Therapists in Shutesbury, MA
![Photo of Ronald S Meck, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c362fd0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Many people who have experience in therapy remain puzzled as to why they find it so difficult to change even after learning about the dynamics of their emotional suffering. Thinking processes can only take us so far and often are unable to instigate a deep psychological shift.
Unconscious processes, even brought into the light, will resist attempts to think them away. Imagination and the body are the home of the subconscious. It is in that world, that real and lasting change can transpire. Together we will attempt to get close and "withstand" conflicts of the mind rather than "understand" them.
Many people who have experience in therapy remain puzzled as to why they find it so difficult to change even after learning about the dynamics of their emotional suffering. Thinking processes can only take us so far and often are unable to instigate a deep psychological shift.
Unconscious processes, even brought into the light, will resist attempts to think them away. Imagination and the body are the home of the subconscious. It is in that world, that real and lasting change can transpire. Together we will attempt to get close and "withstand" conflicts of the mind rather than "understand" them.
Annette Fortier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, ACHP-SW
Verified Verified
Shutesbury, MA 01072 (Online Only)
My practice includes clients who’ve experienced trauma and loss as well as clients with chronic/serious illnesses, caregivers, and healthcare workers. Whether addressing issues of a pragmatic nature or those on a deeper emotional/spiritual level, my calm, intuitive style and integrative approach invites curiosity, exploration, and growth.
My practice includes clients who’ve experienced trauma and loss as well as clients with chronic/serious illnesses, caregivers, and healthcare workers. Whether addressing issues of a pragmatic nature or those on a deeper emotional/spiritual level, my calm, intuitive style and integrative approach invites curiosity, exploration, and growth.
![Photo of Johanna Hammer, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9025ff90-a039-4468-a389-b335b0d83cee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Johanna Hammer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Shutesbury, MA 01072 (Online Only)
I have been a therapist for over twenty years and have loved almost every minute of it. Everyone needs more support, new strategies and new perspectives because our lives are always changing. My primary orientation is Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a combination of Mindfulness Practice and skills for the moment and the long term. Whether it's for a short-term problem or a long-term pattern, lets hang out and build the life you want to lead. Many times connecting with ourselves and figuring out our best path can be confusing- I am here to help you figure out how to quiet some of the noise and tune in to your true self.
I have been a therapist for over twenty years and have loved almost every minute of it. Everyone needs more support, new strategies and new perspectives because our lives are always changing. My primary orientation is Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a combination of Mindfulness Practice and skills for the moment and the long term. Whether it's for a short-term problem or a long-term pattern, lets hang out and build the life you want to lead. Many times connecting with ourselves and figuring out our best path can be confusing- I am here to help you figure out how to quiet some of the noise and tune in to your true self.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Mathew Apeseche, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52d7f1db-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My mission is to help my clients better understand who they are, what they want from this life, and how to move towards a more integrated self. My alternative style of therapy blends traditional talk therapy with non-traditional therapeutic methods such as nature therapy, mindfulness-based practices, music, art, movement, and nature-based groups. I have found both personally and professionally that nature, creative expression, and physical activity set the stage for healing and growth, and I enjoy incorporating these elements into my therapeutic approach.
My mission is to help my clients better understand who they are, what they want from this life, and how to move towards a more integrated self. My alternative style of therapy blends traditional talk therapy with non-traditional therapeutic methods such as nature therapy, mindfulness-based practices, music, art, movement, and nature-based groups. I have found both personally and professionally that nature, creative expression, and physical activity set the stage for healing and growth, and I enjoy incorporating these elements into my therapeutic approach.
![Photo of Claudia B Rutherford, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48c2b147-8e3f-4f5f-a623-89bc3a37ead8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I'm the president of Pioneer Valley Psychological Assessment Inc., a group practice dedicated to psychological, educational, and neuropsychological evaluation of adults and children. Drs. Flannery Geier, Jamelle Greene, Emily Love and I are four psychologists who specialize in identifying the psychological, cognitive, and/or academic profile of individuals and making recommendations to help support them in work, school, and their personal lives. We write user-friendly reports and work collaboratively with clients, families, and referral sources to deliver evaluations that assist in meaningful change and greater self-understanding.
I'm the president of Pioneer Valley Psychological Assessment Inc., a group practice dedicated to psychological, educational, and neuropsychological evaluation of adults and children. Drs. Flannery Geier, Jamelle Greene, Emily Love and I are four psychologists who specialize in identifying the psychological, cognitive, and/or academic profile of individuals and making recommendations to help support them in work, school, and their personal lives. We write user-friendly reports and work collaboratively with clients, families, and referral sources to deliver evaluations that assist in meaningful change and greater self-understanding.
