Therapists in Saint Louis, MO
![Photo of Amy Yeskie, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34abeeb0-6935-48d9-beee-83ea14a70a89/3/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Yeskie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63118
Not accepting new clients
Welcome! Taking the first step in reaching out can be challenging. My goal is to create the kind of environment that feels safe to explore whatever issue is causing you distress. As a social worker, I bring a deep empathy and a strengths-based approach to our sessions, where you are the expert in your own experience. I'm EMDR trained and utilize a variety of clinical interventions like CBT, narrative techniques, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational interviewing, to help see what fits your needs.
Welcome! Taking the first step in reaching out can be challenging. My goal is to create the kind of environment that feels safe to explore whatever issue is causing you distress. As a social worker, I bring a deep empathy and a strengths-based approach to our sessions, where you are the expert in your own experience. I'm EMDR trained and utilize a variety of clinical interventions like CBT, narrative techniques, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational interviewing, to help see what fits your needs.
![Photo of Greg Rieger, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47cd9b49-c794-4e67-9612-d1b15766c2d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Greg Rieger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63141
Not accepting new clients
Are you struggling and needing some help? You've already made the first important step. I work with clients who have problems in everyday living, including difficulties with anxiety, depression, panic and bipolar disorder. I've also worked with people who experience more serious problems like suicidal and self-harm thoughts and actions and impulsivity. I have 15 years of experience treating adults, adolescents and families, parents of adolescents and young adults, people struggling with grief and loss, and members of the LGBTQ+ population. Visit my web site at www.riegertherapy.com and please feel free to reach out.
Are you struggling and needing some help? You've already made the first important step. I work with clients who have problems in everyday living, including difficulties with anxiety, depression, panic and bipolar disorder. I've also worked with people who experience more serious problems like suicidal and self-harm thoughts and actions and impulsivity. I have 15 years of experience treating adults, adolescents and families, parents of adolescents and young adults, people struggling with grief and loss, and members of the LGBTQ+ population. Visit my web site at www.riegertherapy.com and please feel free to reach out.
![Photo of Caitlin McNeece, MSW, LCSW, RYT 200, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d71b8bfa-1265-4c45-82f9-2e952560ad92/1/320x400.jpeg)
Caitlin McNeece
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, RYT 200
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63116 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Anxiety and past trauma have kept you playing small, but in your heart you know that life can be so much bigger! You’re ready to wrestle with anxiety, shine a light on hurts and hardships of the past, and begin living life on your own terms. It feels like you’ve been waiting forever, unsure if the timing is right, but now you realize that “ready” might never happen, and you’re willing to try anyway. You're dreaming of a life where you stop second guessing yourself, where you feel connected and have a deep sense of belonging, and where you're no longer paralyzed by worries. You're ready to get back in the driver's seat of life!
Anxiety and past trauma have kept you playing small, but in your heart you know that life can be so much bigger! You’re ready to wrestle with anxiety, shine a light on hurts and hardships of the past, and begin living life on your own terms. It feels like you’ve been waiting forever, unsure if the timing is right, but now you realize that “ready” might never happen, and you’re willing to try anyway. You're dreaming of a life where you stop second guessing yourself, where you feel connected and have a deep sense of belonging, and where you're no longer paralyzed by worries. You're ready to get back in the driver's seat of life!
![Photo of Cristina Marie Smugala, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf466f05-3b04-46d8-99eb-72dd36ac744f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cristina Marie Smugala
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63127 (Online Only)
My passion is to empathetically guide and support transformation of traumatic experience. I will empower you to face your fears, unburden toxic shame, heal traumatic wounds and help you reclaim the courage that you know is inside of you. The ability to have love, compassion and acceptance for yourself are powerful healing forces that I strive to ignite, recover and unlock in my clients. Through EMDR and Somatic Experiencing I focus on restoring a sense of calm, centered connectedness within the brain and body. I work to inspire courage, promote healing so you can embody radical acceptance, release fear and embrace authenticity.
My passion is to empathetically guide and support transformation of traumatic experience. I will empower you to face your fears, unburden toxic shame, heal traumatic wounds and help you reclaim the courage that you know is inside of you. The ability to have love, compassion and acceptance for yourself are powerful healing forces that I strive to ignite, recover and unlock in my clients. Through EMDR and Somatic Experiencing I focus on restoring a sense of calm, centered connectedness within the brain and body. I work to inspire courage, promote healing so you can embody radical acceptance, release fear and embrace authenticity.
![Photo of Jackie Guidici, MEd, PLPC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf9908dd-f874-4ac6-ac47-cfa4bf6e4053/4/320x400.jpeg)
Jackie is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She is certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and has training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Jackie works with individuals, couples, and families of all ages. She is passionate about supporting clients as they navigate anxiety and mood disorders, as well as supporting couples and families seeking healing in relationship.
