Therapists in Portland, OR
![Photo of M. Joy Young, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fed4953a-545f-4386-8ce2-c069fccf667b/2/320x400.jpeg)
M. Joy Young
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97211
Not accepting new clients
Life stressors resulting from dysfunctional family of origin, early trauma, midlife changes? Ready to actively engage in your personal growth and emotional development? I offer individual therapy that helps you not just process your past but identify and take actions that can help you heal and resolve issues. You decide your goals for therapy while I offer ideas, suggestions, and guidance. My experience has been that clients already know what they need to do for growth. My job is to help you trust it.
Life stressors resulting from dysfunctional family of origin, early trauma, midlife changes? Ready to actively engage in your personal growth and emotional development? I offer individual therapy that helps you not just process your past but identify and take actions that can help you heal and resolve issues. You decide your goals for therapy while I offer ideas, suggestions, and guidance. My experience has been that clients already know what they need to do for growth. My job is to help you trust it.
![Photo of Alex Harrison, QMHP, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/88a3676d-0fed-4764-a5cb-4a05fc6ff197/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alex Harrison
Pre-Licensed Professional, QMHP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97217 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I hold a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Western States in Portland, OR. My primary research focus is transpersonal experiences and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and integration. My philosophy is one of organicity, meaning that every individual is gifted with an innate healing wisdom and capacity for wholeness. As a former earth scientist and current artist, I incorporate lessons from nature and creative expression in my work, and seek to help others reconnect with the more subtle rhythms of psyche as a woven thread in the generative fabric of life.
I hold a master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Western States in Portland, OR. My primary research focus is transpersonal experiences and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and integration. My philosophy is one of organicity, meaning that every individual is gifted with an innate healing wisdom and capacity for wholeness. As a former earth scientist and current artist, I incorporate lessons from nature and creative expression in my work, and seek to help others reconnect with the more subtle rhythms of psyche as a woven thread in the generative fabric of life.
![Photo of Naomi Baker, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fa8d99b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Thoughtful, depth-oriented psychotherapy. Join us for our dream group! Starting Thursday evenings in October 2024 at the Burnside office. As a neurodivergent, feminist, depth-oriented therapist I value curiosity, kindness and creative exploration as ways to help you deepen your relationship with your inner way of knowing and navigating our world in a troubled time.
Thoughtful, depth-oriented psychotherapy. Join us for our dream group! Starting Thursday evenings in October 2024 at the Burnside office. As a neurodivergent, feminist, depth-oriented therapist I value curiosity, kindness and creative exploration as ways to help you deepen your relationship with your inner way of knowing and navigating our world in a troubled time.
![Photo of Ramzy Darwish, Ramzy Darwish, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68977dae-68b8-4a36-8a3b-900db9ca953f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ramzy Darwish
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Ramzy Darwish, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202
I have had a great deal of experience working with very different people from very different backgrounds, and I truly enjoy getting to know and work with people of all types. I currently work with adults suffering from mental illness, and I am very comfortable helping others through their unique symptoms of Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder (I & II), as well as other conditions. However, I also have extensive experience assisting people in simply moving towards their goals, improving their responses to (internal and external) conflict and building self-esteem to move forward in life.
I have had a great deal of experience working with very different people from very different backgrounds, and I truly enjoy getting to know and work with people of all types. I currently work with adults suffering from mental illness, and I am very comfortable helping others through their unique symptoms of Major Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder (I & II), as well as other conditions. However, I also have extensive experience assisting people in simply moving towards their goals, improving their responses to (internal and external) conflict and building self-esteem to move forward in life.
![Photo of Mary Ann Russell, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbd0474b-c262-48b8-b557-3432d1ec9e19/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe every one of us is wired for healing and wholeness. My role as a counselor is to support you in removing the barriers to being your true self. I provide trauma-informed solution-focused therapy. We will focus on a specific goal until you feel you have progressed.
