Therapists in Houston, TX
![Photo of Phillip Liu, MEd, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a3f52177-7869-4c50-bb56-d720e6cd7bfd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Phillip Liu
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77083 (Online Only)
Have you felt like everyday is a treadmill that's going too fast? Feeling guilty for taking time for yourself? Having doubts like: Am I in the right career? Are the people around me good for me? Why do I keep arguing with my family? Or maybe you feel a disconnect with your complex cultural background. Does the sense of belonging come with straddling two or more cultures? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the weight of heavy expectations? Any of these issues can bring stress, confusion, regret, and a sense of isolation. I would love to help. I'm a child of immigrants trying to make the world a better place, one person at a time.
Have you felt like everyday is a treadmill that's going too fast? Feeling guilty for taking time for yourself? Having doubts like: Am I in the right career? Are the people around me good for me? Why do I keep arguing with my family? Or maybe you feel a disconnect with your complex cultural background. Does the sense of belonging come with straddling two or more cultures? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the weight of heavy expectations? Any of these issues can bring stress, confusion, regret, and a sense of isolation. I would love to help. I'm a child of immigrants trying to make the world a better place, one person at a time.
![Photo of Paula A Sheppard, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbf3b7ed-b9b8-4bdc-b5ec-d38e4b224d15/1/320x400.jpeg)
Paula A Sheppard
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77002 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor for the past 24 years and I love helping people by coming alongside people at a difficult time. It takes courage to decide to start therapy. If life's pressures and stresses are getting you down and it seems you are not handing things well, together we can work towards developing better stress management skills to help you live the life you desire.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor for the past 24 years and I love helping people by coming alongside people at a difficult time. It takes courage to decide to start therapy. If life's pressures and stresses are getting you down and it seems you are not handing things well, together we can work towards developing better stress management skills to help you live the life you desire.
![Photo of Lela Bamberg, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1acd3bb4-3e45-4719-b8c6-2572d988baf7/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, my goal is to empower you to accomplish your goals and to help you live a more fulfilling life. If you are looking to build and maintain healthy relationships, reduce stress, and live authentically you are in the right spot. I have over 14 years experience.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, my goal is to empower you to accomplish your goals and to help you live a more fulfilling life. If you are looking to build and maintain healthy relationships, reduce stress, and live authentically you are in the right spot. I have over 14 years experience.
![Photo of Laquanta Joiner - Awakening Connections , BSW,, MS,, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52664109-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Awakening Connections
Licensed Professional Counselor, BSW,, MS,, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77096
“A river cuts through a rock not because of its power, but its persistence.” -Jim Watkins. The strength you’ve exhibited thus far is evidence of your resiliency. I commend you on seeking guidance on your journey through life. As your counselor, I seek to create a therapeutic alliance with you while working with you collaboratively to create effective and sustainable change.
“A river cuts through a rock not because of its power, but its persistence.” -Jim Watkins. The strength you’ve exhibited thus far is evidence of your resiliency. I commend you on seeking guidance on your journey through life. As your counselor, I seek to create a therapeutic alliance with you while working with you collaboratively to create effective and sustainable change.
![Photo of Jacqueline Sanchez, MS, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e304a2a0-bc3f-488d-9006-1bd347be43dc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Sanchez
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77063 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a first-generation bilingual counselor. My goal is to assist you when life throws challenges and makes you question who you are. Please don't experience challenges alone. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Depression, ADHD, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Relationships, and Parenting.
Hello! I am a first-generation bilingual counselor. My goal is to assist you when life throws challenges and makes you question who you are. Please don't experience challenges alone. I have worked with a wide range of concerns including Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar, Depression, ADHD, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Relationships, and Parenting.
