Shreveport, LA, has something for everyone: a rich history, Mardi Gras celebrations, a diverse cultural scene, and pillars of high learning, like Louisiana State University and Northwestern State University of Louisiana. They say that variety is the spice of life, but having too many options can make it hard to move forward. Talking to a therapist in Shreveport, LA, can help you determine what to do next.
You have plenty of options when looking for counseling services in Shreveport. Therapy can be an effective way to get help to navigate life's challenges, but finding an appointment that works around your schedule can be challenging. Virtual therapy is another option. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that has been making mental health care more accessible for over ten years. All BetterHelp therapists have a minimum of a master's degree and meet all licensing requirements.
Talking to a therapist, be it in person or online, can help with your mental well-being. Whether you’re a sexual abuse survivor in need of trauma therapy, dealing with relationship troubles, or need to improve your self-awareness or self-esteem, a therapist can help. Make the most of your everyday life by connecting with a Shreveport-based counselor below.
Lindsay Lee
Congratulations on making it here! It is extremely brave to ask for help and you're making a huge first step. My name is Lindsay Lee and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Louisiana and Colorado. My practice has taken me to work with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crime in North Carolina; individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness in Louisiana, young people experiencing trauma and loss in New Orleans schools, military families coping with deployment, professionals struggling with compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress, and most recently providing supervision to new social workers in Colorado. I earned my Master's in Social Work at Tulane University, with a certificate in International Social Work. Over my ten years of practice in social work I have learned that relationships are central to how we function in the world, Our relationships with our family, friends, co-workers, and educators impact the quality of our lives in important ways. This applies to the counseling relationship too. It is critical that we find the right fit and style that feels comfortable for your needs and your life. It would be a privilege to help you on your journey.
Dr. Rita Martin
I see counseling as a process in which you the client, and I, the counselor, having come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop future goals for an improved life and work in a systematic fashion toward realizing those goals. I focus on clients self-awareness, self-acceptance, and empower them to change self-sabotaging behaviors. I earned a Master of Arts degree in Student Personnel Services, Counseling from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in May 2011 and a Doctor of Behavioral Health from Arizona State University in December 2017. I am licensed as a Professional Counselor (#5115) with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners at 11410 Lake Sherwood Ave. North Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, (225) 295-8444. On May 12, 2020, I became licensed as a Professional Counselor (#83930) by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors in Austin, Texas. On March 25, 2022, I became licensed as a Professional Counselor (#C6691) by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT) in Salem, Oregon.
Joshua O'Connor
I am an individual and relationship counselor licensed in Texas and Louisiana. I have 3 years of experience as a mental health counselor, life coach, and career coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship and communication issues, problems with school and career, decision making, and ADHD. My counseling approach has been described as direct, yet caring and collaborative. I strive to ensure my clients feel comfortable opening up to me about whatever they feel will help them achieve their goals in counseling. Because of this approach, I have clients from a range of genders, sexualities, and ethnic backgrounds. I approach counseling with a client-centered, cognitive behavioral treatment modality, as well as a focus on solution-focused and choice theory approaches. Utilizing different approaches allows me to customize the therapeutic process to each individual client. Reaching out for help can be one of the most difficult processes we face in life. I hope that you will continue that process by contacting me to begin your path to a more fulfilled life. I look forward to working with you!
Sharon Spencer Rose
Hello! My name is Sharon Spencer Rose. I have over 10 years of counseling. I earned a Divinity degree and a Masters degree in Christian Counseling from The Oral Roberts University in Christian in 2002 and 2003. I am licensed professional counselor and licensed addiction counselor. I see counseling as a process in which you, the client, and I, the Counselor having come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop future goals for an improved life and work in a systematic fashion toward realizing those goals. I approach counseling from both a systems and cognitive-behavioral perspective. A Systems Theorist views most human life as being guided by emotional forces which to a varying degree can be regulated by an individual’s ability to think. Systems believe that people are able to modify their responses to the automatic emotional input by undertaking a study of their own patterns of behavior and their link to patterns of behavior in their multigenerational family. In cognitive-behavioral, patterns of thoughts and actions are explored in order to better understand the clients' problems and to develop solutions. However, each individual is unique and may require other approaches to finding a resolution, for this reason an integrative approach that of emerging various approaches may be deemed necessary in order to produce an effective result. I work with clients in a variety of formats, including individually, as couples and as families. I also conduct group therapy as needed.
Shawnene Weeks
I am a licensed clinical social worker [LCSW] with specialized training as an Addiction Recovery Practitioner. I am also trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy; to help individuals recover from trauma. My therapy style is person-centered. I focus on the whole person. I am experienced in working with individuals suffering from the cycle of substance abuse, trauma, and anxiety. My vision is one of inclusivity. My aim is to help people through difficult times, unexpected life-stressors, and to ultimately be an effective collaborator in their well-being. I’m delighted in the possibility of collaborating with you in finding ways to effectively manage your current life-stressors. And in helping you reach your current goals. In being tenacious about dealing with my own life challenges, I hold close to the belief that we are all deserving of a big, full life! “Ready to talk? I’m listening.”
Brittanee' Davis
I am licensed in Louisiana with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse & depression. 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!
Laurie Pittman
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida, and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the stated of Louisiana. I have over 11 years of counseling experience, working with adults, children and families struggling with challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, parenting concerns, life transitions and trauma. I work from a strength-based approach, pulling from theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This integrative approach allows the ability to tailor counseling to meet individual needs. I enjoy helping others explore personal strengths and possibilities, elements that can be important parts of healing, growth and change. Prior to becoming a counselor, I was an educator, with over 10 years of classroom experience. I believe that the counseling process is a collaborative one, and that building rapport is very important. Let's work together to create goals, and move toward meeting these goals. I work from a place of warmth, respect and encouragement. We all face challenges from time to time. Reaching out for support can be the first step in identifying thoughts and behaviors that are not working for us, and can prompt us to explore new paths toward growth. I welcome working with you on your journey.
Amy Trahan
I am licensed in Texas with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, anger management, post-traumatic stress, depression, and co-occurring disorders, 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.
Stephanie Procell
I am licensed in Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan and New York with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with 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.
Samuel McKay
I am licensed in Louisiana with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How to find counseling in Shreveport
Finding the best therapist close by in Shreveport 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 Shreveport. 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 Shreveport, 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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport, elsewhere in Caddo, 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 Shreveport area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Shreveport 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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport, 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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport 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:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport 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 71154 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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport 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 Shreveport, 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.
Shreveport 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Shreveport:
71101, 71102, 71103, 71104, 71105, 71106, 71107, 71108, 71109, 71118, 71119, 71120, 71129, 71130, 71133, 71134, 71135, 71136, 71137, 71138, 71148, 71149, 71151, 71152, 71153, 71154, 71156, 71161, 71162, 71163, 71164, 71165, 71166