Every human being faces challenges; some people may need extra support from a mental health professional to work through them. If you’re looking for a therapist in Montana, consider online treatment. It can be challenging to find Helena, Billings, or Missoula therapists who are accepting new clients, and there may not be many in-person providers available in smaller rural towns. With an online platform like BetterHelp, you can attend therapy from the comfort of your home at a time that works your schedule. 

The flexibility and convenience of online therapy can make it a practical choice for those who are short on time, like a hospital clinical director or doctoral degree student trying to avoid burnout or an older adult facing a significant life transition like the loss of a spouse. 

With BetterHelp, you can work with a licensed clinical professional counselor or other mental health professional to gain insight into your challenges and learn coping skills to meet your goals. Online providers are knowledgeable about multiple therapeutic techniques. They can help you with a variety of challenges, including overcoming low self-esteem or working through the psychological effects of complex trauma. 

If you’re looking for an online therapist, MT has many options. The following providers are licensed to provide online individual therapy across the state.

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Onorina Michalsky

Offering therapy in Montana
License: MA,LCPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana, I am passionate about helping individuals become the best version of themselves. I am here to help you discover what it is you want and to support you as you meet your goals by empowering you to overcome obstacles and to grow to your fullest potential. I believe that what you think determines how you feel, which causes you to behave in certain ways and it's those behaviors that are keeping you from moving forward and living your best life. Often, what we think is based on events that have happened in the past and are actually untrue but because we've come to believe them wholeheartedly, we get stuck and that's where therapy can help. Operating mainly from a Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) perspective, we examine those dysfunctional beliefs to discover what's keeping you stuck and work together to explore how you can implement positive, helpful behaviors into your life. By shifting perspectives and learning how to change your beliefs, you begin to experience a shift in emotions, ultimately leading to a change in behaviors and your life. In addition to CBT, I also utilize techniques found in a variety of modalities including Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative, and Person-Centered. The skills you learn in therapy will be based on your needs and your goals. Therapy is a team approach which means we will work together to develop a plan and create the action steps that will get you to where you want to be. If you are interested in having live sessions as part of your subscription, please note that I am only available to meet during day time hours. Occasionally, I may be able to swing an evening session, but my regular sessions will be scheduled Monday through Saturday. I look forward to getting to know you and helping you become who you are meant to be.

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Paul Dokey

Offering therapy in Montana
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

I believe being in therapy is about having a place of safety and support so that you can express your thoughts and feelings. By using a present focused approach I create a caring environment that will help you make changes in your life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missoula specializing in psychotherapy with individuals and couples. I have over 20 years experience working with people who are dealing with depression, anxiety, loss/grief, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, and relationship issues. I have a Bachelors degree in Cultural Anthropology. My focus is on using a cognitive behavioral approach to understand patterns of thinking and change self defeating beliefs; and developing mindfulness skills to create greater self-acceptance and satisfaction in your life.

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Mandy Knight

Offering therapy in Montana
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuse
10 years of experience

I am an LCSW with licenses in Oklahoma and recently in Montana. I have been practicing in Oklahoma since 2014. I have previous work history that includes working with at-risk youth in Juvenile Detention, Residential Behavioral Treatment, Child Welfare Department of DHS. Since completing graduate school with my MSW from the University of Oklahoma, I have worked with individuals, couples, and family counseling with children, adolescents, and adults, intake assessments and recommendations, medical social work, and working with children in partial hospitalization programs for intensive treatment. I have experience working with trauma, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, ODD, ADHD, family and parenting issues. I have worked in so many fields, both before becoming a therapist and after, that I have a lot of unique experiences to draw on to help clients navigate their emotions through different life situations. I am always eager to work with clients using the newest and best evidence-based treatment modalities. I use CBT and solution-focused therapy to help you reach the best possible outcome for you in any situation. I believe strongly in starting where you are in life and working on what you want to work on. I am skilled at helping you discover what you need to lead your best life.

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Penny Gifford

Offering therapy in Montana
License: MS, LAC, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

Your recovery begins here. I seek to help adults in individual sessions to integrate new and healthy skills to gain self-empowerment and improve your life. Whether you struggle with mental health issues or change of life issues the goal is to provide a supportive therapeutic environment to empower you to grow and make effective changes in your life. Creating a collaborative, non-judgmental and positive atmosphere is a crucial piece to your healing process and change. I have extensive experience with the following conditions: anger management, anxiety & stress, co-dependency, family discord, eating disorders, grief & loss, life purpose & transition, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, post- traumatic stress disorders. I employ treatment through integrative counseling by drawing on behavioral therapies, psychodynamic therapy & humanistic therapies to help you learn, grow and heal by guiding you through a directive and solution focused process.

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Raylene Franklin

Offering therapy in Montana
License: LCSW,LAC,CCATP
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Hi, my name is Raylene Franklin. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Montana. I have experience working with troubled teens, chemical dependency, developmentally disabled, mental illness including depression and anxiety, physically handicapped, and hospice (end of life) care. I have learned in my 15 plus years of professional experience that life can sure throw us some curve balls, some being more difficult to navigate than others. Over the last four years I have been working as a life coach, helping people transition through their personal struggles and regain the confidence to reclaim their life. My style is person centered and easy going. I like to think of myself as a coach who enjoys meeting people where they are at and helping them navigate through whatever challenge they are facing. I take a solution focused approach. I have been trained in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and am a certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). I enjoy getting to know each client as an individual who is experiencing a unique time in their lives and I look forward to working with you.

