Therapists in Ames, IA
![Photo of Kylie Russell, LISW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f92f36e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kylie Russell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ames, IA 50010
Waitlist for new clients
It takes a great deal of courage to reach out during vulnerable times and making the decision to seek help is a big step, which is why I focus on building a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship in a safe environment. I focus on empowering clients to gain overall well-being by providing a non-judgmental atmosphere. A cornerstone of my work is to become an ally for clients to assist them in achieving their goals and recognizing their strengths. Although I work with clients with many different concerns, my passion lies in assisting with symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and self-esteem.
It takes a great deal of courage to reach out during vulnerable times and making the decision to seek help is a big step, which is why I focus on building a supportive and trusting therapeutic relationship in a safe environment. I focus on empowering clients to gain overall well-being by providing a non-judgmental atmosphere. A cornerstone of my work is to become an ally for clients to assist them in achieving their goals and recognizing their strengths. Although I work with clients with many different concerns, my passion lies in assisting with symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and self-esteem.
![Photo of Kathy May, MRC, T-LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0bc20eb-4430-4ac3-af37-fa0d816d6156/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sometimes it is hard to navigate life's challenges. These challenges are often related to the connections we have with ourselves, others, and how we make sense of life events. As a therapist/counselor, my goal is to develop a safe environment where we partner to improve those connections and create healing. I believe in using warmth, honesty, humor, and current research-based methods to achieve this goal.
Sometimes it is hard to navigate life's challenges. These challenges are often related to the connections we have with ourselves, others, and how we make sense of life events. As a therapist/counselor, my goal is to develop a safe environment where we partner to improve those connections and create healing. I believe in using warmth, honesty, humor, and current research-based methods to achieve this goal.
![Photo of Andrew McGinn, tLMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5a7cff86-01e3-4d06-af1f-7745fb9a372a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you ready to live, laugh, and love again? (Did I really just open my Psychology Today profile by ripping off everyone’s favorite/least favorite home décor slogan?) Seriously, though, life is too short to be miserable. It’s my hope that our time together will empower you to live with more purpose. I approach therapy in an informal way, because counseling doesn’t have to be so uptight. It’s OK to laugh! I spent 23 years as a newspaper feature writer before changing careers, writing thousands of stories. I now want my clients to look at the narrative of their lives and choose, for themselves, the direction their own story takes.
Are you ready to live, laugh, and love again? (Did I really just open my Psychology Today profile by ripping off everyone’s favorite/least favorite home décor slogan?) Seriously, though, life is too short to be miserable. It’s my hope that our time together will empower you to live with more purpose. I approach therapy in an informal way, because counseling doesn’t have to be so uptight. It’s OK to laugh! I spent 23 years as a newspaper feature writer before changing careers, writing thousands of stories. I now want my clients to look at the narrative of their lives and choose, for themselves, the direction their own story takes.
![Photo of Michael Edens, CADC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ab0f943-4d1e-4d49-9e84-5a071db6670c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mike has been with YSS since April 2022. Mike completed his BS degree in Human Services with a Certification of Specialization in Chemical Dependency Counseling. Mike’s areas of expertise include addiction, recovery, and relapse prevention. Mike provides SUD assessments, individual and group, and education for levels EOP and IOP. Mike enjoys being a dad, his greatest blessing. Mike enjoys learning about new ideas, technology/IT, and jiu-jitsu. Mike meets with clients in Ames and Des Moines.
Mike has been with YSS since April 2022. Mike completed his BS degree in Human Services with a Certification of Specialization in Chemical Dependency Counseling. Mike’s areas of expertise include addiction, recovery, and relapse prevention. Mike provides SUD assessments, individual and group, and education for levels EOP and IOP. Mike enjoys being a dad, his greatest blessing. Mike enjoys learning about new ideas, technology/IT, and jiu-jitsu. Mike meets with clients in Ames and Des Moines.
![Photo of Elaine Aubin O'Neal - Elaine O'Neal, PLC - Safe Harbour Counseling, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d364e58-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Elaine O'Neal, PLC - Safe Harbour Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ames, IA 50014
I believe in a strengths based approach and challenge people to seek new perspectives in navigating through their lives. I enjoy meeting and working with people to help them find a renewed confidence in themselves and their abilities. I work with all ages providing support to better manage daily stressors and relational issues and foster self empowerment. Life can get complicated. You don't have to go through it alone. I'm here to help.
I believe in a strengths based approach and challenge people to seek new perspectives in navigating through their lives. I enjoy meeting and working with people to help them find a renewed confidence in themselves and their abilities. I work with all ages providing support to better manage daily stressors and relational issues and foster self empowerment. Life can get complicated. You don't have to go through it alone. I'm here to help.
