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Lauren del Angel

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Welcome! Something in your life has initiated this search for support and you’ve come to the right place. I applaud you. It takes a wise person to seek out counseling support in getting the life they want. I want to help you get there. Here is a little about me and how I plan to support you: I have a master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University (2013) and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. Since the beginning of my bachelor’s education I have been refining my skill in counseling others. I spent two years in the Peace Corps working with families in a small community to tackle struggles they were having and build on their strengths—an experience that taught me humility and how to better meet my clients where they are at. I’ve worked with individuals who have faced significant trauma in their lives, those recovering from PTSD, and those who have had suicidal thoughts. I have had the pleasure of helping individuals who feel they complete lack of self esteem and was able to help them find hope and grow in confidence. I am well versed, personally and professionally, in the painful and incessant struggles of anxiety. My therapeutic style involves helping you to arrive at insight, strategies, and tools that you can begin using immediately to make positive change in your life. We don’t just sit and talk. I love to provide you with concrete tools wherever possible and help you to have a plan for the following days before our next session, if that is the pace you would like to move at. Most importantly, we are going to make sure we are making progress on goals that you have for yourself. I will be there to guide you, encourage you, possibly even challenge you if I feel you are unknowingly allowing obstacles to stand in your way. You may find it helpful to know that I have a lot of experience being the client in a counseling relationship and I was very picky about what I looked for in my therapist/counselor. I am a person who needs to know I can say absolutely anything to my counselor and they won’t think any less of me. I need to feel understood, validated, and (I’ll admit) almost admired in their presence in order to feel that I can say things that I hold back from saying in my ordinary life. If this is the kind of relationship you would like to have with your counselor, too, then I understand you and you’ve come to the right place.

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Vanessa Cleere

Offering therapy in TX
License: M.Ed,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
3 years of experience

Hello! My name is Vanessa Cleere. I am a mom, educator and a fixer. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the great state of Texas and have lived here my entire life. I grew up in South Texas and relocated to attend Baylor University to pursue my degree in Psychology. I obtained my Master's in Counseling at Tarleton State University a few years after. I have worked in a school setting for over ten years and helped many families who needed extra support for various reasons. I understand that life can get tough and that having some one that will help you process your thoughts and feelings is important. My counseling style is emphatic, trusting and interactive. I believe that my clients need to say what is on their minds and be able to feel safe to process it with me. Most people who seek my support are experiencing some form of stress in their lives. This could be job related, family related or a current problem they are trying to solve. This may manifest as anxiety, depression, anger, addictive behaviors, disordered eating, grief, trauma, relationship conflict, a struggle with life transitions, and trauma. I also assist people who wish to deepen their self-understanding and personal growth. Whatever you are going through, I believe that we can join together to help you understand your unique experience and develop creative solutions. My approach is a mostly humanistic in that we focus on ways to help improve an individual's self-image or self-actualization - the things that make them feel worthwhile. I like to set goals when needed and work on various tasks in order to reach the clients ultimate needs. It takes courage to seek out help so I look forward to making that an easy and comfortable step for you!

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Dr. Antonio Robinson

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC,NCC,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I specialize in MEN'S issues, with several years of experience providing mental health services, primarily to Men. I believe everyone has the potential for change when provided optimal psychoeducation, a space to be vulnerable, and individualized therapies that are driven by genuine warmth and support. Men historically do not seek mental health services because of stigma, fear of not being understood, and limited numbers of male therapists who "get" them. MEN’s issues can include mental health and wellness, self-care practices, relationship problems, healthy relationship skills, depression, stress, anxiety, crisis management, anger management, career exploration, and academic concerns. What makes an issue a “MEN’s issue” depends on how it was developed. MEN’s issues are developed within a context (such as family raised in, time period, culture, or geographical area). Such contexts have the potential to define behavior as something a man would or would not do. These definitions can be limiting and unhelpful. They can restrict the problem-solving ability of Men in situations that require more flexible and adaptive responses. Anger and irritability: Often, Men are taught to hide more vulnerable emotions such as hurt or sadness and instead express anger and lash out. This may be the only way they have learned to communicate they are hurting. However, anger can have disastrous effects on relationships. Learning how to communicate hurt and sadness effectively can facilitate an opportunity for repair and even strengthen relationships. Psychotherapy can help Men let go of problematic anger and express the vulnerability needed to have fulfilling relationships. Numbing or pushing away emotions: Some MEN may have been raised in environments where the very experience of emotion was unacceptable. This can result in attempts to avoid or control emotions. For example, ending relationships, devaluing the importance of loved ones, or keeping people at a distance can be ways to avoid uncomfortable feelings. Unfortunately, these attempts to control emotions can result in even more problems and even more difficult emotions. Therapy can help men identify, learn to deal with, and effectively express emotions in more adaptive ways and help preserve and strengthen relationships. Dr. Robinson earned his master's degree in counseling and practices as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board-Certified National Counselor, and Board Certified TeleMental Health (BC-TMH) provider with various experiences from counseling adults, couples, and college students. He later went on to earn his Doctor of Education degree. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Jamaal Fortner

