In life, your mental state can feel like a lake. It can be calm, tranquil, and beautiful. However, all it takes is a storm for you to feel differently. Depression, anxiety, and all of life’s other troubles can make you feel like you're up the lake without a paddle. A counselor based in Lake Charles can help. 

Lake Charles is the lake city, and a counselor knows how to navigate all of our mental lakes. By speaking to a counselor today, you can be prepared for any problem that comes your way and make it to tranquility once again. 

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Jessica Easterling, LPC

Offering therapy in LA
License: LPC
Relationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
17 years of experience

Welcome! I’m so happy you are here! I know this means you are contemplating the beginning of your therapeutic journey. This is such a brave and worthwhile journey you have chosen to take! I truly believe that anyone can benefit from counseling regardless of age, race, gender or circumstance. About me: I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 18 years of experience. I received my Master’s degree in Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University. I went on to earn my license (LPC) working closely with my supervisor who is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. The majority of my time has been spent working with children and adults on issues such as: social skills, self-esteem, anger management, anxiety, behavior modification, parenting, grief, depression, relationships, etc. I especially enjoy working with adults individually to improve marital relationships and family conflicts. My primary counseling approach is person-centered therapy. I want you to always feel respected and valued throughout the entire therapeutic process. I believe you, as the client, possess the strength and skills within you to achieve all of your goals. I want you to feel completely in control of the pace and direction of therapy. I also like to utilize Solution-Focused Therapy. This mode of therapy is useful in achieving short-term goals more quickly. I understand the courage that it takes to reach out and seek help during a difficult or vulnerable time. Please know that your needs, goals, and feeling of safety will always be the priority. Please do not hesitate contact me. I look forward to working with you!

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Leah Pace

Offering therapy in LA
License: LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
8 years of experience

Welcome! I know it is a big decision to engage in therapy and I’m excited to help guide you while you achieve your goals. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduated with my MSW from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. I have worked as a Social Worker for 15 years in a variety of behavioral health settings including outpatient settings (clinic and community based), inpatient setting (behavioral health hospital), school based, group therapy, crisis intervention, as well as case management. I believe in helping individuals and families improve their entire system and environment that surrounds them. The majority of my experience has been in helping clients overcome or cope with symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family issues, grief, and anger management. I also have experience assisting individuals cope with trauma and am trained in EMDR as well as TF-CBT. My style is caring, direct, and client centered. I want to help others achieve what they want in life. I am non-judgmental and believe that everyone can improve their quality of life and happiness, but some people require different routes to achieve this. Life is hard so it is okay to ask for some help to find our way! I look forward to working with you!

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Jeffrey Myers

Offering therapy in LA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a therapist licensed in Louisiana with over 15 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and severe mental illness. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Marianne Terrebonne

Offering therapy in LA
License: MEd + 30, LPC-S, LMFT
Family conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am a Board Certified licensed professional counselor with a 40 year assessment, counseling and treatment planning background in various positions under a school system umbrella, including 13 years of school-based liaison experience with Juvenile Diversion Services in conjunction with the Office of the District Attorney. Adept at providing a practical and problem solving approach in treating clients experiencing challenges in their psychological, intellectual, moral, vocational, or personal growth. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

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Bryanca Coleman

Offering therapy in LA
Relationship issuesSleeping disordersAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, sleeping disorders, anger management, & career difficulties. 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. Outside of therapy sessions, I am active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and passionate about helping others and surrounding various communities.

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Stephanie Davis

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issues
4 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Louisiana. My work experience includes working with children, teens and adults in a variety of settings including hospital, schools, at-risk interventions in the homes and hospice care. I have supported my clients in working through their challenges related to anxiety and depression, relationship and family issues, crisis and trauma work, as well as grief and bereavement related to end of life issues. I approach the therapeutic relationship with unconditional positive regard and respect for each person’s unique culture and belief systems. I understand that while we are all a product of the families and life experiences that we were born into, we each have the ability and power to change what happens in our lives for the future. My approach to therapy is a holistic, client-centered focus. I believe that YOU are the author of your story and the expert on how you think and feel. I help clients find their strengths and the positive aspects of difficult circumstances. Together, we utilize those strengths to influence outcomes. 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. Life is full of challenges and we all need support from time to time to have the fulfilling and happy lives we desire. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your journey.

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Ashlyn Harrison

Offering therapy in LA
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoachingADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & executive and professional coaching. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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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Roshanna King

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Louisiana with 6 years of experience providing therapy. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, anger management and depression. My style of therapy involves building a warm and engaging therapeutic relationship with my clients while providing an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. By providing cognitive behavioral, person centered and solution focused strategies, I will work with you to improve your overall mental health and quality of life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. We can do this TOGETHER!

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Dr. Krystal Vaughn

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
17 years of experience

I am a licensed counselor in Louisiana with 17 years of professional therapy experience. I have experience helping clients navigate life's challenges. I am realist who believes in a strength's based approach. I often work with clients to improve work/school and life balance, relationships, and parenting issues. Many of my former clients struggled with organization, feelings of self doubt, concentration, memory and focus issues related to anxiety and ADHD. 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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Susan "Wenonah" Caruthers

Offering therapy in LA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hello there! I'm here to support you as your therapist, helping you navigate life's ups and downs. As a favorite philosopher Dallas Willard said "Our first freedom is where we put our thoughts." That's my motto as we work together to shift your mindset and tackle whatever's holding you back. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety or depression or you would like to improve communication skills, or smooth out relationship bumps. You may be experiencing a life transition or feel stuck and overwhelmed. With 30 years experience helping individuals, couples and families, I've got a bunch of tools in my toolkit to help. These include systemic, cognitive, and behavioral approaches, as well as EMDR if it fits. So, let's dive in and get you feeling your best!

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How to find counseling in Lake Charles

Finding the best therapist close by in Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles. 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 Lake Charles, 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles, elsewhere in Calcasieu, 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 Lake Charles area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles, 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 70605 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles, 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.

Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles.

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

70601, 70602, 70605, 70606, 70607, 70609, 70612, 70615, 70616, 70629

Popular cities near Lake Charles, LA

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