Therapists in Columbia, Bellingham, WA
![Photo of Alissa Swank - Alissa Swank Counseling, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d5a5a56a-a384-47d7-9f5a-8444dc5836bc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alissa Swank Counseling
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Columbia, Bellingham, WA 98225
My practice focuses on food & body issues, eating disorder recovery, perinatal mental health, as well as ongoing psychotherapy. I aim to help you gain a more cohesive sense of self so you can live authentically. I foster a therapeutic space that is safe and open, where you are able to talk about whatever you want without fear of judgment.
My practice focuses on food & body issues, eating disorder recovery, perinatal mental health, as well as ongoing psychotherapy. I aim to help you gain a more cohesive sense of self so you can live authentically. I foster a therapeutic space that is safe and open, where you are able to talk about whatever you want without fear of judgment.
![Photo of Barbara Durdle, MEd, LPC, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c1d27cf-f93a-40fa-a440-cdcad250219f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara Durdle
Counselor, MEd, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, Bellingham, WA 98225 (Online Only)
There are times in all our lives when we need emotional support. Reaching out for professional help takes strength and courage. Whether you are dealing with relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, a life transition or an emotional crisis, it can feel overwhelming to carry all of those emotions and worries alone. At times it can be difficult to even know what you want and need. I provide an open-minded, nonjudgemental, nurturing environment where you can feel safe to be yourself and express whatever emotions you are having.
There are times in all our lives when we need emotional support. Reaching out for professional help takes strength and courage. Whether you are dealing with relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, a life transition or an emotional crisis, it can feel overwhelming to carry all of those emotions and worries alone. At times it can be difficult to even know what you want and need. I provide an open-minded, nonjudgemental, nurturing environment where you can feel safe to be yourself and express whatever emotions you are having.
![Photo of Scott Avery Lewis - Scotty Lewis, MA, CHT, AAC, BFA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8fe043cc-b973-4d07-9d87-ebcc25644936/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a Certified Hakomi Therapist my offering is a Somatic Experiential Psychotherapy modality that is gentle, non-judgmental, and compassionate; a form of assisted self-study where the client studies his or her responses to explorations in a mindful state of consciousness. We become aware and touch upon the very organizing experiences that have been a part of our habitual life - the patterns that no long serve us. We increase clarity, creativity, confidence and awareness and break through obstacles towards ease, connection and vitality. I am available for phone or online sessions.
As a Certified Hakomi Therapist my offering is a Somatic Experiential Psychotherapy modality that is gentle, non-judgmental, and compassionate; a form of assisted self-study where the client studies his or her responses to explorations in a mindful state of consciousness. We become aware and touch upon the very organizing experiences that have been a part of our habitual life - the patterns that no long serve us. We increase clarity, creativity, confidence and awareness and break through obstacles towards ease, connection and vitality. I am available for phone or online sessions.
![Photo of DeeAnn K Schmucker, LCSW, LICSW, Author, Speaker, Coach, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fcc44c6f-e2cd-4a34-a773-e21249f68918/2/320x400.jpeg)
DeeAnn K Schmucker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, Author, Speaker, Coach
Verified Verified
Columbia, Bellingham, WA 98225 (Online Only)
Do you feel out of control or experience confusion in your relationships? In conversations with significant others do you often feel you hold all the responsibility or are to blame? Do keep having the same unproductive conversations, fights, quarrels? Are you struggling with chronic health issues that affect your relationships? I work with adults who are struggling with relationship, trauma or health challenges to get to the root of their challenges so they can feel better for good. I have specialized training in integrative approaches and have innovated new therapy modalities.
Do you feel out of control or experience confusion in your relationships? In conversations with significant others do you often feel you hold all the responsibility or are to blame? Do keep having the same unproductive conversations, fights, quarrels? Are you struggling with chronic health issues that affect your relationships? I work with adults who are struggling with relationship, trauma or health challenges to get to the root of their challenges so they can feel better for good. I have specialized training in integrative approaches and have innovated new therapy modalities.