![Photo of Louis Joseph Jumonville, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46bb30f3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Louis Joseph Jumonville
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunderland, MA 01375 (Online Only)
Are you feeling the stuck in your patterns of relating to family, friends and coworkers? Feeling anxious, depressed, worried about health or work? Feeling unsatisfied with life, with the feeling that there must something more? Or are you frequently concerned regarding recent, or childhood trauma? I can help you discover and teach you tools to find relief from troubling thoughts, overwhelming emotions, and access your creativity to guide yourself into more healthy, nurturing and satisfying relationships. If you have tried it alone, and find it not working to your satisfactions perhaps it is time to get the help you deserve.
Are you feeling the stuck in your patterns of relating to family, friends and coworkers? Feeling anxious, depressed, worried about health or work? Feeling unsatisfied with life, with the feeling that there must something more? Or are you frequently concerned regarding recent, or childhood trauma? I can help you discover and teach you tools to find relief from troubling thoughts, overwhelming emotions, and access your creativity to guide yourself into more healthy, nurturing and satisfying relationships. If you have tried it alone, and find it not working to your satisfactions perhaps it is time to get the help you deserve.
![Photo of Tetty Gorfine, LCSW, LMHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40751c91-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tetty Gorfine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMHC
Verified Verified
Amherst, MA 01002 (Online Only)
Life is hard and life can be beautiful. Your symptoms perfectly reflect your distress. Gentleness, curiosity and developing awareness create a foundation for healing. Life need not be situations and feelings that keep repeating. I work to create positive ways of relating to yourself and others. Real change is possible with respect, courage and an open heart. I am not a managed care therapist - my commitment is to lasting change. I work with heterosexual, non-binary and LGBTQA+ individuals and couples. I also specialize in working with end of life, grief and loss, autism and deaf and hard of hearing issues.
Life is hard and life can be beautiful. Your symptoms perfectly reflect your distress. Gentleness, curiosity and developing awareness create a foundation for healing. Life need not be situations and feelings that keep repeating. I work to create positive ways of relating to yourself and others. Real change is possible with respect, courage and an open heart. I am not a managed care therapist - my commitment is to lasting change. I work with heterosexual, non-binary and LGBTQA+ individuals and couples. I also specialize in working with end of life, grief and loss, autism and deaf and hard of hearing issues.
![Photo of Ann Norris, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3611074-f315-4f08-a1c7-eab92ab4f02a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ann Norris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Sunderland, MA 01375 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I offer empathetic and empowering care to young adults and adults. My main areas of focus include helping individuals navigate life transitions and supporting folks with complex trauma, ADHD, Autism and mood disorders including anxiety and depression. I enjoy collaborating with people in creative and strength-based ways and working beside them while they make meaningful changes in their lives.
I offer empathetic and empowering care to young adults and adults. My main areas of focus include helping individuals navigate life transitions and supporting folks with complex trauma, ADHD, Autism and mood disorders including anxiety and depression. I enjoy collaborating with people in creative and strength-based ways and working beside them while they make meaningful changes in their lives.
![Photo of Jessica King, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/988a2e3c-6689-45c3-b4a8-39b47986dd1b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Using the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for healing, we will work together to rediscover your strengths, interests, & goals, while releasing self-defeating beliefs as you uncover your own power & purpose. We will work on slowing down, responding to your inner critic, and increasing emotional awareness to bring balance into your life.
Using the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for healing, we will work together to rediscover your strengths, interests, & goals, while releasing self-defeating beliefs as you uncover your own power & purpose. We will work on slowing down, responding to your inner critic, and increasing emotional awareness to bring balance into your life.
![Photo of Liz Larkin, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b080d0d8-dcf4-4ffc-97ec-367a5d865a69/1/320x400.jpeg)
Compassionate, engaged therapist available for teens (15+), emerging adults, and adults.
Compassionate, engaged therapist available for teens (15+), emerging adults, and adults.
![Photo of Abigail Vayda, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53eea529-1bd0-4f0f-bc47-395dcdf54eb8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Abigail Vayda
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Amherst, MA 01002 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I have a warm, accepting, and down-to-earth presence. I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaboration in which I can assist in guiding you towards greater self-understanding and tap into the wisdom and resilience that already exists within. I have experience working with clients living with anxiety, depression, stress, symptoms related to trauma, and addiction issues. I particularly enjoy working with individuals navigating a transition or stage of life change and those looking to better understand and shift from patterns of thinking, behavior, communication, or of relationships which are no longer of service.
