Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
![Photo of Harper Cheaney, MAEd, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c593cb6-82c1-49cc-bbbb-3ab520ceffae/3/320x400.jpeg)
Harper Cheaney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MAEd, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My primary goal is to create a safe, open, judgment free environment. It is my belief that people at every age are the experts of their experiences and have the answers they seek already within themselves. I work with you to uncover your unique truth, while helping you gain tools to more wholly experience your daily life.
My primary goal is to create a safe, open, judgment free environment. It is my belief that people at every age are the experts of their experiences and have the answers they seek already within themselves. I work with you to uncover your unique truth, while helping you gain tools to more wholly experience your daily life.
![Photo of Chris Davidson, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc0869b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chris Davidson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Not accepting new clients
My therapeutic style is personal, respectful and practical. I can help you create and notice positive changes in your life and relationships and adapt to changing conditions as necessary.
I'll work with you to achieve tangible results towards your goals in therapy. We'll focus on what works to notice positive change as it happens.
Although I treat people with a wide range of issues, some areas of particular focus in my practice are: helping individuals and relationships that are affected by Chronic Physical Illness and/or Pain, Depression and Anxiety.
My therapeutic style is personal, respectful and practical. I can help you create and notice positive changes in your life and relationships and adapt to changing conditions as necessary.
I'll work with you to achieve tangible results towards your goals in therapy. We'll focus on what works to notice positive change as it happens.
Although I treat people with a wide range of issues, some areas of particular focus in my practice are: helping individuals and relationships that are affected by Chronic Physical Illness and/or Pain, Depression and Anxiety.
![Photo of Barbara Lutz, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42a88ad1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara Lutz
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
Since 1992, I have counseled families, adults and children. I am an EMDR Trainer, Institute consultant and facilitator, and use EMDR therapy's adaptive information processing to help clients master the challenges encountered in their lives. I received my PhD in international psychology with trauma focus. My specialties include Trauma, Acculturation, Attachment Disorders and Performance Enhancement in clients of all ages. My immigration experience from Germany has prompted the exploration of the crucial part played by our cultural roots in our decision making process and in our lifestyle choices. I speak English, Spanish and German.
Since 1992, I have counseled families, adults and children. I am an EMDR Trainer, Institute consultant and facilitator, and use EMDR therapy's adaptive information processing to help clients master the challenges encountered in their lives. I received my PhD in international psychology with trauma focus. My specialties include Trauma, Acculturation, Attachment Disorders and Performance Enhancement in clients of all ages. My immigration experience from Germany has prompted the exploration of the crucial part played by our cultural roots in our decision making process and in our lifestyle choices. I speak English, Spanish and German.
![Photo of Bethany Sala, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5335414b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bethany Sala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (Online Only)
I specialize in couples therapy and trauma. Many couples struggle with communication and come into therapy wanting to get out of escalation and better navigate conflict. I help couples feel more connected and attuned to one another. I also work with adults struggling with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and trauma. I integrate the latest trauma therapy treatment approaches that go deeper than just traditional talk therapy. Including internal family systems and attachment focused EMDR.
I specialize in couples therapy and trauma. Many couples struggle with communication and come into therapy wanting to get out of escalation and better navigate conflict. I help couples feel more connected and attuned to one another. I also work with adults struggling with anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and trauma. I integrate the latest trauma therapy treatment approaches that go deeper than just traditional talk therapy. Including internal family systems and attachment focused EMDR.
![Photo of Tim Desmond - Tim Desmond, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20c01d4e-9896-4a37-8a64-09fe9120a439/2/320x400.jpeg)
“A longtime meditator and skilled clinician, Tim Desmond offers exceptionally clear, accessible, and insightful guidance in how to facilitate deep transformation while addressing the spectrum of emotional suffering” — Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge
“A longtime meditator and skilled clinician, Tim Desmond offers exceptionally clear, accessible, and insightful guidance in how to facilitate deep transformation while addressing the spectrum of emotional suffering” — Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge
![Photo of Laurel Marie Andres, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43894e40-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Starting therapy takes courage. By the time my clients begin working with me they have grown tired of what's not working in their lives. I help them develop new perspectives, work through grief and loss, and choose their path forward. I base my practice on direct style, good humor and close attention to the subtle dynamics that have kept them stuck until now. Tools: Somatic, Narrative, Gestalt and Mindfulness approaches. Specialties: Trauma recovery, challenging life transitions, working with finances, sexuality and parenting.