![Photo of Cindy Paffumi, MA, NCC, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d40fc9ee-1bbb-4228-a192-c4ab65e70f02/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe in the inherent ability of an individual to change and heal. Therapy can be a path for that healing journey. I always keep in mind your unique set of needs and comfort level so the therapeutic environment feels as safe as possible. The approach I use integrates the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of each of us, a holistic understanding that body and mind is not separated. My intention is to empower you to embrace new coping tools to foster success and discover greater life possibilities. I provide individual and group psychotherapy.
I believe in the inherent ability of an individual to change and heal. Therapy can be a path for that healing journey. I always keep in mind your unique set of needs and comfort level so the therapeutic environment feels as safe as possible. The approach I use integrates the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of each of us, a holistic understanding that body and mind is not separated. My intention is to empower you to embrace new coping tools to foster success and discover greater life possibilities. I provide individual and group psychotherapy.
![Photo of Dr. Jesse Moline, DNP, ARNP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de65d449-5a17-42ca-9d4d-db47498416b0/1/320x400.jpeg)
We’re all on a journey in this life. I believe we live our best lives when we pay attention to what we put into our mind, body, and soul, and also to what we put out through movement, service, and collaboration. Why live a less than amazing life when you can optimize your inputs and outputs to reach your full potential? I will come alongside you to listen, support, revisit what you long to get a hold of and work through, examine your priorities and goals, and provide support and evidenced-based recommendations for your health and wellness.
We’re all on a journey in this life. I believe we live our best lives when we pay attention to what we put into our mind, body, and soul, and also to what we put out through movement, service, and collaboration. Why live a less than amazing life when you can optimize your inputs and outputs to reach your full potential? I will come alongside you to listen, support, revisit what you long to get a hold of and work through, examine your priorities and goals, and provide support and evidenced-based recommendations for your health and wellness.
![Photo of Margaret M. Shull, LMHC, MS, MDiv, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51c1c875-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret M. Shull
Counselor, LMHC, MS, MDiv
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Columbia, Bellingham, WA 98225
Not accepting new clients
The human experience presents opportunities, obstacles and constant change. Oftentimes, the challenges we face feel overwhelming and prevent us from seeing the possibility for growth, while the pace of living interferes with our ability to stay focused on the present moment where creative possibility abides. The distractions we all use to keep us from pain do not serve us anymore, but we are left wondering how to live without them. Navigating challenge and finding new possibility are sometimes difficult to accomplish on our own.
The human experience presents opportunities, obstacles and constant change. Oftentimes, the challenges we face feel overwhelming and prevent us from seeing the possibility for growth, while the pace of living interferes with our ability to stay focused on the present moment where creative possibility abides. The distractions we all use to keep us from pain do not serve us anymore, but we are left wondering how to live without them. Navigating challenge and finding new possibility are sometimes difficult to accomplish on our own.
![Photo of Kendall Cline, MA, NCC, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db132d2b-0356-47ca-89e5-ff70a2775437/1/320x400.jpeg)
Regulating your nervous system and restoring balance to your body and mind really is possible. Past trauma and current stressors offer us the road map for healing. I am passionate about working with adults who are motivated for that change. I work with Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other therapies to treat anxiety/depression, grief and loss, PTSD, past traumas or current triggers, interpersonal conflict, attachment differences and more.
Regulating your nervous system and restoring balance to your body and mind really is possible. Past trauma and current stressors offer us the road map for healing. I am passionate about working with adults who are motivated for that change. I work with Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other therapies to treat anxiety/depression, grief and loss, PTSD, past traumas or current triggers, interpersonal conflict, attachment differences and more.
![Photo of Hannah Thomas Child And Adult Trauma And Anxiety Therapy, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0d377368-e8be-45b3-a343-8f760bd81e30/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hannah Thomas Child And Adult Trauma And Anxiety Therapy
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Columbia, Bellingham, WA 98225
I provide therapy for children and adults dealing with ongoing stress related to trauma, anxiety, life transitions (divorce/separation, grief/loss, job changes, family changes, etc.). It can be hard seeing your kiddo struggling- they might have trouble making friends, having increased outbursts, dealing with nightmares/sleep issues, or generally struggling after traumatic or stressful experiences. Adults, you might feel overwhelmed with your own stress, tough memories that keep popping up, worries that you just can't shake, or are seeing negative impacts on your various relationships due to how you're feeling. Therapy can help!