Jackie is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri and a Nationally Certified Counselor. She is certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and has training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Jackie works with individuals, couples, and families of all ages. She is passionate about supporting clients as they navigate anxiety and mood disorders, as well as supporting couples and families seeking healing in relationship.
![Photo of Betty Teal-Grant, PhD, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb0f5ba1-df7a-4294-8a78-a51834fae782/3/320x400.jpeg)
Betty Teal-Grant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63128 (Online Only)
You may be angry, anxious, depressed, grieving, or just feeling overwhelm by life struggles. Taking that first step to seek out a counselor is the most important step to recovery. Regardless of what your struggles are, I believe that counseling can help. I cannot promise that the process will be easy but hope that in the end you will believe the work was worth it.
You may be angry, anxious, depressed, grieving, or just feeling overwhelm by life struggles. Taking that first step to seek out a counselor is the most important step to recovery. Regardless of what your struggles are, I believe that counseling can help. I cannot promise that the process will be easy but hope that in the end you will believe the work was worth it.
![Photo of Morgan Dietz, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f6a8f86-207a-49b6-86e2-f363f4437af5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life moves so quickly! We seldom take time to pause, reflect, and observe the beauty in and around us. Instead, we tend to ruminate about the past or obsess about the future, robbing us of present moment awareness. Therapeutic space provides the unique opportunity to remedy this —if we can simply be present, we learn to work meaningfully with the thoughts and emotions which arise, and we find direction and new possibilities. My hope is to be a source of safety, insight, and clarification as we help you find your way.
Life moves so quickly! We seldom take time to pause, reflect, and observe the beauty in and around us. Instead, we tend to ruminate about the past or obsess about the future, robbing us of present moment awareness. Therapeutic space provides the unique opportunity to remedy this —if we can simply be present, we learn to work meaningfully with the thoughts and emotions which arise, and we find direction and new possibilities. My hope is to be a source of safety, insight, and clarification as we help you find your way.
![Photo of Daniel J Christy, LPC, CEAP, SAP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64becf59-34bf-4c97-b95a-7bd932802171/3/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel J Christy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CEAP, SAP
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63122
I take a compassionate approach to counseling focusing on your needs and assisting you with attaining your goals. I practice an eclectic approach utilizing various techniques to best fit you. I enjoy helping you find your inner strength and resiliency that can help you overcome life's problems. I have experience working with people to overcome anxiety issues, substance abuse, and work-life balance. If you want to get the most out of life, overcome your difficulties and reframe negative thoughts so that you can see the positive, I would love to help you.
I take a compassionate approach to counseling focusing on your needs and assisting you with attaining your goals. I practice an eclectic approach utilizing various techniques to best fit you. I enjoy helping you find your inner strength and resiliency that can help you overcome life's problems. I have experience working with people to overcome anxiety issues, substance abuse, and work-life balance. If you want to get the most out of life, overcome your difficulties and reframe negative thoughts so that you can see the positive, I would love to help you.
![Photo of Erica Harmon, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/454e3eac-4801-417a-8d0e-d20865e842ab/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erica Harmon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63108 (Online Only)
Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from family or loved ones, hopeless about the future, or like they’re struggling to make decisions or meaningful change. They may be uncertain of how to start the process of change or healing, though they’re ready for growth and understanding.
Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from family or loved ones, hopeless about the future, or like they’re struggling to make decisions or meaningful change. They may be uncertain of how to start the process of change or healing, though they’re ready for growth and understanding.
![Photo of Brittany Bagy, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43a0ba88-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany Bagy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63127
There's this lingering sense of negativity, self-doubt, and not being good enough. Stress is accumulating and the demands you're facing are outweighing your resources. Your drive to reach goals, connect with others, and enjoy life is declining. You notice that same cycle of perfectionism, anxiety, and shame repeating itself, causing you to feel trapped, overwhelmed, and powerless. It's not just affecting your mind. It's also taking a toll on your body and your relationships. Avoid the burnout. Make a choice to make a change.
There's this lingering sense of negativity, self-doubt, and not being good enough. Stress is accumulating and the demands you're facing are outweighing your resources. Your drive to reach goals, connect with others, and enjoy life is declining. You notice that same cycle of perfectionism, anxiety, and shame repeating itself, causing you to feel trapped, overwhelmed, and powerless. It's not just affecting your mind. It's also taking a toll on your body and your relationships. Avoid the burnout. Make a choice to make a change.
