Have you been having nightmares or flashbacks of something that you were subjected to such as abuse, a natural disaster, or terror attack? Sometimes, people who have been affected by a devastating situation are unable to get over it no matter how long ago it happened. This is called post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD and needs to be treated by a South Portland therapist.
In 1944, South Portland was the site of a tragedy where 19 people were killed and 20 injured when an Army pilot lost control of his jet and crashed into a trailer park. Some of the victims and witnesses suffered from PTSD. In South Portland, there are many devoted therapists who are trained to treat PTSD and other mental conditions.
Shawn Rodgers
The decision to enter into therapy is often a difficult one and I feel it is important to recognize and appreciate the courage with which people decide to allow a therapist into their lives, trusting that person with intimate details of their lives. My goal is to respect the trust that has been given me by my clients and to help them find the inspiration and skills to overcome the difficulties that brought them to me. We all have strengths, things we are good at, and I view my job as to help my clients identify what their strength are so that they can then use those strengths to overcome the problems bringing them in to treatment. In my experience many clients have forgotten their talents, their strengths and their values; I want to help them remember the resources available to them, and help them find solutions in their life that are based on their values, anchored in their strengths and aimed at their goal. My job is not to impose my beliefs on you but to help you remember and refine your own so that you find yourself in a live that is satisfying and rewarding to you. I have worked with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, stuck in poor relationships and struggling with sexual dysfunctions, particularly unwanted sexual attractions, interests and behaviors. I do so using a mix of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and reality therapy approaches designed to help my clients identify how their thoughts and feelings influence their behavior, help them feel valued and respected and to craft solutions accurately targeted at the problems in their lives. My work is to create a safe, caring space in which you feel secure enough to give voice to the issues troubling you without fear of being judged or criticized. I have been a therapist for twelve years. Currently I am licensed as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maine though I have previously practiced in both Oregon and Washington.
Kristine Catalogna
I am a clinical social worker licensed in Maine and Massachusetts. I am also licensed as a school adjustment counselor/ school social worker in the state of Massachusetts. I have worked with people in many different situations and often during trying times in their lives. My experience is in a variety of settings including traditional office-based as well as hospital-based and community-based settings. I have helped people who have experienced anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationship challenges, parenting issues, trauma, abuse, and many other concerns. I have learned a great deal in my professional training, but also from the many individuals that I have worked with. My approach has been described as warm, thoughtful, and direct. I believe it is important to treat everyone as an individual. My style is strengths-based, client-centered, and with an emphasis on goal setting and solution-focused. We will work together so that you can take steps toward your own personal journey of healing and change. I have extensive training in a variety of treatment approaches and together we will explore the options to uncover what works best for you. It takes a lot of courage to take this first step and to take these steps toward change. I am here to listen and work with you through this journey.
Mai Huong Nguyen
My name is Mai Huong Nguyen, and I am a behavioral heath specialist and certified relationship coach. For almost 20 years, I have been helping my clients with various behavioral health issues that negatively impact their overall health, their marriage and significant relationships, as well as their performance at work . As a certified Conscious Uncoupling coach in addition to my clinical social work licensure, I am grateful to be able to assist people to heal from current breakups and divorce that are either happening now, or even from decades ago. In my view, when people are hurting, it is important that they are met with kindness and respect, that they feel seen, heard, and validated, in a non-judgmental manner. My therapeutic approach focuses on cultivating radical acceptance of what is currently happening, and to gently question our deeply held assumptions and beliefs underlying our challenges. We would also need to understand how, when ,and why our beliefs originally came into existence, and to mindfully proceed to rewrite the narratives of our stories in order to better serve ourselves and others.
Lauren Isen Spencer
In my 20+ years of being a social worker I have worked with a wide variety of people and their experiences. I have worked with people of all ages, as individuals, groups, families and couples. I feel that having worked with such a wide variety of people that I can deliver a treatment plan tailored to your needs. I believe that my passion to help people is easily seen in each and every therapy session. While working through your situation it is my goal to let you know that you are not alone and I am here to help. I look forward to working with you. Lauren Spencer LCSW
Elizabeth "Lisa" Burdick
Greetings! I am committed to providing a comfortable, culturally sensitive, non-judgmental counseling experience to anyone who may be struggling with life's challenges and demands. I utilize a client centered, cognitive behavioral approach which can be adapted to incorporate a client's spiritual and/or religious beliefs. I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals who are struggling with relationships, mental health concerns, substance use, and other emotional challenges. I work with all ages but specialize in young adults. While presenting issues may include academics, anger management, sexuality, substance use, sports performance, stress, or family dynamics; I will provide a non-judgmental space in which to explore any and all related concerns. I provide respectful, culturally sensitive, and ethical care to individuals, regardless of severity of challenge or struggle. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor/Supervisor and a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider. I am also a certified School Counselor and have earned the Certificate of Evidence-Based Non-medical Counseling Strategies for Military Populations. Congratulations on the decision to reach out! I look forward to working with you.