I provide therapy for children and adults dealing with ongoing stress related to trauma, anxiety, life transitions (divorce/separation, grief/loss, job changes, family changes, etc.). It can be hard seeing your kiddo struggling- they might have trouble making friends, having increased outbursts, dealing with nightmares/sleep issues, or generally struggling after traumatic or stressful experiences. Adults, you might feel overwhelmed with your own stress, tough memories that keep popping up, worries that you just can't shake, or are seeing negative impacts on your various relationships due to how you're feeling. Therapy can help!
![Photo of Megan Sherman, CC, MA, LMT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9ca0a41-d426-489d-9b51-feeb44e2530c/2/320x400.jpeg)
I aim to create a sanctuary of support for you to come into connection with yourself. By learning to listen deeply to your body, you help create the conditions to recalibrate your nervous system, which can open up fresh perspectives. From this new vantage point, an embodied shift toward self-compassion and awareness is possible, making room for more vitality, intimacy, and enjoyment. You will have the opportunity develop new tools to stay grounded in the face of life’s stressors, and tend to areas of discomfort, be them physical or emotional.
I aim to create a sanctuary of support for you to come into connection with yourself. By learning to listen deeply to your body, you help create the conditions to recalibrate your nervous system, which can open up fresh perspectives. From this new vantage point, an embodied shift toward self-compassion and awareness is possible, making room for more vitality, intimacy, and enjoyment. You will have the opportunity develop new tools to stay grounded in the face of life’s stressors, and tend to areas of discomfort, be them physical or emotional.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Jeni Quigg, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c4404c9-c519-43ac-ab7f-4d401563acd1/2/320x400.jpeg)
My passion and focus is retraining the brain and nervous system; be it for chronic pain, trauma or helping our kids/partners feel safe. I have found, through over 20 years of exploring what does create a more gentle lived experience, is connecting deeply to ourselves and applying the latest neuroscience techniques to regulate ours and others nervous systems. Though mental health practitioners often help chronic pain patients cope with the stress of their symptoms, they can do much more. We can actually help treat the pain directly with Pain Reprocessing Therapy.
My passion and focus is retraining the brain and nervous system; be it for chronic pain, trauma or helping our kids/partners feel safe. I have found, through over 20 years of exploring what does create a more gentle lived experience, is connecting deeply to ourselves and applying the latest neuroscience techniques to regulate ours and others nervous systems. Though mental health practitioners often help chronic pain patients cope with the stress of their symptoms, they can do much more. We can actually help treat the pain directly with Pain Reprocessing Therapy.
![Photo of Nick Mabbutt, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46d8a53d-64fc-4336-a725-cce105581d9b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nick Mabbutt
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98229
Hello! Welcome to my profile. My name is Nick Mabbutt, I help children, ages (7-18), individuals, and families navigate a wide range of mental health challenges. Is your child exhibiting challenging behaviors? Emotional Struggles? Difficulty getting to grasp with active/new diagnoses? Is your family struggling to connect? Stuck in difficult patterns? Behavior is communication. Through therapy we may begin to work through these challenges and begin the journey of building a more empowered and connected lived experience for you, your child, and your family.
Hello! Welcome to my profile. My name is Nick Mabbutt, I help children, ages (7-18), individuals, and families navigate a wide range of mental health challenges. Is your child exhibiting challenging behaviors? Emotional Struggles? Difficulty getting to grasp with active/new diagnoses? Is your family struggling to connect? Stuck in difficult patterns? Behavior is communication. Through therapy we may begin to work through these challenges and begin the journey of building a more empowered and connected lived experience for you, your child, and your family.
