Kevin Brugman
All of us face difficulties or unexpected challenges at some point in our lives, and sometimes it can feel too overwhelming to manage on our own. I have a compassionate, supportive, and caring approach to counseling, and I know reaching out for help is not easy. Through the counseling process, I can help you to find some peace of mind, and develop your inner strength to move forward. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas. I have over sixteen years of counseling experience. I earned my graduate degree in marriage and family counseling in California in 2005, and my wife and I moved to Texas in 2009. My counseling style combines compassion and empathy with a solution-focused approach, utilizing various forms of mindfulness and cognitive-based therapies, such as acceptance commitment therapy, to explore how thoughts and coping styles influence how we manage our feelings. I specialize in depression, anxiety, grief, men's issues, trauma, and relationship issues; and, I help my clients to counter irrational thoughts and beliefs, assess their needs, build on their strengths, and focus on their goals. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
Mary Beth Ritchie
I believe therapy can be a helpful and positive experience for you! I am here to guide you on this journey. We will work together toward alleviating symptoms, improving relationships, and reaching your life goals. We will create a safe space where we will be able to communicate openly and honestly. I am nonjudgmental, compassionate, fun, and genuine. I've been a licensed therapist since 1994, so I have experience with a wide variety of issues. I use various methods and techniques, and I tailor these to meet the needs of each individual. I love being a therapist because each journey is unique! I do provide some live sessions, but I rely heavily on the asynchronous messaging. I’ve found that this mode offers time for the client and the therapist to process information throughout the communication. This can be very helpful in the process of therapy. I’d love to work with you if it sounds like we’d be a good fit!
Rhea Lester
My approach to therapy is client-centered: I believe clients are the experts on their lives and determine the direction and depth of therapy. I employ an Integrative therapeutic lens, on multiple treatment modalities to help clients identify strengths and to develop treatment plans that accomplish their goals. Some clients may find they need short-term therapy. In these situations, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) may be used. Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) assists clients in exploring what they are doing well and how to focus on solutions to situations rather than focus on problems. SFBT strategies help clients to set goals and visualize what areas may be preventing them from moving forward in a current situation. SFBT provides tools that are measurable helping clients focus short and long term goals. I am a trauma certified therapist utilizing approaches that works to ground the individual through mindfulness techniques, Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to work through traumatic experiences and how these may show up or be held in the body. Each of these approaches can bring awareness to their body and how it holds memories or emotions that don't make sense such as anxiety, sadness, numbness, insecurity and even happiness. I work with clients to identify and using an exploratory approach to help bring forth awareness and healing as they learn to understand how these experiences may be causing conflict or confusion in their life. Others may find they need guidance from a cognitive approach, in these instances we may employ use Cognitive Behavior therapy (CBT), and/or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in our work together. Through the use of CBT, clients replace negative or dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors and replace them with more realistic positive thoughts and behaviors. Clients may find through applying CBT practices that a change in thinking can lead to a change in behaviors. DBT may be applied when a client feels they need help with emotional control and within their relationships. DBT has four modes of focus including mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotion regulation with the goal of teaching clients how to cope with emotional distress in a positive, more productive ways. Outside of my work as a therapist, I am working to become a Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teacher (TSY) and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). I enjoy spending time with my husband and family. I also enjoy reading, biking practicing yoga, and traveling to new places learning about different cultures.
Terry Hancock
Hello, I’m Terry! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I have over six years of experience working in many different settings and levels of care. These include inpatient hospitals, private practice, and forensics. While in these settings I have worked with individuals who have experienced a wide range of concerns including, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, life transitions, and individuals experiencing career challenges or wanting to make career changes. My passion is to empower others and together build a therapeutic relationship based on trust and authenticity. I rely on a holistic, person-centered approach, borrowing from collaborative, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical, and mindfulness-based practices. It takes strength and courage to ask for help and seek a happier more fulling life. If you are ready to embark on the journey, I am here to support you.
Jiacheng (Jacqueline) Liu
Are you looking for a safe environment to increase self-awareness and personal empowerment? My goal as a clinician is to create space for you to learn about your emotions and thoughts, and to explore your circumstances and strengths to build on. I am dedicated to building a collaborative counseling relationship that foster self-understanding and growth, and to guiding you through more rational ways of thinking and new coping skills such as DBT skills that will promote healthier balance. My counseling approach is primarily compassionate, non-judgmental, and empowering based cognitive-behavioral and person-centered therapy. I value individual differences and the importance of exploring each unique story. I have worked in Private Practices, national residential treatment facility, and Psychiatric Outpatient settings. I am also competent to provide counseling services for Mandarin and Cantonese speaking clients.
Monica Avalos
I am licensed in Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Matthew Mobley
I am licensed in Texas with over twenty years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, communication issues, career difficulties, and many other concerns. 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.
Dr. Martinque Jones
I am licensed in Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, and 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. 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 and empower you in that journey.
Felicia White-Meyers
I am licensed in Texas with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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.
Dyvette Salinas
I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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.
How to find counseling in Sunset Valley
Finding the best therapist close by in Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley. 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 Sunset Valley, 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 Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley, elsewhere in Travis, 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 Sunset Valley area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley, 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 Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley 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 78735 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 Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley, 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.
Sunset Valley 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 Sunset Valley:
78735, 78745