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Michelle Drake-Mermea

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA, LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

ABOUT ME Welcome! I look forward to working with you and helping you to overcome obstacles and begin living the life you imagine. It takes courage to seek out counseling supports and I'm glad you've reached out to improve your life with our help today. Here is a little about me and how I plan to support you: I have a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University (2009) and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington state. I have experience working with teenagers in psychiatric residential treatment, children in public schools, community mental health, running group workshops using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and in the last 8 years working in a non-profit serving children, adults, couples and families. I am a clinical supervisor for a team of therapists helping children and families involved with the Department of Children and Family Services and I offer clinical supervision to other therapists seeking licensure. My therapeutic style involves helping you to arrive at insight, strategies, and skills that you can implement into your daily life to experience relief of overwhelming feelings and increase positive changes. My goal is to make you feel validated, supported, and most importantly, to meet you where you are at. You are the expert of your life and I value this about my clients. Your input and voice is the driving force for our success in this process. We will set realistic and manageable goals to guide you and improve your life. I am here for you throughout this process and I encourage you to ask questions, to share concerns if they arise, and to check in at any point about your progress/needs. Finding a counselor can be daunting and I hope we can work as a collaborative team to best meet your needs! SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Parenting issues Self esteem Depression Family conflict Teens Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Chronic illness Life transitions Years of Experience: 15

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Carissa Streich

Offering therapy in WA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hi! I am a clinical social worker licensed in Washington with over a decade of experience working in the field. I have worked with clients across the age spectrum with a wide range of concerns including but not limited to depression, stress, anxiety, bullying, relationship issues, life transitions and career challenges. I have also worked with many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style can be direct, but is warm and strengths-based. I believe in treating all humans with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines tenets of cognitive-behavioral and psycho-dynamic theories, while using a trauma-informed framework. I will tailor our pace, dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to reach out for support and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you along your path. I look forward to working with you, and getting to know you better!

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Marisa Schaff

Offering therapy in WA
License: LICSW,SUDP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
10 years of experience

Hi! My name is Marisa, I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Substance Use Disorder Professional in the State of Washington. I started working as a Substance Abuse Counselor in 2010 with Adolescents and discovered that mental health often intersected. I decided to attend graduate school at the University of Denver for my Master's in Social Work with a concentration in Family Systems and the Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate. While at DU I completed three classes in the Psychology Department focused on Military culture and treatment. While in my second year of graduate school, I started a two year Post- Graduate Program at the Denver Family Institute for training and education for Marriage and Family Therapy. I graduated from that program in February 2019. I have worked in a wide array of jobs from Drug Court to Pregnant and Postpartum Women in residential treatment. I have worked with wide range of concerns including, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, relationship issues, communication, family conflict, addiction and trauma. My counseling style is strength based with interjections of humor and fun when appropriate. I often hear counseling described as being painful but I believe that the process should also consist of positivity, learning and growth. My approach is person-centered and combines techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, EMDR and Narrative Therapy. I will tailor my approach based on best fit for your goals. I believe that you are the expert in your life and I am here to assist you in any way possible to overcome challenges. I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals! I currently offer evening and some weekend appointments.

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Marla Majors

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with almost a decade of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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. My style is warm, interactive, funny, and wholesome. Therapy should be fun, introspective and engaging. With clients I have worked with, they will tell you that they have laughed and cried at the same time. I even had one client snort in a therapy session! While in session, I will use talk therapy, supportive Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy as my main model of care but I will certainly use a client centered approach to help guide the session. 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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Barbara Leigh

Offering therapy in WA
License: M.S.Ed., LPC-S, NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

