Stress, life changes, family conflict…these factors can all contribute to us feeling overwhelmed at one point or another. Therapy can be beneficial to most anyone, with therapists offering tools and support to heal past trauma, manage stress, and promote mental health and wellness.
When it comes to finding a therapist, Portland, ME may offer more options than many surrounding rural communities, but finding the right therapist can be more complicated than simply reaching out to the nearest therapy practice. One reason for this is that within the wider mental health field, there are a wide variety of therapeutic approaches and specializations. A licensed mental health counselor may provide psychotherapy in inpatient or outpatient settings, utilizing the techniques of anything from gestalt therapy to existential therapy, working alone or using a collaborative approach. What you want or need from a therapist isn’t necessarily going to be located and available near you. This is where online therapy can help.
BetterHelp is an online platform that utilizes talk therapy from local online-based therapists who have expertise in a broad range of specialties from motivational therapy for professional goal setting to cognitive behavioral therapy for people experiencing chronic illness. Simply fill out an online questionnaire and BetterHelp will match you with the therapist that best meets your needs. And because a strong therapeutic alliance can be essential to success, if you need to change therapists you can do so at no additional cost.
BetterHelp also offers a convenient solution for many busy professionals, parents, and students. Online sessions fit easily into any schedule, and with video chat, phone, and text messaging options, you can meet with your therapist from the comfort of your own home or office.
If you live in the Portland area and have been thinking about therapy for any reason, contact BetterHelp or check out the list of local online-based therapists below to get started.

April Quigley
I believe the strength for change already lies within you. Through the therapeutic process, you can grow and find balance between the mind, body and spirit. I work with individuals from a holistic and person-centered approach. I help to treat the roots of suffering rather than just focusing on the lingering symptoms. I also like to use emotionally-focused techniques to help loosen the grip of difficult emotions and cultivate inner peace, utilizing cognitive behavioral, acceptance and commitment, and mindfulness-based interventions. I am passionate about working with individuals that are experiencing emotional distress, depression, anxiety, transitional stress, trauma and relationship difficulties. Together, we can identify goals, help to foster insight and learn healthy ways/positive alternatives to cope with life's challenges. I have been working in the field for over 17 years in various settings and have been independently licensed for 10 years. I take a strength-based approach when meeting people where they're at, and work towards sustainable growth in skill building and understanding in an effort to be proactive in wellness for the mind and body. When I'm not helping others, I'm gardening, hiking, baking, and enjoy music, art, and sports. My National Certified Counselor (NCC) badge from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): https://www.credly.com/users/april-quigley

Holly Carletti
Do you feel like you could use some extra support and compassion during this unprecedented time? Do you ever feel lonely and wish you had someone to lean on? Is the thought of having to get dressed, put on a mask, and drive to a location for therapy overwhelming? If so, then you have found the right match with online therapy. As your therapist, I will provide confidentiality, a safe space, positive support, compassion, professional resources, non-judgmental listening, and helpful techniques/skills. I have been licensed for 12 years. After receiving my Masters Degree and my Masters Plus certificate from Loyola University in Baltimore, MD, I gained over 3,000 clinical hours working in a variety of settings. Once I became fully licensed as an independent practitioner, I narrowed my focus of interest on those in crisis in a partial hospitalization program. I have worked in the following settings throughout the course of my career thus far: Community Mental Health Center (Individual, group, family) Government funded program (Shelter Plus Care) Forensics (Maximum security prison for men with severe mental illnesses) Inpatient Locked Psychiatric Unit at Hospital in Baltimore, MD Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs (Group, individual, community education) I also worked as a massage therapist before beginning my Masters program in Psychology and while attending the program. My training as a massage therapist has assisted me with understanding the physiology of the human body, how trauma affects the body, and how to help clients work with their own physiology in order to effectively practice relaxation techniques, grounding, emotion regulation, stress management, and mindfulness. I look at each client as a whole person. Depending on the individual needs of each client, I utilize a variety of methods of therapy. I help the person understand his or her problem as it becomes clearer, thus empowering him/her toward autonomy. The most important goal for me as a therapist is to build a strong therapeutic alliance. I utilize the client-therapist relationship to serve as a corrective model for patients who are experiencing difficulties in relationships in their own lives. I focus on object relations, attachment style, and cognitive distortions. I teach methods of self regulation, such as deep breathing/ positive visualization. I also teach clients how to recognize and eventually re-word cognitive distortions as well as learn a variety of coping skills. I help clients find their strengths and accept their limitations. Depending on the client’s needs, I will either work from a top-down or bottom-up approach in order to assist the client in managing emotional dysregulation and/or in tolerating distress. Outside of session, I encourage clients to engage in journal writing, reading, art, exercise, meditation/prayer, and mindfulness activities. I believe that therapy continues outside of our sessions, meaning that I will assign “homework” to complete outside of our sessions. In the counseling sessions following these activities conducted outside of the therapeutic session, we will briefly discuss the activity or activities engaged in and the client's experience related to the activity or activities. I have worked hard in my career and on my own mental health and I will help you do the work you need to feel better. I truly believe that if you want to feel better and get results, you must be willing to do the work.

