Dr. James Geidner
Dr. Jim Geidner has over 20 years of clinical experience working in a wide variety of settings, including psychiatric rehabilitation, child treatment centers and universities. He is currently a Professor of Health and Counseling and also works in private practice. With vast experience as a Clinical Supervisor at a wide variety of institutions, including Rush Memorial Hospital, University of Chicago, University of Wisconsin, among others, Dr. Geidner is well versed in numerous modes of therapy. His approach to therapy emphasizes finding the right treatment modality to meet each client's unique needs.
Kimberly Taylor
Adult Profile MA in Counseling from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (2008) BA in Spanish and Secondary Teaching from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2000) Biography: My name is Kimberly Taylor and I have 10 years working as a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I graduated in 2008 with a Master of Arts Degree in Mental Health, School Counseling and Substance Use Counseling from Wayne State University. I specialize in working with Depression, Anxiety, Codependency, Women’s Issues, Pre-teens, Adolescents, Victims of Domestic Violence, Identity, Spirituality, Christian Counseling and Life Transitions. I create a tailored experience and counsel from multiple theoretical frameworks. These techniques include: Mindfulness, CBT, DBT, Trauma-Focused Therapy. I am also adept at Holistic counseling, which is blending Mind, Body and Spirit techniques with traditional therapeutic approaches. I am a well-rounded practitioner, in that I have counseled in a variety of settings, such as: community mental health; substance use facilities; schools; Spanish-speaking agencies; refugee shelters; integrative health clinics and private practice. In addition, my background as a K-12 school counselor allows me to relate to the needs of Pre-Teens and Adolescents. What makes me unique as a counselor is the perspective I have gained as a “wounded healer.” It is my desire to share the wisdom from overcoming my own early life struggles to uplift others. In my practice I strive to give my clients the type of experience that I would want, such as being truly heard; not feeling judged and feeling accepted regardless of race, sexuality or religion.It is also a part of my mission to unmask the stigma of mental health in our country and make treatment more accessible ALL PEOPLE.
Chrystal Westbrook
I work with individuals and couples in building their toolbox with skills and techniques useful in their daily lives. An unhealthy relationship has a negative impact on the mental and the emotional health, as a license counselor and sex therapist, I work to help couples rebuild their trust in order to impactfully communicate, enhancing the relationship overall. Sexual dysfunction, desire and intimacy concerns, body imaging, chronic pain and illness issues, are some areas I have worked with as a sex therapist. In my experience as a mental health counselor, in the state of Michigan over the last 10 years, some of my areas of focus include: anxiety, depression, stress related issues, domestic violence and sexual trauma. Providing a warm, supportive and judgement free environment, allows my clients to feel safe to explore challenges and issues they may face. I use clinically tested, evidence-based techniques to help individuals and couples overcome obstacles, I tailor my approach based on the need of the individual or couple. My approach combines models like Cognitive Behavioral, Mindfulness, Imago, Solution-Focused, Good-Enough Sex Model and Psychodynamic model. You have made the most important step, by reaching out, let us take the next step together. I can help you discover the tools within you, to cope and to make the changes necessary, to have the life you desire.
Marlene Knecht
I am an experienced LMSW social worker with 30 years of experience working with the multicultural population in Detroit , Michigan and the greater Wayne County area. I have worked with children in foster care and residential care and in juvenile justice placements. I have worked with families, young adults, teens and adults with issues of abuse, neglect, substance use, depression, anxiety, loss and grief, economic hardships, parenting challenges, medical issues, blended and divorced families. I have provided treatment for HIV patients and those seeking support to be the most authentic people they can be. I am willing to talk with couples who are working to better their relationship. I think they will find me a listening neutral ear. I believe in helping clients find their strengths no matter what life circumstances have impacted them. I regard my clients positively unconditionally. My favorite quote from Winston Churchill is to "Never, Never Give Up." I believe people should be as happy as they can possibly be. I will use Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered, Cognitive BehaviorTherapy, DBT, and Imago techniques and tools in sessions. I also like Mindfulness to aid relaxation and combat overall stress. But above all, I will listen and learn what you are thinking, doing and feeling to aid your overall emotional adjustment.
