This is Sirena Robinson-Luczak's avatar and link to their profile

Sirena Robinson-Luczak

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OH, Ithaca
Counselor License Type(s): MSW, LISW-S,LICDC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi! My name is Sirena and I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I graduated from Ohio State with my Bachelor's Degree in 2008, from Capital University Law School with my JD in 2011, from Ohio University with my Master's in Social Work in 2014 and from the University of Cincinnati with my Master's in Healthcare Administration in 2019. Since then, I have practiced extensively with a variety of populations. I primarily work with adults, and have a lot of experience in trauma processing, couples work, and working with those who have both mental illness and a history of substance abuse. I have worked with teenagers and families, couples, individuals, LGBTQ, the elderly, and those with complex treatment needs. I believe in developing an integrative and collaborative relationship with my clients that is built on mutual trust and respect.

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Dr. Sheila Santoro

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OH, Ithaca
Counselor License Type(s): PhD,LPCC-S,NBCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

Welcome to my profile. I welcome you and I look forward to meeting you. I know together we can find ways to make your life more manageable. I am an experienced therapist & life coach and have skills in many different methods. I will tailor therapy to your specific goals. I feel confident I can support you in managing the struggles and conflicts you are experiencing and help you to develop a deeper understanding of your own behaviors, thinking and decisions. I have been blessed to have experiences working for colleges, hospitals, and community mental health systems. I taught at the University level and trained medical students on interpersonal skills and completed advanced research on stress of caregivers. Professional Membership & Licenses: • American Counseling Association • Georgia Counseling Association • Ohio Counseling Association • National Board of Certified Counselors National Board of Certified Coaches National Certified Gerontological Counselor Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor State Ohio • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor State of Georgia

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Jacqueline Scolaro

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OH, Ithaca
Counselor License Type(s): LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Hi, I’m Jacqui Thanks for dropping by to get to know me. I’m a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 17 years of experience licensed in Ohio. I have worked with a variety of agencies specializing in complex trauma , grief and working with people who have disabilities. I have helped clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grieving, social interactions, personality disorders, career challenges and post traumatic stress disorder. My counseling style is gentle and interactive. I believe in working together to find strategies and solutions that work for you and your situation. I have experience with various types of therapy including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Psychotherapy and Equine Therapy but what I find works best is good old fashioned listening and engaging. Sometimes finding what is at the core of our problems comes up when we least expect it. Then the therapy techniques help us make sense of what we are thinking and feeling. It might happen with art or journaling or music each of us is different and unique. I would love to chat with you and join you on this journey.

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Joie de Bostock

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OH, Ithaca
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Life is hard. Full stop. Sometimes we need help - an extended ear or friendly face to continue to deal with our daily stressors or big life changes. Taking the first step to seeking help takes courage. Let’s take a moment to celebrate this first achievement toward a happier, healthier you! We are often hardest on ourselves, and I believe that focusing inward and allowing ourselves grace and kindness can go a long way. I also believe we all need space to process what we are thinking and feeling, though we often find reasons to neglect this need. We are too busy, other things become a priority, or perhaps we believe we don’t deserve the time and energy for ourselves. My toolbox is equipped with a range of therapeutic approaches, depending on each person’s needs and interests. I primarily utilize techniques that help develop skills to cope with life’s challenges. However, in working together I hope to help you with setting goals, finding and maintaining motivation, setting healthy boundaries, and finding sustainable balance. I specialize in expressive arts therapy (visual art, music, drama, movement, writing), though participating in expressive arts is not required and will not be pushed. Most of my experience is in crisis response and providing care to individuals needing intense levels of care in full-day programs. I believe that therapy goes beyond theory and textbooks. I have found that my influences have come from both inside and outside of the field of mental health. As a registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) and board certified registered art therapist (ATR-BC), I am inspired by Natalie Rogers, Shaun McNiff, and Cathy Malchiodi. As a mental health practitioner, I am heavily influenced by Carl Rogers, Irvin Yalom, and Jean Piaget. As a human being, I look to Fred Rogers, Tim Gunn, and Bob Ross for modeling of being kind to others, being kind to ourselves, and finding ways to reframe situations and overcome challenges. I will work with you to meet your needs and help you reach your goals, however, if at anytime you or I feel that it’s not a good fit, I am happy to help you connect with someone else. I am available for 30-45 minute live sessions Monday through Saturday. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

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Sharon Simmons

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OH, Ithaca
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,LISW,PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
25 years of experience

I am an independently licensed social worker in both Ohio (LISW) and Kentucky (LCSW) as well as a PhD in social work. I have 25 years of experience working as a therapist, clinical leader and teacher and strive to learn something new each day. I have worked with patients with a variety of challenges including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, mood swings, psychotic episodes, parenting and relationship challenges and attention and focus difficulties. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse and serve first responders who need assistance following traumatic events. My therapy style is welcoming and inquisitive. I believe in treatment which focuses on finding solutions to troubling symptoms and holistic approaches without judgement or labels. My approach combines a variety of methods including strengths based, person centered, brief solution focused, cognitive-behavioral, narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, and trauma focused work. I will listen to you to gain information about what you are experiencing and work with you to develop a plan that is focused on minimizing or alleviating troubling symptoms and experiences that you are having which negatively impact your quality of life. Congratulations in taking the first step in finding someone to guide you on this journey. I look forward to working with you!

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David Morris

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OH, Ithaca
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Claudia Noriega's avatar and link to their profile

Claudia Noriega

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OH, Ithaca
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Mary Emrich's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Emrich

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OH, Ithaca
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 25 years professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

This is Cheryl Spence's avatar and link to their profile

Cheryl Spence

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OH, Ithaca
Counselor License Type(s): LPCC-S,LICDC-CS,MS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 10 years of professional counseling experience and over 23 years in the Mental Health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Brenda Canales's avatar and link to their profile

Brenda Canales

Clinical therapist offering therapy in OH, Ithaca
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

Hi, I am licensed in Florida with 7 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 believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I am proud you for taking the first step and I look forward to the therapeutic journey. I also provide therapy in Spanish. SE HABLA ESPAÑOL. Hola, Tengo licencia en Florida con 7 años de experiencia laboral profesional. Tengo experiencia ayudando a clientes con estrés y ansiedad, enfrentando adicciones, motivación, autoestima, confianza y depresión. Creo en tratar a todos con respeto, sensibilidad y compasión. Adaptaré nuestro diálogo y plan de tratamiento para satisfacer sus necesidades únicas y específicas. Dar el primer paso para buscar una vida más plena y feliz requiere valentía. Estoy aquí para apoyarte en ese proceso. Estoy orgulloso de que hayas dado el primer paso y espero con ansias el viaje terapéutico.

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 Ohio. 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 Darke, or in the greater state of Ohio. 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 Ohio 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 Ohio 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, Ohio 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 OH, 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 45304 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, Ohio 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, Ohio

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

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

45304

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