Wildwood, New Jersey is home to over 200 motels which were built during the “doo-wop” era of the 1950s. In fact, Bill Haley and the Comets made the song, “Rock Around the Clock” famous when they first performed it on Memorial Day weekend, giving Alva the nickname, “The Birthplace of Rock and Roll.” Wildwood is still one of the most popular resort destinations on the Jersey Shore. It’s hard to imagine living in such a fun place and not feeling up to dancing. A bad mental health day can keep you at home and off the beach more than you wish.
There’s no need to isolate yourself because you’re not feeling your best. The Wildwood area offers mental health counselors and one is sure to be a match. A few sessions and you’ll be back to rockin’ around the clock.
Leslie Morris
Hello, My name is Leslie Morris, and I am a licensed clinical social worker in New Jersey. First, please do not rely on the weekly schedule on this site as the determining factor. I am pretty flexible and can schedule in accordance with your needs. It's best to set your time with me rather than what you see on the scheduler, I have worked with or on behalf of teenagers my entire career. I have worked with pregnant and parenting teenagers, runaways, high school dropouts, sexually abused teens, teens seeking their biological parents (adoption), girls involved in prostitution, homeless teens, and teens involved in severe family conflicts that have warranted removal from the home either to a foster or group home situation. I have also worked with young adults transitioning from college to the "real world" and seeking guidance and direction. I have worked with couples embroiled in marital conflict and adults with a history of childhood trauma. My mantra is that healing begins when one connects current behaviors and choices to childhood experiences, including trauma. I have excellent credentials. I received my bachelor's degree from Simmons College in Boston, my master's degree in clinical social work from Boston College, and my master's degree in public health in maternal and child health from the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill. My second master's degree provides another framework in which to view and help my clients. I assess, diagnose, and develop a treatment plan for my clients. I do not subscribe to the belief that "one size fits all," meaning recommended treatment approaches apply to all clients with a specific diagnosis. While I review and incorporate best practices in my work with clients, I tailor the treatment plan based on the client's current level of functioning - cognitively, socially, mentally, emotionally, and within the context of their cultural, social, and racial experiences. I tend to be more frank than subtle in verbal exchanges with clients, a quality that clients appreciate, as evident in reviews and feedback on this platform and in other venues where I have worked. While I answer text messages, I prefer video chat for regularly scheduled sessions where I can see you and, therefore, more accurately assess what is happening at any given time. I am open to phone chat if video chat fails for some reason, but my preference is video chat. I DO NOT engage in text messaging as a primary mode of therapy. If you prefer to use text messaging as a primary mode of treatment, I would not be a good match. If you choose to work with me, I am excited to begin your journey with you!
Roslyn Pursley
I believe that changes take place through healing relationships. My job as your counselor is to listen and understand what you are going through and what changes you are seeking. I offer to hold hope for you when times are dark or you feel lost or confused and to share in your progress too! I work from a person centered approach and use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment Based Perspective to help you learn and grow and make the changes you want to make. I also work with people who have been through a traumatic event and help them go from feeling like a victim and being afraid to learning how to live with it and experiencing growth. I work individual all of all ages from 3 to 100! I have a Masters in Counseling Psychology and have been practicing since 2007. I also have a heart for First Responders and have experience with that population. I have experience working in a wide variety of settings with people of all ages and requests for help in a wide range of things. I'd like to help you find your purpose in life and have deeper more meaningful relationships. Some of the issues that I help with include trauma, loss of a pregnancy, loss due to suicide, adjusting as a widow(er), adjusting to moves due across country, loss of independence due to aging, and response to tragedy such as a sudden loss of life in the family. and healing from physical and sexual abuse or domestic violence. I consider myself a moderate individual who is considerate of all spiritual beliefs. I will help you explore your personal value system. I will help you find meaning and joy again after trauma.
Mary Anne Ruane
For more than 25 years I have had the good fortune to be helping people achieve their therapeutic goals. Life sometimes presents us with challenges that require some assistance to overcome. In my experience I have come to understand that most of us seek the same things in life....peace of mind, a sense of comfort and security, fulfillment, and happiness as we define it. We encounter blocks along the way which can be addressed and in many instances eliminated to allow us to continue our pursuit. I am well versed in various therapeutic approaches and like to tailor my treatment plan to the needs and preferences of the client. I look forward to sharing your journey with you. I have significant experience in treating addictions of all kinds and in working with families of alcoholics and addicts.. Anxiety disorders, phobias and depression are also specialties. I am also a trained hypnotherapist and can offer this modality to those clients who might benefit from it.