![Photo of Kaileh Butler, MA, LMHC, NCC, DARTT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/389ed4b2-7baa-4d33-b54e-57e450127ee6/4/320x400.jpeg)
Relationships are foundational in our lives. As a relational therapist, I work with both couples and individuals. I utilize my training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples address their underlying negative interactive cycle and create new ways of connecting to each other with deeper emotional bonds and a more secure attachment. As a trained Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapist (DARTT), I approach every client with compassion and curiosity as to how their unique relational histories have shaped them and work to help them heal core wounds from the past.
Relationships are foundational in our lives. As a relational therapist, I work with both couples and individuals. I utilize my training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples address their underlying negative interactive cycle and create new ways of connecting to each other with deeper emotional bonds and a more secure attachment. As a trained Developmental and Relational Trauma Therapist (DARTT), I approach every client with compassion and curiosity as to how their unique relational histories have shaped them and work to help them heal core wounds from the past.
![Photo of Dick Mattila, MDiv, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45f83910-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dick Mattila
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellingham, WA 98226
Do you want a fresh outlook? Are you looking for a new perspective? Do you want change that offers realistic hope? I have been privileged over the past 20 plus years of helping people address change. We all want to avoid addressing personal change. In many ways it is like musical chairs: We cling as long as possible to the perceived "safe" place that we already know, refusing to loosen our grip until we feel sure another safe place awaits. Together we will work to establish attainable goals that are best suited for your life.
Do you want a fresh outlook? Are you looking for a new perspective? Do you want change that offers realistic hope? I have been privileged over the past 20 plus years of helping people address change. We all want to avoid addressing personal change. In many ways it is like musical chairs: We cling as long as possible to the perceived "safe" place that we already know, refusing to loosen our grip until we feel sure another safe place awaits. Together we will work to establish attainable goals that are best suited for your life.
![Photo of Kelly R Frost, MS, LMHC, SUDP, DVIC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fce9eee9-9528-4c23-990c-cb1e0ac7aaa9/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with clients that try to manage life's pain with substances and other addictions. Many of my clients want to simply change their using habits and I work to support them weekly in understanding their intentions, feelings and motivations as they make healthy changes to their relationship with alcohol or other drugs. As we well know, many clients suffering from substance use disorders have a myriad of other issues that drive these compulsive coping mechanisms; I am experienced in many co-occurring issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma or grief.
I specialize in working with clients that try to manage life's pain with substances and other addictions. Many of my clients want to simply change their using habits and I work to support them weekly in understanding their intentions, feelings and motivations as they make healthy changes to their relationship with alcohol or other drugs. As we well know, many clients suffering from substance use disorders have a myriad of other issues that drive these compulsive coping mechanisms; I am experienced in many co-occurring issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma or grief.
![Photo of Katherine A Hardy - Salish Sea Hypnosis, RN, MS MBA, BCH](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0dfea16-c5c2-477c-b0d1-3df00c4b3892/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hypnosis works, even when everything else has failed, because it works differently, at the subconscious level. I you are trying to make a change but cannot, there may be a subconscious reason. I became a hypnotist after a 39 year career as a registered nurse, after realizing the value of hypnosis for helping people change habits, behaviors, and manage pain. I am skilled and I develop a targeted hypnosis plan for each client based on their particular needs. Compassionate and confidential.
Hypnosis works, even when everything else has failed, because it works differently, at the subconscious level. I you are trying to make a change but cannot, there may be a subconscious reason. I became a hypnotist after a 39 year career as a registered nurse, after realizing the value of hypnosis for helping people change habits, behaviors, and manage pain. I am skilled and I develop a targeted hypnosis plan for each client based on their particular needs. Compassionate and confidential.
![Photo of Roger Pierce, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0cec5e91-c998-4556-bff4-a1063d9403fa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Have you ever wondered why you have not been able to walk away from certain events in life? Why some experiences continue to remind you of strong and painful memories? Do you feel as if a gremlin lives inside your head and berates you on a regular basis? If your answer to any of these questions is “Yes,” I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma. If you would like to have your personal and professional life back, and end the chaos from traumatic memories of your past, we may be a good fit!