![Photo of Bill Michalski, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0805406d-1a5f-47da-b50e-3647da7046b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Why is it that you’re doing everything “right” and still don’t feel happy? How do you remain true to your heartfelt work in a world that doesn’t seem to appreciate it? Is all this stress accomplishing anything meaningful for you or your loved ones? Why do fears and anxieties keep you isolated from people you might like to know? These are just a few of the questions we can tackle together in therapy. If there is one place in the world where you should be allowed to be your genuine self, I believe it is the therapy room.
Why is it that you’re doing everything “right” and still don’t feel happy? How do you remain true to your heartfelt work in a world that doesn’t seem to appreciate it? Is all this stress accomplishing anything meaningful for you or your loved ones? Why do fears and anxieties keep you isolated from people you might like to know? These are just a few of the questions we can tackle together in therapy. If there is one place in the world where you should be allowed to be your genuine self, I believe it is the therapy room.
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I believe in your ability to change and grow. Whether the challenge you face is anxiety, depression, or something else, my goal is to understand clearly how you see the issue. Next, we explore and create a unique approach to your problem. I teach skills that are time-tested and thoroughly science-based but always they are adapted to your personal situation. Whenever possible, emphasis will be placed on your strengths and how they can be brought to bear to help. Sessions conclude with you giving me a grade on my performance for the hour. I want your feedback.
I believe in your ability to change and grow. Whether the challenge you face is anxiety, depression, or something else, my goal is to understand clearly how you see the issue. Next, we explore and create a unique approach to your problem. I teach skills that are time-tested and thoroughly science-based but always they are adapted to your personal situation. Whenever possible, emphasis will be placed on your strengths and how they can be brought to bear to help. Sessions conclude with you giving me a grade on my performance for the hour. I want your feedback.
![Photo of Jackie Sell, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23e36a0c-e83b-4051-996f-bbc485e28579/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jackie Sell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63118
Depth psychotherapy work is a process unique to each individual and it relies on their innate potential for growth and ability to explore deeper realms of the psyche. We will use tools such as dream work, active imagination, explorations of the past as well as the present to understand those deeper aspects of the mind. The goal of depth work is to understand unconscious patterns and origins of behavior which can ultimately lead to greater psychological flexibility and freedom. Many clients who experience depth work end up finding a renewed sense of Self and purpose.
Depth psychotherapy work is a process unique to each individual and it relies on their innate potential for growth and ability to explore deeper realms of the psyche. We will use tools such as dream work, active imagination, explorations of the past as well as the present to understand those deeper aspects of the mind. The goal of depth work is to understand unconscious patterns and origins of behavior which can ultimately lead to greater psychological flexibility and freedom. Many clients who experience depth work end up finding a renewed sense of Self and purpose.
![Photo of John A Ware, MSW, JD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c7d4de5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I see my role as one who can help clarify and encourage strategies to strengthen one's ability to navigate through stresses and pain. Together, we can develop plans to deal with challenging issues and life transitions in marriage, family, and professional or work situations. My career and life experiences have provided me with unique real world insights into the issues facing men and women today. I understand people who are coping with the difficult balancing of inter-personal relationships, family relationships, and work-related issues including, with increasing frequency, the stress, anxiety and uncertainty created by job loss or career transition.
I see my role as one who can help clarify and encourage strategies to strengthen one's ability to navigate through stresses and pain. Together, we can develop plans to deal with challenging issues and life transitions in marriage, family, and professional or work situations. My career and life experiences have provided me with unique real world insights into the issues facing men and women today. I understand people who are coping with the difficult balancing of inter-personal relationships, family relationships, and work-related issues including, with increasing frequency, the stress, anxiety and uncertainty created by job loss or career transition.
![Photo of Rae Larson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/623d8e09-f201-4160-84e1-db8bdec1ab71/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rae Larson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63118 (Online Only)
Normative, cishet society wasn't made for you, and you've felt that deeply. You’ve intellectualized your internal struggle, understanding the 'why' and 'what' behind your feelings. Despite this insight, you’re still not experiencing the forward motion you crave. You want to navigate life authentically, without the weight of societal expectations holding you back.
Normative, cishet society wasn't made for you, and you've felt that deeply. You’ve intellectualized your internal struggle, understanding the 'why' and 'what' behind your feelings. Despite this insight, you’re still not experiencing the forward motion you crave. You want to navigate life authentically, without the weight of societal expectations holding you back.
![Photo of Lauren Komp, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8b146f2-aee1-4b64-9c3f-6ea5a2ab9c09/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Komp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63112
Not accepting new clients
I am not currently accepting new clients. Hi and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been providing therapy services for 10 years. I have a background in treating individuals who have experienced trauma, are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. I can also help with life transitions, lack of motivation, and struggles with self-esteem. I have specialized experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community and those who identify as non-monogamous. I see individuals ranging in ages from 16 years old and up.
