Working with a therapist can help you overcome a variety of life’s challenges, like family conflict or daily stress, and learn to manage the symptoms of a chronic mental illness. But even if there are independent practices or outpatient centers conveniently located near you, barriers to treatment can make it challenging to get appropriate care. Clients need to consider factors like insurances accepted, commute time, scheduling availability, and if the practice is accepting new patients. 

If you’re looking for a therapist in New Bedford, MA, consider an online platform like BetterHelp. BetterHelp can make therapy more flexible, allowing you to attend sessions from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. 

While BetterHelp does not currently provide services to children or treatment approaches suitable to younger clients, like play therapy, the experienced professionals on the platform offer adults one-on-one treatment to help them manage various challenges. Whether you need support managing the symptoms of anxiety disorders or learning disabilities, coping with work stress or tension with family members, or learning techniques for anger management, online therapy can help.

If you are in the New Bedford or Fall River area and feel lost about how to get started or are ready to take the next step, connect with one of the therapists below to learn more.

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Katie Murphy

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MA, New Bedford
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I believe you are the expert in YOU, and my plan is to meet you where you are in your life and team up with you to help you discover the changes you need to get the life you want. I use a variety of research-based treatment modalities that best fit your needs to encourage and challenge you to take the steps to move forward. I'll connect with you in a positive & warm environment, and together we'll work to better understand your problem areas and find solutions. I'm empathetic, but honest and believe everyone has their own strengths that they just need to recognize. I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Massachusetts. I have 10+ years of experience working with all ages, and within a wide variety of problem areas including individual or family struggles, communication, anxiety, depression, trauma, and difficult life stressors (i.e., going/completing college, career changes, new relationships, and loss). When you are ready to take that step, I am here to support you. I look forward to working together!

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Kristi Ayer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MA, New Bedford
Counselor License Type(s): LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

My name is Kristi Ayer, and I’m a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Massachusetts. I have over 13 years experience in the mental health field and have worked with individuals who are suffering from substance use, depression, mood disorders, relationship issues, difficult life transitions, low self worth, spiritual distress, and trauma including military-related PTSD. My therapeutic style is eclectic and my experience has led me to approach mental and emotional health holistically. I believe in whole human, whole story, whole life experience. My approach is rooted in the belief that we must take accountability, set boundaries, and reclaim ourselves by stepping out of conditioning and into worthiness. I am known for: - Offering an alternative perspective rooted in psycho-spiritual concepts, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy. - Providing a safe space to help you better understand your emotions and behavioral patterns so that you can make powerful and healthier decisions for yourself. - A laid back approach that allows for vulnerability which fosters the awareness necessary for change and growth. - Encouraging alignment with your authentic self by restructuring negative subconscious beliefs. - Quickly building a strong therapeutic relationship where you will be seen as an individual not a label or diagnosis. Let me join you in the journey of self acceptance, understanding, and love as you work towards goals that will lead you to a more fulfilling and purposeful life!

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Maxine Rabinowe

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MA, New Bedford
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
43 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 43 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family of origin issues, narcissism, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, self esteem, and self-confidence. 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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Dr. Hadass Harel

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MA, New Bedford
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

I'm a Trauma specialist, licensed in Massachusetts, with over 30 years of work experience in several continents, from War Zones to Trafficking to Inner Cities. I'm experienced in the Whole spectrum of Trauma-generated symptoms, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Dissociation, Depression, Anger, Eating Disorders, Addictions, (in paricular to Opiates)- - plus the havoc that Trauma wreaks on relationships and family life - -And the particular Traumas of coping with Medical Illnesses, injuries and Chronic Pain. I work with my clients to create a safe and honest Space where any feelings or thoughts can be shared without judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take a lot of courage, so I am very proud of you for getting started !!

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Suzanne Macaluso

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MA, New Bedford
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I have experience in helping people with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps toward change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey. I look forward to meeting you to partner with you on your journey and to offer feedback when needed.

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Patricia (Trisha) Blackburn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MA, New Bedford
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
20 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Evaluz Negron

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MA, New Bedford
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in North Carolina with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Tarah Doyle

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MA, New Bedford
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Are you stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Are you ready to make a change and feel better? Are you interested in learning practical tools to transform stress, reduce anxiety, and find more peace and calm? I take a holistic and integrative approach to helping my clients. I believe that talk therapy alone is not enough. I teach simple, effective, and evidence-based mind-body-energy techniques to help my clients feel more grounded, present, and calm. Practicing these techniques DAILY is key! I assist my clients in creating a daily practice that aligns with their goals/needs. I support and encourage my clients to commit to consistent practice, for it is the cumulative effect over time that yields benefit. If this holistic approach resonates with you, I invite you to reach out.

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Michael Wilmeth

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MA, New Bedford
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
11 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor with 11 years of experience in psychotherapy and crisis counseling, with additional experience in elder protective services and inpatient psychiatric work. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, intimacy related issues, & mood disorders. We all learn from experience, sometimes good lessons, sometimes more problematic ones, but my emphasis is more on taking action in valued directions than on excavating the past—finding and breaking down what gets in the way. My aim is to help you reduce unnecessary suffering and increase your freedom, turning off the autopilot so you can choose. No one can do your work for you, but a kind listener and attentive guide can ease and speed the path toward a more satisfying life, and that is what I aim to provide.

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Amber Estelle

Clinical therapist offering therapy in MA, New Bedford
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Massachusetts with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. Acknowledging that you need the support and signing up for therapy can be scary and takes a lot of courage, but it is the first step towards healing and growth! I applaud you on taking this leap of prioritizing yourself and your mental health!

How to find a therapist for counseling in New Bedford

Finding the best therapist close by in New Bedford can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist 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 in New Bedford that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in New Bedford. 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 or are new to counseling in New Bedford, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

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 clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the New Bedford region and in the state of Massachusetts. 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 counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in New Bedford or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A New Bedford therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 New Bedford area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

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 New Bedford, elsewhere in Bristol, or in the greater state of Massachusetts. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the New Bedford area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed New Bedford therapist?

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 New Bedford 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:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in New Bedford may not take health insurance, some in the state of Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this New Bedford online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in New Bedford, Massachusetts 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 in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from New Bedford psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists 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 New Bedford 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.

Through BetterHelp therapy, 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 counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

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. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 New Bedford provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in New Bedford?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a New Bedford 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 and therapists 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 New Bedford therapy 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 New Bedford therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in MA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 02742 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 in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a New Bedford counselor?

Before seeing your New Bedford therapist, 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. New Bedford therapists here 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 why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a 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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist 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. A psychologist 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 psychologist in New Bedford, Massachusetts 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.

New Bedford 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 online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists 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 therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

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 the leading online counseling platform for New Bedford, Massachusetts

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of New Bedford therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy 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.

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

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of New Bedford.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in New Bedford:

02740, 02741, 02742, 02744, 02745, 02746

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