![Photo of Chrissy Flathers, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98f66938-1679-4238-835f-ab4849546a99/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chrissy Flathers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Ames, IA 50010
Not accepting new clients
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker who has been providing therapy and counseling services for over 10 years. I have felt honored to be a witness to the growth, change, and healing that can occur in an individual or family's life through the therapy process. I aim to help people be healthier and happier in their lives and relationships.
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker who has been providing therapy and counseling services for over 10 years. I have felt honored to be a witness to the growth, change, and healing that can occur in an individual or family's life through the therapy process. I aim to help people be healthier and happier in their lives and relationships.
![Photo of Tami Wirth Hunter, LISW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/465e7755-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tami Wirth Hunter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ames, IA 50010
Are you seeking compassionate therapy for yourself or your child? Look no further! I'm a Registered Play Therapist passionate about helping young children and adults find healing and growth. My journey in social work has taken me through diverse and impactful experiences. With a background that includes domestic violence, sexual assault advocacy, and the child welfare system, I bring a deep understanding of the complex issues individuals and families may face. My commitment to helping others thrive and find healing drives my private practice in Ames.
Are you seeking compassionate therapy for yourself or your child? Look no further! I'm a Registered Play Therapist passionate about helping young children and adults find healing and growth. My journey in social work has taken me through diverse and impactful experiences. With a background that includes domestic violence, sexual assault advocacy, and the child welfare system, I bring a deep understanding of the complex issues individuals and families may face. My commitment to helping others thrive and find healing drives my private practice in Ames.
![Photo of Lisa Witter, LMHC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49865842-bb2e-46bb-90b5-979c220c7cc5/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a therapist and licensed counselor in Ames, IA. I offer in-person and virtual sessions for women ages 18+. I specialize in helping you build confidence, achieve personal goals and be less stressed. Enjoy better relationships and overall vitality. Learn effective strategies for a strong inner guidance. Feel peaceful, creative and connected through challenges. I also offer parent coaching for families with children ages 2-25. Contact me, or sign up on my website, for your free initial consultation.
I am a therapist and licensed counselor in Ames, IA. I offer in-person and virtual sessions for women ages 18+. I specialize in helping you build confidence, achieve personal goals and be less stressed. Enjoy better relationships and overall vitality. Learn effective strategies for a strong inner guidance. Feel peaceful, creative and connected through challenges. I also offer parent coaching for families with children ages 2-25. Contact me, or sign up on my website, for your free initial consultation.
![Photo of Morgan Fielder, MS, NCC, tLMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/888b2362-1060-4c2b-848d-6b8a0b8d56ca/1/320x400.jpeg)
Making the decision to reach out to a counselor for the first time is a challenging step to take. I provide a safe environment for my clients to explore their reasoning for seeking mental health counseling services by actively listening to their concerns and needs in order to assist them in the process of sorting through various life challenges. I enjoy listening to each individual's story and encourage them to use their strengths as a tool for overcoming these life challenges and building a safe environment for client's to meet their goals and to make a treatment plan tailored specifically to them.
Making the decision to reach out to a counselor for the first time is a challenging step to take. I provide a safe environment for my clients to explore their reasoning for seeking mental health counseling services by actively listening to their concerns and needs in order to assist them in the process of sorting through various life challenges. I enjoy listening to each individual's story and encourage them to use their strengths as a tool for overcoming these life challenges and building a safe environment for client's to meet their goals and to make a treatment plan tailored specifically to them.
![Photo of Meredith Francom, MA, tLMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7f3a561d-49c7-412d-b929-1e6805e73cc3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meredith Francom
Counselor, MA, tLMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ames, IA 50010
Waitlist for new clients
I truly believe that forming a genuine connection is where the magic happens in counseling. My whole approach revolves around building a strong bond that paves the way for healing. I make it a point to create a safe and supportive space where you can be your true self and feel totally accepted. We'll team up to help you understand who you are, dig into how the past shapes your present, look at how different systems affect your well-being, and learn strategies and skills for moving forward.
I truly believe that forming a genuine connection is where the magic happens in counseling. My whole approach revolves around building a strong bond that paves the way for healing. I make it a point to create a safe and supportive space where you can be your true self and feel totally accepted. We'll team up to help you understand who you are, dig into how the past shapes your present, look at how different systems affect your well-being, and learn strategies and skills for moving forward.
![Photo of Thomas Earl Loney, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47e6e94d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Does life feel like a struggle everyday, filled with with low motivation, fear, or sadness. The good news is that life does not have to be this way! We will work on disputing negative beliefs, and learning techniques that help create a positive energy and mindset that makes it possible to live a fulfilling life. I utilize an integration of cognitive behavioral (CBT), person-centered, and solution focused therapy to help you identify the thoughts, emotions and behaviors interfering with your ability to be successful and achieve the balance and self-esteem to successfully meet the challenges in life, work, and relationships.
