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Heather Alcala

Offering therapy in TX
License: MS, LPC, LCDC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
3 years of experience

Greetings! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas with a combination of substance use treatment and individual and group therapy experience that I have gained over the past ten years. I have assisted individuals with addiction, depression, anxiety, anger, grief/loss, and self-love through this process. I have assisted individuals experiencing relief from past trauma and abuse while learning coping skills to help them navigate difficult situations and experiences. You are an important part of the healing process. As part of the process, I believe in listening and assisting you in developing working solutions and addressing your needs while using an approach that works for you. Using modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Practices, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) may be some of the tools that will be used to help you on your path to healing. My goals are to treat you with respect and work with you at a pace that you feel comfortable with while providing support and encouragement and focusing on helping you get your needs met. At times, we all struggle with what can feel like overwhelming stress, and having someone to help us gain perspective and clarity can be beneficial in reducing the distress that we experience. One of the hardest things is asking for help when we are hurting. I am willing to provide a relaxing and safe setting for you to receive the support you need to feel better while moving forward toward your goals. I look forward to being part of this process with you.

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Jessica Skinner

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Jessica Skinner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in providing services to children, adolescents, and adults. Her preferred modality is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults with various diagnoses including ADHD, anxiety, and depression to name a few. She gives a personalized approach to her clients and guide them in their journey to personal growth. Jessica graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 2004 with her bachelor’s in social welfare and then went on to graduate in 2006 from Columbia University in New York City with her master’s in social work. She has been a licensed social worker in Texas since 2006 and has worked as a psychotherapist since 2008. Jessica believes mental health is just as important as physical health and you can’t have one without the other. Her hope is that we end the stigma for receiving mental health treatment. You don’t have to suffer in silence and there is no shame in seeking help.

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Quynh Lee

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC,MA,QMHP-CS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
12 years of experience

What I enjoy most about being a therapist is that each session is a collaborative effort in which both the client and therapist leaves the session with a learning experience that contributes to discovery and growth. I believe that all experiences (good, bad, ugly) are for the purpose of learning and letting go and that therapy is one of the best ways to explore what needs to be learned and let go so a sense of worth and purpose can be fully realized and experienced. I am a licensed professional counselor working in the state of Texas for over 7 years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, psychosis, addiction, low self worth, and shame issues that have impacted their ability to thrive in relationships and life. My therapy style is compassionate, caring, and person-centered. I seek to create an environment of mutual respect and trust, connectivity, collaboration, courage, creativity, and confidence in self. My approach is grounded in cognitive behavioral approaches that include internal family systems and dialectical behavioral therapy. If you are ready to let go of the burden and chaos that has kept you feeling stuck, unable to find yourself staying in the present moment, and lacking in joy then I would be grateful for the opportunity to guide you in healing. Give yourself the gift of knowing you are safe, protected, blessed, and loved. I look forward to working with you!

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LaNesha Creeks

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 7 years of professional work experience as a therapist and I am trained in EMDR. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Feel free to review my calendar and select a time that works for you. I am available for evening and weekend sessions. I recommend booking your next session as soon as possible because preferred times cannot be reserved. Be blessed.

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Amy Donahue

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC,LCDC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

Twenty years of experience in drug/alcohol and mental health therapy. I have worked as a mental health therapist in corrections, community mental health facilities, IOP programs, and Adult Drug Court, Juvenile Drug Court, and Opiate addiction and detox facilities. I have been a lead therapist and a facility Clinical Manager. I have done inpatient, outpatient and have experience in telemedicine psychiatric mental health work. My experience also includes QCC, Individual therapy, treatment team supervision. My areas of expertise include family therapy. Anxiety. Mood disorders, PTSD, anger management, Bipolar, and substance use disorders.. Client Relations: I believe that regardless of the difficulties or painful experiences we encounter, we can use those experiences as opportunities to grow and find more inner strength. Therapy can be used as a means to motivate positive change and to make enhancements to your life.show

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Marie Martinez

Offering therapy in TX
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Cindy Dickerson

Offering therapy in TX
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started.

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Margaret Campbell

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapeutic approach is a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Interpersonal therapy, and Reality therapy; this is often referred to as a Multi modal therapy approach. I am dedicated to assisting you in improving your relationships, teaching new strategies to cope with your life's stressors, and goal attainment in order to reach your fullest potential. I want to help you develop the tools you need to deal with complicated feelings and situations. Good mental health is not a destination, it is a process. I am proud of you for taking this step -it means that you're making a commitment to change your life for the better.

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Karen Villarreal

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. 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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Dr. Shandra Wilson

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & relationship issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Hays

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays, 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 78610 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 Hays 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 Hays 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 Hays, 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.

Hays 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Hays.

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

78610

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