Offering therapy in TX
License: DSW,MHA,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

Dr. Jamaal “Doc J” Fortner is a south Louisiana native who combines his sense of home-spun Southern wisdom with evidence based practice. He brings an extensive clinical background that includes inpatient psychiatric care and outpatient clinical practice focused on members of the LGBTQ+ population and populations of color. Additionally, he holds specialties in substance abuse and domestic violence. Dr. Jamaal “Doc J” Fortner is an alumnus of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Health Administration. He is also an alumnus of the University of Southern California with a Master of Social Work and a Doctorate of Social Work. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Texas, Colorado and Nevada.

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Aja Jones

Offering therapy in TX
License: MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

There is no roadmap to guide us through life. When things happen, there is no set of instructions on how to emotionally navigate various situations. Let’s face it: adulting is not easy, no matter what age you are! Life can get overwhelming sometimes. Having someone to talk to during these difficult times of life’s stressors and transitions means you don’t have to carry the weight alone. Whether you are experiencing stress, emotional pain, relational struggles, or just need support, I am here to help. I also offer femininity coaching. My history of being a pageant girl and loving all things class and etiquette led me to incorporate a component of femininity coaching into my practice. I understand the struggles of being a woman, wife, daughter, aunt, and sister and all the hats we wear in those roles. I want to empower women to live a more vibrant life! I look forward to hearing from you!

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Dr. Mary Walker

Offering therapy in TX
License: Ph.D.,LPC
Eating disordersSleeping disorders
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas and have been in the field for 10+ years. I have never failed to be fascinated with people, with their stories, and with their ability to overcome their circumstances and find the peace they desire. I was an art teacher in high school for many years. That opportunity presented me with experience in learning about the heart of a young person. I worked in several churches as a mentor and learned the need for skills people lacked in order to overcome their past and move forward into a healthy life. As a counselor, I saw the amazing struggles that people are grappling with as they tried to tackle each day. I believe that a counselor can be the helper who will walk along side of a person on their journey to healing. I completed my Masters in counseling at the Houston Graduate School of Theology, then went on to Texas A&M Corpus Christi to complete a Ph.D. I have also extended my studies to include many techniques for working with trauma/PTSD, personality disorders, grief, disassociation, depression, OCD, transition issues, and anxiety. I have been involved with many survivors of childhood abuse, those struggling with life issues in their relationships, their workplace, and in society in general. Fear, anger, and frustration are often crippling to a healthy, productive life. I like to work with people in a person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, and in dialectic behavioral therapy. These therapies all offer a gentle and caring approach. They will allow you to be open in a safe environment and the ability to explore what will best work for you, the individual. I consider the people I’ve talked with and walked with in this journey of life to be among the strongest people on earth. They are willing to step out of their problems and seek a better, healthier life. It’s hard work, but it is worth it.

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Jourdan Hamilton

Offering therapy in TX
License: M Ed.
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsDepression
6 years of experience

At the end of the day I want you know the you have a place where you belong, where you are loved and where you are supported. I think the world can be tough enough on its own... and the last thing that we all need are others criticizing and judging us for being ourselves. I specialize in LGBTQ affirming therapies in addition to a range of mental health issues. From depression and anxiety, to post traumatic stress, workplace stress, bereavement and loss; I will always take things at your pace, and look to approach your recovery with a blend of traditional counseling techniques and complementary alternative therapies. I am a proud supported of HBCUs. I received my Bachelors degree in psychology from Prairie View A&M University and Masters of Education in Counseling degree from Texas Southern University. I have devoted the past 12 years to the field of counseling and social work in a effort to improve the life of others, and develop effective therapeutic skills. I am a member and proud supporter of the LGBTQ community and consider it a top priority to create a safe space for all people to exist. Hope to hear from you soon....

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Stephanie Moore

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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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Mark Wallman

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsGriefDepression
32 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Marla Saenz

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping 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, relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 El Lago

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed El Lago 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 El Lago 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 El Lago 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 El Lago, 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 El Lago 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 El Lago 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 El Lago 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 El Lago 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 El Lago 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 77586 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 El Lago 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 El Lago 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 El Lago, 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.

El Lago 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 El Lago.

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

77586

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