Tara Parisi
Hi. My name is Tara and I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor. My degree is in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family therapy. I have been supporting people of all ages for almost 20 years. I have worked with adults , teens, families and couples. My areas of strength when working with people include helping them improve their quality of life by managing: depression, loss, anxiety, panic attacks, family issues, stages of life transitions and challenges such as parenting support and career counseling, trauma, and life stressors. My belief is that it is my role to support you with the struggles and challenges that you have identified. I believe everyone has the strength and skills to make the changes in their life that they want and its my job to help you recognize and use those strengths. I am very down to earth and provide a safe, non judge mental, empathic environment. My techniques include strategies from Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Rogerian and Family Systems theories. My approach is individualized based on your needs. I am a good listener and use humor and genuine interactions in my practice. It can be a big step to initiate therapy. I believe it is like buying shoes in a way , its has to be a good fit. I would like the opportunity to help you reach the goals you have for therapy. However, if you decide my style is not a fit for you, I encourage you to let me know and I will do my best to help you find support that works. This process is about making sure you have what you need so I encourage open, honest communication. ( you wouldn’t walk around in shoes that don’t fit, right?) I look forward to working with you. Tara

Kathleen Petrak
I am a licensed professional counselor licensed in Texas with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, family issues and ADHD. I have worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health, a pain management clinic, and primarily private practice, so I have a wide range of experience. My counseling style is supportive and non-judgmental. I believe in treating anyone with respect and compassion, and I believe that my role is to question and guide, not to make decisions for you. My approach combines a basis of client centered therapy with a variety of cognitive-behavioral techniques. Of course, treatment is collaborative and will be tailored for your specific needs. Change is difficult, but can be very rewarding. I am looking forward to supporting you as you move forward.

Kimberly Struck
I am licensed in Maine with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

Christine Weber
Hello, my name is Christine Weber and I am a licensed LPC in the state of Connecticut, Florida, Maine and a licensed LMHC in the state of RI. I attended Rhode Island College where I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Justice Studies and then a Masters in Agency Counseling. As I began working in the mental health field, I then pursued my Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Rehabilitation Counseling and I am now able to obtain licensure in the two states. I have experience working with all ages and with all types of mental health disorders as well as substance use disorders and then co-occurring disorders. For the past 4 years I have worked mainly with anxiety using mindfulness, CBT and exposure therapy. Over the past 6 years, I have been working with adults with co-occurring substance use and mental health issues. Modalities used : Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing/Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy

Luwana Dyer
I am licensed LCPC in Maine with 12 years of professional work experience. I have worked in private practice, as well as within school and head start programming, and closely with the state/ court system at times. I have experience with children, adults and families. I have supported and helped clients with trauma, abuse and neglect, loss and grief, fertility issues, end of life, existential and life changes, family and relational needs, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, motivation and life adjustment needs. I have also worked with the LGBTQ community throughout my time as a therapist. Everyone deserves respect, sensitivity, and compassion, as well as healthy support in their life. And I truly believe that therapy is good for everyone!! I am excited to meet and help work on a plan/ goals to help you live the life that you both desire & deserve.

Charlotte St. Juste
I am licensed in New York, Virginia and Maine with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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.

Annette Nelligan
I am licensed in Maine with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Jayne Weisberg
I am licensed in Maine with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & anger management. 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!
Find a therapist serving clients in Maine
Types of therapists available to clients in Portland
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Portland that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Portland available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Portland therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Portland therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Portland region and in the state of Maine.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Portland can help 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 therapist in Portland may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.