I believe every one of us is wired for healing and wholeness. My role as a counselor is to support you in removing the barriers to being your true self. I provide trauma-informed solution-focused therapy. We will focus on a specific goal until you feel you have progressed.
![Photo of Dana Dart-McLean, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff0b82ea-ead4-45d4-9703-bf1b0757182d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dana Dart-McLean
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97204 (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma make it hard to be present in your life. If you feel alternately numb, buzzed, or overwhelmed, I can help. Deepen your understanding of how your body holds stress and anxiety to learn new ways to respond. Addressing trauma and anxiety with body awareness helps to stop negative thoughts or a harsh inner narrative. You will learn tools for processing overwhelming emotions in order to support you to feel grounded. With a foundation of self-trust and self-compassion, you are more effective and open to life. I work with couples and individuals.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma make it hard to be present in your life. If you feel alternately numb, buzzed, or overwhelmed, I can help. Deepen your understanding of how your body holds stress and anxiety to learn new ways to respond. Addressing trauma and anxiety with body awareness helps to stop negative thoughts or a harsh inner narrative. You will learn tools for processing overwhelming emotions in order to support you to feel grounded. With a foundation of self-trust and self-compassion, you are more effective and open to life. I work with couples and individuals.
![Photo of Carrie Atikune, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7019fdb-e38e-4ad8-8060-f8c9640683cc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carrie Atikune
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205
Not accepting new clients
Therapy can be a powerful and meaningful experience. I work with adults on issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, identity questions, family-of-origin matters and life transitions. I especially enjoy working with young adults and with folx from marginalized communities. I believe that change is achieved through the combination of developing insight into your emotions, thoughts and choices, and the practice of new skills and ways of relating to oneself and others. Our work can help you to feel better, heal emotional pain, increase self-understanding, improve relationships and cope more effectively.
Therapy can be a powerful and meaningful experience. I work with adults on issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, identity questions, family-of-origin matters and life transitions. I especially enjoy working with young adults and with folx from marginalized communities. I believe that change is achieved through the combination of developing insight into your emotions, thoughts and choices, and the practice of new skills and ways of relating to oneself and others. Our work can help you to feel better, heal emotional pain, increase self-understanding, improve relationships and cope more effectively.
![Photo of Laurie Kress, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5043c87a-06c6-462a-8ee2-f29ee6350784/2/320x400.png)
Therapy is about change, growth, and healing; being seen, heard and understood; accessing the truest parts of ourselves. I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, families, and groups in my over 25 years of experience as an LCSW in the mental health field. I’ve worked in a wide variety of practice settings including healthcare, community mental health, and at-risk youth services. I draw from an eclectic mix of therapeutic frameworks and techniques including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Neurobiology, among others.
Therapy is about change, growth, and healing; being seen, heard and understood; accessing the truest parts of ourselves. I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, families, and groups in my over 25 years of experience as an LCSW in the mental health field. I’ve worked in a wide variety of practice settings including healthcare, community mental health, and at-risk youth services. I draw from an eclectic mix of therapeutic frameworks and techniques including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Neurobiology, among others.
![Photo of Mikayla Schmitz, CSWA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1a22abd4-9498-4686-b75c-76a956f76c30/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mikayla Schmitz
Clinical Social Work Associate, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Mikayla and I am accepting new clients in Oregon! I aim to provide a safe space where you can show up in your authenticity and truth, without fear of judgement. I bring a deep respect for all cultural and social identities, a commitment to social justice and tender empathy for all folx and their unique experiences. Through an anti-oppressive lens and with a variety of evidence-based therapy modalities, I’ll help you develop healthy coping skills to move through life more easily even amid pain and struggle.
Hello, my name is Mikayla and I am accepting new clients in Oregon! I aim to provide a safe space where you can show up in your authenticity and truth, without fear of judgement. I bring a deep respect for all cultural and social identities, a commitment to social justice and tender empathy for all folx and their unique experiences. Through an anti-oppressive lens and with a variety of evidence-based therapy modalities, I’ll help you develop healthy coping skills to move through life more easily even amid pain and struggle.