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Wendie Vanderwater

Offering therapy in Montana
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
19 years of experience

I have 19 years experience working with all different types of people. I use many different treatment methods, geared towards what works for you. My style is to be honest and real with people. I am not judgmental and believe many people are too hard on themselves. You choose what you are comfortable with. Do you want homework or just to work in therapy? Often treatments are combined such as DBT and CBT. We may work on mindfulness along with journaling as a way to get in touch with feelings. I use DBT on a daily basis so i know it works. Mindfulness is an important factor in treatment. I will ask questions in order to discover what you need. I see issues as a challenge to discovering what works for you. I also believe that you need to do things to make yourself happy. Volunteer, join a book club, it is important to keep yourself active.

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Dennis Forfa

Offering therapy in Montana
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

When you feel like you're spinning your wheels, therapy can provide traction you need to get your life moving forward. Therapy can help you learn how to stop struggling with creative stagnation, worry, self-doubt, lack of motivation, loneliness, homesickness, or the pain of loss. Therapy can help get you unstuck from repeated struggles with yourself and difficulties with others. In our meetings, you and I will work together to identify roadblocks that keep holding you back. I will assist you in creating permanent strategies for getting past those roadblocks, empowering you to: * Navigate life's transitions with clarity and intention * Strengthen relationships, improve communication, and cultivate more meaningful connections * Process grief and come to peace with losses * Foster resilience and mental toughness to face challenges with determination * Tap into creative problem-solving and deep artistry * Embody your core values and show up for life with integrity and purpose Together, we will work on unlocking your potential to build a more complete, fulfilling, dynamic, and purposeful life. I am available for live sessions (video or phone) from early morning through afternoon on weekdays. Early risers, take note! Depending on the day, I may have morning appointments available as early as 4:00 AM Pacific/5:00 AM Mountain/6:00 AM Central/7:00 AM Eastern, and sometimes earlier. I am licensed to provide therapy when you are physically located in California, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, or Maine.

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Andrea Merback

Offering therapy in Montana
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Montana with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Jarvis Jimenez

Offering therapy in Montana
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Melissa Sandford

Offering therapy in Montana
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Welcome to therapy. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana and practice from a lens of support and exploration. I believe in providing a safe and empowering environment where we can work together to help you uncover your existing strengths and build new therapeutic skills for increased ease in navigating life challenges. My approach is effective. In a short amount of time clients often report experiencing important positive internal shifts and external changes. At the start of my career I specialized in trauma and have extensive experience in helping clients with stress/anxiety, depression, anger management, coping with grief as well as setting/reaching significant life goals. I work with my clients to create an open and nonjudgmental therapeutic experience where thoughts, feelings, and needs can be shared and solutions identified. I am available for weekly video sessions. Research shows consistency in attendance, practicing what is learned in session during day to day life and having a supportive, caring therapeutic relationship are the most effective in terms of growth and healing. I am looking forward to meeting you. ---- Melissa *EMDR trained

How can a counselor support you?

Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.

Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 558,748 people live in MT, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.  

The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.

Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.

Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?

People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.

The mental health therapists in Montana support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:

  • Challenging situations or life stressors
  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression or depressive conditions
  • Adjustment issues
  • Emotional support for a terminal illness
  • Chronic pain emotional support
  • Grief
  • Personality disorders
  • Trauma
  • Relationship conflicts and concerns

Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.

If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.

Emergency services to contact in a crisis

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.

How much does a therapist cost?

Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location. 

BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.

Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.

When should I get a therapist in Montana?

Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. You do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy; You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.

Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?

Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.

Is online therapy the safe option?

Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.

In today's fast-paced society, mental well-being has become a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Amid the daily challenges and stressors that can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals, seeking professional guidance often offers a path to clarity and balance. The journey toward improved emotional health involves understanding personal triggers, embracing self-compassion, and developing effective coping strategies. While self-help books and online resources provide valuable information, nothing compares to the personalized support offered by a qualified mental health professional. One-on-one sessions with experienced experts can help uncover the underlying issues contributing to anxiety, depression, or other emotional hurdles. With a careful and empathetic approach, these professionals tailor their advice to suit individual needs, ensuring that each person receives strategies that work best for their unique circumstances. Whether through cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, or other innovative methods, the aim is to foster resilience and empower individuals to take control of their inner lives. For those living in bustling urban centers, engaging in face-to-face sessions in a welcoming environment can be particularly beneficial. Access to a caring clinician provides not only a safe space to explore difficult emotions but also builds a support network essential for long-term recovery. The process encourages self-reflection and greater insight into behavioral patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. While the journey can be challenging at times, the rewards include enhanced emotional stability, improved interpersonal relationships, and a renewed sense of self-worth. In one notable case, the guidance provided by a highly trained therapist proved instrumental in navigating a tumultuous period. Through structured sessions and tailored interventions, the individual learned to identify stressors and develop healthier responses to adversity. This experience underscored the transformative impact that dedicated support can have on one's overall quality of life. In a region like Texas, community-based initiatives and accessible mental health programs further reinforce the value of professional help. These efforts emphasize early intervention, preventive care, and continuous support, ensuring that more people are equipped to face life's inevitable challenges. Ultimately, investing in mental well-being is an act of self-care that yields lifelong benefits. By embracing professional support, individuals can unlock new levels of emotional resilience and discover pathways to a brighter, more balanced future. Each step taken toward healing represents a commitment to personal growth, enabling a life filled with renewed optimism and strength. Embracing this transformative journey consistently paves the way for deeper understanding, lasting peace, and meaningful personal progress.
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