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Larry VanHook

Offering therapy in TX
License: DM,M.Div, MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
9 years of experience

Hello! I am excited to be considered as your counselor and friend! I have spent the last 25+ years counseling many diverse people as a minister, Army and hospital chaplain, and now a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I hold a doctorate in management and three Master degrees (counseling, religion, ministry), but I also hold a passion for help people who feel lost, broken, abandoned, anxious, or traumatized. I am deeply concerned for the well being of marriages and have lots of experience dealing with couples including those surviving infidelity. I also am a Certified Family Trauma Professional and trained in approaches that help treat trauma. Moreover, as a chaplain I am well acquainted with grief and loss including the loss of a child. My counseling approach is integrative, using aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Constructivist, Solution-Focused, mindfulness, family systems, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I tend to be analytical and curious. I also try to make the experience fun when I can! The following link allows you take a personality test that will allow me to get to know you: https://bigfive-test.com/ . P.S. Some notes that help me know about you: 1. Make sure you are in Texas, and I know where you are. If you leave the state, we have to postpone sessions. 2. Make sure no one is in the room with you. 3. Make sure you dress appropriately (casual is okay!) 4. If someone joins the session, make sure they view the informed consent and approved by working with Betterhelp. 5. When you first post, I need the following information: A. Your family situation B. Any individual and family past mental health diagnosis' and medications you are on with mg. C. Describe briefly your social support right now. D. Tell me briefly of any traumas you have in your story. E. Any relevant medical conditions that affect your mental well-being. F. Any developmental delays growing up. G. Any substance abuse or addictions that are relevant for us. H. What your strengths and limitations are. F. Finally, more specifics on your presenting problem.

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Leah Alviar

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

My name is Leah Alviar and I would like to share a little bit about myself with you.  Degrees, Certifications, and Professional Experience:  Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership from the University of the Incarnate Word M.A. in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio B.S. in Generic Special Education from Our Lady of the Lake University.   I am both a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified professional school counselor with over 22 years of counseling experience.  I have held leadership roles in local, regional, and state counseling organizations, am a published author, present at local, state, and national conferences and served as editor for Ph.D. student dissertations.   Currently I am a Senior Director at the University of the Incarnate Word and teach graduate counseling courses as well as undergraduate prep courses at various universities. I previously served as the Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, an instructional designer, adjunct professor for the M.A. in Counseling program, Director of Field Experience, and assistant professor of education at OLLU, as well as professional school counselor in various ISDs in San Antonio.  I have over 15 years’ experience teaching university students in both the online and face-to-face environments and have authored courses and taught classes at the undergraduate and graduate level for over 17 years. Theoretical Perspective: Over the course of my counseling career, I have worked with people who were anxious, depressed, stressed, and simply burned out; I have helped adolescents and couples who have struggled with communication issues and relationship barriers; I have worked with families regarding parenting, abuse, grief, and death; and I have helped individuals with career planning, self-esteem building, goal setting, and wellness strategies to cope with major life changes. Throughout my work, I have used many techniques and applied multiple theories, as each person is as unique as the theories and techniques.  I am solution-focused and client-centered.  I feel the counselor serves as the guide and facilitator for the clients as they move through their journey.  I use a humanistic approach to counseling, but also integrate cognitive behavior therapy techniques as deemed appropriate.  I adapt my counseling strategies to meet the needs of the client. A Little About Me: I have been happily married to my high school sweetheart for almost 25 years and together we have three amazing sons.  We enjoy fishing, being outdoors, reading, traveling, and catching the latest movie together as a family.  When practicing self-care, I enjoy ultrarunning, reading, skydiving and quilting.  

