In life, having a bad past can keep you down. Everyone has a few demons from the past they fight, but if you can’t let it go, it can lead to depression, anxiety, and apathy. A counselor based in Utica can be able to help you. 

Utica has had a shaky past. It has been called “Sin City” because of its past involvement with crime and corruption. However, the city has since moved on from that reputation and has since become a shining beacon. You can improve as well, but you need to speak to a counselor first if you want to succeed. 

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Aryeh Minkin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Utica
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

Hi! I am Aryeh (pronounced AR-yay.) I am a therapist licensed in New York and Texas. I help people understand and cope with a variety of mild, moderate or severe life circumstances and/or emotional, behavioral or cognitive concerns. I specialize in trauma/PTSD and have extensive training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. I have also trained in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), narrative therapy and EFT (Emotionally-Focused Therapy). Additionally, I treat anxiety, stress, grief, low self esteem, personality disorders and building effective boundaries with family/relationships. People have the drive to be emotionally healthy with themselves and their loved ones. Therapy can often help achieve these goals. My counseling style is warm and interactive, I believe it is important to treat anyone with respect and dignity, to empower them and instill confidence in a compassionate manner. No two problems are ever exactly the same, so I make it my personal objective to listen very carefully to each person and in a very open and non-judgmental way. I always do my best to understand what each situation feels like when looking out through their eyes. I believe in being client-centered and supporting client’s where they are at (with a pinch of humor thrown in). It is important for me to include the client in the treatment planning process and help monitoring success. It takes courage and bravery to take that first step towards change, if you are ready to take that first step I am happy to help guide, support and encourage along the way. I look forward to working with you and helping you create a life full of happiness. (Please note: I am currently only available for messaging)

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Donna Ray

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Utica
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW, CCDP-D ACSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
35 years of experience

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 30 years, working mostly in New York and New Jersey. My specialty practice is working with adults 18yrs and older coping with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and ADHD. Sometimes individuals have had traumatic experiences from early childhood or adulthood that impact coping with daily living. I provide psychotherapy for individuals who have had traumatic experiences that are impacting their relationships, managing emotional moods swings, or misusing drugs and alcohol. At this time I am not working with minors for individual Telehealth Services, however, I can provide parenting skills strategies for parents seeking guidance for the management of behavioral issues impacting the parent / child relationship. My therapeutic approach is solution focused and client centered, with compassion and respect for the client. I believe that each person is the expert of their own experiences and future goals, so I take a collaborative and non-judgmental approach, being open to feedback. Through out my years of experience and training I have developed an eclectic "tool box" of interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Treatment, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Psycho-dynamic psychotherapy treatments. I understand that the first most important step is finding a therapist that instills a sense of confidence, trust, and warm regard. I look forward to talking with you and to answer any questions you may have about my approach to see if we are a good fit. Thank you.

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Paul Pasternak

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Utica
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC
Family conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
25 years of experience

My Name is Paul D. Pasternak and I am a Licenced Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State. I have over twenty-five years of experience serving a wide variety of individuals in varied settings. This has given me deep reservoir of experience to draw upon when working with clients. My career has been spent assisting people cope with and overcome anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, relationship problems, addiction, and adjusting to life changes. I find it very rewarding to facilitate client change in difficult times; be it a young person adjusting to adulthood, a couple navigating the ups and downs of a relationship, or an older person adjusting to the challenges that come with age. I use a strength-based, client-centered approach to my work. The process of change is guided by the client, focusing on the change they want in their life. My preferred tools to achieve this are Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment. A unique and specific Care Plan is created with each client that targets those specific areas that may require change. Progress is noted and adjustments made along the way to help the client achieve their goals. All this will be done in an environment that is nurturing, empathetic, cognizant of past trauma, and focused on success. It takes inner strength and dedication to start the journey of change. Most of all it requires hope. Hope, and some work, can grow into the change needed to make a life you desire. I look forward to taking this journey of hope and change with you.

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Lakira Williams

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Utica
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
12 years of experience

My name is Lakira Williams I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker currently residing in North Carolina, by way of New York City. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Virginia State University and a Master of Social Work degree from Hunter College Silberman School of Social. I have 12 years of experience in providing counseling to individuals and families. I started my career providing counseling to youth in foster care, foster parents and birth parents working toward reunification with their children. I have also provided counseling to young mothers, clients struggling with addiction and teenagers with mild to severe behavioral concerns and mental health symptoms. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including, but not limited to trauma, abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, familial relationship concerns and self esteem issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and I am well versed in Cultural Diversity and the impact it could possibly have on treatment. My approach combines Cognitive-behavioral, Psychodynamic and Client Centered Therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek 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 with the tools you need to attain your goals and reach your full potential! I look forward to working with you!

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Jonathan Marsh

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Utica
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

Hello! I am a queer licensed mental health counselor in New York State with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in working with a wide array of clients, including those with stress and anxiety, LGBTQIA+ related issues, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment and we can collaboratively work towards their specific goals when appropriate. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process and hope I can be of assistance.

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Andrew Scardina

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Utica
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 in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I am also a Army combat Veteran who can connect with almost all groups of people due to widespread networking and connections. Please feel free to outreach to ask more questions or setup appointments.

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This is Tricia Giambelluca's avatar and link to their profile

Tricia Giambelluca

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Utica
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoaching
20 years of experience

Counseling can be scary, we often fear what we don’t know and understand, we fight against vulnerability, and working toward change of any kind is difficult. A lot of the things that we want to avoid are inevitable and it helps to have someone who can help you sort through all of things life throws at us. Counseling is collaborative and should be a partnership, one driven by you, the client ,in an open, safe, judgement-free environment. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York with 20 years of professional experience working with individuals, ages four and older, providing individual, group, couples and family counseling. I’m trained as a co-occurring clinician and can work with individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders. I am trained in trauma work, with a specialization in childhood trauma and specialize in co-occurring disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma related disorders, child therapy, behavioral disorders and autism spectrum disorders, with a background in disorders of sexual development and sexuality issues.

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Hannah Race

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Utica
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
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, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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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Kathleen McNamara

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Utica
AddictionsGriefIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues and men struggling with life's transitions 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! A good fit between client and therapist is essential to move toward change.

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Lori Cunningham

Clinical therapist offering therapy in NY, Utica
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in New York with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have worked in the community mental health system for the majority of my career and have had the opportunity to work with individuals with a wide range of mental health and substance use disorders. My last position before entering private practice was as the Vice President of Clinical Services for the largest outpatient mental health clinic in my county. I utilize a combination of Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Solution-Focused Therapies to assist individuals in addressing challenges occurring in their lives.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Utica

Finding the best therapist close by in Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica. 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 Utica, 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 Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica, elsewhere in Oneida, 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 Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Utica, 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 Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica 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 13599 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 Utica counselor?

Before seeing your Utica 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. Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica 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 Utica, 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.

Utica 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 Utica, 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 Utica 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 Utica.

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

13501, 13502, 13503, 13504, 13505, 13599

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