![Photo of Cynthia R Carter - Cynthia R. Carter, M.S., LPC-S, LMFT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cff6a63-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Cynthia R. Carter, M.S., LPC-S, LMFT-S
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77095
Life can present challenges that leave us feeling confused, hopeless & broken. My role as your therapist is to help you put the pieces of life back together by utilizing your own personal strengths & resources. I embrace a compassionate, encouraging & collaborative approach which centers you as the expert of your life while I inspire & empower you to move through life's complexities in positive & healthy ways. My personal philosophy is to live life on and with purpose... honoring ourselves in this way leads to amazing growth, fulfillment and success!
Life can present challenges that leave us feeling confused, hopeless & broken. My role as your therapist is to help you put the pieces of life back together by utilizing your own personal strengths & resources. I embrace a compassionate, encouraging & collaborative approach which centers you as the expert of your life while I inspire & empower you to move through life's complexities in positive & healthy ways. My personal philosophy is to live life on and with purpose... honoring ourselves in this way leads to amazing growth, fulfillment and success!
![Photo of Liss Torreblanca, MA, LPC, LCDC-I, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/986846c7-531c-46d3-8b13-9d33fe74df8a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Liss Torreblanca
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCDC-I, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77006
My goal is to meet you exactly where you are on your journey, no matter what that looks like today. It's essential to understand that there's nothing inherently 'wrong' or 'broken' about you. When feelings of guilt, shame, or maladaptive behaviors become overwhelming, it's often a signal that change is needed. Whether you're facing PTSD, grief, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use, or navigating life transitions, I'm here to support you in understanding, managing, and addressing the root causes so you can begin your healing process.
My goal is to meet you exactly where you are on your journey, no matter what that looks like today. It's essential to understand that there's nothing inherently 'wrong' or 'broken' about you. When feelings of guilt, shame, or maladaptive behaviors become overwhelming, it's often a signal that change is needed. Whether you're facing PTSD, grief, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use, or navigating life transitions, I'm here to support you in understanding, managing, and addressing the root causes so you can begin your healing process.
![Photo of Chanelle Spencer - Mindfully Restored, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e8dfd73-a15e-4df3-8e91-15272ccfd178/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mindfully Restored, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77007
Mindfully Restored utilizes telehealth services to offer an authentic and empowering wellness journey where we help individuals recognize and manage their stress, depression, and anxiety. We aim to help young women feel empowered through strength-based perspective and wellness support. Our vision is to provide holistic services and products to help women feel empowered to utilize their voices, connect with a healthy community and live fulfilling lives. We believe that we could all be a little more mindful of the way we live.
Mindfully Restored utilizes telehealth services to offer an authentic and empowering wellness journey where we help individuals recognize and manage their stress, depression, and anxiety. We aim to help young women feel empowered through strength-based perspective and wellness support. Our vision is to provide holistic services and products to help women feel empowered to utilize their voices, connect with a healthy community and live fulfilling lives. We believe that we could all be a little more mindful of the way we live.
![Photo of Lucenda Honore, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/194f50dc-fcb1-4e68-b533-542fdcb9355f/1/320x400.png)
Lucenda Honore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77064 (Online Only)
My name is Lucenda Honore, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I focus on stress management, executive coaching, and parenting support, and I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. My goal is to create a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to take charge of their lives and achieve personal growth and fulfillment. In my therapy practice, I prioritize creating a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel heard and respected. I use an eclectic modality, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and client-centered therapy to address each client's unique needs.
My name is Lucenda Honore, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I focus on stress management, executive coaching, and parenting support, and I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. My goal is to create a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to take charge of their lives and achieve personal growth and fulfillment. In my therapy practice, I prioritize creating a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel heard and respected. I use an eclectic modality, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and client-centered therapy to address each client's unique needs.
![Photo of Melanie Somerville, PhD, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb2be302-61ed-4be5-8d84-af40135c5bef/1/320x400.jpeg)
I bring compassion, curiosity, and sensitive expertise to my work with adults. A mindful approach allows for attention to the present moment as the foundation for insight and change. Feeling adrift and unsettled? Encountering significant life changes? Having difficulties making decisions? Struggling with chronic illness or pain? My broad experience can be the key to making sense of your world and regaining your equilibrium. In addition, I bring my life experience and work as a professional counselor to offer supervision to LPC interns using the Integrated Development Model and a Psychodynamic approach.