Starting therapy takes courage. By the time my clients begin working with me they have grown tired of what's not working in their lives. I help them develop new perspectives, work through grief and loss, and choose their path forward. I base my practice on direct style, good humor and close attention to the subtle dynamics that have kept them stuck until now. Tools: Somatic, Narrative, Gestalt and Mindfulness approaches. Specialties: Trauma recovery, challenging life transitions, working with finances, sexuality and parenting.
![Photo of Amy Barton-Cayton, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/460634e5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have been working with people to achieve happier and more contented lives and relationships for more than 20 years. I have a particular interest in working with people who are interested in changing habit patterns that are familiar but not working.We all have habitual patterns of doing, being, and relating that may not be what we want in our lives today yet they persist as they have been reinforced over time. Some habits we have learned stem from childhood, others we may have developed as adults.
I have been working with people to achieve happier and more contented lives and relationships for more than 20 years. I have a particular interest in working with people who are interested in changing habit patterns that are familiar but not working.We all have habitual patterns of doing, being, and relating that may not be what we want in our lives today yet they persist as they have been reinforced over time. Some habits we have learned stem from childhood, others we may have developed as adults.
![Photo of Joe Sousa, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cacc3ad-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hi. I am Joe Sousa, a licensed psychotherapist in the State of CA. I've been providing counseling services in the Santa Cruz area in one form or another since 1993. Here's the issues I work with in therapy: Relationship enhancement, improve communication, sexual intimacy; handling difficulties, such as breakups and divorce; discovering life purpose and build self-esteem; issues relating to school, careers, money, a child or an elderly parent; dealing with powerful emotions, like anger, anxiety, depression, fear, grief, loss, and panic; addictive or compulsive behavior, with regard to alcohol, drugs, food, sex and/or porn.
Hi. I am Joe Sousa, a licensed psychotherapist in the State of CA. I've been providing counseling services in the Santa Cruz area in one form or another since 1993. Here's the issues I work with in therapy: Relationship enhancement, improve communication, sexual intimacy; handling difficulties, such as breakups and divorce; discovering life purpose and build self-esteem; issues relating to school, careers, money, a child or an elderly parent; dealing with powerful emotions, like anger, anxiety, depression, fear, grief, loss, and panic; addictive or compulsive behavior, with regard to alcohol, drugs, food, sex and/or porn.
![Photo of Manasa Grossman, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2710cd15-c7f0-456b-aba5-11583bd4f31e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Manasa Grossman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (Online Only)
Life can feel hard sometimes. You may be feeling stuck; struggling in your relationships or work, drowning in hopelessness, exhausted by the relentlessness of your thoughts or behaviors, overwhelmed by your worries, consumed by sadness or plagued by low self-esteem or poor body image. You know you can’t keep living this way. You want to have thriving relationships, confidence, joy and an ease to your days. You have the innate wisdom and knowing that will guide you towards healing, as I walk alongside you on this journey of self-exploration and empowerment. You have the potential to be whole, healthy and happy.
Life can feel hard sometimes. You may be feeling stuck; struggling in your relationships or work, drowning in hopelessness, exhausted by the relentlessness of your thoughts or behaviors, overwhelmed by your worries, consumed by sadness or plagued by low self-esteem or poor body image. You know you can’t keep living this way. You want to have thriving relationships, confidence, joy and an ease to your days. You have the innate wisdom and knowing that will guide you towards healing, as I walk alongside you on this journey of self-exploration and empowerment. You have the potential to be whole, healthy and happy.
![Photo of Diana Waszczuk-Howlin - Self Discovery Jungian Psychotherapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e63fee1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Self Discovery Jungian Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
I think therapy is always a good idea. Crisis, however, is often what leads us into therapy, and I believe that it is a call and an opportunity to look deeply, not only into our "problems" but, into ourselves. My approach is non-pathologizing, relational, and grounded in Jungian theory. I work with a variety of concerns with a special interest in spirituality, identity discovery, developmental and transitional adjustments, grief, loss, depression, chronic and palliative illness. I believe that every person has an innate capacity for healing and I am interested in helping people find theirs.
I think therapy is always a good idea. Crisis, however, is often what leads us into therapy, and I believe that it is a call and an opportunity to look deeply, not only into our "problems" but, into ourselves. My approach is non-pathologizing, relational, and grounded in Jungian theory. I work with a variety of concerns with a special interest in spirituality, identity discovery, developmental and transitional adjustments, grief, loss, depression, chronic and palliative illness. I believe that every person has an innate capacity for healing and I am interested in helping people find theirs.