With over 30 years of experience as a therapist, I offer a seasoned combination of wisdom, current relevance and flexible interventions. I have seen trends come and go in the fields of psychology and counseling, so I like to identify your particular needs and tailor treatment modalities to your unique circumstances and expectations. I enjoy helping people discover their true needs/desires and pursuing their dreams, potential and meeting their life goals. I specialize in helping you overcome life's speed bumps - being stuck, restlessness, grief, depression, anxiety and trauma (I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional). I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, families and with partners/marriages. I have worked in multiple settings - inpatient, outpatient, day treatment, residential, in-home, private practice and, of course, virtual! My "pet topics" are neuropsychology, PTSD/ADHD and media psychology. My pioneering work with online counseling in the 90s (pre-Google!) was featured on Oprah's network and in Glamour Magazine, so I come to you with the highest of standards in the field. I typically use cognitive-behavioral therapy, skills-building from dialectical-behavioral therapy and neurotherapy (teaching about how your mind-body chemicals spur your feelings which lead to thoughts, behaviors and habits). I believe that people change when they're ready - my goal is to help you get ready to change and then to support you through change. You know you can't directly change others, but you CAN change yourself - and by doing so, you help change the world for the better, one step at a time. And it all starts with you! Let's create a treatment plan that is both realistic and challenging for you - one that involves a precise balance of safety and risk, comfort and courage. My clients say I'm easy and fun to work with because of the combination of my personality, professional and personal experience...and thus I use a balanced combination of compassion, reality and humor...and because I'm real. Change is hard enough - why not make it fun, meaningful and enjoy the journey? I look forward to working with you! Ready? Set....Grow!!

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Jesica Lester-Hayes

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation and self-esteem, and depression. 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 happy for of you for getting started!

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Camille Holland

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 & empower you in that journey.

This is Rebecca Rice's avatar and link to their profile

Rebecca Rice

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a licensed social worker in Washington State. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. Starting therapy is a big step, and I'm happy you're here. I use a variety of therapy modalities, depending on the client and situation, but I most often use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which has a focus on the future, taking action and finding peace with our emotions. I look forward to hearing your unique story and working with you.

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Julie Knox

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Alabama, Arizona, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington with 15 years of professional clinical, counseling, and coaching experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & depression. I also have experience working with clients coping with life changes. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Shad St. Paul's avatar and link to their profile

Shad St. Paul

Offering therapy in WA
AddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am thrilled to extend a warm and heartfelt greeting to you as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) providing therapy services in the beautiful state of Washington. As a therapist, I am deeply committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly and authentically. My goal is to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and empowerment, offering support, guidance, and compassion every step of the way. With extensive training and experience in mental health counseling and substance use disorder treatment, I bring a unique blend of expertise to counseling sessions. Whether you are seeking support for managing anxiety, navigating life transitions, overcoming addiction, or improving your overall well-being, I am here to provide personalized, evidence-based therapy tailored to your individual needs and goals. In our work together, you can expect to be met with empathy, respect, and understanding as we explore the challenges you are facing and identify strategies for creating positive change in your life. My approach to therapy is collaborative, strengths-based, and holistic, honoring your unique strengths, values, and cultural background. I believe that therapy is a transformative and empowering process that has the potential to profoundly impact your life in meaningful ways. It is an honor and privilege to accompany you on your journey toward greater self-discovery, resilience, and fulfillment. Thank you for considering me as your therapist. I am here to support you every step of the way, and I look forward to the opportunity to work together toward a brighter, more hopeful future. Warm regards, Shad St. Paul Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP)

How to find counseling in Ruston

Finding the best therapist close by in Ruston 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 Ruston. 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 Ruston, 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 Ruston 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 Ruston 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 Ruston, elsewhere in Pierce, or in the greater state of Washington.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Ruston area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ruston 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 Ruston 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 Ruston may not take health insurance, some in the state of Washington 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 Washington 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 Ruston, Washington 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 Ruston 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 Ruston 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 Ruston 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 Ruston 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 Ruston 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 WA, 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 98407 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 Ruston 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 Ruston 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 Ruston, Washington 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.

Ruston 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 Ruston.

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

98407

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