Have you ever wondered why you have not been able to walk away from certain events in life? Why some experiences continue to remind you of strong and painful memories? Do you feel as if a gremlin lives inside your head and berates you on a regular basis? If your answer to any of these questions is “Yes,” I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma. If you would like to have your personal and professional life back, and end the chaos from traumatic memories of your past, we may be a good fit!
![Photo of Woods Stonecypher, MEd, ATR, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a7b821f3-b340-4a6c-a9e1-697be6d8d040/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you found your way here – I would be honored to help support you or your child along your journey to a happier healthier self. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community (trans masc.), I work well with marginalized groups and have a deep understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. I have enjoyed working with youth across Washington State as an outdoor educator and most recently as a National Park Ranger. I am also a member of the AA/NA recovery community and enjoy working with other folks who have experienced issues with addiction.
Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you found your way here – I would be honored to help support you or your child along your journey to a happier healthier self. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community (trans masc.), I work well with marginalized groups and have a deep understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. I have enjoyed working with youth across Washington State as an outdoor educator and most recently as a National Park Ranger. I am also a member of the AA/NA recovery community and enjoy working with other folks who have experienced issues with addiction.
![Photo of Liz Warren, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ec7e957-a7d1-42ee-9483-629c44ddb86a/1/320x400.jpeg)
My decision to become a therapist began with my curiosity of and a deep respect for the diversity of human experience and influences that have shaped and continue to shape who we are today. Although we come into the world alone, we are wired for connection and early on we develop a sense of self from what we observe in others and our relation to them. We develop stories about ourselves that sometimes become barriers to health and happiness. Our work together is a team effort to identify what may be getting in the way of authenticity, contentment, and peace. You have taken the first and brave step of seeking a therapist.
My decision to become a therapist began with my curiosity of and a deep respect for the diversity of human experience and influences that have shaped and continue to shape who we are today. Although we come into the world alone, we are wired for connection and early on we develop a sense of self from what we observe in others and our relation to them. We develop stories about ourselves that sometimes become barriers to health and happiness. Our work together is a team effort to identify what may be getting in the way of authenticity, contentment, and peace. You have taken the first and brave step of seeking a therapist.
![Photo of Jodi Forsberg, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50fe2625-273d-4e08-833e-3c625007370c/4/320x400.jpeg)
We are born into lives that are not our choosing. Our parents, circumstances, and impactful events can define us and become the narrative of our lives. You may have reached a place where you would like to examine this, to decide who and how you want to be in the world, to align your values, interests and passions with how you live each day. Coping skills learned at a young age may no longer be serving you, and it may be time to learn new skills to support your growth and wellbeing. Together we can explore how you got here, and develop a pathway to connect with your true self.
We are born into lives that are not our choosing. Our parents, circumstances, and impactful events can define us and become the narrative of our lives. You may have reached a place where you would like to examine this, to decide who and how you want to be in the world, to align your values, interests and passions with how you live each day. Coping skills learned at a young age may no longer be serving you, and it may be time to learn new skills to support your growth and wellbeing. Together we can explore how you got here, and develop a pathway to connect with your true self.
Nearby Searches for Columbia, Bellingham
- Birchwood
- Downtown Business District
- Fairhaven
- Guide Meridian
- Lettered Streets
- Mount Baker
- Puget
- Roosevelt
- Sehome
- South Hill
- Sunnyland
- York
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Columbia, Bellingham, WA
10+
Average cost per session
$147
Therapists in Columbia, Bellingham, WA who prioritize treating:
100% | Anxiety |
90% | Depression |
90% | Trauma and PTSD |
90% | Self Esteem |
90% | Life Transitions |
80% | Relationship Issues |
80% | Grief |
Average years in practice
8 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
80% | Premera Blue Cross |
60% | First Choice Health | FCH |
60% | LifeWise |
How Therapists in Columbia, Bellingham, WA see their clients
80% | In Person and Online | |
20% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
88% | Female | |
12% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Columbia, Bellingham?
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.