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Elizabeth Janca

Offering therapy in TX
License: MS, NCC, LPC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hello, my name is Elizabeth Janca. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a counselor after my own experiences in play therapy and counseling. Having that safe space meant so much to me that I wanted to provide that opportunities for others. Born and raised south of Houston, TX, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Texas A&M University followed by a Master’s in Counseling and Development at Texas Woman's University north of Dallas, TX. Over the last ten years I have had experience in direct therapy as an ABA therapist for children aged 2-12, play therapy with children aged 4-10, activity therapy with adolescents, talk therapy with adolescents and adults, and group therapy with adolescents and adults. Aside from my experience as a counselor, I also have three years’ experience in middle school education as an Academic Counselor and Administrator. I joined BetterHelp and Global Teletherapy with the hope of being able to continue to offer guidance and a safe space for children (5-12), teens (13-18), and young adults (19-35) as they navigate the challenges they encounter in life and school through client centered counseling. I primarily work out of Person/Client Centered Counseling, also known as Rogerian, which focuses on where the client drives the session in a nonjudgement space that facilities reflection. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful cognitive thoughts and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and develop coping strategies. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Mario Nicolas

Offering therapy in TX
License: PhD
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersCareer difficultiesDepression
30 years of experience

Hi, I’m Dr. Mario Nicolas. I am a Ph.D. (Penn State, 2002) trained Clinical Psychologist, with extensive experience in military mental health (Maj [Ret. – 2014]; USAF), clinical neuropsychology (fellowship trained; Univ. of Virginia Medical School [2005-07]), and Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH; past-USAF program consultant [2015-20]). If you want to learn more, check me out on LinkedIn. I provide individual therapy to adults and am available on weekday evenings, some early weekday early-mornings, and weekend mornings. I consider myself a cognitive-behavioral therapist, strongly influenced by Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). My style of interaction is patient-centered & culturally sensitive; and I consider hearing (not just listening to) my patient’s situation (your “story”) to be my most important task. I incorporate motivational interviewing, and the science of behavior-change, into everything that I do. At our initial visit we will go through what I describe as my "Game Plan" for working together. The "Game Plan" is a metaphor that many of my clients have found helpful for working with me -- in that it provides a "shared story" that we can use to navigate our work together. Here is the "Game Plan..." 1. We use the metaphor of a journey that you're on; and I am ONE OF your guides (friends, family members, mentors, etc. are also guides). 2. Help you understand the direction you're heading on this journey... This is your “North Star” or "Guiding Light..." essentially your “purpose” or your “values” -- the type of person you want to be in your life. NOTE: Your Values are different from your goals. The metaphor for the difference between the two is that Goals are like "destinations" (you can accomplish it) and Values are like "directions" (You don't ever get there... you just focus on moving forward and/or towards it). 3. Understand the concept of a “psychological toolbox” that is made up of certain tools. Our focus is on adding as many tools to your toolbox as we can. IMPORTANT: Our focus is not necessarily on finding tools that work... just ADDING TOOLS TO THE TOOLBOX. Important things to know about the "toolbox" are that: a) it is limitless and can never get too full, and b) the more tools you have in your toolbox the better you will feel about life. 4. Understand the the two main tools in the toolbox: A. INSIDE THE HEAD (ITH) tools: thoughts, images, sayings/mantras, memes, memories, the focus of your thoughts (past/present/future), your perspective B. OUTSIDE THE HEAD (OTH) tools: behaviors, reactions, hobbies/interests, body posture, facial expressions, things you do more/less, things you do/don’t do 5. Help you understand and recognize the tools that you use and, IMPORTANTLY, the tools that have become habits for you and/or have become "automatic.". The best way to recognize tools that have become automatic, is to pay attention to how you THINK, ACT, and/or FEEL. If you are THINKING/ACTING/FEELING in ways that just "don't feel right" that's a sign that you are using automatic tools that do NOT work for you. On the other hand, if you feel positive and healthy, that's a sign that you are using tools that DO work for you. 6. Once you recognize the tools that you’re using, you will learn how to ask yourself “Is this tool helpful or not helpful?” (based on how well it moves you TOWARDS or AWAY FROM your “North Star”) 7, If the tools work, we will help you to continue using them, and/or to strengthen your use of them. If they do not work , we will help you try out different ones and/or develop new ones. NOTE: Just because a tool does not work in one situation; it does not mean that it will not work in another situation. Therefore, you don't necessarily have to get rid of tools that aren't working. Also, even if you cannot get rid of, or change, a particular tool that is not helpful; you can learn to develop other types of tools that you can use to limit its impact (e.g., "watering down the liquor"). Don't worry if this "Game Plan" does not make too much sense for you; we will discuss it more during our first session. Likewise, if this "Game Plan" does not work for you, we will discuss addressing your therapy in a different way. I look forward to working with you!

