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Alisa Sawyer

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

Hello! My name is Alisa Sawyer. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York with over 7 years of counseling experience. I graduated with my Master’s from University at Albany and have worked in a variety of mental health settings. I am well versed in various treatment approaches and have extensive experience addressing a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, dealing with life transitions, self-esteem issues, and relationship issues. Beyond my formal training, I believe the most important thing I bring as a counselor is my belief in being truly present and in tune with the person I am working with. My counseling style is integrative and pulls from a few different approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Transpersonal Therapy, and Positive Psychology, but most importantly it is grounded in a client-centered approach. What this means is that sessions are not “one size fits all”. Instead we will work together to figure out what is the best combination of techniques and skills to help you meet your goals and most importantly to help you get on a path of living your best life. There is a story in positive psychology that if you put a plant in a darker room with only a small window, after time you will notice that the plant starts bending, growing and reaching toward wherever the light is and it will seek out what it needs to bloom. This mirrors my belief in people, that even in dark and challenging situations there is something in all of us that continues to want to grow and most importantly wants to reach for and seek out the light in life. It is often the dark challenges and difficult things that spark the idea of therapy but it is a person’s decision to seek this help that I believe is one of the biggest demonstrations of this innate desire for the light, for the goodness and joys of being human in action. I aim to be a window for you, to help let the light in and to help you tap into your own capacity to thrive and bloom!

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Paula Odom

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Aurora
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW-R
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York State with over 20 years of experience working with youth, individuals, and families. I've worked with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, career issues, depression, parenting issues, emotional abuse, and physical trauma. I've also worked with people who have experienced feelings of trauma related inequity and oppression in their everyday and work lives. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and rational- emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Melanie Blaikie

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Aurora
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,MA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

Hello, my name is Melanie Blaikie and am a LMHC with 20 plus years of experience in counseling people with different cultural backgrounds, genders, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, mental health conditions, addictions, trauma, and crisis interventions. I am licensed in New York State and focus on Self Actualization through meditation, mindfulness, and client centered therapy. I can show you how to rewire your brain to help reduce anxiety and depression. I also include alternative type treatments such as: EFT (tapping), dreamscapes, and other therapies that the client may be interested in such as Angel Therapy. Pain management and working with dementia are other areas that I address. I treat the whole person as the mind, body, and spirit are inherently connected. Life is hard and we all need support. I meet the client where they are and believe in working on a treatment plan together so they can be as well as they can be. I recognize that seeking out a therapist is hard but also brave. Therefore, I provide a safe and non-judgmental environment to explore a variety of issues and concerns. I have no issues bringing in spiritual elements, if this important to the client but will not do so if this is of no interest to the client. Nothing is too hard to deal with if the client is willing to explore it. Currently, my schedule is Wednesday, Thursday, and Fridays (subject to change.)

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Nilson Mejia

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Aurora
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionADHD
5 years of experience

It may feel like you are alone, like nobody understands you or what you are going through. Working together we can make the best possible sense of what is happening and achieve our goals. With the use of CBT, Psychoanalytic and Brief Solution Oriented techniques we can work through issues of depression, anxiety, self-esteem and more. I want to listen to your story, I want to understand what it is you are going through and what it is that you need that I may be able to provide.

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Clare Holahan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Aurora
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
4 years of experience

I grew up outside of Rochester, NY and graduated from St. John Fisher with my Masters in 2019. I interned at an outpatient mental health clinic in Rochester during school, and shortly after graduation I worked in a high school as a drug and alcohol counselor and educator. My most recent job was an outpatient mental health clinic in Auburn. Half of my time was spent working remotely as a therapist in Elementary school in the area. I currently working remotely from Syracuse NY. As cliche as it sounds, I whole heartedly believe my clients are in control of their life as well as their therapy. I use interventions from a number of different theories and modalities to provide the best care to each individual person. With that being said I most often find myself using CBT, DBT and motivational interviewing techniques. In general, I would say my approach is client-centered. My goal is to meet you where you are at, wherever that may be. My hope is my clients are able to find confidence in themselves in sessions with me and feel challenged to be the best version of themselves. I hope my clients feel as though we are taking on life challenges together, and maybe have some laughs along the way.

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Amy-Jo Hilts

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Aurora
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

"With all things of life; the hardest thing to learn, is to unlearn what we think we already know to be true." I am licensed in New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon with over 12 years of Clinical Psychotherapy work experience. In a supportive non judgmental down-to-earth atmosphere I believe in complete transparency and fully engaging each client to ensure a person centered approach to treatment and goal setting. I specialize in several areas including women's issues, parenting issues, depression, anxiety, emotional distress, trauma, coping and problem solving skills, and those struggling with their day-to-day emotions and stressful situations that impact well being and decision making. Together I will help you work towards learning self awareness, identify and supportively eliminate negative beliefs that promote self doubt, self devaluing thoughts, behaviors, and fears, all while learning to communicate more openly and effectively, promoting a sense of growth, independence, problem solving, coping skills, resiliency, and an over all healthy wellbeing. 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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This is Gabrielle Pikoulas's avatar and link to their profile

Gabrielle Pikoulas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Aurora
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & anger management. 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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Catherine Rodriguez

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Aurora
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and high anxiety, women relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. 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. 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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Sharice White

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Aurora
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. 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.

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Alexa Ponce

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Aurora
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. I speak both English and Spanish. **Please note I only have late evening and weekend hours available so please keep this in mind when requesting to work with me as I may not be able to accommodate an earlier schedule for virtual sessions**

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Aurora

Finding the best therapist close by in Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora. 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 Aurora, 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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora, elsewhere in Cayuga, 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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Aurora, 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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 13026 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 Aurora counselor?

Before seeing your Aurora 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. Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora 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 Aurora, 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.

Aurora 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 Aurora, New York

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 Aurora 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 Aurora.

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

13026

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