Margaret Yurkunas
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), for over 20 years, specializing in life coaching, sexual assault, and abuse recovery, and counseling families with special needs members. I have supported many clients during their most challenging life experiences. I enjoy practicing Client-Centered Therapy, counseling each of my clients, by being genuine, from a place of empathy and congruence; agreement, harmony, and compatibility. Most importantly, I believe in treating every client with unconditional positive regard, showing nonjudgemental understanding towards every clients’ concerns, with a humanistic approach. I guide each client through their self-discovery and support them in finding the answers they are seeking. Some of the outcomes I seek for every client are increased self-awareness, improved individual self-direction, better personal clarity, an improvement in self-esteem, and a boost of self-reliance. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals.
Molly Terry
If you are looking for a therapist who cares and makes the effort, who listens without judgment. If you wish to be seen and heard and valued, I am unique in making others feel comfortable, safe and willing, and ready to work through difficult areas of the self. From start to finish, I am on your side. I believe in the therapeutic relationship. I will meet you as an equal, with genuine and effective listening and feedback. We will set goals and assess and revise them along the way. I believe in the therapeutic process and want to help you become your best self. I will be using my 24 years of experience to work for you. I use evidence-based interventions to create a safe therapeutic environment that is conducive to growth and healing. An eclectic blend of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered, and Positive Therapy are my treatments of choice. I will be providing weekly 'therapy boosts', that will be tailored information and opportunities to reflect and work on issues between sessions. I am an active messager, so if this appeals to you, we will be a great match. I have found Betterhrelp's platform to be very effective, as combining 24/7 messaging with live sessions is an amazing formula for success. If you've never been to a therapist, I can empathize with the uneasiness. It is scary to entertain our struggles and even scarier to think of telling someone. I assure you I am here to go at your pace, to make you as comfortable as possible, and to help you get to that version of yourself that you are desiring.
Kim Keller
For the past 14 years, I have had the privilege of supporting people on their healing journeys. I specialize in addiction and mental health therapy and have a down to earth approach to the counseling relationship. You are the expert of your own life, and I believe you have all the necessary skills to get where you want to go. My job is to help you get there through empathy, challenging negative thinking patterns, and ultimately accepting and embracing your individualism. If you've ever felt like you're missing something, the instruction manual to life that you were never given, I hope to help you find your answers. If you find yourself suffering from extreme emotions, repeating patterns you know are toxic for you, and you don't know how to cope or change, that's what I'm here for. If the whole world seems to be falling apart, and to deal with the fear, you or someone you love are trying to manage through unhealthy addictions, I can guide you to new skills for more flexibility. You wish you could just breathe, that things didn't seem so hard. You want to achieve goals you set for yourself and your future. You hope to rebuild damaged relationships and create healthy new ones. You want to deal with your stress instead of staying numb. You want to feel like it's worth getting up everyday and that your life has purpose and fulfillment. I have worked with several people having these thoughts and feelings and have experienced much of the same myself. I am passionate about helping others work through these challenges and making sure you know you're not alone.
Amanda Rice
I am licensed in Michigan with 9 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 career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our conversations 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.
Ashley Myers
Are you feeling overwhelmed in life and not sure how to feel back in control? Are you wanting to better connect with yourself and build positive relationships with those around you? Life happens, and I want to work with you to set goals for your future and begin your journey to healing. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Michigan with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & depression. In our sessions, we will set goals in order to address the concerns that are most important to you. I'm so glad you're here!
Carolyn Simon
I am a licensed professional counselor in Michigan with over 13 years of skilled work experience as a therapist. I have experience in helping clients with a wide array of concerns such as stress and anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and 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. My practice belief is that all human beings are filled with dynamic potential and great possibilities even though their qualities may not have been realized by them, as yet. With this as my belief, my practice style is compassionate, relaxed, empathic, and non-judgemental Together working as a team...together we can create a new self-empowering skill set to help you reach your goals. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Ithaca
Finding the best therapist close by in Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca. 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 Ithaca, 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 Ithaca region and in the state of Michigan. 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca, elsewhere in Gratiot, or in the greater state of Michigan. 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca may not take health insurance, some in the state of Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Ithaca online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Ithaca, Michigan 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 MI, 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 48847 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 Ithaca counselor?
Before seeing your Ithaca 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. Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca, Michigan 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.
Ithaca 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 Ithaca, Michigan
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 Ithaca 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 Ithaca:
48847