![Photo of Alyssa Rose Crenshaw, ATR, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c61e3aa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, I have multiple tools to help as I work alongside my clients and their families to alleviate symptoms, achieve goals and attain balance. Although a specific interest in Art Therapy is not necessary to begin services with me, I find that Art Therapy provides a creative approach that is not reliant on spoken language. I have experience providing a variety of treatment approaches to clients and families, and am specially trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Art Therapy and Collaborative Problem Solving modalities.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, I have multiple tools to help as I work alongside my clients and their families to alleviate symptoms, achieve goals and attain balance. Although a specific interest in Art Therapy is not necessary to begin services with me, I find that Art Therapy provides a creative approach that is not reliant on spoken language. I have experience providing a variety of treatment approaches to clients and families, and am specially trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Art Therapy and Collaborative Problem Solving modalities.
![Photo of Alison Newey, MA, ATR-P , Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1ee5013d-910e-4afd-946a-1d37c1f393b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alison Newey
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, ATR-P
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97229 (Online Only)
I specialize in creating a safe and accepting space for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups and cultures. I am passionate about exploring creative approaches to healing, while honoring each individual's unique journey and culture. I've witnessed the power of art-making to build connections and trust when working with people struggling with a variety of issues, including traumatic experiences, depression and anxiety, neurodiversity and everyday stressors to name a few. Art therapy is a powerful tool to help create new meanings of experience and supports self-expression without the use of words.
I specialize in creating a safe and accepting space for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups and cultures. I am passionate about exploring creative approaches to healing, while honoring each individual's unique journey and culture. I've witnessed the power of art-making to build connections and trust when working with people struggling with a variety of issues, including traumatic experiences, depression and anxiety, neurodiversity and everyday stressors to name a few. Art therapy is a powerful tool to help create new meanings of experience and supports self-expression without the use of words.
15 Second Videos
Naomi Baker
Ross Cohen
Alisha Kelley
Emily Smith
Megan Quigley
Kaitlyn 'red' Wilson
Ruth Tessema
Robin Bodhi Trauma-Informed Counseling
Hanna Zipes Basel
Kierstin Leigh Oliver
Regina Cristan
Sarah Sumner
Jackie Curry Emdr Trauma Therapist
Katie Solomon
Del Likins, Present Beings Couple & Family Therapy
Terra Midgett Clark
Meaghan Myers
Anna Hennings
Grace Phuchau Nguyen
Grace Carter
Sprout Therapy PDX
Galeet Gollan-Farrow (Spiritual Development)
Kelsey Williams
Tailwind ADHD
Luke Colbourn
Daniella Marchick
Jesse Zook Mann
Kelly Murray MA, LPC
cgm counseling
Kelli Crane
Ascent Counseling
Wesley Murph
Riley Kastenhuber
James Reling
Resonance LLC
Kim Stetson
Relendra Kaia
Leisha Miller
Himalia hypnotherapy and consulting LLC ✡️
Rebecca A Kinman
Nicole Rebecca Skeele
Luann K. Wu
Shelby Clarke
Dréa L Tyler
Justine Cuthbertson (Accepting New Clients)
Goode Counseling
Donald Bonner
Stellium Integrative Wellness
Mitchell Passadore
Bob Fancher
![Photo of Cam Ericksen, MS , NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6a8fe7b-5b50-4df8-9591-c7b660ec4f78/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cam Ericksen
Professional Counselor Associate, MS , NCC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97217 (Online Only)
My name is Cam and I am eager to work with people who are ready to dig into their experiences, raise awareness of their processes, and heal past and current wounds. I hold several privileged and marginalized identities that inform the way I support people. Existing in an oppressive system, that at times told me I did not belong, has given me the empathy to support people who have felt othered, unseen, underserved, and underrepresented. My hope is to offer a therapeutic relationship that builds your self supports and bridges environmental supports to communities you are a part of or building.