![Photo of Elizabeth (Lisa) Ann Herendeen, LCSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d1536d8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth (Lisa) Ann Herendeen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Are your seeking a more peaceful and harmonious life? One that can hold both the challenges and the goodness? Therapy can help. My style is warm, empathic, and collaborative. I use evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and brain science. I would like to help you tackle what is impeding you and open up new options so that you can make good decisions and create more happiness for you and your loved ones.
Are your seeking a more peaceful and harmonious life? One that can hold both the challenges and the goodness? Therapy can help. My style is warm, empathic, and collaborative. I use evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and brain science. I would like to help you tackle what is impeding you and open up new options so that you can make good decisions and create more happiness for you and your loved ones.
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![Photo of Vanessa James, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2803141a-9e02-48ab-bc7b-f6089d3f01fe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Greetings. I provide a safe space for the allowance of your emotions to be compassionately witnessed. My focus is in helping individuals, families & couples move from the murky place of uncertainty into a deeper state of self-knowing, wholeness and empowerment. Through holistic therapy practices I help clients move from the sympathetic nervous system of fight or flight into the calmer parasympathetic state where you are able to access your own inner wisdom to guide you into clarity and healing. I blend mindful, somatic body oriented therapy, Internal Family Systems & Gestalt therapy with a playful, humanistic approach.
Greetings. I provide a safe space for the allowance of your emotions to be compassionately witnessed. My focus is in helping individuals, families & couples move from the murky place of uncertainty into a deeper state of self-knowing, wholeness and empowerment. Through holistic therapy practices I help clients move from the sympathetic nervous system of fight or flight into the calmer parasympathetic state where you are able to access your own inner wisdom to guide you into clarity and healing. I blend mindful, somatic body oriented therapy, Internal Family Systems & Gestalt therapy with a playful, humanistic approach.
![Photo of Robin Beltran, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48bdd38e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
We've all had moments when we felt lost, confused, stressed, depressed or anxious and longed to feel better. I believe that within every person is a core foundation of strength, and that with guidance and support we can use that strength to find health and happiness. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience helping people cope with emotional distress and discover a better quality of life. My approach to therapy involves working with you to create a set of strategies and skills to help you move forward toward better emotional, spiritual, physical and mental health.
We've all had moments when we felt lost, confused, stressed, depressed or anxious and longed to feel better. I believe that within every person is a core foundation of strength, and that with guidance and support we can use that strength to find health and happiness. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience helping people cope with emotional distress and discover a better quality of life. My approach to therapy involves working with you to create a set of strategies and skills to help you move forward toward better emotional, spiritual, physical and mental health.
![Photo of Cindy Hedlin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9824f793-d751-4abb-9dd9-bf422c2beb93/2/320x400.jpeg)
Is your child struggling at home or in school? Are you having a hard time understanding what you/your child are going through? Are you looking for strategies to help your child thrive? If a parent or teacher is concerned about your child's mental health, social skills, or development, I'm here to help. Sometimes this may be a temporary worry relating to natural growing pains that are part of every child's development, an event in the child’s life, such as the loss of a loved one, or the beginning of a deeper issue. I understand the emotional stress a family experiences when a child is struggling.
Is your child struggling at home or in school? Are you having a hard time understanding what you/your child are going through? Are you looking for strategies to help your child thrive? If a parent or teacher is concerned about your child's mental health, social skills, or development, I'm here to help. Sometimes this may be a temporary worry relating to natural growing pains that are part of every child's development, an event in the child’s life, such as the loss of a loved one, or the beginning of a deeper issue. I understand the emotional stress a family experiences when a child is struggling.
![Photo of Tonia Heath, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49492871-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello! First, let me tell you a bit about myself: I have over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health, both in community agencies and in private practice. I currently specialize in treating individual adults. I enjoy meeting you, wherever you are at in your life, with respect and caring. I am authentic and accepting, and provide a safe, confidential space for you to explore your past and what you want for your present and future. In therapy with me, you can turn emotional pain or stress into something lighter, and progress on a path toward greater happiness and health.
Hello! First, let me tell you a bit about myself: I have over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health, both in community agencies and in private practice. I currently specialize in treating individual adults. I enjoy meeting you, wherever you are at in your life, with respect and caring. I am authentic and accepting, and provide a safe, confidential space for you to explore your past and what you want for your present and future. In therapy with me, you can turn emotional pain or stress into something lighter, and progress on a path toward greater happiness and health.
![Photo of Linda Bloombecker, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ceafd4a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal client is motivated to be honest, courageous in exploring themselves, and committed to the therapeutic goals we set together.