Deanna (Dani) Minsky
For many of us, it has been a significantly challenging few years. Wide spread grief across the nation due to multiple factors has taken a toll on mental health and overall everyday functioning. Old traumas have resurfaced and the needs of family, friends, colleagues, jobs, pets, partners in addition to supporting our own mental health needs can feel exhausting, an unclimbable hill if you will. It is a lot. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I am licensed in Maine and before joining BetterHelp, I worked in multiple schools throughout Maine and Massachusetts as a clinical social worker. This involved a lot of work with family systems and support to parents/caregivers/guardians. It also involved support to teachers and outside providers, discussing compassion fatigue, boundaries, adapted approaches to meet specific needs, and sometimes being a trusted ear to vent to. I have specific training in Trauma Systems Therapy which focuses on an individual’s emotional needs as well as the social environment in which the individual lives and functions in. It is a holistic approach that I find helps create the fullest picture of a person’s life so we are able to assess areas for strengthening and areas that are protective factors for the individual. My goal is to create a space that is yours, truly yours. I believe that you are the expert of your story. If this is your first time working with a therapist it will be a pleasure to work with you and I am excited for our journey. Congratulations to you for taking this first big step! If you are returning to therapy I would love to know what has been helpful and maybe what hasn’t been so helpful. Creating a safe environment with trust and understanding are key elements of the work we will be doing. I aim to lay the foundation for a strong trusting nonjudgmental therapeutic environment that is safe for all. I know that this can be an uncomfortable experience. I want you to know I am here with you and I appreciate your willingness to consider my support as we explore methods that best meet your needs.
Kimberly Brooks
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience counseling and life coaching. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, anger issues, career challenges, grief, and many other challenging issues. I have also helped many people who have experienced diverse types of traumas. My therapy style is warm and compassionate, but direct and honest. I provide a holistic perspective, am interactive and empathetic. I will give you an opportunity to be transparent while providing safety and sensitivity. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, and solution-focused approaches. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes great courage to seek a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and encourage you. I look forward to working with you!
Gerard Fitzgerald
I am licensed in Maine with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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. I also wanted to add, I have worked with patients and clients at the State's Psychiatric Facility in Augusta, and also had the pleasure to work at Togus the State's primary Veterans' Hospital. In addition to this, I have had the opportunity to work within the Department of Corrections at the Farm and at MSP in Warren, Maine. During the early years of my career, I have worked in the Augusta Maine area around the State House. All of the people with whom I had the chance to work with are exceptional people, each one with their own skill but with exceptional empathy and compassion traits that are second to none.
Ashley McHan
Here on betterhelp I hope to provide an outlet to help you move through life changes, to help you identify and tap into your strengths and resources so that you can find new ways to manage the things of life that challenge you. My 15 years of experience as a trauma and eating disorder therapist has taught me much that I hope to share with you to help you navigate life; whether stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, self-esteem or body image, I hope to help you cope with more confience. 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. I am licensed in Maine and Florida:)
Abegayle Brown
I am licensed in Maine with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find a therapist for counseling in South Portland
Finding the best therapist close by in South Portland 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 South Portland 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 South Portland. 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 South Portland, 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 South Portland region and in the state of Maine. 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 South Portland 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 South Portland 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 South Portland 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 South Portland, elsewhere in Cumberland, or in the greater state of Maine. 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 South Portland 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 South Portland 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 South Portland 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 South Portland may not take health insurance, some in the state of Maine 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 Maine 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 South Portland online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in South Portland, Maine 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 South Portland 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 South Portland 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 South Portland 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 South Portland?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a South Portland 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 South Portland 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 South Portland 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 ME, 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 04106 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 South Portland counselor?
Before seeing your South Portland 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. South Portland 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 South Portland 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 South Portland 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 South Portland, Maine 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.
South Portland 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 South Portland, Maine
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 South Portland 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- 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.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in South Portland:
04106, 04116