My name is Cam and I am eager to work with people who are ready to dig into their experiences, raise awareness of their processes, and heal past and current wounds. I hold several privileged and marginalized identities that inform the way I support people. Existing in an oppressive system, that at times told me I did not belong, has given me the empathy to support people who have felt othered, unseen, underserved, and underrepresented. My hope is to offer a therapeutic relationship that builds your self supports and bridges environmental supports to communities you are a part of or building.
![Photo of Ross Cohen, MA, LPC, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89094685-e84f-419f-af6f-7c93fc98c4c7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ross Cohen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232 (Online Only)
Curious about EMDR Therapy? EMDR is extensively researched, highly effective, and recommended by organizations such as the APA, WHO, and DoD. In fact, over the last 33 years, millions have been successfully treated with EMDR by over 100,000 clinicians worldwide. EMDR is commonly effective with anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, depression, fears, phobias, panic, trauma, sleep issues, addictions, and performance challenges. What makes EMDR so powerful is how effectively it turns on the brain’s natural healing process, allowing for deep release of the painful past thoughts and wounds that keep you stuck in old, negative patterns.
Curious about EMDR Therapy? EMDR is extensively researched, highly effective, and recommended by organizations such as the APA, WHO, and DoD. In fact, over the last 33 years, millions have been successfully treated with EMDR by over 100,000 clinicians worldwide. EMDR is commonly effective with anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, depression, fears, phobias, panic, trauma, sleep issues, addictions, and performance challenges. What makes EMDR so powerful is how effectively it turns on the brain’s natural healing process, allowing for deep release of the painful past thoughts and wounds that keep you stuck in old, negative patterns.
![Photo of Jessica Atalla, MS, CRC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c4b9257-1cab-4c5f-845d-b7184d85add9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! I’m Jessica, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) based in Portland, OR. My practice is dedicated to supporting adults navigate many challenges of life, including adjustment to disability, management of chronic conditions, grief, and major life transitions. My approach integrates a well developed understanding of the human experience with practical strategies to manage and embrace change.
Welcome! I’m Jessica, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and certified rehabilitation counselor (CRC) based in Portland, OR. My practice is dedicated to supporting adults navigate many challenges of life, including adjustment to disability, management of chronic conditions, grief, and major life transitions. My approach integrates a well developed understanding of the human experience with practical strategies to manage and embrace change.
![Photo of Sutton Santa Maria - Adaptive Integrative Coaching, PhDc, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d0648665-bc3c-45d1-ab46-eca1754939b9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Holistic and Person-Centered Approach. Over 12 years in psychological training, many modalities, and a diverse background of specialities. BA, MA, and PhDc in psychology, with focus on human development, multicultural competencies, and international methods. Specializing in neurodiverse and queer populations.
Holistic and Person-Centered Approach. Over 12 years in psychological training, many modalities, and a diverse background of specialities. BA, MA, and PhDc in psychology, with focus on human development, multicultural competencies, and international methods. Specializing in neurodiverse and queer populations.
![Photo of Alisha Kelley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cffde052-3f3b-4a7e-85b0-de1860934664/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alisha Kelley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232 (Online Only)
Do you struggle with stress, depression, anxiety? Do you feel overwhelmed, or like you past/ current trauma is keeping your from living your best like? Do you desire to unlearn some of your unhealthy ways of doing things and learn new helpful tactics for everyday situations? If this sounds familiar to you and you are tired of doing the same things and feeling stuck, I would like to help. Therapy is a place where you can establish and reclaim your sense of self and learn to live freely. We will work together to explore behaviors and thought patterns to encourage personal growth.
Do you struggle with stress, depression, anxiety? Do you feel overwhelmed, or like you past/ current trauma is keeping your from living your best like? Do you desire to unlearn some of your unhealthy ways of doing things and learn new helpful tactics for everyday situations? If this sounds familiar to you and you are tired of doing the same things and feeling stuck, I would like to help. Therapy is a place where you can establish and reclaim your sense of self and learn to live freely. We will work together to explore behaviors and thought patterns to encourage personal growth.