I bring compassion, curiosity, and sensitive expertise to my work with adults. A mindful approach allows for attention to the present moment as the foundation for insight and change. Feeling adrift and unsettled? Encountering significant life changes? Having difficulties making decisions? Struggling with chronic illness or pain? My broad experience can be the key to making sense of your world and regaining your equilibrium. In addition, I bring my life experience and work as a professional counselor to offer supervision to LPC interns using the Integrated Development Model and a Psychodynamic approach.
![Photo of Rebekah Jones, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bd1c4bb4-1a2a-4e4f-ab0b-6447768ddb9f/2/320x400.jpeg)
I operate from the stance that people were not intended to suffer alone. Often, burdens that appear too heavy or too great to move beneath feel that way because the individual does not have adequate resources and skills to process the situations or experiences. As a therapist, I have been blessed to stand alongside many individuals as they planted their feet back on the ground and learned to skills necessary to alter their view of self or to shift so that they became bigger than their pain.
I operate from the stance that people were not intended to suffer alone. Often, burdens that appear too heavy or too great to move beneath feel that way because the individual does not have adequate resources and skills to process the situations or experiences. As a therapist, I have been blessed to stand alongside many individuals as they planted their feet back on the ground and learned to skills necessary to alter their view of self or to shift so that they became bigger than their pain.
15 Second Videos
Awakening Connections
Mindfully Restored, LLC
Reflective Counseling Services
Jevona Green
Angele Devezin
Diana L. Parlante
Flor Aponte
Peggy Halyard Houston Marriage Counseling Therapy
Shawnesse Herbert
Restoring Hope Counseling
Courtney Chiles-Cloud
Alexis Jones
Lakehouse Counseling, PLLC
Ashlynn Langston
Michelle Evans
Paul Caluscos
Dan Workman
Patricia Mai Michlik
Heather M. Madrid
Tim Flynn
Severance Psychotherapy
Gabriella Mahan—Eating Disorders
Orlando Vega
Kennedy Collins
Cassandra J Wolff
Kathryn Herman
Emily Jamea
Brittani L Persha
Carolina Romero
Sarah Myers
Liliana C Hernandez
Christian David Clem
Wellness with Eddie P.L.L.C.
Natasha Mahesh
Lauren Reynolds
Linh-Ly Vinh
Charisse Ferrer
Tasha N Lee
Renewal of Your Mind Counseling and Restoration
Cyrus Martin
Monica E. Alharazim
Andrew Bingman
Renewing Hope Counseling
BPCounseling
Maria E Perdomo-Torres
Laura E. Davison
Anggie Pedraza-Watson
Kayla Brinkley
Cardona Mitchell
Susan Landers
![Photo of Meg Wilson, LCDC, LPC-S, NCC, ICAADC, CRNC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e982e37-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meg Wilson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCDC, LPC-S, NCC, ICAADC, CRNC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77057
Meg is a licensed therapist with a robust practice specializing in substance abuse and dependence. She also focuses on anxiety, depression, women's emotional health, mood disorders, life adjustment issues and trauma/PTSD. Meg integrates traditional therapy methods with amino acid therapy, nutritional psychiatry and blood chemistry analysis. Meg is the Founder and Co-Owner of The Antidote - A Better You, which promotes holistic healing and employs a comprehensive, integrative approach to mental health and wellness and features a custom-formulated line of supplements designed for mental health and to aid in addiction recovery.