My ideal client is motivated to be honest, courageous in exploring themselves, and committed to the therapeutic goals we set together.
![Photo of Ana de la Torre, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7c834b7e-c826-427d-b2ac-f6064c44f385/3/320x400.jpeg)
My commitment as a therapist is to help you obtain a more satisfying and rewarding life. I work with women to assist them to: Create fulfilling, joyful relationships; Overcome anxiety and depresson; Acquire Self-Esteem and Confidence; Reduce limiting thoughts or beliefs; Move beyond loss and grief; Recover from divorce; Successfully move through life transitions. My goal is to empower and support you in identifying and moving beyond the personal obstacles that keep you from creating the relationships and life that you desire.
My commitment as a therapist is to help you obtain a more satisfying and rewarding life. I work with women to assist them to: Create fulfilling, joyful relationships; Overcome anxiety and depresson; Acquire Self-Esteem and Confidence; Reduce limiting thoughts or beliefs; Move beyond loss and grief; Recover from divorce; Successfully move through life transitions. My goal is to empower and support you in identifying and moving beyond the personal obstacles that keep you from creating the relationships and life that you desire.
![Photo of Michelle Krezanoski, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d92b33b1-10e2-4795-854c-44ff18594eff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Krezanoski
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Waitlist for new clients
I’m forever rediscovering the power of intention. Simply devoting space every week to our inner growth fertilizes a mysterious process with its own trajectory. What we originally feel as pain in our lives may actually be a portal inviting us to love more deeply, live more freely, and be less like everyone else. I love sitting with sensitive individuals with intuitive abilities, unwieldy minds, and a wonderment about how to be their true selves on this bewildering planet because I never know what is going to unfold. I especially enjoy working with spiritual practitioners who want their insights to be wholly embodied in their lives.
I’m forever rediscovering the power of intention. Simply devoting space every week to our inner growth fertilizes a mysterious process with its own trajectory. What we originally feel as pain in our lives may actually be a portal inviting us to love more deeply, live more freely, and be less like everyone else. I love sitting with sensitive individuals with intuitive abilities, unwieldy minds, and a wonderment about how to be their true selves on this bewildering planet because I never know what is going to unfold. I especially enjoy working with spiritual practitioners who want their insights to be wholly embodied in their lives.
![Photo of Bobby Singh, MD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25d464d0-acb5-4996-8dc9-86a425226420/1/320x400.png)
A Stanford Trained Addiction Medicine Physician with an evidence-based approach to drug and alcohol detox, addiction treatment services and medication assisted treatment. Dr. Singh specializes in comprehensive and compassionate care. He is also the founder of The Key Addiction Treatment Center located in downtown Santa Cruz, CA. He offers private telehealth visits or in person consultations and treatment.
A Stanford Trained Addiction Medicine Physician with an evidence-based approach to drug and alcohol detox, addiction treatment services and medication assisted treatment. Dr. Singh specializes in comprehensive and compassionate care. He is also the founder of The Key Addiction Treatment Center located in downtown Santa Cruz, CA. He offers private telehealth visits or in person consultations and treatment.
![Photo of Susie Kim, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/06d2ae42-84dd-427a-a1b3-e14e39fa7559/2/320x400.png)
Susie Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Therapy is an opportunity to explore and make better sense of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions and how you may be affected by these components in different parts of your life in a safe non-judgmental space. It is a chance to uncover more about yourself, the patterns that you may have, and how your past may impact how you interact with situations, events, and others. Therapy also can be a time to heal and explore new ways of thinking and being. My approach to therapy is collaborative. I’ll encourage active engagement to help uncover your strengths and resiliencies.
Therapy is an opportunity to explore and make better sense of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions and how you may be affected by these components in different parts of your life in a safe non-judgmental space. It is a chance to uncover more about yourself, the patterns that you may have, and how your past may impact how you interact with situations, events, and others. Therapy also can be a time to heal and explore new ways of thinking and being. My approach to therapy is collaborative. I’ll encourage active engagement to help uncover your strengths and resiliencies.
See more therapy options for Santa Cruz
Nearby Searches for Santa Cruz
- Aptos
- Ben Lomond
- Boulder Creek
- Campbell
- Capitola
- Felton
- Los Gatos
- Monte Sereno
- Saratoga
- Scotts Valley
- Soquel
- Watsonville
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
600+
Average cost per session
$170
Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
80% | Relationship Issues |
78% | Self Esteem |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
71% | Stress |
69% | Grief |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
47% | Aetna |
43% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
39% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA see their clients
76% | In Person and Online | |
24% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
80% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Santa Cruz?
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.