I have a warm, accepting, and down-to-earth presence. I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaboration in which I can assist in guiding you towards greater self-understanding and tap into the wisdom and resilience that already exists within. I have experience working with clients living with anxiety, depression, stress, symptoms related to trauma, and addiction issues. I particularly enjoy working with individuals navigating a transition or stage of life change and those looking to better understand and shift from patterns of thinking, behavior, communication, or of relationships which are no longer of service.
![Photo of Jill Fleischner, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d12eda7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
In searching for a therapist it is important to find someone you feel has the capacity to fully listen, to truly understand without judgment, and who can to bear witness to the experience you bring forth to treatment. When two people can walk together safely carrying the weight of one's individual experience and history significant change can occur.This process is an ongoing reminder of the potential curative power behind relationship and the resiliency of human spirit.
In searching for a therapist it is important to find someone you feel has the capacity to fully listen, to truly understand without judgment, and who can to bear witness to the experience you bring forth to treatment. When two people can walk together safely carrying the weight of one's individual experience and history significant change can occur.This process is an ongoing reminder of the potential curative power behind relationship and the resiliency of human spirit.
![Photo of Laurie Sugarman-Whittier, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/464b7384-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Laurie Sugarman-Whittier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Not accepting new clients
Welcome! I am a clinical social worker with over 30 years experience. I work with adults of all ages. Many of my clients are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and/or traumatic histories. I also have experience assisting people with many other issues. I see my first job as therapist to be establishing a relationship with you, within which you will feel accepted, comfortable, and safe. I will work to ask good questions, and to assist and empower you in discovering how to create the positive changes you seek.
Welcome! I am a clinical social worker with over 30 years experience. I work with adults of all ages. Many of my clients are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and/or traumatic histories. I also have experience assisting people with many other issues. I see my first job as therapist to be establishing a relationship with you, within which you will feel accepted, comfortable, and safe. I will work to ask good questions, and to assist and empower you in discovering how to create the positive changes you seek.
![Photo of Andrea Alice Mizula, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a9a527b1-1ee4-4637-bef7-3a7d4934d4d1/2/320x400.jpeg)
I value and appreciate the trust, safety and non-judgement that comes from a theraputic relationship. Regardless of the reason, I consider myself very respectful of each child, adult or family who begins the therapy process. I strive to meet the client or family where they are at on there journey as I help to guild through strengthening and developing new tools that will help them reach there goals. I work with adults, children and families, struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, PTSD, Child Trauma, Behavioral and Emotional difficulties, ADHD and difficulties with Adjusting to Life Changes.
I value and appreciate the trust, safety and non-judgement that comes from a theraputic relationship. Regardless of the reason, I consider myself very respectful of each child, adult or family who begins the therapy process. I strive to meet the client or family where they are at on there journey as I help to guild through strengthening and developing new tools that will help them reach there goals. I work with adults, children and families, struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, PTSD, Child Trauma, Behavioral and Emotional difficulties, ADHD and difficulties with Adjusting to Life Changes.
![Photo of Julie M Paquette - Julie M. Paquette, LICSW,CADC, MSW, LICSW, CADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f888eb5-df5e-4752-add8-f7a152589d7a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julie M. Paquette, LICSW,CADC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CADC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Deerfield, MA 01373 (Online Only)
I teach EVERYONE- from kids to adults, how to manage difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I teach parents how to help their children regulate their feelings, which in turn helps manage behaviors. My work focuses on the mind and the heart; I focus on reducing unnecessary suffering by learning how to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, so you can overcome life obstacles while respecting your soul's journey. My goal is to pass my skills and knowledge onto parents, adults and children, so you don't need me anymore. I work late afternoons and evenings.
I teach EVERYONE- from kids to adults, how to manage difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I teach parents how to help their children regulate their feelings, which in turn helps manage behaviors. My work focuses on the mind and the heart; I focus on reducing unnecessary suffering by learning how to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, so you can overcome life obstacles while respecting your soul's journey. My goal is to pass my skills and knowledge onto parents, adults and children, so you don't need me anymore. I work late afternoons and evenings.
![Photo of Betsy McNamara, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c07248e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you, your teen or young adult child struggling? Withdrawing? Anxious? Making dangerous choices? Having trouble getting along? For over twenty years I have been helping people work through their situations to think more clearly, make better choices, and ultimately, to feel better about themselves. Because trust and good communication between the therapist and the client is so important, I invite you to email or call me and talk about what you are looking for and my approach to see if this might be a good fit for you or your child.
