This is Susan Banco's avatar and link to their profile

Susan Banco

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ames
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoaching
30 years of experience

Hi! My name is Susan and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York. My graduate degree is from Adelphi University and I have many years of experience practicing in community based settings, schools and day programs where I have trained other social workers and provided counseling for individuals, groups and families. I use a combination of modalities while providing the utmost support for you to gain the tools and confidence to explore the options that suit you in order to make positive life changes. My style is warm and conversational. My areas of specialization include family and partner relationships, parenting, life changes and transitions including divorce, college, change in finances. I am also able to provide coaching for those with anxiety, employment/career challenges, and issues related to alcohol and drugs. I am flexible in meeting the needs of your busy schedule in whatever type of communication meets your needs. So let's get started! I look forward to meeting you.

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Pamela DiGangi

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ames
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,MS in Counseling
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
36 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State and have provided mental health counseling for 32 years to people of all ages. I worked as a school counselor for the past 32 years at the Kenton UFSD, a suburban school district just north of Buffalo, NY. I also provide family and couples counseling at the KenTon Family Support Center. Many people feel stuck at times but do not know how to make changes to allow them to enjoy their lives to the fullest. My approach to counseling incorporates a few styles of therapy to help clients clarify goals, understand their own behaviors and self-talk, and take charge of their future. Clinical areas of treatment include anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships, stress management, conflict resolution, work and career issues, grief & loss, and anger management. I strongly believe in the dignity and worth of people and am dedicated to helping people find a productive healthy path.

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Renee DeVuyst

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ames
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

“Being empathetic is seeing the world through the eyes of the other, not seeing your world reflected in their eyes”. -Carl Rogers Counseling is a process whereby we work together to promote acceptance and change. As a professional in the field for 18 years I have experience in working with individuals facing an array of mental health and substance use issues across many diverse populations. I have helped individuals navigate life issues such as grief and loss, anxiety, stress, trauma, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. I have also facilitated treatment for sexual offenders and perpetrators of domestic violence. I obtained my master’s degree in Counselor Education from SUNY Brockport in May 2002. I received my NBCC certification in 2003, and I obtained NY State licensure in 2006. I would describe my therapeutic approach as integrative. I meet individuals where they are and try to gain insight and understanding into their worldview. Person-centered approach is primary, focusing on empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. Motivational interviewing and strength-based theory take center stage. Cognitive-behavioral theory is integrated as appropriate to help facilitate greater understanding and insight regarding challenges and planning for change. Genuineness is important to me. Please do not expect silence or lack of engagement. I will validate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but also challenge incongruencies to help facilitate self-awareness. I am comfortable in all communication platforms, including texts, video chat, phone calls, video conferencing. I have experience in working with clients across all mediums. I look forward to taking the journey with you.

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Henry Jangira

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ames
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

I am an enthusiastic and well organized professional with over ten years of demonstrated capacity in providing comprehensive mental health and Behavioral Health therapy to patients experiencing difficulty on matters of functioning to their fullest in their communities. I have a proven record of successful clinical interventions. I am focused on creating rapport with my patients so that treatment can be facilitated with successful outcomes. I utilize several treatment methodologies including psycho dynamic therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, humanistic therapy as well as integrative/holistic therapy to name but a few. I work with individuals whose age ranges from 18 to 90 years old. My main focus is on treatment of anxiety, depression , P T S D, anger management as well as anti social disorders and substance abuse issues to name but a few ; also areas of treatment are personality disorders issues and how they impact daily functioning.

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Claudia Stoscheck

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ames
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with more than 30 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, depression, anger, and trauma and abuse. 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 begin therapy takes courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Carneisha Henry's avatar and link to their profile

Carneisha Henry

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ames
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Emma DiMarco's avatar and link to their profile

Emma DiMarco

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ames
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & 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. 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.

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Amy Doliver

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ames
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW-R
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
16 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I work with couples to repair trust, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional intimacy with each other. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Michael Gonzalez's avatar and link to their profile

Michael Gonzalez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ames
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, 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!

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Dr. Andrew Cicchetti

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ames
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
27 years of experience

With more than 27 years of experience as a Gestalt therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I draw upon a wide range of tools and techniques of various modalities to offer trauma-informed therapy and couples counseling. My areas of expertise relate to normative challenges and life transitions, recovery from addictive disorders, and healing from Intimate Partner Violence, especially the forms referred to as Coercive Control and Narcissistic Abuse. In addition to my work as a therapist I am a Domestic Abuse advocate, expert witness, researcher, activist and survivor. While I work with all adults, I have special expertise in working with GBTI men.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Ames

Finding the best therapist close by in Ames 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 Ames 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 Ames. 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 Ames, 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 Ames region and in the state of New York. 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 Ames 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 Ames 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 Ames 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 Ames, elsewhere in Montgomery, or in the greater state of New York. 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 Ames 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 Ames 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 Ames 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 Ames may not take health insurance, some in the state of New York 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 York 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 Ames online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Ames, New York 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 Ames 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 Ames 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 Ames 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 Ames?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ames 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 Ames 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 Ames 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 NY, 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 13317 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 Ames counselor?

Before seeing your Ames 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. Ames 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 Ames 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 Ames 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 Ames, New York 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.

Ames 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 Ames, New York

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Ames 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Ames.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Ames:

13317

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