West Haven has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based treatment.
In life, it’s hard to worry so much. When you're depressed, you worry about yourself. When you're anxious, you worry about everything around you. Worry in general is hard to get past by. A counselor based in West Haven can help you.
West Haven has a motto, and that motto is “do not despair.” You should not be in despair when you don’t have to. Instead, you should strive to have hope. We know it’s not easy to change your mentality, and that’s why a counselor can help you. Talk to a therapist and see how they can help you change.
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Joanne Deal
Counseling is a process of working through issues that are interfering with you living a full life. In the process of doing this, there is a tremendous level of growth on many levels: emotional, relational, spiritual, existential, even physical. Counseling may at times address very difficult situations, including addressing difficult or painful experiences from your developmental years which are currently impacting you and your relationships. As a Master’s-level Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut, I work with my clients to explore the factors which have led them to pursue counseling: we collaborate to determine our priorities. Recognizing that real change requires more than an hour per week, clients may be assigned homework to complete between sessions, or may be encouraged to read an article or book on a particular subject pertaining to the issues being addressed; we will discuss the homework at the next session as well as suggestions for applying the material to your life. I won’t sugar-coat it: changing how you respond to people or other triggers takes real work and a willingness to change. Areas in which I specialize include Anxiety and Depression; Loss, Bereavement, and Grief; Marital and Parenting Issues; and Asperger’s/High-Functioning Autism. I am also experienced in working with clients who have issues with Anger Management, Life Changes (Chronic Illness, Aging Issues, Employment or Economic Changes), Communication and Conflict Resolution (including Couples Counseling), Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism, Equipping Parents to work effectively with their children with AS/HFA, Trauma-Informed Counseling, Family-of-Origin issues, Blended Families, and Home Schooling Families. My approach to counseling is “eclectic,” meaning that I approach different issues in different ways. Approaches that I draw upon include Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy. I am very comfortable working with those who have strong ties to their faith and/or ethnic/cultural background. I have been told that I approach my counseling almost more as a marriage and family therapist, as I view clients not as isolated entities, but as people who are influenced strongly by their families and others around them, and who in turn influence those very individuals as well. As an undergraduate I graduated with my A.A. from a community college in southern California with high academic honors. Then I transferred to the University of Southern California, with a double major in Communication Theory and Public Relations. My B.A was earned with highest academic honors (summa cum laude), and I was inducted into the academic honor societies Phi Beta Kappa (liberal arts and sciences) and Phi Kappa Phi (all-university). I completed my M.A. in Professional Counseling at Liberty University with high academic honors. In addition to being licensed by the state of Connecticut, I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor. A member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors, my mission as a Licensed Professional Counselor is to treat each client with respect, to walk alongside as you work through issues that are troubling you, and to be a part of the process of healing and reconciliation. I look forward to working with you!
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Tina LaPorta
Thank you for visiting my profile! I am here to help you. I have many years of counseling experience with adults and adolescents that have depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger issues; relationship, family, career or adjustment concerns; as well as substance abuse issues. I have military counseling experience with active duty troops and combat veterans. I have two Master’s degrees in Psychology, the first in College Teaching and the second in counseling, specializing in marriage and family therapy. I began my career as an Adjunct Professor in Psychology in the San Francisco Bay Area; after 6 years of teaching , I began to work clinically, as a community based mental health clinician, with adults with more severe , chronic symptoms, such as schizophrenia. I also worked in the community, as a licensed clinician with both adults and adolescents, with mental health and substance abuse disorders, in Outpatient, IOP and partial hospitalization treatment programs. After many years in the private sector, I decided to work for the Federal government. I was hired as a Psychologist, at Fort Sam Houston, in Texas. I worked for the Department of Defense, on base at Fort Sam Houston and Fort Bliss. As a Federal GS employee, I transferred to the Department of Veteran Affairs. I worked in their Vet Centers as a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am licensed in CT, FL, N.J., AZ, and TX. I prefer a cognitive behavioral (CBT) approach. I like to focus on cognitive and behavioral changes, in working with you to achieve your therapy goals. Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please write. Tina LaPorta
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Krista Olson
Welcome! I am so glad you're here. A safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment is key to bringing about the change clients are seeking in their lives and in their relationships. Creating that kind of environment in counseling is my primary goal. Additionally, I bring a breadth of training and experience that allows me to utilize a blend of approaches to counseling dealing with a wide range of concerns. My approach is eclectic—tailored to each client's unique needs. I believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important element of a helpful counseling experience. As such, I am actively engaged with clients and believe strongly in a collaborative and respectful relationship. Your issues, concerns, personal history, and worldview will inform our work together. My theoretical orientation is integrative and strength based—and I will strive to provide a safe and consistent relationship with you while challenging you to examine how you relate with the world around you. I hold a Master's Degree in Urban Studies, Policy Analysis and a Master's of Social Work Degree from Southern Connecticut State University. In my clinical experience I have counseled individual adults, groups, couples, and families. I have worked in a community counseling center, private practice setting, and a long-term care facility. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Florida, a Licensed Certified Social Worker, Clinical, (LCSW-C) in the State of Maryland, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Connecticut. I also hold a designation of Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. We all need to feel connected and heard. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Office Hours: Monday: 8:00 am-2:00 pm Tuesday: 8:00 am-2:00 pm Wednesday: 8:00 am-2:00 pm Thursday: 8:00 am-2:00 pm Friday: 8:00 am-2:00 pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed
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Noor-jehan Ghaffar
I am licensed in Connecticut with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Mary Cashman
I am licensed in Connecticut with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Mary Ann Kalm
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Connecticut with 21 years of professional work experience. I offer a supportive compassionate place to help clients cope with the challenges of life which can be difficult and overwhelming at times. We all face bumps in the road and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with you to help you reach a place of peace. I have experience with grief and loss, anxiety and stress related to life changes. Reaching out takes courage and I am honored to be present in this space with you.
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Melissa Hudson
Please note my availability is primarily focused on Fridays. I am licensed in Massachusetts with 12+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, a strong understanding of medical diagnoses & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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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Gina Payne
I am licensed in Connecticut with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients struggling with addictions, relationship issues, grief and loss, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Dawn Ducharme
I am a licensed social worker in Connecticut with 25 years of professional work experience, primarily in a school setting. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, ADHD, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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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Heather Abreu
Hello. I know life can at times feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate on your own. I am so happy that you are taking the step to begin working through whatever concerns you may have. When we meet, I hope that you will find a safe place where we can explore these concerns and develop a plan that will have you living your best life. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of counseling experience. I have worked with individuals presenting with a wide range of concerns. I have extensive experience working with individuals with addiction and with their loved ones, with individuals who have experienced trauma, and with families in conflict. I have worked with individuals struggling with life transitions such as divorce, returning to the workforce and career change. I have counseled in mental health, addiction treatment, and criminal justice settings as well as my own private practice My counseling philosophy is that YOU are the expert of your own life. My approach is integrative, incorporating different therapeutic techniques to make sure that your specific concern is addressed in the way most effective for you. Each person is unique and brings his or her own history making it impossible to utilize only one or two approaches to therapy. People respond differently to styles of counseling. Our work together will always be person (you)- centered and strength-based, because, again, I truly believe that you have what it takes to succeed. My role is to guide and support you in building the skills and confidence necessary to live your best life. I meet each client where you are and build on your strengths and resources. My style is not always “easy”, I will sometimes push you past your comfort zone, but I will always be empathetic and patient and put you first. Oftentimes, clients aren't aware of what is holding them back and keeping them stuck in unhealthy patterns and as a therapist, I can aid in identifying those things. Together, we can undo false belief systems and unhealthy habits. Seeking therapy is the first step in that process. I look forward to meeting you and to begin working together!
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in West Haven, Connecticut
Finding the best therapist close by in West Haven can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the West Haven region and in the state of Connecticut. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in West Haven or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.
There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater West Haven area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of West Haven, elsewhere in New Haven, or in the greater state of Connecticut. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the West Haven area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in West Haven due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in West Haven may not take health insurance, some in the state of Connecticut may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Connecticut you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a West Haven online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Connecticut working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from West Haven psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in West Haven above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day.
West Haven therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy in West Haven is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in CT, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 06516 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a West Haven therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a West Haven therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine?
Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A West Haven licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. An experienced clinician can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based licensed clinician in West Haven, Connecticut can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Counseling with an online West Haven provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.
Stay up to date with BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Connecticut
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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