Does life feel like a struggle everyday, filled with with low motivation, fear, or sadness. The good news is that life does not have to be this way! We will work on disputing negative beliefs, and learning techniques that help create a positive energy and mindset that makes it possible to live a fulfilling life. I utilize an integration of cognitive behavioral (CBT), person-centered, and solution focused therapy to help you identify the thoughts, emotions and behaviors interfering with your ability to be successful and achieve the balance and self-esteem to successfully meet the challenges in life, work, and relationships.
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![Photo of Paul James Jacobson - Coordinates for Connection Psychotherapy, MA, tMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16d77862-2f40-420d-8acb-fbb24700004e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Coordinates for Connection Psychotherapy
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, tMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Ames, IA 50010
My ideal clients range from individuals of all ages, couples, and families. They face challenges like parenting struggles, relationship issues, existential crises, and mental health concerns. They seek growth, connection, and courage to make life changes. Their goals are to flourish in relationships, overcome fears, and find meaning. They desire unconditional acceptance and support to become their best selves. My practice, Coordinates for Connection Psychotherapy, provides compassionate, trusting, and transformative care, helping clients leave feeling better and more empowered.
My ideal clients range from individuals of all ages, couples, and families. They face challenges like parenting struggles, relationship issues, existential crises, and mental health concerns. They seek growth, connection, and courage to make life changes. Their goals are to flourish in relationships, overcome fears, and find meaning. They desire unconditional acceptance and support to become their best selves. My practice, Coordinates for Connection Psychotherapy, provides compassionate, trusting, and transformative care, helping clients leave feeling better and more empowered.
![Photo of Cassie St Aubin, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33f87762-4be3-4f61-9fcf-df353b0a4715/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cassie St Aubin
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ames, IA 50014
Waitlist for new clients
I’m Cassie, a licensed Mental Health Counselor with a specialization in Art Therapy. I take a collaborative, client-centered approach to counseling, and like to encourage artmaking in session. Creating in session is not a requirement. However, using art materials in therapy offers a chance to actively process what we talk about, and engages the brain and body in our therapeutic work. My education and professional experience specifically equipped me to use artmaking in a safe, trauma-informed, culturally responsible, and affirmi
I’m Cassie, a licensed Mental Health Counselor with a specialization in Art Therapy. I take a collaborative, client-centered approach to counseling, and like to encourage artmaking in session. Creating in session is not a requirement. However, using art materials in therapy offers a chance to actively process what we talk about, and engages the brain and body in our therapeutic work. My education and professional experience specifically equipped me to use artmaking in a safe, trauma-informed, culturally responsible, and affirmi
![Photo of Lily Buschette, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0cc2431a-c4b5-4a62-9712-c55ef89da04e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lily Buschette
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Ames, IA 50010
Not accepting new clients
Uncertainty about your future, relationships, and career may be leaving you feeling helpless, out of control, and disconnected from who you want to be. Constant focus on making the right decisions or choices leads you to second guess yourself at every turn. This can leave you feeling lost, stuck, and completely unsure of yourself. You are probably exhausted from the constant “what ifs” and all the pressure you put on your shoulders. It can also get tricky setting boundaries when you tend to put others needs above your own. You know something needs to change but maybe you’re not sure where to start.
Uncertainty about your future, relationships, and career may be leaving you feeling helpless, out of control, and disconnected from who you want to be. Constant focus on making the right decisions or choices leads you to second guess yourself at every turn. This can leave you feeling lost, stuck, and completely unsure of yourself. You are probably exhausted from the constant “what ifs” and all the pressure you put on your shoulders. It can also get tricky setting boundaries when you tend to put others needs above your own. You know something needs to change but maybe you’re not sure where to start.
![Photo of Carol Caskey, LMSW, MSEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/845d2308-0500-47fa-8b4e-ec889530b7f6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carol Caskey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MSEd
Verified Verified
Ames, IA 50010 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Carol. I enjoy meeting new people, and I would love to meet you. I have been working with people to improve their lives for over 20 years. Many people I meet are struggling with feeling anxious, sad, and feeling overwhelmed. Often there are struggles with relationships, not feeling loved, not knowing how to connect, feeling lonely. Grief over many small losses or just one big one, it can be hard to adjust. These are common issues that I can help you work through. Making better decisions, becoming happier and more confident, and better understanding yourself are often achieved along the way.
Hello! My name is Carol. I enjoy meeting new people, and I would love to meet you. I have been working with people to improve their lives for over 20 years. Many people I meet are struggling with feeling anxious, sad, and feeling overwhelmed. Often there are struggles with relationships, not feeling loved, not knowing how to connect, feeling lonely. Grief over many small losses or just one big one, it can be hard to adjust. These are common issues that I can help you work through. Making better decisions, becoming happier and more confident, and better understanding yourself are often achieved along the way.
