effectively manage issues that occur in their daily lives. I have counseled clients from age 9 to 99 and I have truly enjoyed working with every client no matter their age. I enter every counseling relationship with an open mind, a belief that all people deserve respect, and a desire to help you achieve the skills needed to make a positive change in your life.

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Toni Byers

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 8 years of professional counseling experience. I help clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & anger management. I believe that together we can discover strengths within you that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I am here to support you in dealing with feelings and creating solutions to the issues you face.

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Mary "Cathy" Waguespack

Offering therapy in LA
License: MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

My name is Mary Waguespack, but I ask everyone to call me Cathy. I have a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Holy Cross. I am a professional counselor with six (6) years of experience helping people find peace, strength, and answers within themselves. My philosophy is to treat everyone with respect, warmth, and caring. I have experience in helping those with anxiety, stress, lack of motivation, self-esteem issues, confidence, life changes, and relationship issues. I tailor my therapy style to meet your individual needs and personality. Through the use of client-centered, motivational interviewing, narrative, cognitive-behavioral, and reality therapy, a therapy or a variety of therapies can be blended to make your journey a success. One of my favorite sayings is: "Empathy is not saying I know how you feel. Empathy is saying I want to know how you feel." -Jay Shetty

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Angelle Escousse

Offering therapy in LA
License: MSW,LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I received my Master’s degree in Social Work in 1994. Since that time, I have had opportunities to work with adults, children, and families in a variety of settings. Though I have experience with many mental health issues, I would consider my specialties as mood disorders, trauma, relational issues and parenting. My experience has taught me the importance of flexibility when working with a client and their unique circumstances. Treatment techniques and strategies will vary depending on the needs presented. Through the years, my basic core philosophy towards therapy has been strengthened through successes I have witnessed. This philosophy is based on my strong belief that we, as humans, do the best that we can with the circumstances we are given, and that we have the ability to grow and make positive changes. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe and caring environment, filled with acceptance and empathy, providing guidance and honest feedback to assist in the change process.

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Dr. Carol Jannik

Offering therapy in LA
License: PhD ,MED,LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

Greetings. As a therapist, I prefer to talk about you rather than me, but I understand you need to know about me to make a decision regarding choosing a therapist. I am an older therapist with extensive experience in most areas of therapy. I worked for schools, counseling agencies, mental healthcare agencies, had a private practice for over 20 years and in the hospital setting providing counseling to individuals in various departments including OB, Pain Management, Grief and Loss, Emergency, inpatient and most often in an outpatient setting (PHP and IOP). I work closely with psychiatrists in prescribing medications and reporting efficacy. Although I do not prescribe medication, I am familiar with the latest medications as well as the older medications used in therapy. I am also familiar with co-morbidity issues and dual diagnoses (medical as well as mental illnesses and their interactions). In my private practice, I worked with children and adolescents in foster care as well as living with their families, family issues, adoptions, adjustments, ADD/ADHD, and educational and learning issues. I also worked with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and psychosis. I thoroughly enjoy what I do and have prepared myself educationally (I have a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology) and I avail myself of every opportunity to improve my skills and meet additional certification requirements (I am a certified trauma counselor as well as a certified telehealth professional). I espouse christian beliefs as well as respecting any faith as it pertains to the benefits of therapy. In addition to being licensed by the Louisiana LPC Board, I am also designated as a supervisor to counsel trainees. I firmly believe in promoting the counseling profession and am committed to training competent future counselors for licensure. I tailor my therapy to the individual's needs and form treatment plans accordingly. Most often, I use a cognitive behavioral approach sprinkled with didactic and rational emotional therapies. If I cannot provide the necessary help and assistance, I have no trouble acknowledging such and referring a patient to someone who can. Thank you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with my qualifications and experience. If you feel I can be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Alicia Mainka

Offering therapy in LA
License: MA, LPC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Hello! I am so excited that you are here because it shows your willingness to create change in your life or to overcome whatever life challenges you are currently facing. I recognize the vulnerability of reaching out to ask for help with making those changes and facing those challenges. As a counselor, I hope to equip you with strategies, knowledge and insight that will empower you to achieve whatever goals you choose for yourself. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mississippi, which I have called home since 2010. Originally from Louisiana, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in that state, as well. I have been providing counseling for over 15 years to individuals, groups and couples in a variety of settings which gives me a broad scope of experience. I enjoy working with age groups from those in young adulthood to those young at heart. I use an integrative counseling approach when working with clients, meaning I may pull from a variety of techniques to suit the needs of my client. The main techniques I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Mindfulness. I hope to have the opportunity to help you learn and grow through the counseling process which requires commitment on your part to do the work to accomplish your goals and commitment on my part to provide an environment of trust, safety and compassion.

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Kourteni Henderson

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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This is Shautera Clofer's avatar and link to their profile

Shautera Clofer

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 6 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 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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Christianne Ricard

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Educationally, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Education in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. My academic journey continued at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where I obtained an Education Specialist Certificate and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership. My initial professional counseling experience was in a school environment, aiding children and adolescents with a range of issues including depression, ADHD, ODD, anxiety, teen pregnancy, parent/teen communication, motivation, and career/academic counseling. I broadened my counseling expertise by joining a local hospital as a mental health counselor. It has been my privilege to support adults through challenges such as depression, anxiety, sexual trauma, mood disorders, grief, loss, domestic violence, anger management, and relationship issues. Since the latter part of 2019, I have been offering my services in private practice. My genuine personality helps clients feel at ease, and I am confident that together we can collaborate to discover the most effective solutions for you. As an ordained minister, I am able to integrate faith-based counseling with a focus on Christianity at your request. My counseling approach is grounded in Strengths-Based therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Counseling. I assist individuals, couples, and families in linking their thoughts and actions to gain a clearer understanding of their circumstances, thereby making more informed decisions. I am eager to support you through life's changes.

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How to find counseling in Baton Rouge

Finding the best therapist close by in Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge. 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 Baton Rouge, 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge, elsewhere in East Baton Rouge, or in the greater state of Louisiana.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Baton Rouge area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge may not take health insurance, some in the state of Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 LA, 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 70820 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 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.

Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge.

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

70801, 70802, 70803, 70804, 70805, 70806, 70807, 70808, 70809, 70811, 70813, 70814, 70815, 70816, 70819, 70820, 70821, 70822, 70823, 70825, 70826, 70827, 70831, 70833, 70835, 70836, 70837, 70873, 70874, 70879, 70884, 70891, 70892, 70893, 70894, 70895, 70896, 70898

Popular cities near Baton Rouge, LA

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