Meg is a licensed therapist with a robust practice specializing in substance abuse and dependence. She also focuses on anxiety, depression, women's emotional health, mood disorders, life adjustment issues and trauma/PTSD. Meg integrates traditional therapy methods with amino acid therapy, nutritional psychiatry and blood chemistry analysis. Meg is the Founder and Co-Owner of The Antidote - A Better You, which promotes holistic healing and employs a comprehensive, integrative approach to mental health and wellness and features a custom-formulated line of supplements designed for mental health and to aid in addiction recovery.
![Photo of Rikki Veksler, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4e977da-a874-409b-b2c9-0f07d204afbe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rikki Veksler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77096 (Online Only)
I provide individual tele-therapy services to adults 18 years and older. Areas that I specialize in are: anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management. Within those areas, I hope to specifically help support women’s maternal mental health and helping them throughout all parts of motherhood- including infertility, fertility preservation, pregnancy after infertility or loss, perinatal and post partum mood disorders, and all things motherhood. Together we will work towards decluttering your mind and developing and strengthening coping strategies, enabling you to live your life more confidently and to the fullest.
I provide individual tele-therapy services to adults 18 years and older. Areas that I specialize in are: anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management. Within those areas, I hope to specifically help support women’s maternal mental health and helping them throughout all parts of motherhood- including infertility, fertility preservation, pregnancy after infertility or loss, perinatal and post partum mood disorders, and all things motherhood. Together we will work towards decluttering your mind and developing and strengthening coping strategies, enabling you to live your life more confidently and to the fullest.
![Photo of Alice Payne-Heath, LPC-S, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4a1e4dc-a5fd-4d4a-bcac-d50ce1a557b4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alice Payne-Heath
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, RPT-S
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77077
Alice Payne Heath is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with over 28 years of experience working in a variety of settings with children, teens, and their families.
Alice Payne Heath is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with over 28 years of experience working in a variety of settings with children, teens, and their families.
![Photo of Shanta Johnson - Reflective Counseling Services, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6bab9f4-45ef-400b-a862-242cc054138a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Reflective Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77002 (Online Only)
Reflective Counseling Services, PLLC was started to provide the listening ear that is needed. I desire to focus on working with adults especially the older adult population so that they can live their best life. I work to challenge misconceptions about counseling and make it a common practice among this age group.
Reflective Counseling Services, PLLC was started to provide the listening ear that is needed. I desire to focus on working with adults especially the older adult population so that they can live their best life. I work to challenge misconceptions about counseling and make it a common practice among this age group.
![Photo of Christine E Wagener, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be4f7c1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
I have maintained a busy private psychotherapy practice in Houston for over twenty years. I work with men, women, and couples from 18 to 80 who want to improve their lives, need help in dealing with a difficult event or period in their lives, desire more from their personal and work relationships, or are motivated to reach the next level of success. Sometimes my clients are in pain and seek help with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and loss, all of which are in my area of expertise and experience.
I have maintained a busy private psychotherapy practice in Houston for over twenty years. I work with men, women, and couples from 18 to 80 who want to improve their lives, need help in dealing with a difficult event or period in their lives, desire more from their personal and work relationships, or are motivated to reach the next level of success. Sometimes my clients are in pain and seek help with anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and loss, all of which are in my area of expertise and experience.
![Photo of Alyssa Thompson, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ddc261a3-79be-49ee-9d2d-3e78bdcaa1db/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77002 (Online Only)
We all come to counseling with a past. My hope is that together we will walk side by side as you learn that you are so much more than what has happened to you. I hope to have the privilege to help empower you as you choose who you want to be in life. I am a fully licensed LPC and have been practicing for almost 4 years. In addition, I have 8 years’ experience working with children ranging in ages from birth to 13 years old.
We all come to counseling with a past. My hope is that together we will walk side by side as you learn that you are so much more than what has happened to you. I hope to have the privilege to help empower you as you choose who you want to be in life. I am a fully licensed LPC and have been practicing for almost 4 years. In addition, I have 8 years’ experience working with children ranging in ages from birth to 13 years old.