![Photo of Sue Stidwell - Sue Stidwell, LMHC, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40c4ce2a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with college age and above through older adult. Depression, anxiety, trauma and loss issues, ADHD are all areas of concern of clients that we can focus on together. Solution focused therapy, brief therapy, cognitive therapy, family systems therapy are all important as therapy approaches, with the best being truly listening to my clients to determine what they believe is possible through therapy. I have experiences with DMACC students, parenting classes, anger management classes for thirteen years, as well as mediating parenting plans for divorcing couples. I am a licensed mental health counselor in Iowa.
I enjoy working with college age and above through older adult. Depression, anxiety, trauma and loss issues, ADHD are all areas of concern of clients that we can focus on together. Solution focused therapy, brief therapy, cognitive therapy, family systems therapy are all important as therapy approaches, with the best being truly listening to my clients to determine what they believe is possible through therapy. I have experiences with DMACC students, parenting classes, anger management classes for thirteen years, as well as mediating parenting plans for divorcing couples. I am a licensed mental health counselor in Iowa.
![Photo of Kyla Keltner, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd42673e-aa2a-4d6a-a78f-0fe0bc8bcd63/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome! My name is Kyla and I offer a non-judgmental and welcoming virtual therapy experience. I specialize in helping people externalize themselves from their fears and worries by using a combination of approaches. I pride myself on being a therapist who listens with intent and who is able to provide feedback and challenge you when needed. I work with clients in a variety of ways to help them better understand themselves and to improve their mental health.
Hello and welcome! My name is Kyla and I offer a non-judgmental and welcoming virtual therapy experience. I specialize in helping people externalize themselves from their fears and worries by using a combination of approaches. I pride myself on being a therapist who listens with intent and who is able to provide feedback and challenge you when needed. I work with clients in a variety of ways to help them better understand themselves and to improve their mental health.
![Photo of Nichole Olson, PhD, LP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/438de93b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nichole Olson
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Ames, IA 50014
Not accepting new clients
I feel grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside others on their journeys towards healing and growth. I take a collaborative and empowering approach. I believe that the client is the expert in their life, and I view my role as being a guide as clients reflect on their experiences, identify patterns that are causing distress, connect with their emotions, and work towards meaningful changes. I believe that creating a therapeutic relationship that is safe, validating, and accepting is an essential component of the change process.
I feel grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside others on their journeys towards healing and growth. I take a collaborative and empowering approach. I believe that the client is the expert in their life, and I view my role as being a guide as clients reflect on their experiences, identify patterns that are causing distress, connect with their emotions, and work towards meaningful changes. I believe that creating a therapeutic relationship that is safe, validating, and accepting is an essential component of the change process.
![Photo of Andrea Hohmann, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c584abef-5df4-45e3-a5db-d08ed2f5a2f5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andrea Hohmann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ames, IA 50010 (Online Only)
You are learning to adapt to life’s constant changes and transitions. Maybe it’s adjusting to college. Maybe you are beyond that and navigating your career. Or maybe there are wedding bells in your future or starting your own family. You want to be happy, adaptive and thriving.
You are learning to adapt to life’s constant changes and transitions. Maybe it’s adjusting to college. Maybe you are beyond that and navigating your career. Or maybe there are wedding bells in your future or starting your own family. You want to be happy, adaptive and thriving.
![Photo of Leah Demarest - Flourishing Engagements, MS, LMHC, CADC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/55065a90-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy mending families and relationships. I enjoy working with children, helping them to overcome difficult situations, communicate their emotions and needs, healing from trauma, and developing their goals. I enjoy helping those struggling with mental illness fight through their symptoms, realize their worth, and push them over that mountain to what they want to accomplish. I enjoy working with people like you. We all have problems, we all go through tough times. Let me help you get through your current struggle.
I enjoy mending families and relationships. I enjoy working with children, helping them to overcome difficult situations, communicate their emotions and needs, healing from trauma, and developing their goals. I enjoy helping those struggling with mental illness fight through their symptoms, realize their worth, and push them over that mountain to what they want to accomplish. I enjoy working with people like you. We all have problems, we all go through tough times. Let me help you get through your current struggle.
See more therapy options for Ames
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Ames, IA
100+
Average cost per session
$158
Therapists in Ames, IA who prioritize treating:
88% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
72% | Stress |
71% | Self Esteem |
69% | Relationship Issues |
60% | Grief |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
81% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
71% | Wellmark BCBS |
47% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Ames, IA see their clients
77% | In Person and Online | |
23% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
19% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Ames?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.