Are you, your teen or young adult child struggling? Withdrawing? Anxious? Making dangerous choices? Having trouble getting along? For over twenty years I have been helping people work through their situations to think more clearly, make better choices, and ultimately, to feel better about themselves. Because trust and good communication between the therapist and the client is so important, I invite you to email or call me and talk about what you are looking for and my approach to see if this might be a good fit for you or your child.
![Photo of J. Michael Rowan, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4518db44-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
J. Michael Rowan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Amherst, MA 01002 (Online Only)
I am an experienced family therapist who has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. I see self-pay clients and Blue Cross Blue Shield. I am often the first person to see a young child when emotional and behavioral difficulties emerge in pre-school or Kindergarten. I can help figure out what's going on diagnostically and we can develop a treatment plan together. I have successfully helped children and adults with ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders like Depression and Bipolar Disorder.
I am an experienced family therapist who has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. I see self-pay clients and Blue Cross Blue Shield. I am often the first person to see a young child when emotional and behavioral difficulties emerge in pre-school or Kindergarten. I can help figure out what's going on diagnostically and we can develop a treatment plan together. I have successfully helped children and adults with ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders like Depression and Bipolar Disorder.
![Photo of Carolyn McGill, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e4ad3f6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Carolyn McGill
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Leverett, MA 01054 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with adult clients experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress and adjustment issues related to life stressors. I have extensive experience working with individuals impacted by trauma,issues of loss, disability, chronic illness and pain. My work includes assisting individuals who have survived trauma and abuse, as well as those who struggle with addiction. I blend introspective exploration of one self with cognitive, behavioral, supportive and problem-solving approaches. My goal is to create a safe setting where one is able to explore and create a path towards healing and growth.
I work with adult clients experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress and adjustment issues related to life stressors. I have extensive experience working with individuals impacted by trauma,issues of loss, disability, chronic illness and pain. My work includes assisting individuals who have survived trauma and abuse, as well as those who struggle with addiction. I blend introspective exploration of one self with cognitive, behavioral, supportive and problem-solving approaches. My goal is to create a safe setting where one is able to explore and create a path towards healing and growth.
![Photo of Paul Doud, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a8fb681-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Intimate life partnerships are incredibly important to us. They provide a solid base for all that we do in life, from raising children, to doing our work in the world, to simply enjoying life. When that relationship becomes less than safe and secure, it can throw us into deep distress. We get into arguing, misunderstanding, distancing, emotional pain, fear, confusion, hopelessness or numbing out. Our best attempts to regain a loving connection may not work, or make things worse. This is not uncommon. Couples caught up in repeating patterns of distress and disconnection often need help to get unstuck and reconnected in love.
Intimate life partnerships are incredibly important to us. They provide a solid base for all that we do in life, from raising children, to doing our work in the world, to simply enjoying life. When that relationship becomes less than safe and secure, it can throw us into deep distress. We get into arguing, misunderstanding, distancing, emotional pain, fear, confusion, hopelessness or numbing out. Our best attempts to regain a loving connection may not work, or make things worse. This is not uncommon. Couples caught up in repeating patterns of distress and disconnection often need help to get unstuck and reconnected in love.
![Photo of Paula Pralinsky, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f220d446-9cfe-4b11-9be4-9ecf6b2b3e55/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative process in which a safe and welcoming space is co-created. This space allows room to supportively explore-with curiosity and self-compassion-the patterns of interaction, behavior, and thoughts that might no longer serve their purpose. I am an accomplished clinician with over 15 years of direct experience. I began my professional career in San Francisco and have since relocated back to my roots in central Massachusetts. I have worked successfully with many clients with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, strengths, challenges, and coping strategies.
I believe that psychotherapy is a collaborative process in which a safe and welcoming space is co-created. This space allows room to supportively explore-with curiosity and self-compassion-the patterns of interaction, behavior, and thoughts that might no longer serve their purpose. I am an accomplished clinician with over 15 years of direct experience. I began my professional career in San Francisco and have since relocated back to my roots in central Massachusetts. I have worked successfully with many clients with a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, strengths, challenges, and coping strategies.
See more therapy options for Shutesbury
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Shutesbury, MA
< 10
Therapists in Shutesbury, MA who prioritize treating:
100% | Depression |
67% | Anxiety |
67% | Grief |
67% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Anger Management |
67% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Borderline Personality (BPD) |
Average years in practice
34 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
100% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Shutesbury, MA see their clients
66% | Online Only | |
34% | In Person and Online |
Gender breakdown
67% | Female | |
33% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Shutesbury?
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.