![Photo of Seth C Reasor, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8eba3a2f-ac17-465f-9f33-59d934ca3d37/1/320x400.jpeg)
No one is truly broken, we all are just a little bent.
No one is truly broken, we all are just a little bent.
![Photo of Jane Larson, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27774cf0-c586-4b6a-8da9-7a0c721a1d44/1/320x400.jpeg)
Let’s face it- deciding to seek therapy often feels pretty scary. It takes courage, and sometimes desperation, to walk into this unfamiliar relationship. Navigating life's losses and transitions is one of our most challenging tasks, and sometimes we need help steering the boat. I enjoy working with adults who are ready to explore their inner world of experience and outer world in relationship with others. That might mean help with various life transitions and losses, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. A former nurse, I also work with many health care professionals, and clients who suffer from chronic and acute illness.
Let’s face it- deciding to seek therapy often feels pretty scary. It takes courage, and sometimes desperation, to walk into this unfamiliar relationship. Navigating life's losses and transitions is one of our most challenging tasks, and sometimes we need help steering the boat. I enjoy working with adults who are ready to explore their inner world of experience and outer world in relationship with others. That might mean help with various life transitions and losses, such as divorce or the death of a loved one. A former nurse, I also work with many health care professionals, and clients who suffer from chronic and acute illness.
![Photo of Adair Passey, QMHP, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59931b09-27c1-4123-aaed-55939fbe2d24/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adair Passey
Pre-Licensed Professional, QMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97209 (Online Only)
Is your child sharing thoughts and concerns that seem out of pocket for their young brains? Are they possibly experiencing difficulties with emotional regulation skills or making friends? Together we can collaborate to build a comfortable, safe space for your preteen or teen to explore all of their thoughts, feelings, strengths, and struggles. My goal is to guide your child while they form their identity and develop potentially lagging skills. In sessions we will engage in play or other creative activities while deepening their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Is your child sharing thoughts and concerns that seem out of pocket for their young brains? Are they possibly experiencing difficulties with emotional regulation skills or making friends? Together we can collaborate to build a comfortable, safe space for your preteen or teen to explore all of their thoughts, feelings, strengths, and struggles. My goal is to guide your child while they form their identity and develop potentially lagging skills. In sessions we will engage in play or other creative activities while deepening their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
![Photo of Emily Smith, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a41a50f8-82e6-44e4-8c19-f26ef7e0e20a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97202
Not accepting new clients
There are a rich tapestry of experiences that have led you to this point in your life and shaped the way you cope with challenges, stress, and discontentment. When you feel stuck, I can help you nurture self-acceptance and find ways to move forward. Clients come to me for help managing anxiety, exploring identity, processing relationship issues and patterns, healing from religious trauma, coping with grief and loss, and unpacking the impact of addiction within relationships. Each person I work with is unique, and I will meet you where you are with warmth, understanding, and insight.
There are a rich tapestry of experiences that have led you to this point in your life and shaped the way you cope with challenges, stress, and discontentment. When you feel stuck, I can help you nurture self-acceptance and find ways to move forward. Clients come to me for help managing anxiety, exploring identity, processing relationship issues and patterns, healing from religious trauma, coping with grief and loss, and unpacking the impact of addiction within relationships. Each person I work with is unique, and I will meet you where you are with warmth, understanding, and insight.
See more therapy options for Portland
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Portland, OR
3,000+
Average cost per session
$160
Therapists in Portland, OR who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
84% | Depression |
77% | Relationship Issues |
75% | Self Esteem |
74% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | Stress |
67% | Life Transitions |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
52% | PacificSource |
49% | Aetna |
38% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Therapists in Portland, OR see their clients
55% | In Person and Online | |
45% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
74% | Female | |
22% | Male | |
4% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Portland?
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.