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Nanna Gustin

Offering therapy in TX
License: MA, LPC-S
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am a Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavioral therapist with 19 years of experience. This experience includes treating mood disorders (depression, anxiety, etc), OCD and related disorders, addiction issues, personality disorders, phase of life issues, anger management issues as well as basic couples issues (jealousy or communication issues). My approach is through evidence based treatment and active listening. It is never my place to judge! My focus is to assist each client in reaching their/his/ her therapeutic goals. Unfortunately I do not provide sessions via chat. I look forward to meeting you and working along side you to create the life you want!

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Jenny Dzurica

Offering therapy in TX
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hey there! My name is Jenny and I have been a clinician for the last 7 years. I enjoy working with people who want to work towards their goals and assist them with discovering the best path for them. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, anger, impulsivity, and relationship issues. I have extensive experience working with adults and teens who are having gender and or sexual identity issues. My therapy style is compassionate, respectful, and honest. I believe that being honest and straight forward with people is the best way to support them in making the future that they want. I am here to support you in making changes you need to feel better. My approach is a combination of solution focused, strength based, and cognitive behavioral therapy. However each interaction is tailored to the person and their needs.

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Ashley Boyd

Offering therapy in TX
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteem
7 years of experience

I am licensed in the state of Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Grief, & 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you on that journey.

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Brenda Drage-Chan

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Aimee Murray

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
4 years of experience

Are you looking for someone who is real and authentic to talk to? It's rumored that therapy is typically a one-sided conversation that offers few chances for genuine interaction between the client and the counselor. That is not me! I am that counselor that will offer you a personal connection in order to facilitate growth and healing. My goal is to offer you support and guidance in whatever life situations you are experiencing. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. I hope you message me and let’s start this journey together. I can't wait to hear from you! Do you feel depressed, anxious, angry, or overwhelmed? Going through relationship problems? Experiencing trauma? Life is too short for that! My goal is to guide you through any obstacles you may be experiencing and get you to where you are finding meaning and purpose in your career, family, friendships, and all other areas of life. As a counselor I am here to guide you in finding healing and understanding in all situations. When you are ready to start this journey, I am ready to help you. Send me a message today so we can schedule your first session and get you on the road to feeling better.

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George Boyd

Offering therapy in TX
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
4 years of experience

Doing the same thing and expecting different results...the definition of insanity! I pride myself on "breaking the mold" of people's preconceived opinion of therapists, and accompanying people on their journey of healing. Being a US Army veteran, I bring a unique perspective to the field of mental health. My genuinely client-centered style of therapy provides a unique experience, and why I frequently get told "I've never met a therapist like you before!" It is easy to find ourselves feeling stuck in life, and before we know it we have spent far too long spinning tires. Whether assisting a teenager in defining what they want their future to look like, processing trauma with a veteran / first responder, or guiding an individual to break the chains of addiction, I am confident in our ability to work collaboratively towards accomplishing your goals. If you've read this far, you are obviously motivated to find the "right" therapist to talk to. Very seldom can we control things in life that negatively impact us, but taking control of what we can is one of the first steps to growth and self-discovery. Together, let's embark on a journey towards self-fulfillment, healing, and resilience!

How to find counseling in Olmos Park

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park, 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 78212 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park, 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.

Olmos Park 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 Olmos Park.

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

78212

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