![Photo of Emma Alexandra Barr, LPA, BCN, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/549123b6-61b3-4c89-bf4c-8386241de981/1/320x400.jpeg)
Emma Alexandra Barr
Psychological Associate, LPA, BCN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77027
Many people start thinking about therapy because, emotionally, they don’t feel good. Maybe your emotions end up taking you for a ride and you feel helpless to stop it. Emotions come and go, but they can sometimes feel endless, especially if they are intense. Or maybe you are struggling to get in touch with your emotions and you find it difficult to connect. Either way, what ends up making it worse is the power struggle we get into with our own emotions. We want to push away the ones that feel bad and force the ones that feel good, but that never works for long. Wouldn’t it be easier to avoid the power struggle completely?
Many people start thinking about therapy because, emotionally, they don’t feel good. Maybe your emotions end up taking you for a ride and you feel helpless to stop it. Emotions come and go, but they can sometimes feel endless, especially if they are intense. Or maybe you are struggling to get in touch with your emotions and you find it difficult to connect. Either way, what ends up making it worse is the power struggle we get into with our own emotions. We want to push away the ones that feel bad and force the ones that feel good, but that never works for long. Wouldn’t it be easier to avoid the power struggle completely?
![Photo of Rachel Evans, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48526d60-890f-4cfa-b932-ee0a07659a60/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Evans
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77007 (Online Only)
As Brené Brown says, "we are wired for connection," and I bring my relational side to the therapy space as we take this journey together. You may be seeking relief from substance use struggles, anxiety, depression, or various life stressors; wanting to build a life you enjoy. Maybe you’d like to address perfectionism or shame. I also offer support and guidance if you love someone with substance use struggles, helping you find healing and hope. In my work with couples, we build trust, connection, and greater understanding while also tackling relationship distress. Cultivating love and joy in your relationship is possible!
As Brené Brown says, "we are wired for connection," and I bring my relational side to the therapy space as we take this journey together. You may be seeking relief from substance use struggles, anxiety, depression, or various life stressors; wanting to build a life you enjoy. Maybe you’d like to address perfectionism or shame. I also offer support and guidance if you love someone with substance use struggles, helping you find healing and hope. In my work with couples, we build trust, connection, and greater understanding while also tackling relationship distress. Cultivating love and joy in your relationship is possible!
![Photo of Alan Nguyen - Alan Nguyen - Illuminated Counseling Group PLLC, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54dc33fe-22a1-4415-ac53-5eafda970302/1/320x400.png)
Alan Nguyen - Illuminated Counseling Group PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77007 (Online Only)
Life’s challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed or stuck, making it hard to navigate emotions or move forward. Whether these obstacles impact your work, relationships, or daily routines, you don’t have to face them alone. In our sessions, you’ll find a welcoming, safe space to explore your feelings and experiences. I believe therapy is a partnership, where together, we’ll uncover patterns, emotions, and behaviors that may be holding you back. My goal is to support you in overcoming obstacles and creating positive, lasting change in your life.
Life’s challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed or stuck, making it hard to navigate emotions or move forward. Whether these obstacles impact your work, relationships, or daily routines, you don’t have to face them alone. In our sessions, you’ll find a welcoming, safe space to explore your feelings and experiences. I believe therapy is a partnership, where together, we’ll uncover patterns, emotions, and behaviors that may be holding you back. My goal is to support you in overcoming obstacles and creating positive, lasting change in your life.
See more therapy options for Houston
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Houston, TX
3,000+
Average cost per session
$135
Therapists in Houston, TX who prioritize treating:
92% | Anxiety |
87% | Depression |
73% | Self Esteem |
70% | Coping Skills |
66% | Relationship Issues |
65% | Stress |
64% | Trauma and PTSD |
Average years in practice
9 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
87% | Aetna |
81% | Cigna and Evernorth |
78% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Therapists in Houston, TX see their clients
51% | In Person and Online | |
49% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
18% | Male | |
1% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Houston?
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.