Adriana Chizan
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to review my profile! My name is Adriana and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of New Jersey. I have twenty years of experience in the field, starting right after I graduated from the University of Miami with my MS.Ed in Mental Health Counseling. I grew up in New Jersey, did my undergraduate studies at Albright College in Reading, PA, earning my BA in Psychology and Sociology. My experience began working with folks with severe and chronic mental health issues, and have been able to work with them, along with other populations since that time. Over the last almost seventeen years, I have been part of the senior management team of behavioral health agencies, one in Miami Beach and one which is a State wide one in New Jersey and I have had the privilege to work with many different people and specialties such as anxiety, compassion fatigue, esteem issues, life transitions, depression, suicide prevention, trauma, multicultural issues, severe and chronic mental health, co-occurring (behavioral health and addiction disorders), faith based, gender & sexuality identity and homeless. I believe that the core of any effective therapy begins with a therapeutic alliance. Good relationships foster trust and openness, thus, while I may use different styles of therapy, there will always be some good, old fashioned person centered values in there. Styles that we may use include psychodynamics, cognitive behavioral and mindfulness. In reality, it will be a combination of what will work best for each individual. My main goal is to help you feel comfortable, explore some issues, process and work through them in the manner that is most suited for you. I have been able to work with people from various ethnicities, races, education, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds. I have a Christian/Roman Catholic background and can incorporate that into our work together, if you so choose. I look forward to possibly working together!
Christina Pruden
My name is Christina and I am a social worker with years of experience in practically every level of care in mental health. This has provided me with valuable experience in working with people to provide treatment in accordance with their personal experiences and preferences, and educate regarding valuable resources to assist you in furthering your support in the community. With regard to academics, I hold a Masters in Social Work and a certificate in addiction counselor training from Rutgers University. I have taken part in advanced trainings in areas of trauma and cognitive behavioral therapy in order to supplement and finetune the skills that I bring to the counseling relationship. As someone who has faced personal challenges, I have found a passion in helping others to find a path through their own. As a social worker, I believe in building upon an individual's strengths to address barriers while incorporating healthy coping techniques to improve overall wellness. I am willing to work with those who fall into any "category" along the spectrum of mental health who share a common goal to live their best life so long as we both agree that the therapeutic relationship is helpful.
Elizbeth Keeney
Are you feeling empty, alone, detached, anxious or misunderstood? As an integrative psychotherapist, licensed in NY and NJ, therapeutic inquiry begins with the assumption that I know nothing about your life experiences or how you make sense of them. Through inquiry, attunement and involvement we will discover together where you have experienced early interruptions in significant interpersonal relationships and how it has impacted your sense of self and adult life. These interruptions and misses are often experienced as depression, anxiety, compulsions, fears or agitation and often interfere with a sense of self and the development of healthy adult relationships. I offer empathic understanding in the context of honesty and respect with a supportive therapeutic inquiry that provides the safety to drop defenses, to feel, to remember, to experience and to integrate all that you truly are and can become. This is the ongoing process of integrative psychotherapy. As a Clinical Social Worker I believe that ongoing supervision and training are a vital part of our professional development and continue to learn and grow through attendance at workshops, seminars and trainings. I look forward to hearing from you.
Brooke Elliott
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with health related stress/grief due to long term/chronic illnesses, general stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and improving confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Theresa Jahn
Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in New Jersey, with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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!
Sarah Contor
I am licensed in New Jersey with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & 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!
Winifred ODriscoll
I am licensed in New Jersey with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management, bipolar disorder & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Therapy can be an exciting experience. You have an opportunity to go back to zero and rebuild your life on your own terms. Developing the incite needed to make the changes you want as well as the needed coping skills. Learning that you can be happy on purpose and that you are not limited by the past.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Wildwood
Finding the best therapist close by in Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood. 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 Wildwood, 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood, elsewhere in Cape May, 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Wildwood, 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 08260 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 Wildwood counselor?
Before seeing your Wildwood 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. Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood, 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.
Wildwood 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 Wildwood, 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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood:
08260