Michelle Walsh
Hello! My name is Michelle Walsh and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience. I graduated from Rutgers University in 2008 with my BA in social work. I graduated from Fordham University's advanced standing program in 2009 and earned my masters degree in social work and specialized in substance abuse. I have experience working in private practice, outpatient mental health clinics and have also worked in a homeless shelter as well. In addition I have experience working with veterans and their family members. In my ten years of experience I have enjoyed providing my clients with group and individual therapy. I have experience treating clients who have struggled with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, substance abuse issues, and relationship difficulties just to name a few. I also have a special interest in holistic treatment and modalities such as meditation and I am a certified Reiki Master as well. I believe that what is most important is the relationship and connection you have with the provider you are working with. I am looking forward to getting to know you and helping you identify areas of concern that we can work on together. I will be there to listen and support you but most importantly I will help you identify tools and resources you can utilize outside of our sessions that you can implement to help yourself.
Whitney Gibbs
I am Whitney Gibbs, Licensed Professional Counselor. I am so glad that you took a moment to visit the my profile. I've been in different roles within the mental health field: a Mentor, Behavioral Assistant, Bachelors level Behavioral Health Counselor, Masters level Counselor & Therapist, a Masters level Licensed Associate Counselor & Therapist and currently, I am a Masters level & Licensed Professional Counselor & Therapist. Each of these positions have culminated into the Counselor & Therapist that I am today. I understand the importance that each of these positions hold and carry both the experience and dedication needed for each individual client. Each position, while different, are all working towards the same goal. As a mental health provider who has been in the field for over 14 years, I have been continuing to grow by remaining up to date in the latest evidenced- based trainings, in order to provide the most beneficial & effective services possible. We can work together through therapy! You don't have to do life alone. Therapy can help you to realize that you do have strength and it can be activated to live your best life!
Lindsay Lee
Congratulations on making it here! It is extremely brave to ask for help and you're making a huge first step. My name is Lindsay Lee and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Louisiana and Colorado. My practice has taken me to work with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crime in North Carolina; individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness in Louisiana, young people experiencing trauma and loss in New Orleans schools, military families coping with deployment, professionals struggling with compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress, and most recently providing supervision to new social workers in Colorado. I earned my Master's in Social Work at Tulane University, with a certificate in International Social Work. Over my ten years of practice in social work I have learned that relationships are central to how we function in the world, Our relationships with our family, friends, co-workers, and educators impact the quality of our lives in important ways. This applies to the counseling relationship too. It is critical that we find the right fit and style that feels comfortable for your needs and your life. It would be a privilege to help you on your journey.
Gregory Speed
I am licensed in New Jersey with 47 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, & depression. I have experience working with Veterans and currently sit on the Board of a local Veterans group called Citizens Veterans Advisory Committee. I have worked with Veterans impacted by a number of combat related tours. My son is currently a Lt. Colonel in the USAF and a combat veteran of multiple tours in Afghanistan. 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.
Julia Drew
I am licensed in New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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.
Wendy McDermott
Hello and thanks for checking out BetterHelp. If you are struggling or need help dealing with a life issue you have come to the right place and I may be your person. I'm Wendy...I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in a vast array of settings. I received my MSW from the University of Oklahoma and I hold licenses in Colorado, Florida, North Carolina and Washington DC. My experience as well as my diverse life history and worldwide travel will help me see you as a unique and remarkable person. I am a military brat and a veteran, a sports enthusiast as well as a dedicated clinician who enjoys creating a venue for growth and adaptation. I appreciate any and all walks of life. I understand there is no one person like you and or knows what you need better than you. I will listen and provide you an avenue to explore yourself. I tend to be straight forward and direct with a kind, nonjudgemental approach. You will find that I have an open and caring attitude and I am passionate about exploring ways to help you become your best self. My practice is based on a Strengths-Based approach and or guided by Solution-Focused Brief therapeutic interventions however I am able to incorporate Cognitive-Behavioral techniques depending on your needs. I am available if you need assistance for an immediate crisis, a tune up for continued growth, a cheer leader or a "coach" to guide you through a life change or challenge. I have a good deal of experience working with individuals who have addictions, sexual trauma, end of life coping and or death grief, trauma, LBGTQ+ challenges and military life stressors. During my career I have assisted troubled, foster, adoptive, non traditional and blended families. I respect you for your courage and bravery to seek help. I realize your time is precious and would be honored to be your ally in this tough world.
Kelly Kiefer
I am a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania with 3 years of experience working as a therapist. I am LGBTQ+ affirmative. I have worked with clients with a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, loss of a loved one, trauma, and physical and sexual abuse. My counseling style is warm, reflective and interactive. My clients are the experts' of their life experiences, so I work hard to listen to their needs and meet them just where they are. Together we work to overcome their challenges. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic counseling. It takes courage to ask for help so I applaud you for taking this first step. Please know that I am here to support and empower you and move you towards a more fulfilling and happier life. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you!
Sherralee Miller
I am a licensed therapist with four years of experience, practicing in both NJ and NY. My expertise lies in assisting clients dealing with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief and loss, and depression. I create a safe and open environment for clients to freely express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Taking the initial step towards therapy requires courage, and I commend you for embarking on this journey.
Tatyana Zapata
I am licensed in New Jersey with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, anxiety & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. Let's connect to begin your healing journey.
Christina Hall
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in that state of New Jersey with 9 years of professional work experience. My treatment approach is creatively individualized to fit the unique strengths, needs, talents, and interests of my clients. It is my goal for my clients to walk away from our sessions feeling empowered as the expert in their own mental health and life challenges. I am passionate about supporting others working through various issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, ADHD, mood disorders, family conflict, trauma, and more.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Allentown
Finding the best therapist close by in Allentown 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 Allentown 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 Allentown. 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 Allentown, 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 Allentown region and in the state of New Jersey. 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 Allentown 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 Allentown 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 Allentown 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 Allentown, elsewhere in Monmouth, or in the greater state of New Jersey. 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 Allentown 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 Allentown 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 Allentown 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 Allentown may not take health insurance, some in the state of New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 Allentown online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Allentown, New Jersey 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 Allentown 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 Allentown 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 Allentown 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 Allentown?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Allentown 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 Allentown 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 Allentown 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 NJ, 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 08501 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 Allentown counselor?
Before seeing your Allentown 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. Allentown 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 Allentown 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 Allentown 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 Allentown, New Jersey 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.
Allentown 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 Allentown, New Jersey
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 Allentown 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 Allentown:
08501