Ithaca, New York is the home of Ivy League school, Cornell University as well as Ithaca College, Ithaca Commons, Hemlock Gorge, and Ithaca Falls. It was also the home of Ithaca Guns, which was made famous by Annie Oakley. Some other points of interest in Ithaca include the EcoVillage, Cornell Botanic Garden, Sagan Planet Walk, and Carl Sagan’s grave. 

On a sunny day in Ithaca, you may find hundreds of people walking in the parks or along the streets of the town, just enjoying life. However, nobody is happy all of the time and when you do feel lost or depressed, it is essential that you get the treatment you need. Contact one of the many dedicated therapists in Ithaca for help today. 

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Ohan Carter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ithaca
Counselor License Type(s): PhD., LCSW
Parenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Hello! My name is Ohan Carter, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of New York, I also have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I have worked in the field of Social Work and Psychology for over 25 years. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns including child abuse, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, career counseling, vocational counseling, life coaching, and mentoring. My counseling style is Holistic, Mind-Body Integrative Psychotherapy that focuses on the whole self: Mind, Body, and Spirit. I also utilize cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on identifying and re-framing beliefs and thoughts that lead to unhealthy emotions and behaviors. I will support and empower you by helping you identify your personal inner resources of strength, creativity, insight, and self-healing. I provide an empathic, caring, and nurturing space you can expand your awareness and navigate your life. I look forward to working with you

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Doreen Stewart

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ithaca
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC PhD
Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

With a heart of compassion, I have worked in this field for over 25 years. It has been my honor to serve others by walking alongside them, to help them soar and reach their full potential. By working with me you can expect an individual who listens and provides nonjudgmental understanding while collaboratively helping you reach your goals. Many experience life challenges and adjustment issues that lead to the need for enhanced support and guidance. I will provide that support, and help you maneuver through times of life’s reversals through the use of evidenced based counseling tools, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive therapy, and motivational interviewing, for adult populations. I am glad you have taken that step of courage to take charge of your life and move in a direction that will lead you to growth, and mental and emotional wellness.

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Dr. Keith Breiman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ithaca
Counselor License Type(s): PhD
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
42 years of experience

My name is Keith Breiman and I've provided individual, family, and couples counseling for over three decades in private practice and in a variety of organizational settings. My earliest training was in Gestalt Therapy which both educated and heightened my cognitive, emotional, and affective sensitivity enabling me to be in the present moment with you. Since those early days, I've had extensive training and experience with other orientations (psychodynamic, cognitive behavior ...) and have incorporated how I practice from all of them, as well as from each client, couple, and family. I've learned that each therapeutic relationship brings a client(s) with a unique blend of strengths, problematic habits, blind spots, and individually-specific needs that are not being addressed successfully. My experience is that when treatment works, these areas are gradually and sensitively uncovered, and in that process, we will first work together as a team to provide you with a better understanding of your challenges and, then, collectively, create appropriate strategies to address them.

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Antoinette Bryce

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ithaca
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
7 years of experience

Antoinette Bryce, Clinical Social Worker/LCSW Licensed in NY and NC Hello there! My name is Antoinette Bryce, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been in the mental health and human services field for 13 years. I am a graduate from the Fordham University and currently a lecturer within the Human Behavior field. My passion is “People” and helping them to get to the core of who they are. Starting out as a customer service agent many years ago I have learnt that the “customer is always right.” In keeping this approach, coupling it with a mental health and trauma focused lens, my modality of choice for intervention is from the Humanistic Paradigm- I will meet you where you are at…and then we both work from there. I also include in my practice short-term Solution Focused Intervention and CBT Therapy. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, ADHD, anxiety, work-related concerns including burn-out, parenting problems, religious/spiritual struggles, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, anger management and an extensive background in child welfare. I have also spent all my timeframe as a Human Behavior Specialist working in underserved communities, working closely with underserved clients-specifically members of the black and brown community. Trauma hinders our progress whether the exposure is miniscule, extensive or somewhere in-between. Unless we can identify and understand this impact one cannot start moving towards healing. Let’s start this journey together and explore through appropriate intervention that is designed to meet your needs, a way towards being whole again.

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Maryann Steiner

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ithaca
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW#R
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
35 years of experience

I am a Licensed Certified social worker, who has worked in a medical setting for the last 32 years. Where I provided psychotherapy and life coaching to my clients. My clients have had a wide range of concerns , including dealing with chronic and acute diagnoses, accidents , community referrals, alcoholism , drug usage, depression. Including relationship issues, foster care ( I was a foster parent for 10 years specialising in teens care). I consider myself a caring therapist who listens with respect and compassion. While helping a client learn how to begin working on their concerns. My style of counselling is cognitive- behavioural based,and psycho-dynamic while meeting the clients needs. I tailor our dialog and treatment plan with the client to meet their unique and specific needs. It takes a first step to admit there is a problem, then seek help and develop a trusting relationship with your therapist and seek change. I congratulate you for taking this step. As the therapist I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you.

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Nova Simister

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ithaca
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

Title: Teacher of Positive Thought and Healthy Coping, Mental Health Activist, and Ambitious Counseling Entrepreneur Description: Words are very powerful, and the way we think about life and the events of the day are crucial to our well-being. Everything starts from inside the brain. With the right thought process and the proper skills to cope when life gets tough, big changes can happen. This is the foundation of my career and what I teach to my clients. From my work with trauma victims to assisting new moms who are struggling with their recent life transition, I have learned the solution to achieving a happy life starts from within. I am currently working on plans to open a school for children who are victims of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and continue to operate a private mental health practice. I specialize in helping clients with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, antisocial personality disorders, addiction, behavior issues with young teens, intimate partner violence, self-esteem issues, teen violence, trauma, perinatal mood disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I frequently assist parents on the management of their teens struggles. I use a variety of approaches to help clients based on their personal needs, including Dyadic Development Psychotherapy (DDP), CBT, motivational interviewing, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I work with individuals, couples, and families in an outpatient setting. In addition to providing counseling services, I also help clients by promoting growth, independence, and integration into the community.

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Melissa Mondella

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ithaca
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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.

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Emily Naranjo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ithaca
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesADHD
7 years of experience

I am a seasoned and fully licensed New York mental health counselor with 6 years of professional work experience. I have exposure in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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.

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Chiya Glenn

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ithaca
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting 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. 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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Melissa Brierley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Ithaca
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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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How to find a therapist for counseling in Ithaca

Finding the best therapist close by in Ithaca can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Ithaca that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Ithaca. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Ithaca, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Ithaca region and in the state of 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 Ithaca or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Ithaca therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Ithaca area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Ithaca, elsewhere in Tompkins, 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 Ithaca area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Ithaca therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Ithaca due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Ithaca may not take health insurance, some in the state of 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 Ithaca online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Ithaca, 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 Ithaca psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Ithaca above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Ithaca provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Ithaca?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ithaca therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Ithaca therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Ithaca therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in 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 14852 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Ithaca counselor?

Before seeing your Ithaca therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Ithaca therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Ithaca licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Ithaca counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Ithaca, 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.

Ithaca has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Ithaca, 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 Ithaca therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

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

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

14850, 14851, 14852, 14853

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