I am not currently accepting new clients. Hi and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been providing therapy services for 10 years. I have a background in treating individuals who have experienced trauma, are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues. I can also help with life transitions, lack of motivation, and struggles with self-esteem. I have specialized experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community and those who identify as non-monogamous. I see individuals ranging in ages from 16 years old and up.
![Photo of Devora Tulcensky, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3382add3-1001-42fd-b324-fdf814b7dc07/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychologist, my approach is based on the simple premise that change and growth through psychotherapy depends upon a trusting relationship between client and psychotherapist. As that trust deepens, so does one's ability to articulate what has not yet been been articulated, to make connections that have not yet been made, and to be aware of greater subtleties in one's internal emotional states. This newly felt understanding, in an emotionally sensitive and supportive context is what leads to change. In this way, change may be seen to occur as an outcome of emotional growth, rather than primarily effortful behavior.
As a psychologist, my approach is based on the simple premise that change and growth through psychotherapy depends upon a trusting relationship between client and psychotherapist. As that trust deepens, so does one's ability to articulate what has not yet been been articulated, to make connections that have not yet been made, and to be aware of greater subtleties in one's internal emotional states. This newly felt understanding, in an emotionally sensitive and supportive context is what leads to change. In this way, change may be seen to occur as an outcome of emotional growth, rather than primarily effortful behavior.
![Photo of Laura Chackes, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32654725-426b-432d-8e60-54c9cbf2defa/1/320x400.jpeg)
I've specialized in treating children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety and related disorders including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (Trichotillomania and Skin Picking Disorder), Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Separation Anxiety, and Selective Mutism for the past 17 years. As the owner of The Center for Mindfulness & CBT, I've hired and trained other anxiety/OCD/BFRB experts, and continue to provide supervision and consultation, so I work to connect those I can't see to others in the practice.
I've specialized in treating children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety and related disorders including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (Trichotillomania and Skin Picking Disorder), Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Separation Anxiety, and Selective Mutism for the past 17 years. As the owner of The Center for Mindfulness & CBT, I've hired and trained other anxiety/OCD/BFRB experts, and continue to provide supervision and consultation, so I work to connect those I can't see to others in the practice.
![Photo of Samuel Bearer, LPC, MAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4631401b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Samuel Bearer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63117
I seek to provide counseling to couples and individuals, both adults and adolescents. I work with interpersonal, relationship issues including: family of origin dynamics, trauma and maladaptive coping patterns, marriage and pre-marital counseling, improving communication skills, self-image and identity, managing anger, and men's sexual addiction.
I seek to provide counseling to couples and individuals, both adults and adolescents. I work with interpersonal, relationship issues including: family of origin dynamics, trauma and maladaptive coping patterns, marriage and pre-marital counseling, improving communication skills, self-image and identity, managing anger, and men's sexual addiction.
![Photo of Riley Nickols, PhD, CEDS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e67e12c-2432-43e1-b806-a3ab89b13f42/4/320x400.jpeg)
When relationship, mood, sport, or eating concerns arise, it is understandable to feel discouraged, isolated, and hopeless. With compassion and non-judgment, I will work collaboratively with you to achieve greater healing, peace, and freedom. I will treat you with dignity and respect as we explore factors that have contributed to undesirable patterns in your life. We will work together to cultivate hope and self-acceptance with an intent to develop a healthier relationship with yourself and others. I feel privileged for the opportunity to walk with you as we attempt to better understand and find relief from your distress.
When relationship, mood, sport, or eating concerns arise, it is understandable to feel discouraged, isolated, and hopeless. With compassion and non-judgment, I will work collaboratively with you to achieve greater healing, peace, and freedom. I will treat you with dignity and respect as we explore factors that have contributed to undesirable patterns in your life. We will work together to cultivate hope and self-acceptance with an intent to develop a healthier relationship with yourself and others. I feel privileged for the opportunity to walk with you as we attempt to better understand and find relief from your distress.
See more therapy options for Saint Louis
Nearby Searches for Saint Louis
- Affton
- Brentwood
- Clayton
- Jennings
- Ladue
- Maplewood
- Normandy
- Olivette
- Overland
- Richmond Heights
- University City
- Webster Groves
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Saint Louis, MO
1,000+
Average cost per session
$130
Therapists in Saint Louis, MO who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
86% | Depression |
75% | Relationship Issues |
73% | Self Esteem |
69% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | Stress |
66% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
76% | Aetna |
74% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
72% | Cigna and Evernorth |
How Therapists in Saint Louis, MO see their clients
73% | In Person and Online | |
27% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
79% | Female | |
19% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Saint Louis?
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.